By the time they reach the parkway, Acht has reconciled himself to the impossibility of catching Risei up by mechanical means. The sedan is too slow on these snow-covered roads--and the driver too cautious--to permit him to gain more than a hard-earned meter.

So it will always be, when magi rely on technology.

Acht, though, has learned well the art of channeling water ... and on this bitterly cold night, with the sun long gone, that water can only turn to pitch-black ice on the road ahead of Risei. He withdraws a vial of mercury from his breast pocket, and as he drives energy along his open circuits, the mercury stills and solidifies behind the glass.