Chapter 61: Alchemist’s Spark
The sound of pickaxes echoed deep within the Ranevian mine—metal clanging against stone in rhythmic violence.
Sparks flared as men chipped away at the newly revealed layers of rock, illuminated by lanterns hung on iron nails driven into the walls. The air was thick with dust and sweat, yet also with purpose.
Lan stood at the mouth of the decline, arms folded as he watched dozens of workers descend into the freshly blasted tunnel. The slope curved like a scar into the belly of the earth, leading toward a luminous chamber still veiled in drifting ash from yesterday’s explosive talismans.
Already, the first carts were being pulled back up the incline—heavy with uncut ore and jagged shards of translucent violet.
Gold and ghost crystals.
"To think this mine can yield this much," Bragg said beside him, voice low. "Although it feels like we’re digging into something old and waiting."
Lan didn’t reply. His eyes were on the shimmering veins pulsing faintly from the tunnel’s walls, almost like they breathed.
Crystalline webs stretched between them, fine as glass, but stronger than steel. They weren’t merely minerals. It were more structures—living, resonant, humming with silent power.
Behind him, a shout rang out. "Another cart!"
A team of Vipers emerged dragging a second load. This one gleamed more brightly than the first—thicker chunks of gold veined with faint red, and a basket filled to the brim with what could only be described as crystallized flame.
Violet and red ghost crystals, flickering softly in the dim light.
"Bring those to Seraphine," Lan said, stepping aside. "Have her begin testing immediately."