Rumble!
The ground trembled as if the very bones of the earth stirred.
A radiant curtain of golden-white light descended upon the village, sweeping down like a divine veil from the heavens. With each heartbeat, the light intensified—brighter, warmer, almost blinding—until the very air seemed to hum with restrained power.
Just as it teetered on the brink of eruption, ready to explode outward in a devastating blaze, the brilliance shattered.
Burst!
Not into fire—but into cascading embers. They floated gently, like autumn leaves kissed by the sun, spiraling down to settle softly upon the ground.
And where the humble village once stood—there rose something entirely new.
A towering wall encircled the settlement, now a full nine meters high, forged from polished whitewood reinforced with interlocked beams and gleaming iron bands. Along its crown ran a wide rampart, four meters across, broad enough for patrols, defense lines, or even carts if needed.
