[ ⋆˙⟡─ .✦⊹‧₊˚ ️๋࣭ . ݁ ˖ ]
The Kassei-Ka mine, originally unnamed, has roots in the early spring of 1598 following a campaign by the three governors at the time. Done in an effort to seemingly stimulate the economy, the mine proved to do so a mere few years after its opening. The discovery of gemstone deposits in the year 1603 would prove this effort successful. Years following this discovery were met with abundance for the island, raising hopes regarding its future as a potential trading hub and wealthy nation. The gemstones were used in a variant of artis**** manner, leading to an overall increase of import and exports for the island.
However, this free ride didn’t last for long. Years following lies, greed, crime and greed plagued the Kassei-Ka mine. It was not till August of 1622 that this depravity would come to a fiery stop. A fire had been started and a small delinquent group took a chance during the confusion to profit. Racing inside the mine they saw it as open for the taking, lacking its usual security and control. With a plan to trap themselves within and leave with all the treasures possible the group would soon find this to be the opposite of what they had hoped. Planting explosives wildly, the group would soon find how much they were in harm's way. Trapped and endangered by the explosion the group would not survive following their attempted cash-grab.
It wasn't till March of 2026 that the Mine would be reexamined after the discovery of ancient maps by the Kaseya family. With further research and examination completed on the site, and as time had played its role the gemstones previously adored by the island's people were found to contain no wealth as they had in centuries prior.
The Kassei-Ka Mine however is not the only mine present here in Karakura. Across the city you can find two additional minds skirting the edges of town- both of which border the heights of Karakura Mountains.
The first hidden within a quaint park in the northern back of Shōtengai. With little known about it this small mine follows a familiar architecture and design as those found at the Kassei-Ka Mine, potentially hinting at a formation around the same time period. However, this claim can not be proved objectively.
However- even with its older looking appearance there has still been an effort made to warn those of the dangers posed by entering said mine. With a hard dropoff its not recommended inexperienced individuals, or any individual at all truthfully, explore this mine. Especially given the fact that its inner entrance is fully blocked by a gated structure.
The second additional mind, giving us three total that this reporter could dig up in Karakura, is that found within the Shizukanamichi Grounds Heritage Site. Found on the Western edge of Karakura Beach this mine fronts a particularly unique structure, differing from the Kassei-Ka and Shōtengai mines hints once more at potentially being formed at a different period then the rest. Or- equally likely simply using different materials or designs.
Within this mind holds somewhat interesting contents. Found nearing the entrance are gemstones- similar to the ones found in the Kassei-Ka mines. What look to be the same ones that brought ambitions of fame and glory to the early residents of Karakura in the 1600s, the very same that brought the disaster in years following its discovery. These gemstones, while holding no value in the current day, brings up questions about how those once living at the now Shizukanamichi Grounds Heritage site reacted to its discovery. Did they fall to a similar fate? Were they more cautious? What effect did its discovery have at scale? All questions this reporter ponders as the moonlight shimmers through gemstone after gemstone.
Deeper into this mine is an eerie site… The lack of safety precautions! Unlike the Shōtengai mine this abandoned site has no guardrails or gates to be found, instead an endless drop. It is not recommended individuals for any reason snoop around this location, if one must it is recommended to not enter deeper within to avoid potential harm. KA News does not hold responsibility for those that neglect these warnings and adventure into the dark regardless.
[ ⋆˙⟡─ .✦⊹‧₊˚ ️๋࣭ . ݁ ˖ ]
The Kassei-Ka mine, originally unnamed, has roots in the early spring of 1598 following a campaign by the three governors at the time. Done in an effort to seemingly stimulate the economy, the mine proved to do so a mere few years after its opening. The discovery of gemstone deposits in the year 1603 would prove this effort successful. Years following this discovery were met with abundance for the island, raising hopes regarding its future as a potential trading hub and wealthy nation. The gemstones were used in a variant of artis**** manner, leading to an overall increase of import and exports for the island.
However, this free ride didn’t last for long. Years following lies, greed, crime and greed plagued the Kassei-Ka mine. It was not till August of 1622 that this depravity would come to a fiery stop. A fire had been started and a small delinquent group took a chance during the confusion to profit. Racing inside the mine they saw it as open for the taking, lacking its usual security and control. With a plan to trap themselves within and leave with all the treasures possible the group would soon find this to be the opposite of what they had hoped. Planting explosives wildly, the group would soon find how much they were in harm's way. Trapped and endangered by the explosion the group would not survive following their attempted cash-grab.
It wasn't till March of 2026 that the Mine would be reexamined after the discovery of ancient maps by the Kaseya family. With further research and examination completed on the site, and as time had played its role the gemstones previously adored by the island's people were found to contain no wealth as they had in centuries prior.
The Kassei-Ka Mine however is not the only mine present here in Karakura. Across the city you can find two additional minds skirting the edges of town- both of which border the heights of Karakura Mountains.
The first hidden within a quaint park in the northern back of Shōtengai. With little known about it this small mine follows a familiar architecture and design as those found at the Kassei-Ka Mine, potentially hinting at a formation around the same time period. However, this claim can not be proved objectively.
However- even with its older looking appearance there has still been an effort made to warn those of the dangers posed by entering said mine. With a hard dropoff its not recommended inexperienced individuals, or any individual at all truthfully, explore this mine. Especially given the fact that its inner entrance is fully blocked by a gated structure.
The second additional mind, giving us three total that this reporter could dig up in Karakura, is that found within the Shizukanamichi Grounds Heritage Site. Found on the Western edge of Karakura Beach this mine fronts a particularly unique structure, differing from the Kassei-Ka and Shōtengai mines hints once more at potentially being formed at a different period then the rest. Or- equally likely simply using different materials or designs.
Within this mind holds somewhat interesting contents. Found nearing the entrance are gemstones- similar to the ones found in the Kassei-Ka mines. What look to be the same ones that brought ambitions of fame and glory to the early residents of Karakura in the 1600s, the very same that brought the disaster in years following its discovery. These gemstones, while holding no value in the current day, brings up questions about how those once living at the now Shizukanamichi Grounds Heritage site reacted to its discovery. Did they fall to a similar fate? Were they more cautious? What effect did its discovery have at scale? All questions this reporter ponders as the moonlight shimmers through gemstone after gemstone.
Deeper into this mine is an eerie site… The lack of safety precautions! Unlike the Shōtengai mine this abandoned site has no guardrails or gates to be found, instead an endless drop. It is not recommended individuals for any reason snoop around this location, if one must it is recommended to not enter deeper within to avoid potential harm. KA News does not hold responsibility for those that neglect these warnings and adventure into the dark regardless.
[ ⋆˙⟡─ .✦⊹‧₊˚ ️๋࣭ . ݁ ˖ ]
[⏾ ݁ ۪࣪ ִֶָ˖.₊]
Has anyone told you? I heard a rumour…
…of restless souls trapped inside the Kassei-Ka Mines. Have you heard of them? Angered and relentless, the wandering trapped spirits of those fated to enter the mines, to never leave.
A large fire, raging storms of inferno took heed over the land of Ochiba forest, trees crackling and tumbling towards the ground in an ashy and dwindling motion. The ignorance of juvenile idealisms that dreamed of power and riches.
Young and unafraid, an unnamed delinquent group danced through the forest, a ballroom escapade that tempted fate in each step. The plan was simple, trap themselves in the mines to gather enough crystals to come out richer than ever. A plan to move in, and out.
And yet, they never made it out.
March 30th, 2026. The mines re-open to the public as architects of the city worked to stabilize the underground labyrinth. Many have gone in, and unlike the past, have succeeded in getting out. But as you, dear reader, eventually traverse the winding stone roads of the underground mines… tell me.
Are you sure you’re alone?
I, Eliseo Isagani, went down to search the mines myself, with some help from my friend Geun Maeng.
This is what we found.
[⏾ ݁ ۪࣪ ִֶָ˖.₊]
[!]
Flickers of a static laced video would fizz onto the screen, large creaking sounds of metal rubbing against each other could be heard in the back. The view revealed the sight of a pair of shoes, that is, until the cameraman levels the sights to his side. On the opposite end was an older male, presumably Geun Maeng. Leading to the conclusion that the holder of the device was Eliseo himself.
Warm lights emanating from lanterns beside them, stone walls covered in dirt and dust enclosed the two within. They were on a wooden elevator, heading down.
THUD.
It seems they’ve arrived at their destination.
The two step off the mechanism, the camera pointing towards the Maeng once again. A soft set of words slowly arises.
[Eliseo] “Should we i-introduce ourselves?”
[Geun] Gave a slight nod to the young man, “Yes- Go right ahead. I’ll follow suit.”
[Eliseo] “R-Right!” A hand would be held in front of the camera, waving. “Hello Karakura, I’m Eliseo Isagani. A-and this is…”
[Geun] “Geun Maeng, reporter's at KA News. And well- this is the Kassei-Ka Mine, Mr. Isagani knows more on the matter than I do.”
[!]
A soft up and down motion could be seen from the camera, as if Eliseo was using the sights to convey a nod.
[Eliseo] “Th-there have been stories about the mines, disasters, death, and hauntings that might reside within these walls. O-our job to explore and… maybe seek out any real evidence that might back t-those stories up.”
[Geun] Quirked an eyebrow, “Well- I was not aware of that. As long as it's safe, I don’t wish to make it home too late. Anyways-”
[Eliseo] “L-Let’s get a move on!”
[!]
The duo walk down the long corridors of uneven cobble and tuff, taking in the sights of the flora and earthy growth within the underground space. The camera pans to images of mossy ponds, flowers, construction, the works.
There’d be times of silence, to take in the beauty? To keep an ear out for odd sounds? Or maybe just because of the sheer tension that comes with exploring the unknown. Either way, all that accompanied the duo was the dreaming of the caves and the three sets of footsteps that’d come from them.
Wait… three?
The camera would swivel around to…! To nothing?
[Geun] Glanced to Eliseo, “What seems to be the matter?” His hearing must have deteriorated with age as he hadn’t seemed to notice.
[Eliseo] “Y-yeah, sorry I thought I… I h-heard something?”
[Geun] Huffed, “Ah- Well older things do seem to creak at times. It’s likely nothing.”
[Eliseo] “Y-yeah… haha.”
[!]
And like that, the two continue. Farther and farther down, the duo walk past small crevasses and slits that only few could enter. A sudden change in the atmosphere when a light gleams from the back of the mines. Spirals. Spirals of color, crystalized beauty jutting out from the stone.
[Eliseo] “G-Geun, look! These must be the crystals that w-we’ve read about!”
[Geun] Squinted across the cave, “Ah- I see. I can somewhat make them out, they held a lot of value back in the day.”
[Eliseo] “They really a-are beautiful. It’s a shame that they hold n-no value anymore, huh?”
[!]
Silence.
Isagani would turn, the camera following his sights.
[Eliseo] “G-Geun?”
But there was no one there.
Isagani called out again, letting his voice carry out, bouncing around the walls. He could hear it, another set of steps that only meant his companion. Eliseo stepped forward… Calling out once again. The sound of his voice echoing forward.
But whatever came back was not his friend.
A large, deafening shriek coursed through the air. The static of the video only intensifies, footage sometimes lagging behind, even blacking out before returning to normal. The scream only messed with the images more.
He’d start inching back, Isagani taking his steps and retreating from where he once stood. The view bobbing up and down as the man made haste, as if to outrun death.
And then, there he was. Geun.
[Eliseo] “GEUN! G-Geun!” Isagani would hunch over, leaning onto the wall as he tried to catch his breath. “I- WE need to leave!”
[Geun] Tilted his head looking towards the Isagani, “Oh- Isn’t it a bit early? I thought there would be more to explore?”
[Eliseo] “Please! I-I think we’ve seen enough I… I j-just need us to go!”
[Geun] Staggered onwards concerningly, “Well- if you insist, I’ll trust your judgement. But what could have happened?”
[Eliseo] “Y-Yeah, I just… there was-” Isagani stumbled over his own words, there really was no way of explaining. “Something back there- Either way… I-I’m sure it’s gone now.”
[!]
The camera would pan back, staring back into the dark corridors of the mineshaft. There wasn’t much, just rubble and wooden supports. One final look.
Eliseo kept the camera panned onto the abyss behind them. Staring. The video’s static only picks up.
Was… someone staring back?
[Geun] His voice heard from the opposite direction the camera was facing, “I think we’re almost there. Just one turn up ahead- You there Isagani?”
[Eliseo] “H-Huh? Oh, r-right… Thank god.”
[!]
The duo take their steps back onto the mineshaft elevator. Creaking as the device lifted them up into the air, the rattling of chains and old wood started all over again. And just like that… they were out.
[Eliseo] “W-Well, this is uhm, this is Eliseo Isagani-!”
[Geun] Nodded, slightly judging Isagani's ideas for reporting. “And Geun Maeng. KA News” A humble plug.
[Eliseo] “Heading back to the st-station. Stay safe Karakura… Don’t be next.”
And as the sunlight bleeds into frame, the video ends.
Has anyone told you? I heard a rumour…
…of restless souls trapped inside the Kassei-Ka Mines. Have you heard of them? Angered and relentless, the wandering trapped spirits of those fated to enter the mines, to never leave.
A large fire, raging storms of inferno took heed over the land of Ochiba forest, trees crackling and tumbling towards the ground in an ashy and dwindling motion. The ignorance of juvenile idealisms that dreamed of power and riches.
Young and unafraid, an unnamed delinquent group danced through the forest, a ballroom escapade that tempted fate in each step. The plan was simple, trap themselves in the mines to gather enough crystals to come out richer than ever. A plan to move in, and out.
And yet, they never made it out.
March 30th, 2026. The mines re-open to the public as architects of the city worked to stabilize the underground labyrinth. Many have gone in, and unlike the past, have succeeded in getting out. But as you, dear reader, eventually traverse the winding stone roads of the underground mines… tell me.
Are you sure you’re alone?
I, Eliseo Isagani, went down to search the mines myself, with some help from my friend Geun Maeng.
This is what we found.
[⏾ ݁ ۪࣪ ִֶָ˖.₊]
[!]
Flickers of a static laced video would fizz onto the screen, large creaking sounds of metal rubbing against each other could be heard in the back. The view revealed the sight of a pair of shoes, that is, until the cameraman levels the sights to his side. On the opposite end was an older male, presumably Geun Maeng. Leading to the conclusion that the holder of the device was Eliseo himself.
Warm lights emanating from lanterns beside them, stone walls covered in dirt and dust enclosed the two within. They were on a wooden elevator, heading down.
THUD.
It seems they’ve arrived at their destination.
The two step off the mechanism, the camera pointing towards the Maeng once again. A soft set of words slowly arises.
[Eliseo] “Should we i-introduce ourselves?”
[Geun] Gave a slight nod to the young man, “Yes- Go right ahead. I’ll follow suit.”
[Eliseo] “R-Right!” A hand would be held in front of the camera, waving. “Hello Karakura, I’m Eliseo Isagani. A-and this is…”
[Geun] “Geun Maeng, reporter's at KA News. And well- this is the Kassei-Ka Mine, Mr. Isagani knows more on the matter than I do.”
[!]
A soft up and down motion could be seen from the camera, as if Eliseo was using the sights to convey a nod.
[Eliseo] “Th-there have been stories about the mines, disasters, death, and hauntings that might reside within these walls. O-our job to explore and… maybe seek out any real evidence that might back t-those stories up.”
[Geun] Quirked an eyebrow, “Well- I was not aware of that. As long as it's safe, I don’t wish to make it home too late. Anyways-”
[Eliseo] “L-Let’s get a move on!”
[!]
The duo walk down the long corridors of uneven cobble and tuff, taking in the sights of the flora and earthy growth within the underground space. The camera pans to images of mossy ponds, flowers, construction, the works.
There’d be times of silence, to take in the beauty? To keep an ear out for odd sounds? Or maybe just because of the sheer tension that comes with exploring the unknown. Either way, all that accompanied the duo was the dreaming of the caves and the three sets of footsteps that’d come from them.
Wait… three?
The camera would swivel around to…! To nothing?
[Geun] Glanced to Eliseo, “What seems to be the matter?” His hearing must have deteriorated with age as he hadn’t seemed to notice.
[Eliseo] “Y-yeah, sorry I thought I… I h-heard something?”
[Geun] Huffed, “Ah- Well older things do seem to creak at times. It’s likely nothing.”
[Eliseo] “Y-yeah… haha.”
[!]
And like that, the two continue. Farther and farther down, the duo walk past small crevasses and slits that only few could enter. A sudden change in the atmosphere when a light gleams from the back of the mines. Spirals. Spirals of color, crystalized beauty jutting out from the stone.
[Eliseo] “G-Geun, look! These must be the crystals that w-we’ve read about!”
[Geun] Squinted across the cave, “Ah- I see. I can somewhat make them out, they held a lot of value back in the day.”
[Eliseo] “They really a-are beautiful. It’s a shame that they hold n-no value anymore, huh?”
[!]
Silence.
Isagani would turn, the camera following his sights.
[Eliseo] “G-Geun?”
But there was no one there.
Isagani called out again, letting his voice carry out, bouncing around the walls. He could hear it, another set of steps that only meant his companion. Eliseo stepped forward… Calling out once again. The sound of his voice echoing forward.
But whatever came back was not his friend.
A large, deafening shriek coursed through the air. The static of the video only intensifies, footage sometimes lagging behind, even blacking out before returning to normal. The scream only messed with the images more.
He’d start inching back, Isagani taking his steps and retreating from where he once stood. The view bobbing up and down as the man made haste, as if to outrun death.
And then, there he was. Geun.
[Eliseo] “GEUN! G-Geun!” Isagani would hunch over, leaning onto the wall as he tried to catch his breath. “I- WE need to leave!”
[Geun] Tilted his head looking towards the Isagani, “Oh- Isn’t it a bit early? I thought there would be more to explore?”
[Eliseo] “Please! I-I think we’ve seen enough I… I j-just need us to go!”
[Geun] Staggered onwards concerningly, “Well- if you insist, I’ll trust your judgement. But what could have happened?”
[Eliseo] “Y-Yeah, I just… there was-” Isagani stumbled over his own words, there really was no way of explaining. “Something back there- Either way… I-I’m sure it’s gone now.”
[!]
The camera would pan back, staring back into the dark corridors of the mineshaft. There wasn’t much, just rubble and wooden supports. One final look.
Eliseo kept the camera panned onto the abyss behind them. Staring. The video’s static only picks up.
Was… someone staring back?
[Geun] His voice heard from the opposite direction the camera was facing, “I think we’re almost there. Just one turn up ahead- You there Isagani?”
[Eliseo] “H-Huh? Oh, r-right… Thank god.”
[!]
The duo take their steps back onto the mineshaft elevator. Creaking as the device lifted them up into the air, the rattling of chains and old wood started all over again. And just like that… they were out.
[Eliseo] “W-Well, this is uhm, this is Eliseo Isagani-!”
[Geun] Nodded, slightly judging Isagani's ideas for reporting. “And Geun Maeng. KA News” A humble plug.
[Eliseo] “Heading back to the st-station. Stay safe Karakura… Don’t be next.”
And as the sunlight bleeds into frame, the video ends.
