Alaric had carefully packed the energy-infused leaf, wrapping it in a special cloth he always carried during his travels, material designed to protect its contents from impact and sudden temperature changes.
He knew that one day. Somewhere, he would need it. That's why he always kept it tucked in the pocket of his pants.
He was just about to get up from his seat, eager to bring his latest discovery home and start his next experiment. But then, something unexpected happened.
The cave, which had always felt calm and peaceful, began to echo with a strange, low whisper. At first, it was just a faint vibration under his feet, but within seconds, it turned into a powerful tremor that shook his entire body.
Alaric looked around. The cave walls were trembling, and droplets of water hanging from the stalactites were falling with scattered, faint plinks.
