As dawn breaks over the sanctuary, the quiet of the morning is shattered by the distant rumble of artillery.
The ground trembles beneath the feet of the sanctuary's defenders as the first shells explode against the main gates and the vulnerable northern wall sections.
Thick dust billows into the air, and the sound of crumbling masonry echoes through the compound.
From my vantage point in the command centre, I watch the live feeds with a mixture of apprehension and resolve.
The barriers, recently fortified with advanced materials and magical enhancements, hold against the initial barrage, but I know this is just the beginning.
I give the order to brace for more impacts, directing the engineering teams to assess damage and make immediate repairs.
As the artillery continues its relentless assault, a new threat emerges on the battlefield.
