Moments later,

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The warning bell rang three times - short, sharp, urgent - echoing across the Obsidian University grounds.

'Attention all combat faculty, senior students, and active expedition teams,' the mage’s voice boomed over the public announcement crystal, tight with panic. 'Mythic-tier rift detected in the western gorge. Classification - The highest threat rating ever recorded in academy history. All entry points are sealed. No one approaches the perimeter. Emergency response protocols are - '

The transmission cut out with a sharp crack of static.

Inside the administration tower, the headmaster slammed his fist onto the table. "What do you mean someone’s already there? No one was dispatched! The...