Echo Of Infinity: 100× exp

The Echo of Infinity: Chapter 22 - Crystal Resonance

Descending further into the quarry pit, Kael encountered two more Crystal Guardians. Applying the knowledge from the first encounter, he dispatched them quickly and efficiently, targeting the glowing blue crystals on their backs. Each victory poured thousands of EXP into his equipped classes via the Accumulator, pushing his levels steadily higher. He made sure to retrieve intact shards from the defeated guardians, tucking them carefully into his pack – potential evidence for the Guild.

The third level down was where the primary crystal veins seemed most concentrated. Large formations, some taller than Kael, jutted from the rock walls, their internal luminescence creating an eerie blue-green glow in the deepening twilight. Here, the residual Crystalline Magic energy was much stronger, a low hum that vibrated in the air and resonated strangely with the Resonance Stone under his tunic.

He found what looked like a central processing area from the quarry's active days: rusted sorting tables, conveyor belts choked with dust, and large loading platforms overlooking the deepest part of the pit. Near one of the platforms, half-hidden by fallen debris, was a small, makeshift campsite. Recent. A discarded waterskin, ashes from a small fire (days old, Kael judged), and several spent energy cells of a type Kael didn't recognize lay scattered around.

Someone had been here, camping out, likely studying or harvesting the crystals. Who? And were they connected to the reactivated guardians?

His [Detect Presence] swept the area again. Still no signs of active life, but the programmed energy signature felt stronger now, emanating from the lowest level of the quarry pit. He cautiously approached the edge of the loading platform and peered down.

The bottom of the quarry was a flat expanse littered with crystal debris. In the center stood a large, complex crystal formation, taller than the others, pulsing with a slow, rhythmic blue light. Around its base were several more inert Crystal Guardians, standing like sentinels. And carved into the rock floor around the central crystal was a complex geometric pattern – a runic circle, but unlike any Kael had seen before. It incorporated crystalline structures directly into its design.

*This* was the source of the energy signature. It felt like a massive, dormant machine or array. And the Scaleshaper's pebbles... they felt like crude, corrupted fragments derived from this purer source energy.

Suddenly, the Resonance Stone under Kael's tunic pulsed warmly. Simultaneously, the central crystal formation in the pit below flared brighter, its rhythmic pulse quickening. The 'programmed' energy signature surged.

*Uh oh.*

The Crystal Guardians at the bottom of the pit stirred. Their blue optical sensors flared to life. One… two… five of them activated, turning their heads towards Kael's position on the platform above.

He had inadvertently triggered something, likely via the Resonance Stone interacting with the main crystal array. He quickly ducked back behind some heavy, rusted machinery.

He heard the heavy tread of the guardians beginning to move, searching for the source of the disturbance. He needed to leave, report his findings. He had confirmed recent activity, reactivated guardians, a central crystal array, and a likely link to the Scaleshaper's magic source. Mission accomplished.

He began to retreat silently towards the ramp leading back up. But as he moved, his foot slipped on loose scree, sending a cascade of small rocks tumbling down into the pit.

Instantly, the guardians below reacted. One of them looked directly up towards his hiding spot. Worse, it raised one of its heavy mining arms, and the blue crystal shards embedded in it began to glow intensely.

*‘[Crystal Shard Volley]!’* Kael instinctively identified the nascent spell formation via [Sense Mana].

A barrage of razor-sharp blue crystal shards shot up from the guardian's arm, aimed directly at Kael's cover.

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Publishment Date:  8/4/2025