Ren held his breath, his body completely still, pressed against the cool stone wall. Each heartbeat seemed unnaturally loud in the oppressive silence of the deep tunnels.
A lesser worm emerged from a side tunnel, its pale body glowing faintly with absorbed mana. The creature's rugged skin revealed intricate patterns of mana circulation, a beautiful display of natural energy processing.
'Must have been about two months ago,' his mental analysis continued while observing the worm. 'The common worm probably died or returned to the depths. But its last defecation left this zone separated.'
The knowledge flowing through his mind painted a clear picture of the tunnel's recent history.
The lesser worm advanced near the deposit, its movements fluid and purposeful. Its olfactory sensors quivered, drawn by the rich mana concentration in the vein.
