After the Crystal Heart Geode showed a minor change in its rhythmic pattern, Adrian, Marcus, and Elara commenced a longer study of it from within the large cave chamber. They chose a suitable location for this purpose, concealed among some rock formations. To prevent any disturbance, they did not use their hand-held lights, making use of the Geode's gentle, rhythmic glow and their natural sensory capabilities.
For many hours, they noted the Geode's rhythmic emanations. The pulse was largely consistent, a slow, deep thrum that seemed to be the very breath of the mountain. The earlier rapid fluctuation did not immediately repeat. Marcus, using his 'Hunter's Acuity (Minor)', scanned the cavern for any signs of other inhabitants that might be drawn to or affected by the Geode, but found only a few species of small, blind cave insects and some phosphorescent fungi clinging to the higher walls. Elara, with her 'Shadow's Grace (Minor)', made several quiet circuits of the cavern's perimeter, confirming no other obvious entrances or exits beyond the passage they had used.
Adrian focused his 'Sanguine Resonance (Nascent)' on the Geode for extended periods. The immense, neutral energy signature remained, but he began to perceive subtle variations within it, almost like currents or eddies in a slow-moving river, corresponding with the faint light pulses from the giant crystals within.
[System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Resonance (Nascent)' comprehension +2% through prolonged exposure to concentrated telluric energy.]
After a lengthy period of observation yielded no further anomalies from the Geode itself, Adrian gave the signal to collect samples. He and Elara carefully gathered several of the smaller, detached 'Resonant Crystals' from near the Geode's base, as well as a few typical specimens from the cavern walls. While prying one particularly sharp-edged crystal from a fissure, Elara sustained a shallow cut on her forearm. "Hold still," Adrian said, his voice low. He produced the small container of 'Basic Sanguine Salve (Grade E)'. Applying a thin layer to the cut, he observed its effects. The bleeding stopped almost instantly, and Elara reported a soothing, cool sensation.
[System Notification: 'Basic Sanguine Salve (Grade E)' applied to minor laceration. Effect: Accelerated tissue granulation, minor pain reduction. Healing time for superficial wound reduced by approximately 30%.]
[System Notification: Objective (Progenitor Advancement – Sanguine Alchemy) – Practical application of 'Basic Sanguine Salve' successful. Data gathered on efficacy. Progress +20% -> +30%.]
The salve worked, crudely perhaps, but it worked.
[System Notification: Objective (Explore Echoing Caves) – Extended observation of 'The Crystal Heart Geode' complete. Crystal samples collected. Progress +60% -> +85%.]
With their immediate tasks in the cavern done, the exploration team cautiously withdrew, taking their precious crystal samples.
They returned to the 'Tier 0 - Fortified Encampment' to find the atmosphere one of frustrated effort. Garrick was attempting to use his 'Brute Vigor (Minor)' to force an Ironwood beam into a groove Silas had painstakingly carved for the 'Advanced Obsidian Shaping Station' frame, but the wood resisted shaping with incredible tenacity. "This Ironwood is aptly named," Seraphina commented, examining a slightly splintered obsidian chisel. "Our current tools are barely adequate for even rudimentary shaping. We may need to devise a new method to work it, or reconsider its use for such fine structures until we have better implements or techniques."
[System Notification: Objective (Specialized Crafting Stations) – Ironwood processing continues to pose significant challenge. Alternative material or improved tooling may be required. Progress +10% (no change).]
The cave team's report, however, brought a new focus. Seraphina took the 'Resonant Crystal' samples with keen interest. Using her 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)' and some of the basic tools Silas had fashioned for her, she began her examination.
[System Notification: Seraphina using 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)' to analyze 'Resonant Crystal' samples. Initial properties being cataloged...]
After some time, she looked up. "These crystals are fascinating. They possess a remarkably uniform internal structure and, as the System noted, they do indeed emit faint sonic vibrations in response to sound, almost like tuning forks. More intriguingly, they seem to conduct ambient energetic signatures with very little loss. I can't determine the full extent of their properties yet, but they are unlike any mineral I'm familiar with from Earth."
[System Notification: 'Resonant Crystal' Analysis (Initial): Confirmed sonic reactivity and high energetic conductivity. Full application potential remains unknown. Further research with specialized equipment or alchemical processes may yield more data.]
Adrian considered this new information. Energetic conductivity. Could these crystals be related to the "specific catalysts" the System had mentioned for 'Sanguine Alchemy (Basic)'? Or perhaps they could be used to amplify his own sanguine energies if he learned how. "Continue your analysis, Seraphina," Adrian said. "Understanding these crystals is now a priority."
The Echoing Caves still held their primary mystery – the source and nature of the Crystal Heart Geode's pulsing – but the samples they brought back represented a new avenue of research and potential power for the Crimson Kindred. The challenges of settlement building remained, but the allure of the unknown, and the resources it might yield, was a powerful driver.