Draven studied the sprawling ruins before them crystalline structures rising from ice with some towers reaching skyward while others partially collapsed, creating maze-like passages. The complex stretched across several kilometers as merger-era architecture stayed elegant but labyrinthine.
"Luminestra," he said through Genesis Codex. "You sensed the First Anchor here. Can you pinpoint exact location?"
*Not precisely,* she admitted. *I know the Anchor resides within this ruin complex absolutely certain. But exact location? Underground chambers? Elevated platforms? Hidden dimensional pocket? I cannot determine from current position.*
Malvorn rumbled with surprise through bond. *You sense it nearby but cannot locate specifically?*
*Correct. I know general area these ruins, within several hundred meters. But precision eludes me. The complex is vast, Anchor could be anywhere within.*
Frostina's ice-ring eyes narrowed analytically. "Why the limitation? Your senses strengthened after bonding."
*I can sense the Anchor because I left my mark within it,* Luminestra explained. *Millions of years ago, when Architects crafted the five Anchors, I participated directly. Crystal dragon essence particularly suited for dimensional stabilization I infused personal mark into each Anchor during creation.*
Draven absorbed information. "So you're sensing your own mark, not the Anchor itself directly."
*Exactly. The mark acts as beacon, confirming Anchor presence within range. But it's not precise locator more like knowing friend is in crowded marketplace but unable to spot them immediately. I sense the mark nearby, confirming Anchor here, but exact position requires physical searching.*
Raziel rumbled understanding. "And your bodyless state weakens sensing capabilities further."
*Yes. If I possessed physical form, mark-sensing would be precise immediate location. Fragmented consciousness? General direction only.*
Adhivar's presence manifested within Codex. "The mark has also faded over millions of years. Dimensional instability from failed merger, mana depletion, pocket dimension isolation all degraded mark's strength gradually. It still functions, still broadcasts presence, but signal weakened considerably."
Naelvorn gestured at massive ruin complex. "And these structures complicate searching. Merger-era architecture used dimensional folding spaces within spaces, chambers existing partially in different dimensions. The Anchor could be right beneath us but dimensionally offset, making it seem distant."
Sylvara's verdant form shifted. "So we search physically. Cover ground, investigate chambers, follow any traces."
Draven nodded decisively. "Alliance splits into teams. Overlords cover different sections, pack supports. Luminestra guides if mark-sensing strengthens closer to exact location. We find it systematically."
***
The alliance divided strategically. Frostina led her section northeastern towers, elevated platforms where ancient crystalline structures reached toward sky. Naelvorn dove into western underwater passages where ruins extended into frozen lake beneath ice. Raziel investigated southern collapsed sections as volcanic heat melted ice to reveal buried chambers.
Malvorn accompanied Draven's team central complex, largest concentration of merger-era buildings. Zor scouted from above while Velnar checked underground access points, Feyra monitored dimensional fluctuations as Sylvara sensed environmental changes.
"Luminestra, any mark-sensing improvement?" Draven asked as they entered crystalline corridor.
*Slightly stronger,* she replied. *The Anchor is closer this direction central complex likely correct section. But still cannot pinpoint precisely. Keep searching.*
They moved deeper while examining chambers methodically.
The central complex revealed merger-era sophistication corridors shifting slightly as they walked, rooms existing in multiple dimensional states simultaneously, crystalline walls displaying faint geometric patterns that pulsed with residual mana.
"These Architects were masters," Malvorn observed through bond as massive form navigated carefully. *Dimensional engineering on scale current Theia cannot replicate.*
Draven noticed stairs leading both upward and downward from same landing architectural impossibility in normal space but functional here. Doors opened into chambers larger than external dimensions suggested. Ceiling heights varied randomly while gravity felt inconsistent in certain rooms.
"Searching this thoroughly will take hours," he muttered.
*Days, possibly,* Luminestra corrected. *The complex is larger than it appears. Dimensional folding creates spaces that shouldn't physically fit but do.*
As they explored deeper, Feyra's voice carried warning. "Dimensional wards ahead. Complex patterns protective magic still active after millions of years."
Through Genesis Codex, Frostina's voice resonated from her section. "Constructs present in my area. Dormant currently, but ancient golems positioned strategically. Guardian protections."
Naelvorn added from underwater passages, "Same here. Merger-era defenses intact."
Draven acknowledged information. "Don't trigger them yet. We're searching first, mapping complex, narrowing Anchor location. Combat comes after we know exactly where we're going."
*Wise approach,* Luminestra agreed. *These defenses designed specifically for Anchor protection. Challenging them without knowing exact target location wastes energy unnecessarily.*
They continued methodical searching while avoiding obvious triggers.
***
Hours passed as alliance searched systematically. Draven's team penetrated deeper into central complex, discovering stairs descending far underground crystalline passages leading into planetary depths.
"Luminestra, mark-sensing now?"
*Much stronger,* she replied as presence pulsed with recognition. *The Anchor is definitely below us. Deep underground hundred meters minimum, possibly several hundred. The mark resonates more clearly this direction.*
Malvorn examined underground passages as bond conveyed assessment. *These descend far. Merger-era construction extending into planetary crust. Stable though dimensional reinforcement maintaining structural integrity.*
Through Codex, Frostina reported, "Aerial sections show nothing. Northeastern towers empty of Anchor presence."
Naelvorn added, "Underwater passages lead nowhere relevant. Mark-sensing must indicate underground location."
"Then we descend," Draven decided. "Focus shifts to subterranean chambers. The First Anchor lies below."
The alliance regrouped at central complex's deepest access point massive crystalline staircase spiraling downward into darkness as faint mana-glow illuminated geometric patterns carved into walls.
Draven surveyed his team pack ready, Malvorn's massive presence reassuring, allied Overlords positioned for support. Genesis Codex pulsed with unified determination.
"The Anchor is down there," he stated. "We've narrowed location from entire ruin complex to specific subterranean section. Progress made. Tomorrow we descend fully, navigate whatever defenses await, solve whatever puzzles the Architects designed."
He paused while looking at spiraling darkness below.
"First Anchor retrieval continues. We don't stop until it's secured."
Alliance affirmed silently as shared determination was evident.
The search would continue at dawn.
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