Shells screamed through the air at speeds no mortal eye could follow, crashing toward the tranquil complex of courtyard buildings. Violent explosions bloomed in midair, utterly shattering the peace that had endured on this land for countless millennia. Countless fragments were instantly melted, vaporized, and finally erased by faint golden symbols appearing in the air. The first probing bombardment failed even to destroy the delicate green plants and flowers that eternally bloomed in the courtyards. The following barrage likewise failed to penetrate the protective spells around Kamar-Taj headquarters or destroy the towering walls outside the courtyards.
The warm air among the plateau mountains was thick with the smell of gunpowder and hot metal. Amon could not help frowning as he watched the towering courtyard in the distance, enveloped in psionic energy. Even through his faceplate, he could smell the dry air of an unseasonal, biting wind that nearly froze the blood, as well as the ozone released when the distant psionic shield ionized the air. Smoke from explosives and plasma warheads briefly engulfed the skies above Kamar-Taj headquarters before vanishing completely. Kamar-Taj had prepared for the Emperor's arrival. More precisely, some presence that resisted the Emperor's entry into Kamar-Taj was maintaining the psionic sorcery over these mountains, including the spell controlling the temperature.
"Our artillery only has one standard load of ammunition, my lord," Amon reminded him quietly. "Given the current situation, I do not believe even five standard loads of shells can break this shield."
"A population of Pallas's Cats has bred here for generations. After years of domestication, they have shed their wildness and become Kamar-Taj's household pets. After this operation, I hope you will arrange for a number of Pallas's Cat conservation specialists to move in and properly comfort those adorable little creatures."
"My lord?"
"Sense of