Chapter 183 - Work Work

As the dwarven miners continued clearing rubble, Vell turned back to Sonder.

They had already ported out twelve miners, focusing on those trapped deepest in the mine. The closer ones were being rescued by the regular miners, who worked tirelessly with pickaxes, shovels, and brute strength.

"You've got a talent for sensory magic," Vell said, his gaze steady. Sweat poured down her forehead, leaving streaks in the dust coating her face.

"Thanks," she replied, out of breath, her hands trembling slightly.

"If you keep this up, you could branch into divination, clairvoyance, maybe even projection. But only if that's a path you want to take." He studied her closely, then added, "Now, let's see if you can handle something more active."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"We need to fill in parts of the tunnel to stabilize it. If you can manipulate dirt and stone, we might be able to prevent further damage."

Sonder steeled herself at the thought of more magical work. "I can try." 

Vell tilted his head, his tone firm. "This isn't the time to try, Blackbird. This is the time to do. You're a mage, aren't you? Start small—move a handful of dirt, a pebble. Focus on what you can do."

Sonder swallowed hard and nodded.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, Vell transported them to what he had determined was the most unstable section of the mine.

"Here," he said, gesturing in the dark, the wooden beams groaning ominously. "Fill this section." 

Sonder hesitated. "Is this really the right decision? If time is short, shouldn't you do it?" 

"Don't question me, Sonder," Vell said, his tone sharp but measured. "I am the master, and you are the student, so listen."

Her hesitation melted into resolve as she nodded. Extending a hand, her fingers trembled from exhaustion, and the dust clinging to her arms and face only made her feel more worn.

She'd called water and fire before, with limited success, but she reasoned that earth should be simpler. The weight of the dirt beneath her fingers felt solid and tangible—a connection she could touch and feel.

The dirt shifted under her will, sluggish at first. A stream of loose earth trickled from her fingers to the ground in front of her, forming a small mound.

"That's it," Vell said, his voice calm but encouraging. "Now shape push it. We need much more than this much quicker." 

Sonder furrowed her brow, concentrating. Every second felt like lifting an enormous weight, but the mound of dirt grew steadily and began to fill the tunnel.

The process was painstakingly slow. But after what felt like an eternity, the unstable section stood more stable.

Sonder staggered back, her legs trembling. "I did it," she whispered, relief washing over her.

Vell nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad for an apprentice."

As the dwarves uncovered their first miner without magical aid, Sonder's confidence grew. She moved to the next section with Vell, filling in the tunnels as best as her strained magic would allow.

Time dragged on, her mana flickering like a candle in the wind, threatening to go out at any second. 

Exhaustion tugged at her with every motion—her limbs heavy, her mind foggy. Yet each time she faltered, Vell's steady voice brought her back.

"You're doing good work, Blackbird," he said as she collapsed against a wall after completing another section. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her hands caked in grime. "You're stronger than I thought."

She managed a faint smile, her chest swelling with pride despite her weariness. "Does this mean I get a break?"

Vell chuckled softly, his red eyes gleaming. "After we're done here."

The sounds of rescue efforts filled the tunnel, and for the first time, hope outweighed despair. When the final miner was pulled free, cheers erupted among the dwarves, their voices echoing through the surviving tunnels.

Sonder leaned against Vell, exhaustion overtaking her.

"You did well," he said quietly, his voice warm. "It's good to see how much you've grown—how much you've improved on your own."

Sonder nodded weakly, her eyes fluttering closed as the sounds of celebration faded into the distance.

For now, she had done enough.