The news escaped containment within less than a day.
The Empire had attempted secrecy. Military officials classified reports. Research facilities restricted access. Scholars were warned against discussing ongoing findings. Yet some truths were simply too large to hide. Hundreds of soldiers had entered the Tower. More than a hundred had returned. Family members spoke. Healers talked. Servants overheard conversations. Rumors spread. By the time the Imperial government considered making an official statement, the entire capital was already discussing the same topic.
The survivors had become stronger.
