"As you may know, I've been working on a way to isolate the particular chemical or element contained within lapis lazuli, a previously thought of inert stone. Now, as you may or may not know, the majority of the stone is composed of lazurite, a tectosilicate... However, it is another constituent of this which gives it a potent property: pyrite! Initially used as a form of ignition for early pistols, it other uses barely extend beyond manufacture of other various objects. However, the composition of Creeper blood is odd: instead of an iron core contained within the blood cells, it is an an unknown element I cannot figure out, possibly unknown to all of science. Anyway, when the Creeper is distressed, the body releases adrenaline into the bloodstream. This is detected by chemoreceptors and thus stimulates the secretion of pyrite as a programmed response to combat the adrenaline release. Instead of inhibiting the secretion of adrenaline, there is a violent reaction between the pyrite and the adrenaline, causing massive explosive damage."
At that point, OROTHO moved over to a table with two small glass tubes set up in a small glass enclosure. He poured the contents of one into the other and then stood back. What happened next was less violent than expected, but still a bit of surprise.
The glass vial exploded behind the screen, and a large puff of smoke appeared and began to ascend towards the ceiling.
"This is only on a small scale, and I also believe that the size of the surrounding area has an effect: if the reaction is encased then the it is much more violent due to the rapid expansion. However in this case it was partially exposed through the top of the vial and had somewhere to vent, but there was still sufficient power to explode the vial itself! On a large scale, say with a Creeper, this is sized up considerably, causing massive damage to the surroundings. In short, don't get too close..."
"Well that was informative. Thanks OROTHO! I think that pretty much removes the need to retrieve the book from Syeonyx's house as we know understand how they explode. From the sounds of things, this was pretty much all the book said as well. The only remaining mystery is how Creepers gained the ability to secrete pyrite? But it is not important. OROTHO and I will work together to find a way to inhibit this secretion, or at least prevent a reaction if a Creeper is found. Meanwhile, UOPETA believes he found the location of another portal. UOPETA?" COLUS called UOPETA up to speak. He told us of a large yet concealed hole he found close to my wall which showed signs of excavation. He didn't adventure down into the hole, but any lead was better than no lead...
"If I go with THEROS and Syeonyx. We keep in contact with THEXIS via the radio, and AMPHIS helps OROTHO out with writing down the necessary information. It may be useful in the future. With your permission, may I take possession of the Solus stone?"
COLUS reached into a pocket in his armour and took out the stone. Passing it to UOPETA, he began speaking again:
"Right, we've all been given roles. Let's get to work! UOPETA? Keep THEXIS updated as to all actions you take, and everything suspicious you find. THEROS, ensure you note down any areas which may house a portal. Syeonyx, go with them. As the portal is around your area, you may have a good idea about how to move around there. Make use of the reports of the guard patrol routes if needed, but don't take any unnecessary precautions. Get in, search for the portal and get out. Take a pickaxe with you in case it isn't active. Good luck!"
We all bowed, and then I followed THEROS and UOPETA off to our rooms to gear up. Once again we were travelling light, taking only the essentials for quicker movement.
"This is going to be good!"
We set off mid morning and headed South towards my walled area. UOPETA had made it in just over a day, but with me in tow, and with THEROS needing to note things down, it would take a little longer. Nonetheless we made excellent time! By midday we had already arrived at the start of the island crossing! We paused under a tree momentarily, allowing THEROS to scribble on the map.
"On which side of the wall is this hole located?"
"It is located to the East, so from where we are, after we cross to the other island, we stick to the Eastern coast. Then we head inland after an hour or so. I'll know more when we get to a landmark I remember..."
After a few more moments, we set off again, keeping as quiet as possible, but going faster than I would normally! Shortly after, it began to rain, but it didn't slow us down. Every now and again, UOPETA would pause to keep THEXIS updated via the radio, and we'd be off again. We didn't stop for any food until towards the end. It was getting dark, and we were all wet through by the time we got to the end of the Eastern coast...
"Right, from here on out, it's more or less West towards your wall. If we hug this large hill to our right, we'll find the hole. It's hard to miss, and it's the type of thing you can't ignore. When you see it, you'll understand..."
We began heading West inland, staying close to the large hill all the time. Eventually, the hill extended up and outwards and turned into a large cliff. After some time, UOPETA paused, making the "stay" sign with this fist. We stopped, and lowered ourselves close to the ground, and crept forwards. It had started to get dark, and it was still raining so it was difficult trying to see anything. We stopped again, and in the dim light, I was able to make out some rough ground. UOPETA gave the all clear signal, and we continued towards the rough ground. As we got closer, the rough ground extended into a large hole in the side of the cliff. It was definitely not natural; it extended quite some way down, with a gentle gradient leading down into darkness. I could tell something was up with this hole; no way was there not anything sinister down there!
"Looks like we're going down, gentlemen..."
Syeonyx signing off
No comments:
Post a Comment