The first core ice fortress was obviously the rough-and-ready Origin Ice Fortress—carved out of a natural ice valley with open-pit Ice Solid Stone mines nearby, it could get finished in record time.
Carlos already had spots picked out for the rest of the ice fortresses, just waiting for his sister to send the next wave of personnel so he could get things rolling.
....
In Ember City's downtown district, at the grand and imposing Sacred Fire Cathedral, a high-level powwow was in full swing.
High Priest Aulina settled into the main seat and said gently:
"About the Valois family's proposal—let's hear what you all think."
Around the round table, a projection kept looping:
An ice valley fortress taking shape, with Psionics cracking whips, herding countless monsters to build ice walls...
"This is the first dark mist layer?"
Garrison Commander-in-Chief Raskin's bull-like eyes went wide as saucers and he nearly yanked out his own beard.
