Serelle, Ebonheim, and Viviane huddled closely around the cube, their heads touching as they peered at the mysterious artifact. The dim light of Viviane's etheric lamp cast a pale yellow glow over the three, illuminating the cube and its arcane markings.

"Looks like an oversized dice, doesn't it?" Viviane quipped, tilting her head to the side causing the others' heads to tilt in tandem.

Serelle adjusted her glasses and brushed a lock of hair from her face before also tilting her head in the other direction, making the others' heads tilt back the opposite way. "Hardly a game, Viviane. This could be a very important find, assuming we can determine what it does."

"Still, this cube is unlike anything I've ever seen," Serelle continued. "It's not made of any material I recognize, and the engravings on its surface are indecipherable."

Viviane nodded in agreement. "It's been giving off a faint aura ever since we found it, but I haven't been able to identify its source. I'd love to study it in my workshop, but Serelle's insisting we leave it where it is for now."

Ebonheim, stuck in the middle of the head pile, stared intently at the cube. "Do you think it's some sort of ancient magitech?"

"Definitely!" Viviane enthused. "There are runes inscribed on its surface that have to be the precursors of modern arcane script. This thing is thousands of years old, at least! And who knows what secrets it holds."

Serelle nodded again, her ponytail bobbing from side to side. "I can vouch for its authenticity. The script on this cube bears striking similarities to the ancient runes uncovered by scholars of old. If we can translate those writings, we may discover previously unknown truths about the people who lived in the valley."

Hmm.

Ebonheim reached out with her finger to poke the cube, but both Viviane and Serelle slapped her hand away before she could make contact.

"Goddess, no," Serelle warned. "We don't know what would happen if anyone touches it."

Viviane nodded in agreement. "Could cause all kinds of things. Maybe explode, maybe teleport us somewhere weird. Maybe both!"

Ebonheim withdrew her finger sheepishly. "Sorry. Just curious, is all. It looks harmless enough, though."

"Let's save the poking and prodding for a later time, with safety measures in place," Serelle suggested. "Ideally, when we know a bit more about what this object is, and how to handle it safely."

"Okay," Ebonheim replied, nodding in agreement. "How should we proceed, then?"

"Well, we were hoping you might have some divine insight about what it could be," Viviane said with a hopeful tone.

Ebonheim squinted her eyes at the cube.

Nothing. Not a single glimmer of recognition or understanding. That flash of insight she experienced during Kelzryn's release never returned.

Was it because this device wasn't as significant? Or maybe because the two weren't related to each other?

The cuboid seemed to pulse with energy, though no sound accompanied the glow. Its polished surface reflected the light of the lamp, creating shifting patterns of illumination on the walls around them.

"Sorry, no. I have no idea what this thing is or how it works," she said with a frown, shaking her head. "I can try something though..."

Her eyes shimmered as she used her Divine Sight.

The Akashic System didn't display the usual status screen when examining an object, but instead, a network of glowing threads appeared before her, spreading out like the roots of a tree, fanning out from the cube. The threads crisscrossed the air, weaving in and out of each other, forming five distinct lines that branched off in different directions; Each thread shimmered with a distinct color.

Ebonheim followed one of the lines with her gaze, watching as it snaked through the air and curved around the walls of the chamber, passing through several structures before disappearing out of sight.

"Woah..."

Viviane and Serelle pressed their faces against hers, trying to make out what she was looking at, causing Ebonheim's cheeks to squish between theirs.

"What do you see?" Serelle asked, her voice low and quiet.

"Not sure," Ebonheim replied, struggling to free herself from the head pile. "A network of glowing threads. Five of them, actually."

"Glowing threads?" Viviane reached into her toolbelt and retrieved a pair of spectacles with green lenses, using them to peer at the cube. "I'm not seeing anything."

"I'll try using Arcane Sight," Serelle murmured, closing her eyes as she uttered the incantations for the spell. Her eyes opened again, shining with a soft azure radiance as she peered through the lenses of her glasses. "Hmm...interesting. I can see them now. Barely. The arcane energy is weak, but it's there."

"Ugh, let me calibrate." Viviane turned a dial on the side of her spectacles, shifting the lens from green to violet. "Ah! Now we're talking."

Ebonheim nodded, following the lines with her eyes again. "Do they lead anywhere?"

"Probably to other parts of the ruins," Serelle observed, straining her eyes to make out the details of the spectral webbing. "Or perhaps even beyond. It's difficult to say with certainty. We'd have to track each individual strand to know for sure."

Viviane's eyes lit up with a sudden realization. "Do you think this cube is a power source for an old Magitech device, or something like that? If so, the threads could be connections between the device and the surrounding systems."

"Possible," Serelle concurred, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "Though it doesn't explain why there are five separate threads when most Magitech devices require only one connection. Unless this is some kind of auxiliary power source."

"So, what now?" Ebonheim asked, unable to hide the eagerness in her voice.

Even though her mind drew blanks regarding the origins or function of this cube, she couldn't help but feel drawn to it, as if there was something about it that called to her, urging her forward. There was a familiarity about it—something intangible yet powerful, like a memory just beyond her grasp.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Viviane grinned. "Well, if we want to understand how this cube works, we're going to have to follow the breadcrumbs."

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Ebonheim's gaze followed the ethereal trail, its luminescent tendrils snaking through the air, teasing the edges of her perception. The path led them deeper into the ruins, winding through abandoned streets and twisting alleyways, until they emerged into a vast, open plaza, surrounded by ruined buildings on all sides.

Vines clung to crumbled archways and weeds grew through cracks in the paving stones. At its heart stood the remnants of a large, metallic construct, partially buried in the earth.

It was humanoid in shape, with a broad chest and shoulders, and spindly limbs, each ending in a series of pronged fingers. Its surface was rusted and dented, and patches of moss clung to the seams of its joints and crevices.

Is that—

"Putain! C'est un Aetherframe!" Viviane squealed as she dashed toward the metal giant, her boots crunching on the gravel underfoot. She skidded to a halt just before the ancient Aetherframe, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she circled the wreckage, inspecting every detail. "Ooh, look at these markings...this configuration of power conduits...and the structure of the servos, oi! It's positively archaic."

Serelle sighed and shook her head. "Of course she'd be drawn to this," she muttered to herself as she joined Ebonheim in approaching the machine. "Don't mind me. I'll just tag along to keep her in check."

Ebonheim gazed at the construct in awe, running her hands along its massive frame. Even in its decayed state, it retained an imposing presence, looming over them like a statue of a forgotten god. The faintest traces of mystical energy lingered in the air around them, tingling against her skin.

"So this is one of the things the cube is connected to?" she wondered aloud.

"Oui," Viviane replied, clambering over the Aetherframe's back to get a better look inside its control alcove. "If this Aetherframe is still functional, it could be drawing power from it. Or maybe, it's the other way around?"

Serelle crouched down to examine a section of torn metal plating, exposing the inner workings of the mechanism. "Whatever the case, I'm inclined to believe the cube is the more powerful component."

She gingerly probed the exposed wiring with her fingers, careful not to damage any of the delicate components. "The chassis seems to be in relatively good condition, but its components have decayed to the point of uselessness. Aetherframe or no, there's nothing left of its original function." She stood up and wiped her hands on her pants, frowning. "If the cube is its power source, this machine hasn't moved in a very long time."

Viviane clambered down from the Aetherframe's back, landing with a thud on the ground below. She straightened up and brushed the dust and grime from her clothes, flashing a lopsided grin at her companions. "I vote we spend the next month exploring these ruins. Ebonheim approves, right?"

Ebonheim pinched Viviane's cheek, causing the artificer to pout. "We're here for a reason, Viviane. Getting sidetracked isn't exactly part of the plan."

"Pfft, plans can change." Viviane waved Ebonheim's hand away from her face, rubbing her sore cheek. "Besides, who knows what else we'll find here? Imagine how much knowledge we can gather!"

"I can't argue against learning more about this place, but I'm still responsible for building the roadway through the valley," Ebonheim stated. "It would be irresponsible of me to delay that."

"Please? Just for a little while?" Viviane pleaded, giving her a pleading look. "C'est pas comme si ta route avance de cette façon." (It's not like your road will advance like that.)

Ebonheim considered Viviane's request. On one hand, she was obligated to complete her assigned task. On the other, the temptation to delve deeper into the ruins and unravel the secrets they held was almost too great to resist. If they stayed longer, who knew what discoveries they could make? Perhaps they'd even find answers to the mysteries surrounding this place.

In the end, curiosity won out over duty.

"Okay, fine," she conceded, earning a triumphant cheer from Viviane. "But only for a week! Then we go back to finishing the road."

"You got it! I promise we'll be productive!" The artificer flashed her a thumbs-up, grinning broadly. "And hey, who knows? Maybe we'll uncover some valuable artifacts in the process."

Serelle gave an exasperated sigh, shaking her head. "I have a sinking feeling I'll be dragging you out of here when the time comes."

"You won't have to," Ebonheim assured her with a smile. "One week, and no more. After that, we return to the road." She shot a stern glance at Viviane, who quickly averted her gaze.

"Uh huh. Sure. Right."

"That's not exactly an assuring reply..." Serelle muttered, clearly unconvinced.

"Aw, c'mon. It'll be fine!" Viviane reassured, giving the other woman a reassuring pat on the back. "Oh, and I'll go notify Lorne and Urien, too. You go let Thorsten and Ingrid know." She spun on her heels and trotted away, humming cheerfully to herself.

Serelle cleared her throat, gathering Ebonheim's attention. "If we're going to be staying for a while, we need to be cautious. These ruins could hold dangers we aren't prepared for."

Ebonheim tilted her head and eyed Serelle inquisitively. "I'm surprised you're not as excited as Viviane to stay longer, given her enthusiasm over Aetherframe relics."

The corners of Serelle's lips curled into a smile as she pushed up her glasses, the lenses shimmering in the fading daylight. "I am interested in the history of these ruins, make no mistake. But unlike Viviane, I prefer to remain level-headed in such situations. I wouldn't call myself 'excited.' Let's call it a scholarly curiosity, if anything."

"Fair enough," Ebonheim responded, chuckling. "Anyway, if we're going to be staying a while, we should set up camp near the ruins. Better to be close by in case anything happens. Right?"

"Yes, agreed," Serelle answered, adjusting the straps of her satchel. "Although I'd suggest a slightly more defensible location. This clearing is rather open and exposed. While I doubt any foes would find us this far into the valley, it never hurts to take precautions."

"Wherever we decide to make camp, we'll need to discuss preparations for the night with Urien and Lorne," Ebonheim declared. "They'll know how to secure the perimeter and what defenses we'll need in place. Wouldn't want to let anyone or anything sneak up on us during the evening hours."

----------------------------------------

"Really? We're staying for a week?" Lorne raised an eyebrow as he sat back, crossing his arms.

He listened to Viviane's explanation and saw Ebonheim nod in confirmation. While he was a little skeptical about the extended stay, he understood their reasoning. Still, the prospect of lingering in this place for an entire week, with the danger of the unknown lurking in the shadows, wasn't something he relished.

"If that's what Ebonheim says, then that's what we'll do," he said, resigned to the idea. "But we'll need to make some adjustments to our campsite. Can't exactly fight off intruders if we're sleeping in the open."

His gaze flicked to Urien, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. The paladin stared into the distance, lost in thought.

"Urien, you have anything to add?" Lorne asked.

"Hm? Oh, yeah, I guess," Urien replied with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "I mean, I'm fine with staying here for a few days if everyone else is, but I gotta say, this place gives me the creeps. I don't think I'll sleep a wink tonight."

Lorne gave him a sideways glance. "Any specific reason for your unease, or is that just a gut feeling?"

"Call it a hunch, I suppose," Urien replied, his expression turning somber. "Maybe I'm still reeling from the encounter with that mist, I dunno." He rubbed his forehead absently as if trying to brush away the memory of the haunting encounter. "There's something strange about these ruins. It's like...they're not entirely empty."

Ebonheim patted Urien's shaved head and smiled reassuringly. "Shall I sing you a lullaby to help you sleep tonight? Might ease your worries a bit."

"As much as I'd enjoy the serenade, goddess, I'd feel too embarrassed to rest well with your sweet, angelic voice echoing in my ears all night." Urien winked. "No offense, of course. I'm sure you have a lovely singing voice."

Ebonheim chuckled. "None taken. We'll focus on keeping the camp secure, and hopefully, that'll help put your mind at ease." She glanced over at Lorne, who nodded in agreement.

"Alright, so we're settled on extending our stay." Lorne exhaled slowly as he gathered his thoughts.

He disliked the uncertainty of being in an unfamiliar environment with just a small group of people, especially after the incident with the mist. Fortunately, Ebonheim's presence served as a ward, but that didn't eliminate all risks. He had to assume there would be unexpected problems, and be ready for them.