Rising god

The Dawnless stronghold buzzed with a chaotic energy as the first and second executives returned, their curiosity piqued by the third executive’s message: their leader, Baines, was back, if only briefly.

Since Baines had last opened the vault and entrusted them with its treasures before departing, the organization had flourished, its influence spreading like wildfire across the region.

The executives were eager to see what their enigmatic leader had planned next. But upon their arrival, they were met with an unexpected sight, dozens, exceeding hundreds of organization members toiling in the courtyard, their shovels biting into the earth as they dug a massive pit.

When the executives inquired about the purpose, the response left them dumbfounded: "For a mountain."

"Are mountains plantable these days?" the first executive wondered aloud, exchanging a skeptical glance with the second.

Their doubts lingered until a thunderous BOOOOOM! shook the ground beneath their feet, scattering the workers away.

And before their disbelieving eyes, a towering volcano materialized in the freshly dug space, its jagged peak piercing the sky.

Without satisfying their curiosity, the supervising lich stepped forward and began muttering incantations as it wove a complex spell.

The searing heat radiating from the volcano vanished, replaced by a cool, controlled aura, and shimmering barriers rose around the structure, their translucent surfaces pulsating with arcane energy.

The executives stood in awe, their minds racing. Who would ever think of using a volcano to power a formation? they thought, their gazes shifting to the third executive for answers.

But he, too, was staring at the volcano, his expression a mixture of shock and confusion. The sheer audacity of the feat was beyond comprehension, even for seasoned veterans like them.