The grand avenue terminated at the threshold of a gargantuan subterranean basilica carved directly out of the mountain's living granite root.
Massive fluted pillars forty paces high supported a vaulted ceiling that was lost in the swirling darkness of ancient magical mist.
The sheer scale of the cyclopean architecture spoke of an empire that commanded millions of laborers and mastered planar masonry before the dawn of modern history.
At the center of the vast circular chamber, an oppressive dome of blood-crimson mana hummed with deep, terrifying subterranean power.
The barrier pulsed in steady, heartbeat-like waves, casting sinister scarlet reflections across the shattered marble flagstones.
Every pulse of the crimson field sent low-frequency sonic vibrations through the bedrock, making the iron soles of the soldiers' feet buzz against the stone.
