I collapsed onto my bed and stared at the ceiling.
The patterns of energy were fainter here. Less concentrated than in the underground facility. But I could still see them if I focused. Thin lines of trans-dimensional radiation bleeding through the walls from the ambient Gate activity that saturated the entire city.
Twenty-five years of dimensional wounds bleeding exotic particles into our atmosphere.
No wonder so many people manifested Aspects.
We were all marinating in cosmic radiation.
"Nel."
The familiar presence stirred in my consciousness.
"The Audience is pleased with your performance," Nel purred. "Apollo has upgraded your entertainment rating by an additional fifteen percent following the integration sequence. Several minor deities have expressed interest in sponsoring future story arcs."
"Sponsoring?"
"Product placement, essentially. They would provide boons in exchange for prominent narrative positioning during key dramatic moments."
