The darkness in the carbon tunnel was almost tangible, broken only by the faint glow of the books and the summons of Brok and Micah.
The space, though confined, felt strangely empty, the weight of their mission hanging heavy in the air.
"You know," Brok began, his voice muffled by the oxygen stone, "I never thought I'd be here, in the bowels of the monster sea, building a tunnel with magic." His massive form seemed almost comical in the narrow space.
Micah nodded, a slight smile curving his lips. "Life takes unexpected turns. A year ago, my biggest concern was how to get enough mana for my family." His eyes held a faraway look, remembering simpler, if not easier, times.
Brok grunted in agreement, recalling his own past struggles. "And now here we are, trying to save the entire city. Elio really got us into something big, huh?" There was admiration and trepidation in his voice.