Chrys Lumenfae's Arc

Chapter 3 of 7

Chrys stood at the edge of the southern glow mines, where the crystal veins ran deeper into unfamiliar territory. The mine leader had mentioned this place once—a zone where rare formations grew in clusters worth twice the standard haul. Few workers ventured here because the tunnels twisted in strange patterns and the light dimmed without warning. But Chrys needed to prove they could find quality anywhere, not just in the safe, well-traveled sections. Their antennae swept forward as they stepped into the darker passage. The walls here pulsed with a different rhythm, slower and steadier. This was where the best suppliers separated themselves from the rest. Chrys pulled a small lamp from their belt and moved deeper, their eyes adjusting to the shadows. Each step forward was a step closer to becoming irreplaceable. The tunnel opened into a wider chamber after twenty minutes of walking. Chrys stopped and raised their lamp higher. A tree grew here in the middle of the underground space, its trunk covered in crystals of every color. Blues and greens and purples caught the lamplight and threw it back in patterns across the stone walls. Workers sat on carved benches around the base, talking in low voices. Some held drinks in carved cups. Others spread crystals on flat stones between them, comparing quality and discussing trades. This was where suppliers met buyers, where connections formed that lasted years. Chrys moved closer and watched two workers shake hands over a pile of yellow stones. One worker pointed to a branch above where more crystals hung like fruit. The other nodded and made notes on a piece of bark. This tree wasn't just beautiful—it was where trust got built between people who needed each other. Chrys tucked their lamp back into their belt and approached the nearest bench. If the mine leader valued reliable suppliers, Chrys needed to know the people who connected suppliers to the ones who bought in bulk. Learning this network was just as important as finding perfect crystals. They sat down and waited for the right moment to join the conversation.