Consider the following passage:
"The gleaming skyscrapers loomed above, their reflective surfaces capturing the hues of the sunset, while the streets below thrummed with the pulse of urban life. Each person hurried past, a mere shadow in the collective rush, unaware of the stories woven into the fabric of the bustling metropolis. The air held a tangible tension, as if the very city itself was a living organism, breathing in ambition and exhaling desperation. At that moment, the cacophony was not just noise; it was a symphony of existence, each note a testament to the varied experiences of human life engaged in its relentless chase for purpose."
Which of the following word choices most effectively conveys the author's perception of the city as both vibrant and overwhelming?