After passing through the first door of the hideout, Merslin and his party cautiously walked down a dark corridor. The passage was made of old stone, with moss and dust accumulated over time, giving off an ancient and eerie atmosphere. The corridor was surprisingly wide, making it seem like someone had deliberately designed it. At the end of the passage, they found another door, and Serena wasted no time in opening it.
As the door creaked open, a staircase leading downward was revealed. The stairs were dimly lit, covered in dust and cobwebs. As they descended, the atmosphere became heavier, and the darkness seemed to stretch endlessly below.
Elena: "These stairs look ancient. It doesn't seem like anyone has used them in a long time."
Lisa: (Feeling the wall) "The texture of this stone… This place feels like it belongs to an ancient civilization. Could this really be just a simple hideout?"
As they continued descending, they eventually reached an underground chamber. The room was vast, with a few remaining candles barely providing any light. Dust covered the floor thickly, and along the walls, various tools and crates were stacked.
Serena: "It looks like something important was stored here. This could be where the pirate gang keeps their secret treasures."
At the far end of the chamber, another staircase extended downward, disappearing into darkness. Without hesitation, the group followed it.
Merslin: "For a hideout, this place goes deep underground… There must be something more hidden here."
When they finally reached the bottom, they found themselves inside an underground sewer system. However, this was no ordinary sewer. The walls were engraved with ancient symbols and runes, and the water, instead of being murky, was crystal-clear and faintly glowing.
Elena: (Examining the walls) "These inscriptions… They could be linked to an ancient civilization. This place is far more than just a sewer."
Lisa: "You're right. This doesn't look like a normal drainage system. There's more to this place than meets the eye."
As Merslin walked along the waterway, he grew more convinced that this was not a modern sewer system but rather the remains of an ancient city.
Merslin: "This isn't just any underground passage. The scale and architecture suggest that this might be remnants of an ancient civilization."
Before them stood another massive door—not a simple stone door, but one adorned with intricate carvings and ancient writings. The door had multiple handles, each seemingly capable of being turned in different directions.
Serena: (Examining the handles) "This isn't just about turning a knob. It looks like a puzzle. We'll need to decipher the ancient script to unlock it."
Elena: "These symbols likely represent 'light' and 'darkness,' 'above' and 'below.' If we align them correctly, the door should open."
Working together, Merslin and Serena carefully adjusted the handles based on Elena's interpretation. Slowly, the heavy door creaked open, revealing a vast underground city.
The city was not just a hideout—it was the remnants of an ancient civilization. Majestic ruins stood amidst intricately designed pathways, complete with ventilation and a sophisticated water supply system.
Merslin: (Amazed) "This is incredible… We didn't just find a hideout—we discovered an ancient underground city."
Lisa: "I never thought something like this could still exist… What secrets could this place hold?"
As they explored, they uncovered ancient artifacts and mysterious symbols, hinting at a long-forgotten past. However, as they ventured deeper, the pathways narrowed, and darkness enveloped them. Eventually, they found an exit leading to a cavern at the city's outskirts.
Serena: (Pointing) "This must be it. This cave is likely the only passage connecting this underground city to the outside world."
Merslin: "This city was hidden so deep underground… That means this cave might have been a secret route linking the ancient civilization to the surface."
Without hesitation, the group entered the cave, unaware of what awaited them ahead.
********
The Black Pirate Gang's Ship
As Merslin and his party followed the underground passage, they discovered a massive ship docked at the end of the cavern. The vessel bore the insignia of the notorious Black Pirate Gang—a skull on a black flag fluttering ominously in the dim light. Pirates bustled around, making final preparations for departure.
Merslin: "That ship… It belongs to the Black Pirate Gang. This must be one of their secret hideouts."
Serena: (Sharpening her senses) "We need to get on that ship, but we have to be careful. If they notice us, we're done for."
Lisa: (Gesturing to nearby clothing) "Let's put on these outfits and blend in. We can pretend to be moving cargo while we figure out their plans."
Elena: (Concerned) "Merslin, this plan is dangerous. Are you sure about this?"
Merslin: (Resolute) "We need to find out what they're planning. I'll take the lead."
Disguised in pirate clothing, they managed to slip onto the ship unnoticed.
Once aboard, they carefully observed their surroundings. The ship was stocked with long-distance sailing provisions, weapons, and battle gear. The sheer amount of preparation suggested that this wasn't just a simple raiding mission.
Elena: (Examining the supplies) "They're preparing for something much bigger than ordinary plundering."
Merslin: (Deep in thought) "This ship is different… The Black Pirate Gang is after a legendary relic called the 'Guardian of the World.' They believe it holds immense power."
Serena: (Eyes widening) "The Guardian of the World… Do they really think it exists? If they obtain it, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Lisa: (Determined) "We have to stop them. If that relic falls into their hands, it could bring ruin to the world."
Just as they were strategizing, they stumbled upon a locked chamber. Inside, they found women and children held captive, their faces filled with fear and despair. The pirates were taunting them mercilessly.
Male Pirate: "C'mon, give me a nice smile. Maybe then I'll go easy on you. Hahaha!"
When one woman resisted, a pirate roughly grabbed her, while another female pirate smirked and mocked her.
Female Pirate: "Listen, sweetheart. On this ship, strength is all that matters. You better learn that fast."
Tears streamed down the woman's face, her body trembling in fear. Watching the scene unfold, Aria couldn't hold back her own tears.
Aria: (Whispering) "How… How could they be so cruel? How can humans treat others like this?"
Lisa gripped Aria's hand firmly, her eyes burning with determination.
Lisa: "We will save them. No matter what."
Merslin: (Clenching his fists) "We will. But first, we need to uncover their full plan."
The group then overheard a conversation among the pirates. They were discussing their journey's objective—to locate the legendary relic. According to their sources, the relic's final clue lay on Troll's Isle.
Pirate 1: "If that relic is really on the island, this voyage will change our fate. With that power, no one will be able to stop us."
Pirate 2: "Exactly. The captain has meticulously planned everything. First, we dock at the outpost, exchange information, and then head to Troll's Isle for the final clue."
Just then, a pirate grew suspicious and scanned the area.
Pirate 3: "Something feels off… Is someone eavesdropping on us?"
Serena quickly signaled the team to stay hidden.
Serena: (Whispering) "Did you hear that? They're heading to an outpost first, then to Troll's Isle. We need to get ahead of them."
Merslin: "We have to observe their movements at the outpost first. Then, we can stop them before they reach Troll's Isle."
Lisa: "We must stay one step ahead. We can't let them reach that relic."
The group steeled themselves, knowing they had little time. Their mission was clear: gather intel at the outpost, then sabotage the pirates before they reached Troll's Isle. The race against time had begun.