Chương 139: Another Threat (?)
The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: The Map of the Mine
With the four groups now scattered throughout the depths of the mine, Kyōi understood that having a detailed map of the area was essential to completing the mission safely.
Without a clear layout of the mine, they risked getting lost or running into unknown threats.
So, he decided to create a temporary team tasked with mapping out a rough sketch of the mining complex.
Forming the Temporary Group
Kyōi gathered some of the most experienced mercenaries in exploration and navigation.
They needed to be skilled in quickly and accurately charting the terrain, marking hazardous areas, and locating the resources to extract.
The priority was to ensure a safe path for the other teams and identify critical points where threats might lurk.
"You have a delicate but vital task," Kyōi said as he explained the plan.
"You must map out the mine, mark where the valuable crystals and minerals are, and identify locations that could pose a danger. Your work could be the difference between success and failure in this mission."
Three mercenaries were chosen for this task, each equipped with a torch, surveying tools, and radios to keep communication open with the other groups.
Their job was to cover the territory already explored by Renidori's team, identify hidden resources, and report potential threats.
Exploration and Mapping
The temporary group moved cautiously, following the paths already scouted by the first exploration team.
Every turn, every narrow passage was carefully examined and noted on the map they were building.
"This mine is full of hidden corners," one of the mercenaries said as he examined a crevice in the wall.
"There are enough minerals here to make us rich, but too many places where creatures could be hiding."
Their work proved complex.
The mine's walls were unevenly carved, and the further they went, the more evident it became that they were not alone.
Signs of recent activity—scratches on the walls, displaced rocks—indicated that unknown creatures roamed the underground complex.
"We've found a section with fresh signs of movement," one of the temporary group members reported via radio.
"It could be a critical point. We're mapping a possible safe exit route."
The Mine's Map Takes Shape
As the three mercenaries continued their work, the mine's map began to take shape.
They had already identified several areas rich in valuable minerals and crystals, but also dangerous zones marked by traces of creatures or structural instability.
"We're about halfway done," said one of the mercenaries, looking at the map.
"We need to hurry. If those creatures return, I want to be sure we know how to get out of here."
Communication with the other groups was constant, and Kyōi monitored their progress closely.
He had faith in the temporary group's abilities, but he knew time was against them.
Warning of Imminent Danger
As the mapping group neared one of the mine's deepest sections, the radio crackled with a warning message.
"This is the rear guard team," a mercenary's voice broke the silence.
"We've spotted movement at the mine entrance. It could be the creatures Renidori mentioned."
Kyōi listened carefully, his jaw clenched.
He knew their time to complete the mission was running out.
"We're on alert," the head of the rear guard responded. "We won't let anything get in, but you need to move quickly."
Kyōi assessed the situation and addressed his men.
"Speed up the collection and finish the map. If we're forced to retreat, I want to know exactly where we can find more resources in the future."
The Final Push for Mapping
The temporary group quickly moved toward the remaining unexplored sections of the mine.
Though the tension was palpable, they worked with precision, determined to complete their task before danger forced them to retreat.
Every corner, every dangerous zone was carefully marked on the map.
They were nearly finished when suddenly one of the mercenaries noticed something unusual.
"Look here," he said, pointing to a large fissure in the wall that seemed to lead to a hidden chamber.
"This wasn't marked on the map."
The group cautiously approached, examining the fissure.
The walls around it were studded with purer crystals than they had seen so far, and a strange energy seemed to emanate from within.
"We might have found a larger source of crystals," one of the mercenaries said in awe.
"Mark the location," Kyōi ordered over the radio.
"But don't go near it yet. There could be something dangerous in there."
With the last discovery marked on the map, the temporary group completed their work and returned to the others.
The rough map of the mine, complete with resources and potential threats, was now ready.
The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: Reflecting on the Threats
With the mine's map completed and information gathered about potential dangers, Kyōi and his men gathered to assess the situation.
The tension was palpable.
The mine's darkness seemed to envelop them, and the scratches and recent movements on the walls indicated the presence of something menacing.
Debate on the Signs Found
The temporary group, just returned from exploration, gathered around Kyōi and Renidori, spreading the map on the rocky ground.
The newly discovered crystals gleamed faintly, as if they harbored an ancient, uncontrollable energy.
"We found a section that wasn't previously mapped," one of the mercenaries said, pointing to the discovered fissure.
"The crystals here are purer, but there's something strange. They give off a kind of... unsettling energy."
Renidori studied the marked spot on the map, his face serious.
"And the scratches on the walls? Could those have been made by a Chimera or something similar?"
Kyōi pondered for a moment.
"The Chimera we fought earlier was powerful, but these marks seem different. Yes, they're deep and suggest a large creature, but the Chimera wouldn't have left such chaotic traces."
One of the mercenaries nodded.
"Could it be another creature? Maybe something living deep within the mine? If the Chimera was only a sentinel or a guardian, then there might be a bigger threat."
Hypotheses About Hidden Creatures
The silence that followed the mercenary's words was thick with tension.
No one wanted to admit they might be facing a danger worse than the Chimera, but the reality was hard to ignore.
Those scratches, the displaced rocks, the recent movements... everything pointed to something much older and deadlier lurking in the depths.
"We've seen signs of recent activity," another mercenary said, staring at the map.
"But the Chimera didn't behave as if it was protecting something. It seemed to be here for another reason."
Renidori shook his head.
"Maybe that Chimera was just a tool, summoned by a greater force. Something that wants to protect these crystals. Or worse, something that feeds on the life energy they contain."
The Possibility of a Greater Danger
Kyōi stood up, his gaze fixed on the discovered fissure.
"If those crystals are truly that pure, then they could be a power source for a much more dangerous creature. We've seen similar beings in other places, entities that feed on cosmic energy."
"So we must prepare for the worst," Renidori said, crossing his arms.
"If something is protecting those crystals, it won't let us leave easily. But we must also consider that these minerals could be the key to strengthening our position. If we recover them, we could become much more powerful."
Kyōi nodded slowly, weighing the situation.
"We need to proceed with caution. We can't afford to unleash something we can't control."
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