Chapter 27: No matter what the consequences, I must become strong!
Mordred slowly got back to work after the break, gritting his teeth against the searing pain still burning his back. Every gesture had become mechanical, every blow against the cold rock seemed to empty his soul a little more. The gallery was plunged into a heavy silence, interrupted only by the regular sound of picks striking stone and the muffled murmurs of suffering and exhaustion from the other slaves.
But Mordred refused to give in to despair. Today, he had no choice; he couldn't afford another failure. His mind focused solely on the task ahead. He dug tirelessly, his muscles screaming with exhaustion, sweat mixed with blood slowly trickling down his back and arms.
After what seemed an eternity, his pickaxe finally struck a different rock. A bluish glow appeared timidly beneath the dark layer of earth. Mordred's heart leapt in his chest, his trembling hands delicately pulling out the precious ore.
The little moonstone appeared, bathed in a soft bluish light, contrasting strangely with the oppressive darkness of the mine. Mordred contemplated it for a moment, captivated despite his fatigue, when a notification suddenly appeared before his eyes:
[Ding!]
[Moonstone uncovered. Will you absorb it? Yes / No]
This time, his gaze remained fixed for a long moment on the floating invitation before him, his heart beating violently in his chest.
"What if I absorb it this time?" he thought inwardly, his tired mind trying to quickly weigh the risks. "Since I've been here, every day's been hell... and even harvesting these damn stones doesn't change a thing... I'm just becoming a better slave."
The temptation was immense. His fingers tightened around the stone, his breath quickened. He knew full well that by absorbing this stone, he could perhaps strengthen Isaac, offer him a chance of surviving longer in the other world. But here, he absolutely had to meet the quota, or else...
A heart-rending scream suddenly sounded behind him, immediately reminding him of what was at stake in this terrifying place. He turned around sharply.
- I beg you! I... I can't take it anymore... begged a slave on his knees, imploring the dragon guard with tears streaming down his dirty face.