Sap Overflow

393 AC - I turn off the sonar and fold up the antenna. The evidence is undeniable: There's Sap on the other side of the wall. Here, where the Undergrowth starts to transition to more geometric rock formations, the trees are adorned with interlacing and spirals, a sign that they've adapted to underground life by feeding on the golden liquid. Just yesterday, we discovered a hollow stump where we managed to collect the equivalent of two tanks, and all around the roots, a variegated flora had developed by feeding on the nourishing substance rather than on sunlight and minerals from the soil. I whistle to Oddball, and he stops patrolling to come and join me. His Mana gauge is completely full after his reconnaissance mission in the depths. I'm going to rely on him rather than using conventional drilling equipment.

Taking up a stationary position facing the swollen wall, he condenses his energy and fires a focused ray on a crack in the wall. The beam hits the veined surface, which starts to glow red from the sudden rise in temperature. The vivid red ring expands across the dark stone, like an ink stain spreading across vellum, or a circuit of blood vessels suddenly illuminated under flesh. I try to warn the sentinel who was assigned to me without my knowledge, supposedly for my protection, but she doesn't seem to want to follow my advice. Oh well, that's on her. Suddenly, the wall cracks, and under the accumulated pressure, the gloopy substance spurts out like a geyser. Behind me, the various teams jump into action with their pumps and Kelonic siphons. Now we just need to collect every last drop of Sap… and clean up the Eidolon who didn't want to follow my safety instructions…

SIERRA