The monastery's walls bore the scars of recent battles, the air heavy with the scent of smoke and ancient incense. Inside, Aloysius convened with Serin and her council, poring over maps and fragmented texts that hinted at the locations of other factions and mysterious artifacts tied to the Radiant Veil.
Kaelis's expression grew grave. "Our enemies grow bolder. Last night, a group of corrupted Ascendants attacked the outer defenses. They're testing our strength."
Serin clenched her fists. "They want to divide us, to isolate those who resist."
Aloysius nodded. "We must unify quickly or fall separately."
Suddenly, a distant explosion shook the monastery. Alarms blared as smoke rose from the southern gate. The enemy had found them sooner than expected.
Rushing outside, Aloysius saw a horde of shadowy figures pouring into the sanctuary's grounds, their corrupted energy distorting the air.
The battle was brutal and desperate. Aloysius fought at the forefront, his lightning and shadow blade carving through the relentless tide, but the enemy's numbers seemed endless.
As the sanctuary's walls began to crumble, Aloysius realized this attack was only the beginning a signal that the war for the Radiant Veil was escalating beyond anything they had imagined.