It was a bright and sunny day on the distant planet of Zorbon. A group of explorers, led by the fearless Captain James, had landed on the planet in search of new discoveries. As they trekked through the alien landscape, they stumbled upon a strange and mysterious artifact.

The artifact was unlike anything they had ever seen before. It was a glowing orb, pulsating with an otherworldly energy. The explorers were immediately drawn to it, and without hesitation, they reached out to touch it.

As soon as their fingers made contact with the artifact, a surge of power coursed through their bodies. They could feel their muscles growing stronger, their senses becoming sharper, and their minds expanding with knowledge.

Excited by their newfound abilities, the explorers continued to experiment with the artifact. They discovered that it could grant them incredible powers, such as the ability to fly, control the elements, and even read minds.

But as they continued to use the artifact, they began to notice a change in themselves. They became more aggressive, more reckless, and more power-hungry. They started to turn against each other, each wanting the artifact's power for themselves.

It wasn't long before they realized the high cost of their newfound abilities. The artifact was slowly draining their life force, and the more they used it, the weaker they became. They had been blinded by the promise of power and had not considered the consequences.

In a desperate attempt to save themselves, the explorers tried to destroy the artifact, but it was indestructible. They were trapped on the distant planet, with no way to escape the artifact's grasp.

As the days passed, the explorers grew weaker and weaker, until they were nothing but mere shells of their former selves. The artifact had taken everything from them, and they were left with nothing but regret.

The lesson was clear - with great power comes great sacrifice. The explorers had learned this the hard way, and their story serves as a warning to all who seek power without considering the consequences. The alien artifact may have granted them incredible abilities, but it came at a high cost that they were not willing to pay.