The mouth of the abandoned mine loomed before them, jagged and dark like a gaping wound in the hillside. The air smelled of damp stone and something musty.
Lyra crouched, examining claw marks near the entrance. "Cave bats. Recent."
JP pulled a Glow Pebble from his pouch. With a faint hum, the stone lit up, filling the mine with steady amber light. Lyra blinked, briefly startled, though she masked it quickly.
"That's… convenient," she murmured.
They ventured deeper, the light chasing shadows from the walls. JP kept his Appraisal active, scanning minerals as they passed.
Iron Ore – Common. Usable.Quartz – Minor Alchemy Component.Strange Mineral – Unstable Mana Resonance. Handle with care.
He pocketed samples, excitement flickering. These could be useful later.
But the deeper they went, the more the air filled with screeches.
From the ceiling above, dozens of glowing eyes opened.
"Cave bats," Lyra hissed, drawing her dagger.
JP's mind raced. Too many to fight with blades. Need a plan.
He pulled two Glow Pebbles and clapped them together. The sudden flare of light stunned several bats, sending them crashing into walls.
"Not bad," Lyra muttered, cutting down one that lunged.
But more swarmed. JP reached into his pack, pulling out a crude device he'd tinkered with: a wire coil wrapped around a crystal. He tossed it onto the ground.
It crackled—and a pulse of electricity surged outward. Several bats shrieked, dropping dead.
JP's heart pounded. It works!
Lyra stared, wide-eyed. For the first time, awe touched her features. "What… are you?"
JP didn't answer. He was too busy loading another coil.
The mine echoed with screeches, crackles, and the hiss of steel as the two fought back to back. By the time the last bat fell, the tunnel reeked of scorched wings.
Breathing heavily, JP wiped sweat from his brow. His Glow Pebbles still burned steadily, lighting their victory.
Lyra's gaze lingered on him. Not hostile now—but sharper, more curious than ever.
"You're full of secrets, JP."
He forced a smile. "And you're full of surprises. Guess we're even."
But in his chest, his heart raced. If she saw that… how long until others do?