[center][img]http://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/b3RmLjg4Ljk3NDcyYi5SV0Z5ZEdobGJpQk1aV2RoWTNrLC4w/thedeadarecoming.regular.png[/img]

[img]https://orig06.deviantart.net/d7cb/f/2008/169/1/8/catalyst__the_glyph_of_fire_2_by_psykikraithe.jpg[/img]

[url=https://youtu.be/p0HxVNSXzI8]Listen As You Read: Memories of a Mining Facility[/url]

[@Syn][@Reflection][@LadyinInk][@Altered Tundra][/center]

[hr]

With their previous initiatives failing, and propositions that didn't get the approval of the whole group, it seemed that the group was in a stalemate of sorts. Jaakuna's proposition was not a foolish one, but considering the bulk of these metallic doors, it would likely take a considerable amount of time before passive heating could actually have an effect. Especially at his current level of power. Little options remained, and strong-arming the thing wasn't all that appealing either with Kurin's previous, well-meaning approach.

Shizuka remained the guardian of the hourglass, while the others wasted time figuring out alternatives. Time was going by fast, with barely two minutes contained in this hourglass. If Shizuka would stall them for a good thirty seconds, it would finally reach its end. The fact that the tremors accelerated in power as time passed would have likely flared a few nerves. Added to the endless rain of small, rocky debris serving as quite the deterrent to whatever hermit-like initiative Shizuka was going for.

They would let it empty, and were to face the consequences of such a choice. The Tremors would be the first to be affected by this conclusion. With one final rumble worthy of an earthquake, they'd finally stop, and stability was found once more. Afterward, the same mechanism with the button would now split open, and reveal what was a fractured representation of a wheel with broken pieces falling over. The machine was most certainly broken.

But that didn't stop the grand scheme of things. The runes that illuminated the area would suddenly flash blue, with more forming under the feet of our heroes. A big, runic circle similar to the elevator's was revealed. What could this mean? They'd have a hard time finding out as another disconcerting thud was heard, with the newly revealed mechanism cracking once more. Something wasn't going right.

The blue runes turned red, and the room darkened significantly, leaving only the dim, crimson illumination of the markings guide team Daddy. A fail-safe, perhaps? In any case, everything was hard to distinguish in this oppressive darkness. With the exception of one door, the closent one to the main, large one starting from the right. The same, circular red rune on the floor would be flashing urgently on the metallic structure. As if beckoning those in the room to come closer.

Any tactile approach would cause the door to slide open, with a trail of red runes leading through a tight corridor. Rails did not follow this path, even though it seemed like the turntable could very well direct itself in its direction. What could this lead to?

Perhaps at this point they could recall how they approached this challenge. Was it truly a puzzle made by the sadistic minds of the inhabitants? Or simply a contraption in which the process ended up being dangerously taxing to the unstable environment around it? However, maybe the most absurd thing today would be to think ancient miners ever truly addressed random explorers in their mottos and sayings.