Re:Crafting in Another World
Chapter 151: Overseer

Chapter 151: Overseer

The path to the Mage Sanctuary grew smoother as the trio, now joined by the unpredictable Lyssara, approached the towering stone gates carved into the mountainside. The air buzzed with a low hum of mana, and the crystals embedded in the rock pulsed with a soft, rhythmic glow.

Romina’s breath caught as she took in the sight: the gates were massive, etched with intricate runes that shimmered like liquid starlight. Lyssara skipped ahead, her patchwork robes fluttering, while Mandira’s staff tapped the ground with measured precision. Shennong, as usual, sauntered along with a carefree grin, though his eyes scanned the surroundings for any hint of danger—or another of Lyssara’s traps.

"Impressive, huh?" Lyssara said, spinning to face Romina with a mischievous grin. "Bet you’ve never seen anything like this back in your little village."

Romina flushed, clutching her cloak. "It’s... beautiful. But kind of intimidating."

"Intimidating?" Lyssara laughed, her violet eyes glinting. "Oh, cutie, you have no idea. Wait till you meet the Overseer. She’s like a storm in a teacup—small, but terrifying."

Mandira sighed, her voice sharp. "Lyssara, stop scaring her. Romina, the Sanctuary is a place of learning, not fear. You’ll be fine."

"Unless you step on one of my traps," Lyssara added, winking. "I might’ve left a tiny one near the gate. You know, for fun."

Shennong chuckled, nudging Romina’s shoulder. "Don’t worry, Romina. If you get zapped, I’ll carry you the rest of the way."

Romina’s cheeks burned, and she mumbled, "I-I can walk just fine, thanks."

Mandira shot Shennong a look that could’ve melted stone. "Focus, both of you. We’re almost at the gates, and the Sisterhood doesn’t take kindly to... distractions and playfulness like her."

Lyssara snorted, twirling a strand of silver hair around her finger. "Distractions? Oh, Big sister Mandira, you’re such a buzzkill. Let the girl have some fun! She’s got that wide-eyed newbie vibe. The sisters are gonna eat her up."

Romina’s stomach twisted. "Eat me up? Like... literally?"

Lyssara cackled, doubling over. "Oh, you’re too cute! No, not literally. Well, unless you count Sister Veyra’s cooking. That might actually kill you."

"Enough, Lyssara," Mandira snapped, her staff glowing faintly as she quickened her pace. "The gates are warded. I need to focus to get us through without triggering anything."

The group fell silent as they approached the massive gates. Up close, the runes seemed to writhe, their glow intensifying as Mandira raised her staff. She muttered incantations under her breath, her fingers tracing patterns in the air. The runes pulsed in response, and a low rumble echoed through the mountain as the gates began to part, revealing a cavernous hall lit by floating orbs of mana.

"Wow," Romina whispered, her eyes wide. The hall was vast, its walls lined with towering crystals that refracted light into a kaleidoscope of colors. The air felt alive, tingling against her skin, and she could almost taste the raw mana swirling around them.

Shennong whistled, his hands on his hips. "Now this is a hideout. You mages sure know how to live."

"It’s not a hideout," Mandira said, her tone dry. "It’s a sanctuary. A place of study and protection."

Lyssara smirked, leaning close to Shennong. "Don’t mind her. She’s just grumpy because she’s not the Overseer’s favorite anymore."

Mandira’s eyes narrowed, but before she could retort, a sharp voice cut through the hall. "Lyssara, must you torment every guest who steps through these gates?"

A woman emerged from the shadows, her robes a deep indigo that shimmered with embedded runes. She was older, her hair streaked with silver, but her posture was regal, and her green eyes gleamed with authority. The air around her seemed to hum with power, and Romina instinctively stepped closer to Mandira.

"Sister Veyra," Mandira said, dipping her head in respect. "It’s good to see you."

Veyra’s gaze softened slightly, but her tone remained stern. "Mandira. You’ve been gone too long. And you’ve brought... interesting company." Her eyes flicked to Shennong, then lingered on Romina, assessing her with a scrutiny that made the younger woman squirm.

Shennong, undeterred, flashed a grin. "Shennong, at your service. Heard a lot about this place. Nice setup you’ve got."

Veyra raised an eyebrow. "Charming. And reckless, I presume, given you’re traveling with Mandira."

Lyssara giggled, hopping from one foot to the other. "Oh, he’s fun, Sister Veyra! You should’ve seen him dodge my trap outside. He’s quick."

Veyra’s lips twitched, but her expression remained cool. "Your traps, Lyssara, are precisely why we’re having this conversation. The Overseer is not pleased with your... experiments."

Lyssara pouted, crossing her arms. "She’s never pleased. I’m just trying to keep things exciting around here!"

Mandira cleared her throat, stepping forward. "Sister Veyra, we need to see the Overseer. It’s urgent. Romina—" she gestured to her niece, who shrank under Veyra’s gaze—"has shown signs of mana sensitivity. She needs guidance, but also there’s another issue with otherworldy creatures.."

Veyra’s eyes narrowed as she studied Romina. "Mana sensitivity? At her age? That’s... unusual. But not unheard of." She stepped closer, her voice softening. "What’s your name, child?"

"R-Romina," she stammered, her hands twisting in her cloak. "I... I don’t really understand it myself."

Veyra nodded, her expression unreadable. "The Overseer will want to see her. But first, you’ll need to pass the Threshold."

Romina’s heart sank. "The Threshold? What’s that?"

Lyssara clapped her hands, her grin returning. "Oh, you’re in for a treat! The Threshold’s like a test. You know, to make sure you’re not a spy or a demon or something boring like that."

Shennong laughed, slinging an arm around Romina’s shoulders. "A test, huh? Sounds like fun. What do we do, fight a dragon?"

Veyra’s eyes glinted with amusement. "Nothing so dramatic. The Threshold is a ritual to assess your mana and intentions. It’s harmless... usually."

"Usually?" Romina squeaked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mandira placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You’ll be fine, Romina. Just be honest. The Threshold senses deception."

Lyssara leaned in, whispering loudly, "And if you fail, it might zap you into next week. No pressure!"

Veyra sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Lyssara, take them to the Threshold Chamber. And behave."

Lyssara saluted mockingly. "Yes, ma’am! Come on, newbies. Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to impress the Overseer."

The group followed Lyssara through the hall, their footsteps echoing off the crystal-lined walls. The air grew warmer, the mana thicker, as they descended a spiral staircase into a circular chamber. At its center stood a large, glowing crystal suspended in midair, its surface rippling with light. Runes pulsed along the floor, forming a complex pattern that made Romina’s head spin.

"This is it," Lyssara said, her voice gleeful. "The Threshold. Step into the circle, and the crystal does the rest. Easy peasy."

Shennong eyed the crystal warily. "And if it doesn’t like what it sees?"

Lyssara shrugged. "It’ll probably just kick you out. Or turn you into a toad. I’m kidding! ...Maybe."

Mandira glared at her. "Lyssara, enough. Romina, you go first. You’re the reason we’re here. I can deal with other problem."

Romina swallowed hard, her heart pounding. "M-Me? Alone?"

"You can do this," Mandira said, her voice firm but kind. "Just step into the circle and let the crystal read you. It’s like... breathing. Natural."

Shennong gave her a playful nudge. "You’ve got this, Show these mages what you’re made of."

Romina took a shaky breath and stepped into the circle. The runes flared, and the crystal’s light intensified, bathing her in a warm glow. She felt a strange pull, like a current tugging at her soul. Images flashed through her mind—her mansion, her family, the forest, the night with Shennong and Mandira. She gasped, her cheeks flushing, but the crystal’s light remained steady, no hint of judgment.

The glow faded, and the runes dimmed. Romina stumbled back, catching her breath. "W-What was that?"

Veyra, who had followed them, nodded approvingly. "You passed. Your mana is raw but strong, but they are not stable at all as if it isn’t yours. The Overseer will be intrigued."

Lyssara clapped, bouncing on her toes. "Nice one, cutie! My turn to cheer for you now."

Shennong stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Guess I’m next. Let’s see if this thing can handle me."

As he stepped into the circle, the runes flared again, but this time, the crystal’s light flickered erratically. A low hum filled the chamber, and the air grew heavy. Romina’s eyes widened as Shennong’s grin faltered, his hand twitching toward his dagger.

"Uh, Mandira?" he said, his voice tight. "This feel normal to you?"

Mandira’s staff glowed as she stepped forward, her expression tense. "Something’s wrong. Lyssara, did you tamper with the Threshold?"

Lyssara’s eyes widened, her hands raised. "Me? No way! I haven’t touched it! ...Well, maybe I tweaked a rune or two last week, but it was fine then!"

Veyra’s voice was like ice. "Lyssara."

Before anyone could react, the crystal pulsed violently, and a shockwave of mana erupted, knocking everyone back. Romina screamed, and Shennong cursed as the runes on the floor began to writhe, forming a new, chaotic pattern.

"Lyssara!" Mandira shouted, her shield flaring. "What did you do?!"

Lyssara’s grin was gone, her face pale. "I... I might’ve underestimated my tweak. Oops?"

As the chamber shook, Romina clung to Mandira, her heart racing. The Sanctuary was supposed to be safe, but with Lyssara’s chaos in the mix, they were in for more trouble than they’d bargained for.