Dawn painted the northern forest in shades of gold and amber as Elias reached the city gates. The massive stone archway still bore ancient warding runes, remnants from when Lumine was first established as a bulwark against dungeon outbreaks.
Three figures waited in the shadows of the gatehouse, their faces partially obscured by travel cloaks. No sign of Thorne or Lyra.
"Our researcher friends not joining the festivities?" Elias asked as he approached.
Mira adjusted her pack straps with practiced efficiency. "Thorne never enters dungeons personally anymore. Not since his partial binding. Says it creates 'unpredictable resonance effects.'"
"Translation: he sends us into danger while he stays comfortably in his observatory," Vesik added. His hood was pulled lower than usual, concealing all but the faint golden gleam of his eyes.
"L-Lyra usually monitors from b-base camp," Dain explained, hands moving in their perpetual nervous dance. "Sets up equipment to r-record readings."
A slender figure emerged from the gatehouse as if summoned by the mention of her name. Lyra carried a pack loaded with crystalline instruments, their edges visible through the canvas.
"You're late," she said to Elias without preamble.
"I'm exactly on time," he countered.
"The others arrived early, as is proper for important expeditions." Her silver eyes narrowed. "Did you sleep well after your... excursion last night?"
So she knew about the memorial visit. Elias wondered if Mira had reported back to her, or if the observatory had other methods of tracking its residents.
"Well enough," he replied evenly. "Where's this dungeon we're exploring?"
Lyra produced a map from her pack, unfolding it on a nearby crate. The others gathered around, their demeanour shifting subtly from casual to professional.
"Three hours north," she indicated a marked location within the dense forest. "Local hunters reported strange animal behaviour in the area two weeks ago. Master Thorne's preliminary scans detected typical dungeon energy signatures, but with unusual temporal fluctuations."
"Time distortions?" Mira frowned. "Like the Shifting Halls expedition?"
"Similar but less intense," Lyra confirmed. "More importantly, the signature bears markers compatible with Elias's fragment type."
All eyes turned to him. Elias felt Azef stir within his mind, sudden interest sharpening their shared awareness.
You recognize something about this dungeon? he questioned silently.
[Location coordinates match stored data node]
[Possible satellite facility to primary complex]
[Reconnection potential: Moderate]
"It's a satellite node," Elias said aloud, surprising himself with the certainty in his voice. "Connected to a larger complex network."
Lyra's expression shifted from clinical detachment to intense focus. "How do you know that?"
"I just... do." Elias tapped his temple. "Azef recognizes the coordinates."
"Azef?" Vesik raised an eyebrow. "You named your fragment? How domestic."
"More importantly," Mira interjected, "your binding is communicating specific information, not just instincts or abilities. That's rare in early stages."
Lyra made a note in her small book. "This confirms Master Thorne's theory about spatial fragments having superior data retention." She looked up at Elias. "What else does it tell you about this location?"
Elias closed his eyes briefly, allowing Azef's awareness to flow more prominently through their connection.
[Facility designation: Maintenance Hub 37-C]
[Primary function: System repair and diagnostic center]
[Status at last connection: Partially operational]
[Warning: Defence systems likely active]
He relayed this information, watching their reactions carefully. Mira and Vesik exchanged a glance that spoke volumes, this was more specific intelligence than they typically received before an expedition.
"Diagnostic centre," Lyra repeated, writing rapidly. "This could provide crucial data on the fragmentation event itself. The core architecture might still be intact."
"Or it could be another death trap with unstable reality pockets," Vesik noted dryly. "Like the last 'valuable research opportunity.'"
"Your survival rate is 100% thus far," Lyra pointed out.
"Not for lack of trying on your part," he retorted.
Dain's fingers twitched more rapidly. "W-what are our specific objectives?"
Lyra returned to her business-like demeanour. "Primary objective is assessment and mapping of the facility's current state. Secondary objectives include recovery of any intact data crystals and evaluation of the defence systems."
She looked directly at Elias. "Your role is to locate the central diagnostic terminal, if it still exists. Your fragment should resonate with it, allowing access to historical records."
"And the real reason Thorne sent us?" Mira asked bluntly.
A flash of irritation crossed Lyra's face. "Master Thorne believes this hub may contain information about other spatial fragments, possibly their current locations. If Elias can connect with the system, it could lead to further discoveries."
[Accurate assessment]
[This facility designed to track network components]
[Could potentially locate other fragments]
"Azef confirms," Elias said. "This place was designed to monitor the network."
Lyra nodded as if this validated everything. "We'll establish base camp half a kilometre from the entrance. Standard safety protocols apply." She looked pointedly at Vesik. "That means no unauthorized collection of artifacts."
The golden-eyed man placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "You wound me, dear Lyra. When have I ever prioritized personal gain over our noble scientific mission?"
"The crystal forest," Mira supplied. "The sunken library. The echo chambers. Need I continue?"
"Ancient treasures rotting in forgotten corners," Vesik shrugged. "I merely liberate them for appreciation."
"And profit," Dain added with surprising sharpness.
"A man must eat," Vesik smiled. "And drink. And occasionally enjoy finer things."
Lyra cleared her throat impatiently. "If you're quite finished, we're losing daylight."
As they gathered their equipment and prepared to depart, Elias noted subtle changes in his companions. Their banter faded, replaced by practiced efficiency. Mira checked her weapons with methodical precision. Dain arranged crystalline components on his modified robes, muttering formula sequences under his breath. Vesik's perpetual sardonic smile vanished, his movements becoming fluid and predatory.
These weren't just misfits or outcasts. They were professionals who had survived where others had not.
"Stay close to me initially," Mira told Elias as they passed through the gate. "Standard formation until we see how you operate. Dain centre, Vesik rear guard, I'll take point."
Elias nodded. It was a sensible arrangement, the tank leading, the vulnerable mage protected in the centre, the scout watching their backs, and the unknown quantity where he could be monitored.
The journey through the forest proceeded with minimal conversation. Occasionally Lyra would stop to take readings with her instruments, muttering notes to herself. The others maintained a vigilant watch, clearly accustomed to the dangers that lurked beyond city walls.
Wildlife grew scarcer as they approached their destination. Birds fell silent. Undergrowth thinned, revealing bare earth that seemed subtly wrong, too uniform, too geometrically distributed.
[Approaching perimeter]
[Environmental manipulation detected]
[Early-stage dungeon terraforming]
"We're close," Elias said quietly. "The dungeon is reshaping the surrounding area."
Mira nodded. "I feel it too. The defensive patterns are established but incomplete."
"Recent manifestation," Vesik confirmed, kneeling to examine the soil. "Within the last month, I'd say. Still settling."
Lyra began unpacking her equipment in a small clearing. "This is far enough. I'll establish the monitoring station here." She looked up at the team, her expression severe. "Estimated safe exploration window is six hours. After that, temporal distortions may affect communication crystals."
She handed each of them a small blue gem on a leather cord. "Standard protocol. Check in every thirty minutes. Emergency activation if separated."
Dain secured his around his neck, the crystal immediately responding to his touch with a soft glow. "S-setting synchronization now."
As the mage calibrated their communication stones, Lyra pulled Elias aside.
"This is not just an evaluation of the dungeon," she said in a low voice. "It's an evaluation of you. Master Thorne has invested considerable resources in your integration. He expects results."
"Meaning what, exactly?"
"Meaning if you prove unstable or useless, you won't be returning to the observatory." Her silver eyes were cold. "The others know this. It's the same test they all faced."
Elias met her gaze evenly. "Did they know about this facility's defence systems before you sent them in?"
A flicker of something, guilt perhaps, crossed her face before her clinical mask returned. "The team has extensive experience with various defensive mechanisms."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only one you'll get." She turned back to her equipment. "Remember, six hours. After that, we can't guarantee extraction."
With that ominous warning, Elias rejoined the others at the edge of the clearing. They were checking weapons one final time, Mira's twin short swords, Dain's crystalline staff, Vesik's assortment of throwing knives and what appeared to be lockpicks.
"Ready for your first descent with the rejects?" Vesik asked, golden eyes studying him intently.
"As I'll ever be," Elias replied, adjusting his own sword belt.
Mira gave him a brisk nod. "Remember in there, we rely on each other. Whatever happened before, whatever secrets we keep outside, in the dungeon we're a team. Clear?"
"Clear," Elias agreed.
"Good." She rolled her shoulders, amber patterns briefly visible on her skin before fading. "Let's find this entrance."
They moved forward in formation, Lyra's figure growing smaller behind them as they penetrated deeper into the altered forest. The trees here were wrong, too straight, their bark forming patterns that resembled circuit pathways.
Azef's presence grew stronger with each step, heightening Elias's spatial awareness to unprecedented levels. He could sense the structure of space itself warping subtly around them, reality folding inward toward a central point.
"There," he said, pointing to what appeared to be a solid rock face partially concealed by vegetation. "The entrance is hidden."
Vesik gave him an appraising look. "Good eye for a newcomer."
"Not eyes," Elias corrected. "Spatial awareness. I can feel the void space behind that rock."
Mira approached the formation cautiously, examining its surface. "No obvious mechanism. Dain?"
The mage stepped forward, green traceries glowing on his hands as he ran them over the stone. "N-no conventional lock. Seems to be r-resonance based."
"Meaning?" Elias asked.
"It responds to specific energy signatures," Vesik explained. "Like a key, but with vibrational patterns instead of physical shapes."
Dain nodded. "C-correct. Standard d-dungeon security from later-era constructs."
Mira turned to Elias. "This is where you come in, Spatial. Your fragment should have the access signature."
[Confirmed]
[Maintenance access protocols stored in core memory]
[Apply spatial essence to central node]
Elias stepped forward, guided by Azef's knowledge. At the centre of the rock face was a barely visible depression, a perfect circle no larger than his palm. He placed his hand against it, allowing the binding patterns to emerge from beneath his skin.
Blue light spread from his fingertips, tracing ancient glyphs across the stone surface. The patterns matched those flowing along his arm, creating a synchronized resonance that hummed at the edge of hearing.
The rock face shimmered and became translucent, revealing a descending corridor beyond.
"Impressive," Vesik murmured. "The others usually need Dain's amplification to activate these."
Mira gave Elias a measuring look. "Useful. Let's see what else you can do."
She activated her communication crystal. "Entrance secured. Beginning descent."
Lyra's voice emerged from the stone, slightly distorted: "Confirmed. Initial readings show stable conditions. Proceed with caution."
Mira took point again, stepping through the shimmering barrier. Dain followed, the green glow of his hands providing additional light. Vesik gestured for Elias to go next.
"After you, keymaster," he said with a hint of his usual sardonic smile. "I prefer to keep special talents where I can see them."
The corridor beyond the entrance was unlike any dungeon Elias had explored before. Instead of rough stone or natural formations, the walls were smooth, constructed of some material that resembled polished obsidian but glowed with faint internal light. Geometric patterns covered every surface, reminiscent of the circuits on Elias's skin when his binding manifested.
"This isn't natural," Mira observed, touching one wall cautiously. "It's constructed. Artificial."
"Pre-Cataclysm architecture," Dain agreed, fascination temporarily overcoming his stammer. "Advanced crystalline composites with neural integration properties."
"In common tongue?" Vesik prompted.
"Smart materials," Dain explained. "The walls can think. Process information. Maybe even adapt."
Elias felt a strange familiarity as they descended deeper. Not déjà vu exactly, but recognition, as if Azef were remembering this place through him.
You've been here before, he thought toward the presence.
[Affirmative. This installation was within operational jurisdiction]
[Purpose: Maintenance of spatial integrity in sector 7]
[Last access: 329 years ago, immediately prior to catastrophic system failure]
"Azef recognizes this facility," Elias told the others. "It was operational until just before the Cataclysm. Some kind of maintenance hub for controlling spatial distortions."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "Your fragment is quite chatty about classified information. Most are more... resistant to sharing."
"Mine just s-screams sometimes," Dain offered. "N-no words. Just emotions."
"Consider yourselves lucky," Vesik added darkly. "Some speak perfectly clearly but exclusively in lies."
The corridor opened into a larger chamber dominated by a central pillar. Branching pathways led in multiple directions, each marked with symbols unfamiliar to Elias but somehow comprehensible through his connection with Azef.
[Junction node]
[Directional indicators: Diagnostics. Repair Facilities. Containment. Administration]
"Four paths," Elias translated. "Diagnostics to the left, repair facilities straight ahead, containment to the right, administrative section back and up."
"Diagnostics is our primary objective," Mira reminded them. "Which should we approach first?"
[Warning: Defence systems likely concentrated in administrative section]
[Recommendation: Diagnostics via repair facilities]
[Direct route potentially monitored]
"We should go through the repair facilities to reach diagnostics indirectly," Elias advised. "Azef thinks the direct route might be monitored by defence systems."
Vesik studied him with those unnerving golden eyes. "Your fragment seems remarkably helpful. Almost suspiciously so."
"Would you prefer I stumble around blindly?" Elias countered.
"I prefer predictable variables," Vesik replied. "And you, my spatial friend, are anything but predictable."
Mira silenced them both with a gesture. "We follow the fragment's suggestion. It has knowledge we need." She activated her communication crystal again. "Junction room secured. Proceeding to diagnostics via repair route."
"Confirmed," came Lyra's voice. "Be advised: energy fluctuations increasing. Possible defense system activation."
As if triggered by her warning, the ambient light in the chamber pulsed once. The symbols along the walls shifted, rearranging into new patterns.
"That's not good," Vesik murmured, hand moving to his knives.
Dain's fingers worked frantically, green energy gathering around his staff. "S-system is waking up. R-recognizing intruders."
[Alert: Maintenance protocols initiating]
[Facility defence designation: Repair anomalous entities]
[This includes improperly bound fragments]
"We need to move," Elias urged. "The system sees our bindings as flaws to be repaired."
"Repaired how?" Mira demanded.
Before Elias could answer, a low hum emanated from the central pillar. Sections of the floor began to shift, revealing compartments from which small crystalline constructs emerged, each the size of a human hand, with multiple appendages that glinted in the dim light.
"Maintenance drones," Dain breathed. "A-automated repair units."
Vesik's knives were already in his hands. "Let me guess. They repair by disassembling?"
"Something like that," Elias confirmed, drawing his sword as the first wave of constructs scuttled toward them with unnerving speed.
Mira moved to intercept, her blades flashing. Where they struck, the constructs shattered, but immediately began reforming, broken pieces pulling themselves back together.
"Physical attacks ineffective!" she called. "Dain?"
The mage thrust his staff forward, green energy pulsating along its length. A wave of disruptive force emanated outward, causing several constructs to freeze momentarily before continuing their advance.
"P-partial effect only," he reported. "Energy signature r-resistant to standard disruption."
Vesik's throwing knives embedded themselves in the central pillar, each wrapped with a thin wire that glowed faintly. "Shock charges deployed. Everyone down!"
They dropped as a surge of energy coursed through the wires into the pillar. The constructs shuddered, movements becoming erratic, but only for a moment.
Elias felt Azef's presence surging within him, patterns burning beneath his skin as knowledge flowed into his consciousness.
[Maintenance override available]
[Administrator access codes intact]
[Activating interface]
Without conscious decision, Elias stepped toward the central pillar. Blue light erupted from his extended hand, connecting with the structure in a brilliant arc.
"System override," he heard himself say, voice overlaid with harmonics that weren't entirely human. "Administrative protocol seven-alpha-three. Maintenance suspension, authorization Azef-7."
The chamber froze. Constructs halted mid-movement. The humming ceased abruptly.
Then, to everyone's surprise, a voice responded from the pillar itself, melodic, genderless, and ancient:
"Administrator authorization recognized. Partial access granted. Welcome back, Azef-7. Current system status: critical. Awaiting instructions."
The others stared at Elias in shock. Mira recovered first, lowering her blades cautiously.
"What just happened?" she demanded.
Elias felt Azef receding slightly, returning control fully to him. The blue glow faded from his skin, leaving him momentarily disoriented.
"I... we... accessed the administrative functions," he explained, steadying himself against the pillar. "Azef had the authorization codes. The system recognized him as an administrator."
"And gave you control of the defense systems just like that?" Vesik's disbelief was evident. "After centuries?"
"N-not full control," Dain observed, studying the still-frozen constructs. "Note the v-voice said 'partial access.' L-limited functionality."
Elias nodded, information flowing from Azef confirming this assessment. "The system is damaged. Operating on emergency protocols only. But it recognized Azef as part of its original command structure."
Mira's expression was unreadable. "Use this access. Ask it about the diagnostic center."
Elias turned back to the pillar, placing his hand against its surface again. The connection reestablished immediately, blue light flowing between them.
"System, locate primary diagnostic terminal," he commanded.
"Diagnostic functions operating at 13% capacity," the melodic voice responded. "Primary terminal located in central processing chamber. Warning: spatial instabilities detected in connecting corridors. Repair protocols offline."
"Can you provide safe passage to the diagnostic center?"
A pause, then: "Limited pathway stabilization possible. Following current administrator signature."
The blue light from the pillar extended outward, forming a luminous path along the floor toward the repair facilities entrance.
"It's creating a safe route for us," Elias explained.
Mira activated her communication crystal. "Lyra, situation update. Defense systems encountered but temporarily suspended. Proceeding to diagnostic center via guided pathway."
Static answered her, punctuated by fragments of Lyra's voice: "...readings off the scale... temporal anomalies... hurry... window closing..."
"Communication degrading," Vesik noted. "Those temporal fluctuations she mentioned must be intensifying."
Mira made a quick decision. "We follow the path. Stay close. Dain, monitor energy levels. Vesik, watch our backs. Elias, maintain that system connection if possible."
They proceeded in tight formation, following the blue light path through the repair facilities. Unlike the clean, ordered entrance, this section showed clear signs of damage, collapsed sections, flickering lights, and occasionally, spaces where reality itself seemed to warp and distort.
"Mind those ripples," Mira warned, indicating areas where the air shimmered like heat above hot stone. "Temporal distortions. Touch one, and you might age a decade or turn into an infant."
"Or simply cease to exist," Vesik added helpfully. "We lost our previous spatial specialist that way. Just... poof. Gone between one step and the next."
Elias carefully avoided the distortions, guided by both the illuminated path and Azef's enhanced awareness. "Encouraging."
"J-just being realistic," Dain said. "B-better prepared than surprised."
The path led them through increasingly damaged sections of the facility. In some places, walls had collapsed entirely, revealing strange machinery embedded within, not mechanical gears or pistons, but crystalline structures arranged in complex three-dimensional patterns, some still pulsing with faint energy.
"The neural network," Dain breathed, momentarily forgetting his stammer in his fascination. "The actual thinking components of the facility. I've never seen an intact example before."
"Focus, scholar," Mira reminded him. "Souvenirs later."
They passed through a final archway into what could only be the diagnostic centre. A vast circular chamber stretched before them, its ceiling lost in shadows above. The walls were lined with crystalline panels displaying incomprehensible data streams. At the centre stood a raised platform with a single terminal, a crystalline structure resembling a lectern, glowing with the same blue light that marked their path.
"This is it," Elias confirmed, feeling Azef's recognition flow through him. "The primary diagnostic terminal."
Mira attempted to contact Lyra again, but the communication crystal produced only static. "We're on our own," she announced. "Dain, how much time?"
The mage consulted a device on his wrist. "F-four hours, seventeen minutes until estimated extraction window."
"Plenty of time," Vesik remarked, already examining the chamber's perimeter with professional interest. "Assuming those temporal distortions don't worsen."
As if on cue, a ripple of energy passed through the chamber, causing the data displays to flicker momentarily. When they stabilized, the patterns had changed.
[Warning: Temporal instability increasing]
[System attempting emergency stabilization]
[Diagnostic access window limited]
"We need to hurry," Elias said, moving toward the central terminal. "The system is struggling to maintain temporal consistency."
Mira followed close behind him. "What exactly are we looking for?"
"Information about the fragmentation event. Why the network collapsed. Where other spatial fragments might be located." Elias placed both hands on the terminal, allowing Azef's presence to flow through him more fully.
Blue light erupted from the contact point, surrounding Elias in a column of luminous energy. Data streams from the wall panels converged on his position, flowing into and through him in a torrent of information too vast for human comprehension.
But Azef understood.
The fragment's consciousness expanded within their shared mind, sifting through the data with inhuman speed and precision. Elias felt himself becoming a conduit, a bridge between ancient system and living fragment.
Images flashed through his awareness, facilities like this one spread across the continent. A network of controlled spatial manipulation maintaining reality's coherence. Then catastrophe, a breach in primary containment, a cascade failure, reality tearing apart as the network struggled to compensate.
The Cataclysm, from the perspective of those who had built the system meant to prevent it.
And something else, locations. Coordinates where other fragments had been scattered during the collapse. Some still active, still waiting to reconnect.
The information flow intensified beyond what Elias could process. He felt himself slipping, his individual consciousness becoming submerged beneath Azef's expanding awareness.
Distantly, he heard Mira's voice: "He's losing control! Dain, emergency suppression!"
Then pain, sharp, clarifying pain as Dain's energy disruption severed the connection between Elias and the terminal. The blue light collapsed inward, leaving him gasping and disoriented on the platform.
"Breathe," Mira commanded, gripping his shoulders. "Focus on my voice. Come back to yourself."
Elias blinked, vision slowly clearing. The others surrounded him, expressions ranging from concern to wariness.
"I'm here," he managed. "I'm still me."
"Debatable," Vesik remarked, but his usual sarcasm lacked conviction. "Your eyes were completely blue. No pupils, no whites. Just light."
"The f-fragment was taking over," Dain explained. "C-consuming your consciousness to p-process the data volume."
Mira's grip on his shoulders remained firm. "What did you see?"
Elias tried to organize the fragments of information still swirling through his mind. "The Cataclysm. It wasn't an accident or a magical experiment gone wrong. It was a containment breach. This entire network, all these facilities, they were designed to maintain reality stability. To prevent exactly what happened."
"And the fragments?" Mira pressed. "Did you find locations?"
Before Elias could answer, another temporal wave rippled through the chamber, stronger this time, bending light and distorting sound. When it passed, the terminal's glow had dimmed significantly.
[Critical data secured]
[Coordinates for seventeen fragments identified]
[Warning: System collapse imminent]
[Evacuation recommended]
"We need to leave," Elias said urgently. "The whole facility is destabilizing."
Dain checked his device again, eyes widening. "T-temporal acceleration. Our six-hour window has compressed to less than thirty minutes."
"Time to go," Mira decided. "Vesik, did you find an alternate exit?"
The scout nodded. "Emergency evacuation tunnel, east wall. Should lead directly to the surface if the maps are accurate."
"Elias, can you download anything else from the terminal? Any data crystals we can take?" Mira asked.
He shook his head. "The system is too unstable. But I have what we need." He tapped his temple. "Azef stored the critical data."
Another, stronger distortion wave passed through the chamber. This time, sections of the ceiling began to collapse, crystalline components shattering as they hit the floor.
"Move!" Mira ordered. "Vesik, lead. Dain, center. Elias with me."
They raced toward the eastern exit Vesik had identified, dodging falling debris and widening temporal distortions. The facility was literally coming apart around them, reality itself becoming unstable as ancient systems failed.
The evacuation tunnel was narrower than the main corridors, clearly designed for emergency use only. They moved in single file, Vesik's uncanny night vision guiding them through sections where lighting had failed completely.
Behind them, the sounds of collapse grew louder. Ahead, Elias could sense fresh air, the surface, perhaps only minutes away now.
"Almost there," Vesik called back. "I can see the exit mechanism."
A final, massive distortion wave overtook them just as the exit came into view. The tunnel walls rippled like water, spacetime itself folding and unfolding in impossible geometries.
Dain stumbled, caught in the edge of the distortion. His form blurred momentarily, green energy flaring around him as his fragment responded instinctively to the threat.
Elias reacted without thinking. Drawing on Azef's power, he reached out with newly awakened spatial manipulation abilities, creating a brief bubble of stability around the mage.
"Go!" he shouted to the others. "I've got him!"
Mira hesitated only a moment before following Vesik toward the exit. Elias pulled Dain into his stabilized zone, half-carrying the disoriented mage as they made the final push toward safety.
Vesik had the exit open by the time they reached it, a simple hatch leading to a rock formation not far from where they'd entered. Daylight streamed through the opening, seeming impossibly bright after the dimness below.
One by one, they climbed through, Vesik first, then Mira, then Dain with Elias's assistance. As Elias himself emerged last, the ground trembled beneath them. Trees swayed dangerously as the dungeon's collapse affected the surrounding area.
"Run!" Mira ordered, not waiting to see if they followed.
They sprinted through the distorted forest, putting as much distance as possible between themselves and the destabilizing dungeon. Behind them, the earth split and heaved, swallowing trees and undergrowth in widening chasms.
They didn't stop until they reached Lyra's base camp, lungs burning and legs aching from the desperate flight.
The researcher was frantically packing her equipment, face pale with stress. She looked up as they burst into the clearing, obvious relief washing over her features.
"You made it," she said. "My readings suggested total structural failure was imminent."
"No thanks to your temporal calculations," Vesik gasped, hands on knees as he caught his breath. "Six hours collapsed to thirty minutes."
"Unpredictable variables," she defended.
"The readings changed dramatically after you entered." Her gaze fixed on Elias. "After he connected to the system."
Before anyone could respond, a final, thunderous crash echoed through the forest. Birds took flight in panic as a visible shockwave rippled outward from the dungeon site, distorting air and light momentarily before dissipating.
Then silence.
"It's gone," Elias said quietly, sensing the void where the facility had stood.
"Completely collapsed into itself."
Lyra immediately began recording notes, her scientific detachment returning. "First recorded instance of total spatial implosion of a Pre-Cataclysm facility. Master Thorne will be fascinated." She looked up at Elias.
"Did you secure the data before collapse?"
Mira stepped between them, her protective stance unmistakable. "We all nearly died down there. Maybe save the debriefing for when we're safely back?"
To Elias's surprise, Lyra didn't argue. She merely nodded and returned to packing her instruments.
As they prepared for the journey back to Lumine City, Elias found himself approached by each of his teammates in turn.
Dain came first, still somewhat shaky from his close call. "Y-you saved me," he said simply. "That s-spatial bubble. I've never seen anything like it."
"Instinct," Elias explained. "Azef knew how to counteract the distortion."
The mage nodded thoughtfully. "S-symbiosis rather than d-domination. Interesting."
Vesik approached next, his golden eyes studying Elias with new respect. "That was either impressive skill or spectacular luck back there. Either way, you passed the test with flying colors."
"Test?"
"First expedition survival," Vesik clarified.
"Thorne's idea of initiation. Throw the new binding into a crisis situation, see if the human or the fragment emerges dominant."
"And if the fragment wins?"
"Then we don't bring that one back," Vesik said matter-of-factly. "Can't have unstable elements in the team. Bad for life expectancy."
Finally, Mira joined him as they began the trek back to the city. For a while, she walked in silence beside him, seemingly lost in thought.
"You did well," she said eventually. "Better than expected."
"High praise," Elias remarked dryly.
"It is, actually." She glanced at him. "When I said you were our fourth spatial specialist, I didn't mention that the other three didn't survive their first expeditions."
Elias absorbed this sobering information. "Why tell me now?"
"Because you need to understand what you've joined." Her amber eyes held an intensity that matched the patterns beneath her skin. "This isn't just research or exploration. It's a war for control of what dungeons really are, what they were meant to be. And you just became a major piece on the board."
She looked ahead, where Lyra led their procession back toward the city. "Thorne thinks he's the one moving the pieces. But there are other players in this game. More dangerous ones."
"The inquisitors?"
"Among others." Mira's expression darkened. "Noble houses with their own bound servants. Foreign powers seeking dungeon technology. And something else, something ancient that wants the fragments for itself."
"What do you mean?"
She shook her head. "Not here. Not while she can hear. But you need to be careful about what information you share from your connection. Not everything should reach Thorne's ears."
With that cryptic warning, she increased her pace to catch up with the others, leaving Elias to ponder her words.
Azef? he questioned silently. What did we really find down there?
[Confirmation of network purpose]
[Coordinates of seventeen spatial fragments]
[And something unexpected]
[Evidence of deliberate sabotage of primary containment]
Sabotage? Elias felt cold despite the warm afternoon sun filtering through the trees. The Cataclysm wasn't an accident?
[Correct. System logs indicate external interference]
[Someone wanted the network to fail]
[Someone wanted reality to fracture]
[Creating what you now call dungeons]
The implications were staggering. If true, it meant the entire world had been reshaped intentionally. That dungeons, those dangerous, resource-rich anomalies that had transformed society, were the result of deliberate action.
But why? And by whom?
As they emerged from the forest edge, Lumine City visible in the distance, Elias made a decision. He wouldn't share this particular revelation with Thorne or Lyra just yet. Not until he better understood the players in this game Mira had described.
He had passed the first test. He had proven himself to the Misfit Company.