A Field for Survival
Morning did not arrive gently.
The Northern Sea was already restless before dawn, its surface rippling in uneven currents that reflected no wind. A low vibration pulsed through the stone terraces overlooking the water, subtle enough that only trained senses would notice. The air tasted faintly metallic, thick with gathering mana.
Across the coastline, kingdoms assembled.
Luminaries stood in flawless symmetry upon radiant platforms suspended above the sand. Concentric circles of golden light rotated beneath their boots, interlocking like precision gears. Each formation overlapped the next without interference, layers of amplification and defense humming in controlled resonance. Their high priest raised a crystalline staff, and beams of condensed light flared outward in test pulses, illuminating the mist like miniature suns.
They were beautiful in their order.
