Elio observed the crystal's message once more.
He had 24 hours.
The emblems pulsed with power inside him, almost doubling all his statistics. A temporary force, but devastating.
When the group emerged from the deposit, Elio's first question was about Zara's whereabouts.
"They found the other crystal," one of the builders informed. "But she's waiting outside. Not even six hours from the twelve you asked to wait have passed."
"Don't tell her we're out yet," Elio said, his voice containing something that made the others exchange glances. "I need to do some tests at the front of the wall construction."
While preparing to cross the tunnel toward the city, his mind turned over the problem of the earth deposit.
Time was running out.
What would happen if the emblems expired before defeating the king?
Perhaps they could simply repeat it or maybe there would be a penalty, but...
They couldn't afford that risk.