Day two started normal enough.
Renna found some ration bars in the supply bag and handed them out. Emric checked the magic circle's glow for the fifteenth time. Lyra maintained her quiet watch near the entrance.
Then the light changed.
The ancient runes etched into the temple floor flickered. Like a candle struggling against a sudden draft.
Everyone noticed. The low hum of conversation across the temple died instantly.
Bzzt.
Every academy watch on every student's wrist lit up at the same moment. A teacher's voice crackled through the small speakers, calm but urgent.
"Attention all teams. The toxic fog is shifting direction. Beast swarm detected approaching the Safe Zone perimeter. Estimated arrival in ninety seconds. Form defensive positions immediately. This is not a drill."
The warning repeated once more before cutting out.
Panic exploded.
"What? A swarm?"
"Ninety seconds? That's nothing!"
"Where do we go? What do we do?"
