Before setting off, Ben glanced at his van stats and MP pool.

  [Condition: 45%, Fuel: 24%.]

  [MP: 50/100]

  The condition would be okay if they didn’t get into more trouble. Besides, they would spend most of their time on foot in the mine shafts. But he wasn't taking risks with a quarter of a fuel tank. Thus, he decided to use half his MP to refuel and save the remainder if he needed to repair the van.

  [Fuel: 49%]

  [MP: 25/100]

  With that done, he turned his attention to Har and Finn, sitting in their cart, waiting for him to give them the go-ahead. A few other village folks, including some from Dimiwood, were sick and tired of waiting around and wanted to tag along and help.

  Ben gave Har a thumbs up before the old man kicked his horse to action and led the way.

  ***

  When they arrived at the mine, Ben’s gaze shot toward the cage where they had left the bandits. There was no sign of anyone, and their broken camp had been cleared away. Ben hoped they had learned their lesson and would think twice about returning for any revenge. He had allowed them to change their ways and wouldn't do the same if he saw them again.

  The mine entrance rested at the foot of a rocky ridge that cut across the valley, pointing towards the snow-capped mountains in the distance. He wondered if some of the tunnels could be connected to the proving grounds or even the Feruslands, where that powerful fairy, who fought alongside Le’vieux, had come from.

  Har led the village folk to where the bandit tents had previously been erected. Everyone got to work, unloading the supplies from the carts, and began building the camp. Har then made his way to Finn and motioned him to the mine.

  Ben parked near the entrance, glancing at the temperature, which had plummeted a few degrees. He grabbed his jacket and the two flashlights from the back. He joined Har and Finn, who were waiting for him.

  When closer, Ben noticed the entrance looked rough and uneven and a little dark in places where soot had gathered. It looked like some explosive was used to collapse, making Ben think the miners must have done that on purpose. Ben figured it was wide enough for two horse carts to travel alongside each other. There were even marks on the ground which looked like cartwheels had carved them out.

  Har picked up one of the rocks. “These are not too large. How long do you think it could take to clear it?”

  Finn stroked his chin. “It all depends on how deep the rubble is. It could take around three days if it’s at the foreman’s office. Besides, we don't know how big the rocks will get as we go further in.”

  “From what I remember, the office is around fifteen feet down the shaft where the main chamber is. With the extra hands here, we could clear a small path down and leave the rest once we know what’s going on down there.” Har explained before turning to Ben. “What do you think?”

  “It’s better to be safe than sorry. We don't know what went on down there, and looking from the soot around the entrance, it seems like the miners collapsed it on purpose. There could be creatures down there, and I don’t want to take risks. I say the three of us go down and check things out.”

  Har nodded. “Alright. I’ll let the others know, and once the camp is set up, we’ll get to work clearing this.”

  ***

  The next day, Ben stared at the tunnel. He was surprised they had cleared it so quickly.

  “They put some back-breaking work into it. Luckily, it paid off, as it was only halfway filled in.” Har explained.

  “Great work," Ben complimented, adding, “We can't let everyone go inside without checking if things are safe; it would unnecessarily put their lives at risk.”

  “What do you suggest?” Har questioned.

  Ben glanced at both Har and Finn. “The three of us should venture forth with Finn as our guide. The village folk should stay out here and keep an eye on things. If there is danger, I want you both to run back here and prepare to collapse the cave as a last resort.”

  “Sounds fair to me.” Har nodded. He then spoke to the rest of the village folk, explaining everything.

  Ben went to the van and grabbed the weapon Jerry had given him. He figured it would be useful if he encountered any creatures. Once he was back at the entrance, Har motioned with his hand to lead the way.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  After a few steps into the darkness, Ben felt a strange feeling reverberating like pins and needles across his body. Something seemed odd and out of place. A sickly feeling churned in his stomach before the magic in his body started buzzing like when he first touched the artifact back on Earth. He wanted to reach for his flashlight, but something stopped him. His arm had become numb, and he dropped his weapon on the ground.

  Ben felt the darkness call for him, drawing him into its cold grasp. The next moment was a haze. Ben heard Har’s voice call out for him several times, but it seemed like he was moving further away from him each time. He twisted his neck to see what was happening, only to be met with nothing.

  What the heck is going on now?

  “Har? Finn?” Ben yelled at the top of his lungs. He would have thought in the caves, and his voice would have echoed, but it didn't. All he received in response was a deafening silence.

  The numbness faded, and Ben reached for his flashlight. When he pressed the button, the light only penetrated a few feet before diffusing, as if he were standing in a thick fog.

  This can't be real!

  Thinking back to what he had seen after fighting the bloodhounds, the reality of the situation started to set in. He was stuck inside another vision.

  When the darkness shifted to a starry background, it felt like hours had passed. Everything started to resemble the scene from the previous vision.

  None of this makes any sense.

  The hairs on Ben’s neck started to tingle as he felt something wrap around his waist. When he looked down, it looked like two tentacles had grabbed him.

  Oh, hell no!

  “It will soon enough.” An unfamiliar voice echoed around Ben’s head.

  Ben was pulled back and spun to face the other direction. His mouth dropped open when he noticed a large cloud of mist before him. Strange crimson energy sparked and zapped across its surface. It looked the same as what he had seen coming out of the artifact before he was flung across the universe.

  The mist began to shrink and condense before it became humanoid. It started to resemble a mannequin, similar to the ones Ben had seen in clothing stores, except it looked more sinister, like some eldritch being from an evil corner of the universe.

  The entity moved closer to Ben until its blank, featureless face rested a few feet away. Then, it stared directly at Ben while staying unnaturally still.

  “What the hell are you?” Ben asked, his voice trembling in fear. A feeling of frustration and annoyance swept across his body.

  “You should watch your tone when speaking with higher beings. I gave you access to the power of the engineer seed, and I can take it from you instantly.” The entity snapped.

  “Whoah! Take it easy. It’s not like I asked you to give it to me.” Ben replied. The feeling then changed to that of amusement.

  “It seems that is correct. You were chosen to wield its power based on your character. Strong-minded, resourceful, and able to work with what you have.” It responded.

  “Hmm. You still haven't answered my question.”

  “In the universe, two forces always work against each other: creation and destruction. What you saw before was the work of destruction. I am an engineer who creates. I’ve endowed my knowledge upon countless civilizations and given them the means to build vast galactic empires to defeat the destruction. The artifact you were transporting is a seed of power and has created a connection between us.” The entity explained.

  “That explains the crazy visions. So, does that mean you’ll be stuck in my head, reading my thoughts?” Ben asked.

  “The visions you previously witnessed were my memories and a side effect of the integration process. We are connected now that the seed has fully assimilated with you.”

  “You should think about fixing the entire darkness trap thing, and I was stuck in there for hours… if it’s going to be like that, then I would rather not talk to you. Besides, if I’m honest, how you look right now is creepy. Are you not able to take a better form?”

  “The aesthetics of my appearance are of no importance. You wouldn’t be able to comprehend the scale of my true being. The reason you are here is due to what you see around here. The forces of destruction are out to destroy this part of the universe. They will stop at no end and even have their sights set on the world where you are situated. You may have come into contact with them already.”

  “Well, if you count weird leeches that lodge themselves in your neck and take over your body. They’ve already started taking over both creatures and humans. I don't suppose you know what’s going on with them?” Ben asked.

  “They are the result of the dark spore. Crafted from dark matter by the agents of my enemies. Before launching a full-scale invasion of destruction, they infect a world to weaken it. They will stop at nothing to destroy everything. You must defeat them.” The entity explained.

  “Hang on, I’m not sure what you mean by that. I just saw an entire field of space junk where I’m guessing a massive space battle occurred. I’m stuck in the middle of a medieval civilization, which will probably take a thousand years or more to reach a stage where they can go up against a threat like that. What do you want me to do?” Ben scratched his head.

  “Trust in the power of the seed, and you may one day build a civilization that rules the galaxy or possibly even the universe. On your rise to power, you will encounter many obstacles and enemies who will no doubt want your end.” The entity explained as the stars in the background started to flicker. “I must leave you now. Here, take this tool. It will be of use to you in your quest. I may contact you again when the time is right.” Just as the entity finished speaking, darkness began to consume everything.

  ***

  Suddenly, Ben jumped as the flames of a torch danced in his face.

  “Ben?” Har called out.

  “What the heck? Get that thing out of my face.” Ben shrieked, taking a few steps back. The scene had changed so rapidly it caught him off guard.

  “Are you feeling alright?” Har asked. “You stood there for moments, frozen still like a stone. Your face went pale as if you’d seen a ghost. Young Finn is over there worried out of his mind.”

  “Erm… was I? I must have been daydreaming or something.” Ben nodded. After witnessing all that, he needed time to process it all. He didn't want to share the details with Har if they thought he was insane.

  Har looked down before a frown filled his forehead. “What’s that in your hand?”

  Ben gave Har a funny look before he felt something smooth like plastic in his hand. When he looked down, a notification popped up in his vision.

  ***

  Omnitool Mk.1: A tool with various uses.

  Open the menu for more information.

  ***

  Ben shrugged. “I have no idea.” He took a deep breath, realizing it must have been given to him by that entity.