Ben's jaw tightened. "I've been thinking the same thing.
Makes me wonder if we missed something right under our feet."
Elvira looked up.
Her expression turned serious. "Then we'd better find it before they do."
"I'm leading an expedition tomorrow," Ben said. "Out to a cursed ruin.
I'm going to scout the surrounding area while we're there.
You want in?"
Elvira raised an eyebrow. "A cursed ruin?"
Ben nodded.
He explained about the old Nephirid veterans, their strange illnesses, and the curses they carried from the ruin.
Elvira fell silent.
Her gaze went distant as she listened.
When he finished, she stayed still a moment longer, clearly thinking it through.
Then she said, "Get me a blood sample.
I'll run some tests.
If I can find a cure… if they're loyal to you, they will be an asset to us."
Ben let out a low chuckle. "You say that while sulking.
Still can't stand them, huh?"
Elvira's voice dropped, colder now. "Why don't you see my memories?
