Ferra lowered a copper compass toward the first conduit in the registry testing chamber while Sera guarded the exit.
Sera kept the testing-room exit in sight while Ferra checked the conduits, preserving a clear path if the engine responded.
The luminous conduits terminated above an ancient slate pedestal, projecting faint vibrational ripples across the smooth granite flags of the floor.
The subterranean atmosphere smelled faintly of ozone, cooled stone, and centuries of dried ink preserved within sealed ceramic document cylinders.
Sera remained stationed near the broad portals with her visor open, watching the summoner's companions with guarded curiosity.
Ferra arranged three copper boundary markers across the three corners of the slate pedestal, measuring the ambient frequencies with her brass caliper.
She adjusted the delicate vernier scale with methodical precision, ensuring that the local electromagnetic fields would not interfere with their diagnostic reading.
