The Citadel hummed with an intensity that belied the calmness of its ancient stone walls. Every corner of the fortress was alive with activity as preparations for the upcoming expeditions and the crucial ritual took shape. Thorne's decision to prioritize the retrieval of artifacts and the establishment of contact with the ancient beings had set into motion a flurry of strategic planning and logistical coordination.
In the heart of the Citadel's war room, Cedric gathered his most trusted scouts and operatives. The room, usually a place of maps and military strategies, was now filled with detailed reports and lists of the artifacts Morgana had identified. Thorne, Morgana, and Cedric stood around a large table, where the items needed for the ritual were laid out.
