Rain marveled at the elves'' architecture, every curve and line an exquisite testament to their craftsmanship.


    Santi led them to the meeting room, and as they entered, the interior revealed itself to be even more remarkable. The room was a harmonious blend of natural elements and elven magic, with walls that seemed to breathe, illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. Intricate patterns danced across the ceiling, casting a mesmerizing y of light and shadow that shifted with every movement.


    Rain couldn''t help but feel a sense of wonder, as if he had stepped into a realm where nature and artistry intertwined seamlessly.


    He couldn''t fathom how the Sand Elves achieved it, but the room felt as though it was crafted from the very elements of the desert itself — sand and carved rock, suspended by unseen magic.


    The architecture defied gravity and logic, leaving Rain in awe of the mystical craftsmanship of the Sand Elves.


    ~Chi . . .~


    ''There''s barely anyone here.''


    Only then did Rain notice the noticeableck of elves.


    "Where are all the elves?" he asked, hoping to be surrounded by more enchanting beauties like Santi. The thought of being in thepany of elegant elves filled him with excitement.


    "They''re upied with gathering rations for the siege and crafting weapons and armor," Santi replied. She stopped before a massive double door, intricately carved from a single b of stone. With a gentle press of her palm against the panel, the door glowed softly with magical pattern and swung open, revealing a grand hall dominated by arge central table surrounded by chairs.


    "Usually, the elders hold their meetings here," Santi remarked, a fleeting sadness in her eyes. "But since they''re not here, we''ve repurposed this space as our meeting ground."


    Rain, Chi, Chick, Chill, Thraigar, Ri and Helliana all stepped inside, taking in the scene. The haggard faces of Sand Elves moved to and fro, while gnomes clustered around, their voices raised in animated discussion as they pored over maps and books strewn across the table.


    "The Orcs and Goliaths are already in the battlefield," Santi informed them. "I''ll introduce you to everyone and get you up to speed on the current situation."


    Santi introduced Rain and the others to the high-ranking elves and some of the gnomes before guiding them to a small humanoid figure with big ears, a prominent nose, and a bushy white hair and beard. He wore goggles pushed up on his forehead, with various working tools strapped around his waist.


    His demeanor was unmistakably grumpy and defiant as he spoke. "We don''t have time for introductions. We must open the gates and rescue everyone inside!"


    "This is Golly," Santi introduced, motioning to the gnome. "He''s the only high-ranking artificer who managed to get out alive."


    "I was already outside," Golly corrected, his tone sharp. "I was testing my damn golems when suddenly, the gates closed, and our Clockwork City''s defenses went into full throttle!"


    "Golly might be thest artificer and inventor who knows the inner workings of the fortifications," Santi exined further. "I fear Gorm might have obliterated the rest inside."


    Rain was about to ask how Gorm could distinguish an artificer and inventor from the rest when his eyesnded on Golly''s attire. It was painfully obvious. Golly''s clothes were scorched and smeared with oil, the mark of a dedicated craftsman.


    Rain didn''t know the exact poption of the Gnomes, but he hoped that they were still alive inside the city. There were some who had managed to escape and were helping with the siege in this hall.


    "Rain and the others will help us, Golly," Helliana interjected. "He''s a yer, so maybe he could do something about the siege."


    Rain''s head snapped towards Helliana. What could he possibly do? He was hoping that they would have a n in mind.


    Golly''s face remained grim, his brows furrowed in perpetual worry. "A yer? Does he have territory and troops, then? I hope he''s strong." His eyes widened slightly at the sight of Ri at the side.


    "He defeated King Kraggul and helped us stop the Hobgoblin army from advancing here," Helliana affirmed.


    "Those Hobgoblins have nothing on Gorm," Golly spat, his words dripping with disdain.


    Helliana''s face darkened, and Rain''s expression grew serious. He couldn''t stand it when others belittled the Hobgoblins. They had endured so much against them, and any dismissal of their strength felt like an insult to the fallen.


    "Anyway, let''s not linger here. Golly, you should brief Rain and the others on the current situation," Santi suggested, steering the conversation back to the matter at hand.


    Everyone huddled close to the table as Golly began to exin. "First things first. You''re probably wondering why thebined might of the Elves, Goliaths, and Orcs hasn''t been sessful in breaching Clockwork City," Golly said, his voice heavy with concern.


    Rain nodded. "That''s right."


    "The answer is simple . . . because our city, the Clockwork City itself is a living fortification," Golly stated gravely. "Magic is repelled by its anti-magic runes carved into its metal walls. Siege machines and physical blows like battering rams have proven insufficient to breach its defenses."


    He continued, "The walls are made of metal so smooth it''s nearly impossible to climb. Siege towers are ineffective too, as the defense system embedded in the battlements and walls will destroy them before they even get close. And even if, by some miracle, you manage to create a hole or destroy a portion of it, a new section will immediately rece it.


    The damaged parts will be swiftly repaired by the mechanisms inside the city faster than you can run inside."


    "So what you''re saying is . . ." Rain gulped, "the city is practically imprable?"


    Golly nodded. "That''s right." He sighed, a mix of pride and frustration in his voice. "Sometimes our genius scares us."


    "No, you should really be scared," Rainmented. "Your genius is biting you back right now."


    "We don''t know how to fight. We''re not built forbat," Golly admitted. "But with our brilliant minds and innate invention skills, we can build machines that do the fighting and defending for us."


    He gestured around the hall. "We''re in the barren wastnd, surrounded by powerful races left and right as well as aggressive beasts. We gnomes couldn''t think of anything but to ensure our survival by inventing, creating, and innovating. I''m proud to say that Clockwork City is one of our finest creations."


    Rain looked over at Santi and Helliana, silently searching for hope in their eyes. There must be something, right? Something they could do to prate the walls and get inside?