Max, Lyra, and Elder Drew moved deeper a the dimly lit cave, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the damp stone walls. A faint bluish glow shimmered from ahead, hinting at the mana pool's presence.
Elder Drew walked ahead, hands clasped behind his back, speaking with a light tone as he explained the procedures.
He talked about the special sealing formation they would use to extract the mana pool without disturbing the natural balance, how it would be transported through the empire's spatial vault, and how it would ultimately be stationed in the Great Ruler Empire's cultivation sanctuary to nourish future generations of geniuses.
His voice was steady, filled with authority and pride. But behind him, Max remained quiet, not responding, not even nodding.
