Strategic Silence ( 524 )

Inside the quiet command chamber beneath Armand Estate, Garius sat behind a curved desk of polished stone.

The walls shimmered faintly with embedded mana circuits, pulsing with soft blue light.

Alf stood at attention nearby, arms behind his back, always steady.

Garius didn't look up from the scroll he was reading.

"Alf."

"Yes, my lord?"

Garius set the scroll down gently.

"Status on the highest mana relay tower?"

Alf raised one brow.

"The recent project, my lord?"

"Yes."

Garius finally looked up, eyes sharp.

"The one for signal extension. To enhance our mana talkie range across the border."

Alf nodded.

"In progress, my lord. The overseer reported this morning — the final components are being aligned as we speak."

Garius leaned back slightly, steepling his fingers.

"How long until it's operational?"

Alf didn't hesitate.

"Soon. Possibly within the day."