The mountains around Blackvein Forge shook again. Not the usual rumble of deep blasting, but something wrong.
Aiden stood on the main overlook platform, arms crossed, watching dust spill from fresh cracks in the rock face. Reports had come in all morning: crystal veins turning hostile, growing spikes that blocked tunnels and speared workers.
Miners called it the whispers. Aiden knew better. This was the Sky Dungeon faction testing them.
"Exosuits ready?" he asked.
The lead engineer wiped sweat from his brow. "Three prototypes. Crystal cores stable for now. We've reinforced the joints against backlash."
"Give me one." Aiden stepped into the heavy frame. Servos whined as it locked around his limbs. The chest plate hummed with power from the new Blackvein crystals. It felt like wearing controlled lightning.
"We're clearing the lower veins today. No half measures."
Elizabeth watched from the side, arms folded tight. She said nothing, but her eyes tracked every movement.
