Aurelian and Astra had barely left the central archive when the first reports from the newly awakened defense network began filling Eirenne's display.
The sanctuary had more weapons than anyone expected, but many had remained inactive for centuries.
Some platforms responded at once, while others failed their first checks or required power routes that no longer existed.
Eirenne was already moving reserve energy through the mountain, shutting down empty sections and giving priority to the batteries protecting the evacuation corridor.
"How much can the sanctuary actually fire?" Aurelian asked as they walked back through the hidden passage.
"For the next twenty minutes, more than enough," Eirenne replied. "After that, heat and power buildup will become a problem. Several cooling systems are only partly functional, and I don't want to draw power away from the preservation halls."
"Then tell Solenne she has twenty minutes to use them."
"I already did."
