The warning horn from the southern water gate sounded three sharp, shivering blasts across the settlement.
A runner sprinted into the courtyard, breathless and splattered with gray mud up to his thighs from the flooded road.
"The third sluice gate gave way at the river heart!" the courier shouted, pointing a shaking hand toward the valley.
"The ancient conduits are choking on silt, while the northern palisade reports an aggressive surge of subterranean crawlers!"
"Two emergencies at opposite ends of the district," Juna said, her fingers already closing around the hilt of her solar greatsword.
"We cannot run between both posts before the masonry gives out beneath the water pressure!"
"We do not need to run between both posts," Hajin replied, stepping forward as five bronze rings ignited with radiant warmth behind his back.
"Loccy takes the northern wall with one assigned ring, while Juna and I secure the river weir."
