They stepped past the panels and into a stretch that felt distinctly different.
The floor shifted first,springy beneath their feet, reminiscent of walking over a hollow space.
The ceiling dipped slightly, compressing the air around them, while the scents transformed: less metallic and more earthy dust mingled with a faint tang of aged oil.
Arthur slowed his pace once more and pulled out the map.
Three circles were drawn one above the other, connected by narrow rectangles. No notes accompanied them,just those enigmatic circles.
A frown tugged at his lips.
"Trouble?" Gunner asked, glancing sideways.
"Unknown," Arthur replied. "But we can assume yes."
Ethan leaned in closer to peek over Arthur's shoulder. "Very scientific of you."
"Shut up and step where I step," Arthur retorted.
"Yes, Dad," Ethan quipped back with a smirk.
The next ten meters felt like they were tiptoeing across thin ice on an untrustworthy lake.
