“Thirteen days Mason, you told me you would have this thing open in six.”
Mason frowned, crushing his eyebrows together in frustration as he continued to cut at the wall. While his expression shifted, the sweat that was already flowing changed course forming new valleys through the collection of dirt and debris collecting on Mason’s face.

Gritting his teeth, he continued to apply pressure at varying angles to his task before he paused reflectively, “Actually, what I said was. ‘I can cut through almost any wall in six days!’ That was before I had any idea you wanted me to cut into an underground wall created by the ancients. You are lucky I make my own tools; you know that is not something just anyone can do. I have broken several tools already, even after sharpening them every three hours. I stand by my craftsmanship, but the ancient builders had access to things no one else does, and it shows.” Mason glared at the wall as if sizing up an opponent for battle and continued his work.

Jasper Klein arched his left brow with respectful surprise. He wasn’t used to people talking back to him anymore. He had been a Warlord for nearly a decade since he had discovered the red-light weapon in these ruins as a younger man. The years of excavating and protecting this site changed him. Still, the discovery of each new artifact was worth the burden.

While only some artifacts discovered helped the cause, the amount of help from one such object was worth all the effort. Staring at the wall, Klein recalled various monumental discoveries. Starting with the items for removing waste and providing clean water, which sparked an unprecedented influx of people to his cause, making him the Warlord he is today. But, at the same time, he recalled, it would not be possible to keep the people safe without the power cells discovered that could breathe life into ancient devices. Both those used to strengthen the defensive perimeter and the tools used to work underground were the greatest gifts from the past. Then again, it is so easy to dismiss the eternally glowing lights, such mystery the world has seen; with a simple shake, they illuminate the darkness throughout the night.

Personally, beneficial was the discovery three years ago when Klein found a powered armband that repaired wounds, even grievous ones. They now called him “Klein, The Immortal” from all the injuries he had himself recovered from, but not all technology was so beneficial. Jasper recounted how General Veldaine fell victim to some strange machine that tried to attach itself to the General’s body. The story of his screams as he fought to remove the thing even as it stabbed and tore at his skin so viciously clawing its way along his body, still gives Klein Chills to think on.

When Klein rushed to the scene and saw Veldaine with his arms and legs encased within metal cages with the twisted look of horror in his eyes as bloody foam continued to bubble from his mouth, it was all he could do to leave his friend to his doctors. They reported the cages connected along the spine like some cruel torture device. Further, they noted no vital organs had been injured, which lead them to conclude his General had either bled to death, the shock was too much for him, or the device did something else internally that could not be discovered. Ironically, the armband Klein had found was only three feet away from where his man died. They excavated it a day later.

Technologies were a double-edged sword that was for sure, and not just in the discovery of such torturous devices as the case with his General. They attracted unwanted attention as well, whether from the mutated beasts that seemed to be crazily drawn to any device with a power cell, thieves looking to prosper through deceit and ambush, or other warlords who wanted what Klein’s territory had. It was a dangerous trade that required strict dedication and stern determination. Jasper Klein felt the weight of responsibility of leading and protecting a larger group of people and how it has chipped away at innocence and humanity when the tough choices are made. He hoped for some technology that would end all the suffering by making the benefits reproducible.

“I have always wondered how the ancient builder’s equipment has lasted for so long, long enough to be completely forgotten and unrecognizable. My researchers have spent years studying these materials and equipment, and it is still so far beyond us. This site is a treasure trove of knowledge, and we are barely scratching the surface of it.” Klein patted Mason on the shoulder.

Mason nodded in agreement and added, “I would have reached you on the talk box and told you I was having trouble getting through, but it seems we are too deep beneath the ground.” Mason sounded exasperated, and his cutting tool was starting to screech in the material.

He pulled it from the wall, checking the connection between the power cell and the custom tool he had created to utilize its energy. Mason’s talents were indispensable, he could measure how long the energy would last before needing to be swapped out. He must have determined it was sufficient for now as he returned it to its home within his tool and began to sharpen the blades.

“It’s more than that.”, Klein replied. “We have thoroughly tested all four of the talk boxes we found. They have a maximum range of eighteen to twenty thousand steps before they start crackling.” Jasper was distracted as he spoke, imagining what could possibly be on the other side of this wall. “I am sorry for my impatience.”

Mason was shocked, and he looked up to see Klein tracing his fingers along the wall in front of him. Suddenly he didn’t see a Warlord, the leader of several villages and outposts, staunch defender of those in his charge. Now he saw Klein, the scholar and seeker of the past. “I promise you; I will get it open.”, Mason Assured.

Klein nodded, turning to his worker and patting him on the shoulder again. “Do that, but also be careful…”