"Now, we can move forward."
Schroeder the Scholar spoke calmly, but the unhidden anxiety in his expression broke the elegant demeanor of having everything under control.
"With your leadership, we are sure to reclaim the princess and give the intruders an unforgettable punishment!" Crazy Zen offered a compliment.
The group quickly traversed the area of black vines, nearing the swamp zone, where the sound of an underground river could be faintly heard ahead.
Suddenly, Schroeder's expression shifted, "What's going on? The intruders aren't running away?"
Everyone strained their eyes to look ahead, but the ancient corridor was dimly lit, obscuring any clear view. Only Schroeder's range of spiritual detection was large enough to uncover the truth first.
"Could it be they're sacrificial pawns left behind, and the princess's lead coffin has already been taken away?" Ralph voiced his most worrisome assumption.
