The subterranean pulse returned before the double watch completed its first rotation along the high perimeter trail.
A breathless runner sprinted onto the registry porch, dropping to one knee while kicking up a cloud of grey dust.
"The pulse under the sealed cut is far stronger than yesterday... and the support timbers are singing through the rock!"
Hajin stepped toward the railing without calling on his six rings, keeping his recuperating conduits resting within his dormant core.
"Sound the evacuation horn for the upper slope," he commanded, gesturing toward the ridge with a calm, decisive hand.
"Hans, Ferra, Juna, assemble the guard detail at the lower boundary post immediately!"
"Right away, Commander!" the runner shouted, leaping back down the wooden porch steps to sound the alarm across the district.
Lana held young Ash safely behind the registry counter, maintaining the established distance protocols with quiet, unwavering vigilance.
