Sanctuary Zero shook violently, as if its very foundations would tear free from the earth.
Above, the artificial sky that had always seemed perfect and stable...
now began to crack with thin lines that slowly widened.
Emitting an unnatural dark purple light.
From the center of the complex right at the Zenith Gate's location
a thick pillar of black energy rose high enough to pierce the horizon,
visible from every corner of the vast territory.
A deep, constant rumble echoed through the air,
as if serving as the heartbeat of something waking from a long slumber.
In the main control room, monitoring screens flickered rapidly,
filled with glowing red warnings.
The Nexus System had activated its highest-level emergency protocols,
restricting access to most functions and maintaining only core defense systems.
A monotonous yet oppressive alarm blared through every corridor and chamber,
