It makes sense that a cave used for mining work is pretty big. The entrance is about ten meters wide, and there are rail car tracks inside.
The metal fixtures placed on the walls at certain intervals were probably put there so they could use magic stones for illumination, but the magic stones themselves are mostly gone, and the ones that are left aren’t performing their duty anymore.
Did the empire come here to collect them, or were they taken by thieves? In any case, there isn’t a single magic stone here that still works.
We use magic to light our way as we advance, and reach a wide open area. The rail car tracks continue into a large hole, but there are several other paths.
I guess there isn’t just one path we can follow.
“…What now?”
Sieglinde looks at the paper in her hands. I look over her shoulder, and it really does look like a map of this cave. The paper is folded, and judging by how thick it looks, I can tell this cave goes pretty deep.
“Well… Let’s advance through the main path first. According to the map, they were mining coral crystal there.”
“Understood.”
I follow her as we go along the track. It felt like we were going in a straight line, but I guess we must’ve been curving at some point, because I can’t see the entrance anymore.
Our footsteps echo like they’re the earth’s heartbeat, and I can kind of sense the smell of ore in this damp atmosphere.
We keep walking through this roughly paved path for about an hour, until Sieglinde suddenly stops. She spreads the map, and tilts her head.
“What is it?”
“Strange… The path should end here.”
“What?”
I reflexively peek at the map. Where she’s looking, it says G97, and the path suddenly ends. I look at the wall right next to us, and see a metal plate with G97 carved on it. Yes, the map does say the path ends here.
“What does this mean? Is that map old?”
“No… that’s not it. This map was updated when the work mining coral crystal was concluded and they reported on it. There isn’t anything more up to date in the ministry of magic.”
“…Did someone continue digging after the ministry of magic abandoned this place?”
We look at the path ahead of us at the same time, but it’s soon apparent that there’s no point. It’s pitch black. There isn’t a single streak of light, unless we use magic.
“What now?”
“…We have to go. That’s the whole reason why I’m here.”
◆
We were unexpectedly thrown into an adventure without a map. Up until this point the tunnel looked properly dug and hardened, but now it feels like amateur work. Like someone crudely carved the rock surface.
Eventually, the path splits into two smaller paths.
“…A fork in the road. What now?”
If we had all the time in the world, there would be only one choice to make. We don’t know how far they go, but eventually, they’re going to reach a dead end. There would be no reason to risk splitting up.
But…
“Let’s split up. I’ll take the right, and you take the left.”
Our time is limited, so we have to do this. We’ve only checked the main path, so we can’t waste time on a path with no end in sight.
That means her choice is probably right. I would’ve probably said the same thing if I was in her place.
“Are you going to be all right alone?”
“Don’t worry. What about you? Are you doing all right in terms of magic energy? It looked like you spent a lot while driving.”
“Don’t underestimate me. Who do you think you’re talking to? I’ll finish this quickly and go over to you to help.”
She gives me a pen and paper to take notes while we banter, and…
“…”
I sneak a little magic energy into her. Just a bit so she doesn’t notice it.
My magic energy mixes in with hers, and eventually, its presence disappears completely.
…This should do for now.
“…Did you just touch me?”
Sieglinde looks around her body with a suspicious look on her face.
I guess she noticed that little bit of magic energy, but at least she didn’t notice that she had magic placed on her.
…Darkness magic isn’t something we learned in school. It’s no wonder she doesn’t realize it.
“What do you mean? Are you… Getting scared?”
“W-what!? Like I would be afraid of the dark! Whatever, I’m going now!”
After I annoyed her on purpose to distract her, Sieglinde heads to one of the small paths.
“…I guess I’ll go too.”
After her light disappears from my sight, I step into the small path on the left.
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