The tremor rolled through the tower like distant thunder.
Crystal dust drifted from the ceiling, sparkling in the crimson light that now flooded the hall.
No one spoke.
The dwarven warriors tightened their shield wall.
Axes were raised.
Runes along their armor ignited one after another, bathing the formation in a dull orange glow.
John lowered his body, claws scraping across the polished floor.
His instincts screamed at him.
Danger.
Not the reckless danger of charging monsters.
Not the straightforward brutality of the Stone Maw.
This felt different.
Calculated.
Organized.
Something intelligent was approaching.
The mechanical voice echoed through the chamber again.
"Security units responding."
The statues lining the walls suddenly moved.
Stone cracked.
Dust exploded outward.
Hundreds of ancient guardians stepped from their pedestals.
Each carried a crystal spear and a broad shield covered in glowing symbols.
Their eyes shone with pale blue light.
