Chapter 78: Scenario IX

The proposal for a new expedition was submitted to the League’s senior management that same evening.

However, Ryan soon discovered that getting approval for an expedition was more complicated than he had expected.

The northern ruins had been sealed for decades. The previous expeditions had suffered considerable losses, and the League wasn’t willing to send another team without sufficient preparation.

Even though the recent experiment had confirmed that the fragment could respond to a reconstructed spiritual thread arrangement, it hadn’t revealed what was happening inside the ruins.

The research division needed more information before making a final decision.

As a result, Ryan was asked to prepare a detailed research report.

He spent the next two days organizing his findings, comparing the old expedition records, and explaining why he believed the fragment was connected to the underground facility.

He also included the results of the recent experiment.

Once the report was complete, he submitted it to Captain Alden.

Alden examined it carefully.

"This is quite thorough. You have even included the possible functions of the smaller spiritual threads."

"I tried to include everything I could confirm. Some of the explanations are still theories, though."

"That’s fine. A research report should distinguish between confirmed findings and assumptions."

Alden turned another page.

"Your explanation regarding the connection between the fragment and the underground network is interesting. If it’s correct, the fragment might be more important than we initially thought."

Ryan nodded.

"That’s what I’m hoping to determine."

Alden placed the report on his desk.

"I’ll forward this to the senior researchers. The decision should be made within a few days."

"Understood."

"Until then, continue your regular duties. There’s no need to spend all your time on this investigation."

Ryan agreed.

He had already spent several days studying the fragment. A short break wouldn’t hurt.

Besides, he had another reason to explore the League’s facilities.

He had only recently become a member, and there were still several departments he knew very little about.

Over the next few days, Ryan familiarized himself with the League of Guardians.

Although he was assigned to the Research Division, the League had several other departments.

The Combat Division trained Guardians to deal with dangerous spiritual creatures and hostile entities. The Healing Division specialized in treating injuries caused by spiritual interference and restoring damaged souls. The Construct Division focused on creating and maintaining spiritual constructs, while the Research Division investigated ancient artifacts, spiritual phenomena, and forgotten techniques.

There were also several smaller departments responsible for maintaining the League’s facilities and protecting important spiritual locations.

Ryan found the Construct Division particularly interesting.

After all, its work was closely related to what he had studied at the academy.

He visited one of its workshops and observed several researchers working on spiritual puppets.

Some were repairing damaged constructs, while others were experimenting with different spiritual cores.

A researcher noticed him standing near the entrance.

"Are you looking for someone?"

Ryan turned toward him.

"No. I’m just observing the work."

The researcher looked at his identification card.

"Junior Research Guardian? You’re from the eastern wing, aren’t you?"

"Yes. My name is Mika."

"Then you must be new. I’m Orven, a Construct Specialist."

Ryan greeted him politely.

Orven pointed toward a nearby table.

"We’re currently working on a new type of spiritual puppet. It’s designed to perform basic maintenance tasks without requiring constant instructions."

Ryan became interested.

"How does it work?"

"Through a combination of a stable spiritual core and a simplified instruction network. The construct receives a set of basic commands and follows them according to its assigned purpose."

He picked up a small wooden figure.

"Of course, this is only a prototype. Its intelligence is limited, and it still requires regular maintenance."

Ryan examined the puppet.

Its spiritual threads were arranged differently from the basic constructs he had created at the academy.

Instead of forming a simple network around the core, they were divided into several independent sections.

Each section controlled a different function.

One managed movement, another handled basic perception, and a third maintained the connection between the core and the puppet’s physical structure.

’So they’ve divided the instruction network into separate components.’

It was a practical approach.

Ryan spent some time observing the prototype before asking a few questions.

Orven seemed pleased with his interest and explained several details about its construction.

Before leaving, Ryan thanked him.

He had already learned most of the basic principles of spiritual constructs during his studies, but observing how experienced specialists applied those principles was still useful.

He could also see some similarities between the puppet’s instruction network and the mysterious fragment.

Perhaps the ancient structure had used a more advanced version of the same principle.

On the fifth day after submitting his report, Ryan received a message from Captain Alden.

He was asked to visit the research division immediately.

When Ryan arrived, he found Alden speaking with Research Guardian Lorian.

Both looked up as he entered.

"Mika, come in," Alden said.

Ryan greeted them.

"Good morning, Captain. Research Guardian Lorian."

"Good morning," Lorian replied.

Alden gestured toward a chair.

"Take a seat. We have received a response from the senior management regarding your expedition proposal."

Ryan sat down.

"Has it been approved?"

"Yes, although there are some conditions."

Alden handed him a document.

Ryan examined it.

[League of Guardians]

[Expedition Authorization]

[Destination: Northern Underground Ruins]

[Objective: Investigate the Ancient Spiritual Network]

[Expedition Status: Approved]

[Assigned Division: Research Division]

[Expedition Leader: Captain Alden]

[Research Supervisor: Research Guardian Lorian]

[Additional Personnel: To be determined]

[Authorization Level: Restricted Expedition]

[Special Conditions: All recovered artifacts and research materials must be registered with the League.]

Ryan read through the document.

The expedition had finally been approved.

However, the authorization level caught his attention.

"What does Restricted Expedition mean?"

Alden explained.

"It means the expedition is limited to the approved objectives. We are authorized to investigate the underground facility, examine the remaining spiritual structures, and recover research materials if necessary. However, we aren’t permitted to remove anything considered a major spiritual artifact without additional approval."

"I understand."

"There are also restrictions regarding the deeper sections. The previous expedition couldn’t reach them, and we don’t know what condition those areas are in. Our team will first examine the accessible chambers."

Ryan nodded.

That made sense.

Lorian joined the conversation.

"We also need to determine whether the disturbances reported by the previous expedition are still present. If they are, we may have to limit the duration of our investigation."

"Have there been any changes in the ruins since the last expedition?" Ryan asked.

"Not that we know of," Lorian replied. "The entrance remains sealed, and the League hasn’t conducted any major operations in the area for the past twenty years."

Alden placed another document on the table.

"This contains the current expedition plan. We’ll leave in four days."

Ryan examined the schedule.

The expedition team would travel to the northern mountain range, reach the sealed entrance, and establish a temporary research camp nearby.

After inspecting the surrounding area, they would reopen the entrance using specialized equipment.

The first stage of the investigation would focus on the outer chambers.

If the conditions allowed it, the team would then proceed toward the central chamber.

Ryan looked up.

"Will we be able to examine the spiritual fragment during the expedition?"

"Yes," Alden replied. "We’ll bring it with us in a secured container. If there’s another functioning component inside the ruins, the fragment might respond when we get close enough."

Ryan considered that possibility.

It was exactly what he had hoped for.

"Who else will be joining us?"

"Three senior researchers, two Construct Specialists, four Combat Guardians, and a Spiritual Healer. We’ll also have a few support members responsible for equipment and transportation."

Ryan nodded.

It was a reasonably sized team.

Alden continued, "You’re being assigned as an assistant researcher. You’ll work under Lorian’s supervision and help examine the spiritual structures."

"Understood."

"One more thing. The expedition is expected to last around two weeks, but that may change depending on what we discover. Make sure you’re properly prepared."

Ryan accepted the document.

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Alden nodded.

"You earned it through your research. Just remember that this is an official League expedition. Follow the instructions of the senior members, and don’t take unnecessary risks."

"I will."

After leaving the research division, Ryan returned to his room.

He placed the expedition documents on his desk and examined them again.

Four days.

That was how much time he had before leaving for the northern mountains.

He began thinking about what he needed to prepare.

The League would provide most of the equipment, including protective formations, communication tools, and specialized instruments for detecting spiritual energy.

However, there were still several things he wanted to bring.

He took out his notebook and made a list.

First, he needed additional silver-thread paper.

Second, he wanted to bring several basic spiritual construct components in case the team discovered damaged structures that required temporary stabilization.

Third, he needed a few reference books on ancient spiritual networks.

He also planned to review the reports from the previous expeditions one more time.

Although the League had provided a map of the ruins, it was incomplete. He wanted to familiarize himself with the known chambers and possible routes before arriving.

After finishing the list, Ryan put his notebook away.

He then took out the small silver-thread paper he had used during his experiment.

The three main connections were still drawn on its surface, surrounded by the smaller threads.

Ryan examined the arrangement.

He had reproduced the fragment’s structure several times, but he still didn’t understand its actual function.

Perhaps the network was designed to transmit information.

Perhaps it controlled several spiritual constructs simultaneously.

Or perhaps it served an entirely different purpose.

There was no point in making assumptions before seeing the original structure.

Ryan put the paper away.

’I’ll find out once we reach the ruins.’

The following three days passed quickly.

Ryan spent most of his time preparing for the expedition and reviewing the available research.

He also attended a few additional lessons in the League’s research division.

One of the senior researchers explained how to identify unstable spiritual formations, while another taught him how to use a special instrument for measuring spiritual energy fluctuations.

Ryan found the lessons useful.

The academy had taught him the theoretical foundations of Soul Weaving, but the League provided opportunities to apply that knowledge to real research.

He also learned that the northern ruins were not the only ancient facility discovered by the League.

There were several other locations scattered across the continent, although most had already been explored or were too dangerous to investigate.

Some contained ancient spiritual constructs.

Others housed forgotten formations, abandoned sanctuaries, or the remains of civilizations that had disappeared long ago.

Ryan found himself becoming increasingly interested in the League’s work.

There was still so much he didn’t know about ancient Soul Weaving.

And the Ancient Spiritual Network was only one example.

On the morning of departure, Ryan arrived at the League’s main courtyard.

Several members were already waiting near a large transport carriage.

The carriage was specially designed for long-distance travel. Its exterior was reinforced with spiritual materials, and several protective formations had been engraved along its sides.

A few smaller vehicles were parked behind it, carrying equipment and supplies.

Captain Alden was standing near the main carriage, speaking with Lorian.

When Ryan approached, Alden noticed him.

"You’re early."

"I didn’t want to be late."

Alden nodded.

"Good. We’re almost ready to depart."

Ryan looked around.

He recognized some of the researchers from the previous meeting.

Research Guardian Lorian was checking a collection of documents, while two Construct Specialists were inspecting several wooden crates.

Four Combat Guardians stood nearby, each carrying equipment suited for dealing with spiritual creatures.

A woman wearing the white uniform of the Healing Division was also present.

She appeared to be in her late twenties, with short silver hair and a calm expression.

Alden noticed Ryan looking in her direction.

"That’s Healer Selene. She’ll be responsible for treating anyone affected by spiritual interference during the expedition."

Ryan nodded.

"Understood."

Alden then introduced him to the remaining members.

After the introductions, Lorian approached.

"Mika, I hope you’ve reviewed the previous expedition reports."

"Yes. I’ve also studied the available maps."

"Good. You’ll be helping me examine the structures we discover. I expect you to record everything carefully, especially any unusual spiritual thread arrangements."

"I will."

Lorian nodded.

"Remember, we aren’t going there to experiment recklessly. The previous expedition encountered several unexpected problems. If we find something unstable, we’ll leave it alone until the team has assessed the situation."

Ryan understood.

The expedition wasn’t a competition, and there was no reason to take unnecessary risks.

A few minutes later, Alden announced their departure.

Everyone boarded the transport carriage.

The protective formations activated, and the carriage began moving.

Ryan sat beside a window and watched the academy gradually disappear into the distance.

The northern mountain range was several days away.

He took out his notebook and opened it to the page containing the diagram of the mysterious fragment.

Three main spiritual connections.

Several smaller regulating threads.

A central core that had attempted to establish a connection during the experiment.

He looked at the diagram for a while.

’If the fragment is connected to the network, then the original facility should contain something that responds to it.’

He put the notebook away.

For now, he could only wait until they reached their destination.

The journey took three days.

During that time, Ryan spent most of his hours reviewing the expedition records and discussing the ancient facility with Lorian.

The senior researcher was knowledgeable and patient. Whenever Ryan asked a question, he explained the available information without making him feel inexperienced.

On the second evening, Lorian showed him a more detailed diagram of the central chamber.

"This was recovered during the first expedition," he explained.

Ryan examined it.

The central structure was circular, with several layers of silver threads extending outward.

There were twelve smaller structures arranged around it.

Each appeared to be connected to the central structure through multiple spiritual threads.

"What are these?" Ryan asked.

"We don’t know. The original researchers believed they were some kind of auxiliary constructs."

"Do we have any records describing their functions?"

"Unfortunately, no. The expedition team couldn’t examine them properly before the facility began collapsing."

Ryan studied the diagram.

The arrangement reminded him of something.

He took out his own notebook and placed it beside the old diagram.

After comparing them for a while, he noticed that the smaller connections in the fragment followed a similar pattern to the connections shown around the central structure.

His expression became thoughtful.

"What’s wrong?" Lorian asked.

Ryan pointed toward the diagram.

"These connections look similar to the smaller threads inside the fragment."

Lorian leaned closer.

"Are you certain?"

"Not completely. But the arrangement is quite similar."

The senior researcher examined both diagrams.

After a moment, his expression changed.

"You’re right. I hadn’t noticed that before."

He looked at Ryan.

"If the fragment is connected to one of these auxiliary structures, then we might be able to identify its original position."

Ryan nodded.

"That would also help us understand the purpose of the central structure."

Lorian carefully put the diagrams together.

"We’ll need to examine the twelve structures once we reach the ruins."

Ryan agreed.

The expedition was becoming more promising.

On the third afternoon, the transport carriage finally reached the northern mountain range.

The scenery outside the window had changed considerably.

Tall mountains stretched across the horizon, and thick forests covered their lower slopes. The temperature was noticeably cooler, and a thin layer of mist surrounded the distant peaks.

The carriage continued along a narrow road until it reached a large rocky valley.

A few minutes later, Alden announced their arrival.

"Everyone, prepare to disembark."

Ryan stepped outside.

Several League members were already unloading equipment.

A temporary camp would be established near the entrance before they began investigating the ruins.

Ryan looked toward the northern mountains.

The entrance to the underground facility was somewhere beyond the rocky slope ahead.

Alden approached him.

"Welcome to the northern ruins."

Ryan looked at the mountain.

"Is the entrance nearby?"

"About half an hour from here. We’ll establish the camp first, then inspect the sealed entrance tomorrow morning."

Ryan nodded.

He looked around.

The valley appeared quiet, with no obvious signs of spiritual disturbances.

However, he knew that appearances could be misleading.

The previous expedition had reported unusual spiritual interference inside the facility, and the League had never fully understood its source.

He took out the map and examined the marked location.

The ruins were directly beneath the northern mountain range.

If the old records were accurate, the central chamber was located deep underground.

Ryan put the map away.

’Let’s see what kind of place this really is.’

The expedition had finally reached its destination.

And somewhere beneath the mountain, the remains of the Ancient Spiritual Network were waiting to be discovered.