As dawn broke, some of the fog lifted from the Black Island, revealing winding paths between the dark trees. Linus stood before the crew, holding the torn paper they had found in the wreckage.
"This mark resembles a portal… perhaps an entrance to something deeper," Romulus said, pointing to a mysterious symbol.
"It could be a path to the heart of the island," Linus replied, examining the paper. "We need to investigate."
"I'm ready," Darius said, tightening his grip on his sword. "If there's a buried secret, we won't leave until we see it."
Callias smirked. "You're after loot, not the truth."
"Loot is sometimes proof of the truth."
"But the truth can be heavier than gold."
They moved through the paths, the ground covered in black ash, the air carrying an ancient scent.
Nikos, the old sailor, said, "This land isn't natural. It's like the remains of a great fire."
Linus replied, "Or a battle that's been obliterated."
After a long walk, they reached a wide square surrounded by broken stone columns. On the walls were faded inscriptions, geometric shapes unlike anything they knew.
Romulus touched one of the columns, "These aren't our creations. A completely different style."
Callias replied, "Perhaps an ancient civilization that vanished."
Linus said, "Or a civilization that others wanted to wipe out."
Darius approached a wall bearing strange symbols.
"Is this writing?"
Nikos replied, "Not intelligible writing... just symbols. But look, this arrow points in a direction."
Linus said, "Let's follow it."
The arrow led them to stone slabs of different colors. Darius knocked on it and heard a hollow sound.
"Underneath it is a void," he said excitedly. "There is an entrance."
"Let's open it carefully," Linus replied.
They lifted the stones, and a stone staircase appeared descending.
"Shall we go in?" Callias asked, peering into the darkness.
"Yes," Linus replied. "But only half of us. The rest stay on guard."
Linus, Romulus, Darius, and Callias descended. The air inside was damp, and the walls were covered with black moss.
"This place hasn't been opened for a long time," Darius said, lighting a torch.
"But why was it sealed?" Romulus replied.
"Perhaps to protect something… or to hide it," Linus said.
At the end of the staircase, they reached a wide hall, with a stone platform in the middle. On top of it stood a small stone chest.
Callias said, "This is more like a storehouse... nothing more."
Linus replied, "Yes. Just relics."
They opened the chest and found an old leather scroll.
"The writing is strange... but I can make out some of the words," Linus said, carefully opening it.
"What does it say?" Darius asked.
"It says: 'Whoever entered this land carried a burden of its history. Whoever left, left with an indelible knowledge.'"
There was a brief silence.
Romulus said, "Then it's not a threat... but a message."
Linus replied, "A message from people who wanted to be remembered... even if they perished."
Darius said, "And will we bear this burden?"
"Yes," Linus said, folding the scroll.
"Because the sea didn't bring us here in vain."
They returned to the surface, where Nikos was waiting for them.
Nikos asked, "Did you find anything?"
Linus replied, "We found a hidden city... and we discovered that the island conceals a greater history than we thought."
Nikos asked, "And did you understand everything?"
Linus, staring into the distance, replied, "No. But we're starting to hear the island."