After what felt like hours of navigating the twisting tunnels of the cave, they finally reached a large, open chamber. The air was thick with magical energy, and the walls of the cavern were lined with glowing crystals, their light bathing the room in a soft, ethereal glow. These weren't ordinary stones, these were Mana Crystals.
Eirik's heart raced as the system flashed again:
Material Found: Mana Crystal (x4)
"These are it," Lyra said, her voice barely above a whisper as she gazed at the crystals. "This is what you need for the bow, and more."
Eirik wasted no time, moving to the nearest cluster of crystals. He activated Analyze Material and felt a surge of energy as the system registered the crystals. He didn't have the tools to extract them efficiently, but with a few well-placed strikes using the Ether Dagger, he managed to chip off a few pieces.
Material Obtained: Mana Crystal (x2)
It wasn't much, but it was enough to craft what he needed.
Just as Eirik stood, ready to move on, the ground beneath them rumbled.
"What now?" Eirik muttered, his eyes darting around the chamber.
From the far end of the cavern, a low growl echoed through the space. A massive creature lumbered into view, its body made entirely of stone, glowing runes etched across its surface. The energy from the Mana Crystals pulsed through it like blood, its eyes glowing with the same eerie blue light.
"That," Lyra said grimly, "is the Guardian of the Crystals. And it's not happy we're here."
The Guardian let out a deafening roar, and the ground shook beneath them. Eirik's mind raced. This wasn't a creature he could defeat with just a dagger. He needed a new plan, something crafted specifically for this battle.
His eyes flicked to the Mana Crystals, the pieces he had gathered already sparking with energy in his hands.
It was time to craft something powerful.