Unknown Frontier

As Ian settled into his new role, Oryn walked toward him to provide instructions.

"Ian, you'll be working on refining the core stabilizers for the new arcane circuitry matrix," Oryn instructed. "Myrra will assist you in understanding the system. We need precise calibrations, so double-check your work. Also, I'll need you to document any anomalies."

Ian nodded. "Got it."

With that, Oryn left them to their tasks. Ian and Myrra settled in, gradually easing into conversation as they worked.

At the end of the day, Oryn announced a welcome party for the new colleagues. After some discussion, they decided to hold it tomorrow after work.

After the workday ended, Ian returned to his quarters, preparing for another day ahead.

The next morning, Ian arrived at the workshop and immediately started working. As he examined some of the circuits, he struck up a conversation with Lirian about the mechanism they were developing.

"It's more than just circuitry. We're working on a machine that synchronizes energy flows across multiple nodes, creating a self-sustaining arcane loop," Lirian explained. "The stabilizers you're working on are crucial, without them, the circuits overload. You'll be focusing on calibrating the energy flow and testing durability."

Ian exhaled. "Sounds intricate."

"It is. But you'll get used to it. Just make sure to follow the guidelines."

By evening, the group headed to a popular restaurant to celebrate. The air was lively, filled with the aroma of sizzling dishes and warm spices. Ian looked at the menu, intrigued.

"Any recommendations?" he asked.

Myrra grinned. "You can't go wrong with the ember-roasted venison. Or, if you're feeling brave, the molten spice stew."

"I'll stick with the venison," Ian decided.

As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation shifted. "Did you hear about the mining accident?" Oryn mentioned. "A worker died."

Ian frowned. "I thought accidents were rare with all the automated systems?"

"They are," Myrra confirmed. "But sometimes people have to supervise in person. It's unusual for something like this to happen."

Lirian sighed. "The deeper they dig, the more unpredictable things become. Who knows what they're really unearthing down there."

Before the conversation could continue, Kara cut in. "We're eating. Can we not talk about death now?"

A brief silence followed before the topic shifted to lighter matters. The evening carried on with drinks and laughter before they all eventually headed home.

The next morning, something unusual happened at the workshop. The normal tasks were set aside, and a new priority emerged. Shanaera, the owner of the workshop, was present herself, her expression unreadable.

"Something was uncovered at the mining site," she announced. "It's of utmost importance, and we will be examining it closely."

Excitement and curiosity spread among the workers as they gathered around a collection of metallic fragments. Each piece bore intricate arcane circuitry, glowing faintly with a pulsating light. The engravings were unfamiliar to Ian.

Ian carefully picked one up, tracing the delicate patterns. "These circuits… they feel ancient."

He spent the day studying the pieces, cross-referencing books and old records. It was meticulous work, and not everyone could handle it. Some workers became ill, forced to stop the next day. Others recovered after a short break but were not allowed to continue.

The patterns exerted a strange mental pressure on those who examined them. The longer Ian studied, the more he felt its weight pressing on his mind. However, due to the effects of Mindbloom, the strain was not as issue for him.

By the end of the week, only five remained: Ian, Myrra, Oryn, Lirian, and Holone. They were quickly informed by Shanaera that this was a screening process before the real work began.

They were summoned to the city hall, where Master Ordan awaited them. 

Master Ordan stepped forward. "What you studied came from the outside of ruins uncovered during the mining operation. We need to examine it in person and, if possible, open the doors to whatever lies inside."

He paused, surveying them. "This is optional. There will be powerful individuals present to ensure your safety. If you choose to go, you may proceed."

The group exchanged glances. The dangers seemed minimal, and the rewards immense. It wasn't the first time old ruins had been discovered. The general consensus was that they belonged to the civilizations that once resided here, long extinguished, even before the elves arrived on this planet. Most ruins were not particularly dangerous, and with proper protection, the chances of getting injured were extremely low. One by one, they agreed.

 Each member was provided with a storage bracelet, a coveted tool Ian had long desired. It allowed the wearer to store items efficiently in designated slots. The departure was set for early the next morning.

After a few more conversations, they dispersed for the night. Ian returned to his quarters and immediately examined the storage bracelet. It had two primary modes: 'store' and 'pop.' Each slot could hold an item of a specific size, but slots could be combined for larger objects. The mechanism was simple, place the bracelet on any surface, select a slot, position the object over it, and watch as it seamlessly stored itself. A small hologram of the stored object appeared in the interface, allowing the user to retrieve it with a single tap.

Fascinated, Ian spent hours playing with the bracelet, studying its delicate arcane circuitry.

"I guess I'll have to buy another one and break it open to see its inner workings…" he mused to himself.

Satisfied, he packed his essentials and turned in for the night. An early morning awaited him.

Dawn broke with a soft golden hue spilling over the horizon. Ian woke early, quickly gathering his belongings before heading toward the meeting point. A sleek vehicle awaited them, its polished surface glinting under the rising sun. Myrra and the others were already there. They boarded, and soon, the journey began.

The vehicle utilized an advanced form of magnetic levitation, interacting with the planet's natural magnetic field to hover and glide effortlessly. The sensation was almost surreal, as if they were floating through air itself.

Their route led them through breathtaking landscapes. Verdant forests stretched endlessly on either side, their towering canopies intertwined to form a natural cathedral. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the foliage, casting golden patterns on the moss-covered ground. 

Inside the vehicle, they quickly introduced themselves, a total of thirteen people, as they would be working together for some time.

During the introductions, a rugged man named Darius leaned forward. "Before we get too comfortable, you should know what happened previously," he said grimly. "The guy who died was experienced, but he made fatal mistake. One of the automated machines stopped working, so he went to check it out. While inspecting the site, he came across the entrance, an ancient doorway that was sealed shut. Instead of following protocol, he tried to force it open."

Darius paused, scanning the group. "The ruins have protections. A backlash of energy hit him the moment he tampered with the seal. Whatever it was, some kind of kinetic discharge or defensive mechanism, it killed him instantly. If he had taken the right precautions, if he hadn't been careless... he might have survived."

A heavy silence settled in the vehicle. They silently made the decision to not be careless and follow proper protocols.

After an hour, the vehicle slowed to a halt.