The cable lift surged upward through the ruined elevator shaft, carrying the First Player and his vanguard toward the dawn.
Below them, the foundation pit was swallowed by dense clouds of white steam and settling dust as the subterranean vault stabilized.
Across the four surface sectors of the campus, the silver system barriers had completely dissolved into glittering motes of raw mana.
However, behind each entrance, dozens of student spearmen and shield guardians held their physical barricades with immovable discipline.
"East Wing perimeter is completely secure!" Kendra reported over the crystal communications link, her voice full of pride.
"Not a single hostile in sight... and our thirty defenders are holding the iron gate with overlapping shields!"
"The civilian students in our sector are watching our spear line from the classroom windows," the shield guardian added.
"When the silver barriers dropped, not a single person panicked or screamed for surrender!"
