The world shook violently, a localised earthquake that knocked the primitive fire pits sideways.
In the heart of the oppressive fog, in the middle of a dark, cold night, a pillar of terrifying purple fire erupted, reaching toward the sky and illuminating the territory for miles.
The few thousand humans scrambled to their feet, clutching their swords and weapons, their eyes wide with a mixture of terror and awe.
As the purple light faded, the fog didn't return. It was pushed back by a few cores John threw to clear a spacious area at once, revealing a mighty, high-tech fortress where only fog and darkness had been seconds before.
"A… A human?!!!"
The cry went up from the nearest camp and spread like wildfire. The sight of a fortress appearing out of thin air was more shocking than a lightning strike. The thirty groups, usually so protective of their independence, began to converge.
