Chapter Ten: The Riddle of the Platform
The group stood before the ancient stone platform, the carved symbols glinting in the sunlight filtering through the cracks. Every line, every circle, every inscription seemed to tell an ancient story, as if the island itself was watching them.
> Neros: This is the heart of the island… Let's proceed with caution. Every step here requires complete concentration.
Lantos approached, placed his hand on the symbols, and began analyzing each line and dot:
> Lantos: This platform isn't just a decoration… It's a mechanical puzzle. Every wrong move could lead to a trap. We must decipher the symbols carefully.
Ranor turned his head around the platform excitedly:
> Ranor: This is fun! Everything feels like one big game… We just have to succeed!
> Silver (firmly): This isn't a game… Pay attention to every move.
The group began moving according to Neros and Lantos' instructions, each person handling a part of the symbols, every press on a stone, and every step calculated.
Suddenly, a mechanical creaking sound emanated from the floor, and small stone pillars began moving, pointed at the team.
> Neros: Stand back! Focus on moving together… Any mistake will be costly!
Petrus: No problem… We will not be afraid!
The team moved in perfect coordination, Silver monitoring the moving pillars, Ranor noting any changes to the symbols, Petrus protecting the back line, and Lantos analyzing every move to ensure the team's safety.
After minutes of intense concentration, the movement suddenly stopped, and the platform opened a hidden part of the floor, revealing a collection of ancient stone scrolls, drawings detailing methods of adapting to the island and safe ways to cross it.
> Ranor (in amazement): This… This is amazing! These scrolls tell of those who once lived here!
Lantos: Right… These are messages and warnings. It seems the island itself leaves clues for those brave enough to solve its mysteries.
Nerus approached, his eyes shining with determination:
> Nerus: This is the true beginning of our discovery of the island… Every piece of information here brings us one step closer to its heart, and to the Black Crown.
> Silver: But remember, this is just the beginning… The dangers ahead are greater, and any mistake could be fatal.
Petrus squeezed his hand, smiling:
> Petrus: Good… Every step, every puzzle, every trap… makes us stronger and closer to achieving our goal.
The team raised their gaze toward the high pillars, where ancient icy paths led deep into the island. They all felt that the island was beginning to recognize them as challengers, but it hadn't given them any chance to rest just yet.