Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

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.

"Mr. Lloyd, why are we going left?" Chantelle inquired.

Andrew rolled his eyes and replied, "If I had chosen right, would you have asked why we're going right?"noveldrama

Chantelle laughed despite her annoyance and said, "You're absolutely right—I just want to know the reasoning."

This time, Andrew did not mock her and explained, "For safety reasons, the tomb chamber would only be located upstream from the dark river. If it were downstream, it could be eroded or even flooded by the flowing water-it's that simple."

Chantelle reluctantly offered a compliment: "You know quite a lot."

"More than you do!" Andrew replied without mercy.

Chantelle was frustrated but could not think of a comeback. Kevin grew impatient and said, "Hurry up, you two! If you're going to flirt, pick a better time and place!"

Chantelle's face instantly turned red as she retorted coldly, "Mr. Wright Senior, please watch your language!"

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

"You used to be famous for being 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 in more ways than one."

"Mr. Wright Senior, you're disgusting!" Chantelle shouted in shame and anger.

Kevin chuckled and said, "Just kidding! You know me, Ms. Garcia. This treasure hunt has everyone under a lot of stress, so I'm just trying to lighten the mood."

As they continued upstream, Andrew realized this underground 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 deep underground below the mountain range.

Ever since entering 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 day or night outside had become meaningless to him.

Glancing at his watch, he saw it was past two in the afternoon. They had descended through the dry well near dusk when the valley was growing dark, meaning an entire night had passed and most of a new day.

After about half an hour, Andrew's group finally reached the dark river's upstream source.

The water emerged from beneath a massive black cavern, which immediately revulsed Andrew-he would rather die than fall into that hole. However, his attention was not focused on the enormous cavern at all.

Above it, carved into the hard stone mountainside, a narrow stone staircase wound upward in spiraling curves, extending roughly 300 feet to where two bird sculptures stood guard on a protruding platform.

In the center between the stone carvings, a modest bronze door stood prominently.

"An entrance! It must be another entrance to the tomb chamber!" Kevin exclaimed excitedly, his voice trembling.

Chantelle was equally thrilled as she looked at Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, that's an entrance to the tomb chamber, right?"

Andrew smiled and replied, "It should be, though this entrance is probably a back door or side entrance to the tomb chamber. Generally, ancient burial sites only had one main entrance."