Marcus studied the map one final time before returning his attention to the avenue below.
The procession had not slowed.
Workers continued moving toward the Central Works in organized groups, each column carrying a different set of tools and materials. Some hauled timber, others pushed ore carts, while several teams carried heavy iron chains wound around wooden spools. The Collectors moved among them with practiced precision, redirecting traffic whenever two groups approached the same junction.
Nothing about the scene resembled chaos.
That made it more dangerous.
An enemy camp could be disrupted.
A disorganized nest could be destroyed.
This place functioned like a machine.
Every person, tunnel, and shipment served a specific purpose. Destroying one section might only cause the rest of the system to adjust around the damage.
Marcus stepped away from the observation slit.
"We've seen enough."
Cole lowered the compact camera.
"We heading back?"
"Not yet."
