The team arrived in Bideford with their caravan, the bustling city was vibrant and lively as always.
For some of them, this was their first time setting foot in the capital. Their eyes roamed curiously over the cityscape that unfolded before them.
As they navigated through the lively streets near the city centre, their surroundings seemed to buzz with activity.
"Should we go to the king's mansion or to his office?" one team member pondered aloud, casting a glance around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
The team leader glanced up at the clock tower, its hands pointing to three in the afternoon.
"We should head to the office," the leader decided, their voice carrying a note of practicality. "It's still office hours, and we're more likely to find the king there."
With a collective nod, the team continued through the city streets. The towering buildings and elegant architecture of Bideford were a stark contrast to their recent experiences in the wilderness.
As they approached the government district, the sight of the administrative office came into view. A grand building with ornate columns and imposing doors.
It stood as a symbol of authority amidst the bustling city.
Taking a deep breath, the team leader pushed open the doors, revealing a bustling interior. Clerks were engrossed in their paperwork and the energy of the city's administrative hub was palpable.
The team approached the front desk, where a diligent clerk looked up with a polite smile. "How can I help you?" She inquired.
"We wish to meet the king. We need to report about this directly to him," the team leader said with a tone of urgency, revealing a glimpse of the radiant mana crystal to the clerk.
The crystal's gentle luminosity danced within the room, catching the clerk's attention.
The clerk's expression shifted from professional detachment to genuine interest.
"Please wait a moment," she replied, rising from her desk. She exchanged a few words with her colleagues, who glanced over at the shimmering mana crystal with a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
....
After going through all the necessary procedures, including presenting their credentials and detailing the nature of their discovery, the team found themselves standing outside the imposing doors of the king's office.
The anticipation in the air was palpable as they waited for permission to enter.
As the clock tower chimed in the distance, the appointed time arrived, and the doors swung open with a deliberate creak.
The team leader stepped forward, leading the way into the office.
"Take a seat, everyone," the king's voice resonated, commanding attention without a hint of arrogance.
Following the king's directive, the team members moved to the indicated chairs, their expressions a blend of respect and eagerness.
"I have been informed that you guys have something to show me," Riz said, his voice carrying a blend of curiosity and authority.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the team leader responded with a respectful nod, their posture attentive and focused.
The team leader, hands steady, reached into a pouch and produced the mana crystal.
The crystal, a radiant gem that had remained hidden beneath the earth for ages, caught the ambient light and shimmered with an ethereal glow.
The king's eyebrows raised in genuine surprise, a flicker of astonishment momentarily breaking his composed demeanour.
The room seemed to hold its breath, enveloped in a hushed anticipation.
"This is..." Riz began, his voice trailing off as he stared at the radiant mana crystal before him.
He leaned forward slightly in his seat, his gaze transfixed by the crystal's luminous glow.
The team members watched, their hearts beating a little faster as they awaited his reaction.
"Mana crystal," Riz mused, his tone a mixture of awe and recognition. The one he had seen before give him the same feeling as this one.
Riz's words didn't pass by the team unnoticed. They exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued by the king's reaction.
It was clear that the king know about the existence of this crystal.
"Where did you find this?" Riz inquired, his gaze still fixed on the radiant gem.
"We found this in an underground cavern when an unexpected sinkhole occurred during construction." the team leader responded.
Riz's gaze remained fixed on the crystal as he asked, "Did anyone get hurt?"
"Fortunately, no," the team leader replied, a hint of relief in their tone.
Riz reached out, his fingers wrapping around the crystal delicately as if handling a fragile treasure.
He brought it closer to his eyes, examining the intricate facets that seemed to dance with refracted light.
"Hmm, interesting," he murmured, his voice a mixture of curiosity and contemplation.
As he studied the radiant mana crystal, thoughts raced through his mind, each question leading to another.
He wondered about the crystal's formation.
Was it due to the density of mana within the cavern is so high that it began to crystallize?
The very nature of mana intrigued him, sparking his desire to understand.
Then, another question surfaced.
Why did the colour of this crystal differ from the deep red one that belonged to Nelson?
Perhaps they originated from completely different sources.
The question of the crystal's origin led to even broader speculation.
How had the cavern come to possess such concentrated mana? Did it originate from the Phoenix Forest nearby?
If so, there must be an underground passage connecting the two locations, allowing the mana to flow and crystallize along its path.
The implications would be profound, suggesting the potential for more mana crystals to be discovered within the surrounding land area.
His attention shifted back to the team as he voiced his thoughts. "I believe this is not the only mana crystal you found, right?"
The team leader nodded in affirmation. "Yes, Your Majesty. There are abundant of them within the cavern, ranging in various sizes. We only managed to explore a small portion of the expanse before deciding to return."
"I see..." Riz mused, his tone contemplative. He leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed on the team leader. "I have a task for you to do."
The team members leaned forward slightly, their attention fully captured by the king's words.
"Explore and map the entire cavern," Riz continued, his voice carrying a sense of purpose. "Document the locations of the mana crystals, the layout of the cavern, the presence of any lakes or water sources, and any other notable features. This is a task of utmost importance."
The team leader nodded in understanding, a sense of responsibility emanating from their stance.
"And," Riz added, his gaze unwavering, "you must keep this mission discreet. Do not spread the word about this job, its purpose, or whatever you have found."
The team leader's commitment was unwavering as they nodded once more, acknowledging the king's directive.
"Good. You may leave now," Riz stated, his voice carrying a sense of assurance and trust. "Leave the crystals and the water here."
With a respectful bow, the team leader signalled to their companions, and together they carefully placed the mana crystal and the container of water on the desk before the king.
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