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.

we going

eyes and replied, "If I had chosen right, would you have asked why

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

would only be located upstream from the dark river. If it were downstream, it could be eroded or even flooded by the

reluctantly offered a compliment: "You know

than you do!" Andrew replied without

said, "Hurry up, you two! If you're going to flirt, pick a

as she retorted coldly, "Mr. Wright Senior, please watch

and continued, "Did I say something wrong? Ms. Garcia, haven't you noticed how agitated

frigid when you worked with Governor McCormick, but look at how ruffled you're now. I'm starting to wonder if Andy has gotten under your skin

Chantelle shouted in shame

said, "Just kidding! You know me, Ms. Garcia. This treasure hunt has everyone

river was surprisingly long. He estimated that if they kept walking, they would probably emerge beyond the mountains behind Gallow's End village, meaning they were now

this underground world, everything had been dark. Combined with constantly running for their lives or facing dangerous situations, Andrew had completely lost track of time. Whether it was