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 turning serious. "Then we'd better find it before they do."
"I'm leading an expedition tomorrow," Ben said. "Out to a cursed ruin, gonna scout the surrounding area while we're at it. You want in?"
Elvira raised an eyebrow. "A cursed ruin?"
Ben nodded, then explained, about the old Nephirid veterans, their strange illnesses, and the curses they get from ruin.
Elvira fell silent, her gaze distant as she listened. When he finished, she stayed still for a moment longer, clearly thinking deeply.
Then, finally, 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 asset to us.."
Ben chuckled under his breath. "You say that while sulking. Still can't stand them, huh?"
