Six high-explosive artillery shells screamed across the morning sky from the northern ridge, trailing thick black smoke as they plunged toward the Citadel courtyard.
The shrieking whistle of descending ordnance filled the air, rattling the windowpanes across the entire residential block of District Four.
"Impact incoming in three seconds!" Vasa shouted across the command link, his fingers flying across the defensive console.
"All personnel on the ramparts... brace for concussive shockwaves!"
"Plant your shields and lock your stance!" Kendra yelled to the frontline defenders, her voice cutting through the rising wind.
"Let the barrier take the blow!"
The six military shells struck the silver energy dome above the gymnasium trusses in a simultaneous blinding detonation of fire and concussive thunder.
A roaring shockwave rolled across the valley as orange fireballs exploded against the translucent silver shield, sending vibrations rippling through the surrounding streets.
