In the dimly lit chamber, filled with an array of holographic displays and mysterious relics, Mei and Ravi stood before pulsating symbols and holographic figures and maps. Their eyes darted with excitement as they exchanged hushed, rapid-fire words in a language that would confuse anyone.

"Ravi, this is incredible! These symbols look like some form of quantum encryption," Mei exclaimed, her fingers dancing across the holographic interface.

"Indeed, Mei. This technology seems to be eons ahead of our time, but they are from the past. And look at those symbols," Ravi replied, lifting a small metallic orb that emitted a soft, otherworldly hum. "With my program, we can see that the energy signature it gives off is mind-boggling. It's a power source unlike anything we've ever encountered."

As they continued to delve into the mysteries of the newly acquired map, Mei's gaze fell upon a display showing intricate pathways of light connecting different points.

"I wasn't able to decipher everything, but this shows that Highpoint was connected to that laboratory," she mused.

"Quite possible," Ravi agreed. "And if that's the case, then they were right. Although we still don't know what happened there. Only the king survived."

Mei nodded, her curiosity tempered by a healthy dose of caution. They were standing on the precipice of untold knowledge. Their minds were filled with endless possibilities, most of them related to the Holy Grail: the cure for the Withering.

"Look here," Ravi pointed to a hologram displaying an intricate device. "I analyzed these things, they are almost everywhere. I think they might be some sort of security system, guarding the innermost chambers. It appears to be some kind of genetic scanner."

Mei's eyes widened. "A genetic scanner? We might be in trouble. Since only those with the right genetic markers can gain access, we might be stuck."

"But we won't know if they work unless we go there," Ravi said with a determined glint in his eye. "I know it's dangerous, but I have a hunch."

"We know each other for years, and you never believed in those things, only mathematics, logic, and reason."

"I don't know, Mei, but whatever we find in there, promise me we'll use this knowledge for the betterment of our world."

"Of course!" Mei smiled. "Maybe our species is not doomed."

--

Leila Nguyen stood amidst the bustling cargo zone under the imposing shadow of Excalibur. She had just arrived from Oasis, a place that held secrets of advanced agriculture, a place where the water was completely natural and plants were capable of growing. In her possession were metal crates and plastic barrels, each carefully packed with an assortment of exotic plants and vegetables, their colors vibrant even in the dim light of the warehouse.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Attention, everyone!" Leila called out to the warehouse carriers, who paused their work to listen to the biologist's excited explanation.

"These plants and vegetables are no ordinary specimens. They come from Oasis, and their medicinal properties are unparalleled. So, don't drop them, please."

One of her assistants approached, with a tablet turned on, displaying several names. Leila gestured toward the first crate, filled with tall, slender plants with shimmering silver leaves.

"Anton, this one is Lumina Fern. What does it do?"

"It's known for its bioluminescence, emitting a soft, calming light," Anton looked at it while his brain worked to extract the rest of the description from his memory. "The Lumina Fern's extracts have powerful calming effects and can be used in sleep aids and stress relief medications."

"Nice"

Next to the Lumina Fern, another crate held a peculiar plant with iridescent petals.

"Meet Aurora Blossom," Leila continued, "The petals of this flower possess potent healing properties. When combined with specific enzymes, it can accelerate tissue regeneration and be used to create advanced wound-healing salves. We haven't talked about that in class, right?"

"No, professor."

As she walked through the rows of crates followed by Anton, Leila pointed out more intriguing specimens.

"This one is called Solaris Cactus," she said, indicating a plant with thorny, luminous stems. "Its sap has a unique property: with it, we can create a substance that can act as a water purifier."

"Hidrocleaner?"

"Well," she smiled. "That's not the scientific name, Anton. Julius is the one who can explain that. Even though we have water and we can generate it thanks to the massive amounts of energy, we should thank technology for being capable of allowing us to not die of dehydration."

In the corner, a large plastic barrel held a collection of twisted roots with a metallic sheen.

"This is Ferro-Vine," Leila explained. "Its roots are rich in rare minerals and trace elements that aid in bone and muscle regeneration. It's a crucial component in creating medicines for fractured bones and muscular injuries."

Among the various crates, one stood out, emanating a sweet aroma that enveloped the area.

"This is Mirage Fruit," Leila said with a smile. "It's not just a treat for the senses; it also has potent antioxidant properties, protecting cells from radiation damage. Extracts from Mirage Fruit can be used to develop treatments against radioactivity poisoning. The next one is..."

"Professor!" the voice of the young boy made them turn their heads, watching how he approached the two as fast as he could. "Mei wants to see you. She says you are not answering her calls."

"What?" Leila took a big device, similar to a walkie-talkie with a screen. "This thing is always broken. Julius took mine and..."

Her face changed completely as she read the messages. Anton and the young boy knew that probably something really bad or really good happened. Leila never showed surprise, like she knew everything that could happen.

"Are they still in the heliport?"

"Yes."

"Anton, make sure they don't break anything. Also, make sure we give Oasis enough batteries, otherwise they will increase their prices again."

She walked away fast, leaving them there. Anton raised his voice.

"What is happening, professor?"

"Anton," she turned with a smile on her face. "Life is going to change. For good."