Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You

Stepping out of the passage, they found themselves on a narrow stone walkway. Above them stretched a massive natural cave with water dripping steadily from the ceiling, while the strange, multicolored lights reflected off the cave's rock formations, creating an unexpectedly beautiful sight.

The rushing sound of water came from beneath their feet. When Andrew peered down, he spotted a substantial underground river flowing rapidly below them.

Shining his flashlight downward, he saw steam rising from the water's surface, making it impossible to determine the depth. He could estimate that the river was about 15 feet wide-a fairly large underground waterway.

"There's such a strong sulfur smell! This river water must be from a natural hot spring—I'd love to take a dip!" Chantelle exclaimed, her feminine nature showing as she smiled at the sight of water.

Andrew shook his head and warned, "Underground river water has very complex chemical compositions. There might be toxic substances in it, so forget about hot spring bathing, and let's keep moving."

"Should we go left or right?" Kevin asked.

Andrew examined both directions the right walkway extended downstream along the dark river to an unknown destination, while the left path led upstream.

"Left," he decided immediately and started walking in that direction.

are we going left?" Chantelle

replied, "If I had chosen

her annoyance and said, "You're absolutely right—I just want to

upstream from the dark river. If it were downstream, it could be

reluctantly offered a compliment: "You know quite

you do!" Andrew

grew impatient and said, "Hurry up, you two! If you're going to

face instantly turned red as she retorted coldly,

snorted and continued, "Did I say something wrong? Ms. Garcia, haven't

when you worked with Governor McCormick, but look at how ruffled you're

you're disgusting!" Chantelle shouted in shame and

me, Ms. Garcia. This treasure hunt has everyone under a lot of stress, so I'm just trying to lighten the

that if they kept walking, they would probably emerge beyond the

for their lives or facing dangerous situations, Andrew