"I Saw It."

1.

Rrrrattle……

The crystal-mining drill trundled slowly along the tracks. The metallic clatter of its wheels against the rails scraped through the narrow passage, echoing in a low rumble.

“We’re entering the Deep Zone. Everyone, stay alert.”

The crystals embedded in the walls emitted a faint light. But it reached only a few steps ahead. Beyond that, only distant darkness crouched in wait.

“Report even the slightest sound immediately. If we give them even one opening, we’ll be wiped out. Understood?”

[Yes!]

[G-got it…!]

Once their replies stopped, only the metallic clatter quietly echoed through the passage again. I could faintly hear their ragged breathing through my headset.

“…We’re going in.”...