The path to the cave wound through twisting trees and sharp rocks. The sun was beginning to set, light peeking shyly between the branches.
"Are we sure this cave contains equipment? Or are we searching for a phantom treasure?" Darius asked, walking behind Linus.
"It was used to train my brothers," Morir replied, advancing steadily. "No one comes here now… but I remember where it was."
"Stay alert," Linus said, watching the path. "We don't know what might be waiting for us."
*
They reached the cave entrance. It was dark, with an old, damp smell.
"Nice!" Darius said, laughing. "Dark cave, strange smell… That means something interesting!"
"Darius, concentrate," Linus said sharply. "Follow me," said Morir, lighting a torch. "The entrance is narrow, but the inside is wide."
*
They entered the cave and began examining the walls. "Training tokens… These are old," said Linus, touching an inscription on the wall. "Each of my brothers left a token of their training here," said Morir. "Found something!" said Darius, opening a wooden box. "Diving masks… and some rope." "Good," said Linus, approaching. "But they're old. Do they work?" "We'll test them later," said Morir. "For now, we'll take everything we can carry."
*
As they gathered their equipment, they heard a faint sound from deep within the cave. "Did you hear?" said Darius, brandishing his sword. "Get ready," said Linus. "That voice… isn't human," Morir whispered.
*
A small, lizard-like creature emerged from the darkness, but its eyes shone blue.
"Oh, a visitor!" Darius said, laughing. "Should I feed it or fight it?"
"Don't attack it!" Morrer said quickly.
"That's a surveillance object… used to track intruders."
"So someone knows we're here?" Linus said, narrowing his eyes.
"Probably… Father."
*
"Should we kill it?" Darius said, swinging his sword.
"No. If you kill it, it sends out an immediate signal. But if we cover it… it stops broadcasting."
"Do it," Linus said.
Morer covered the object with a special cloth and then placed it inside a sealed box.
"Nice!" Darius laughed. "We've captured a spy!" Linus said, "That means we're running out of time. We must return immediately."
*
They quickly left the cave, carrying equipment. Murer panted, "We have enough for the dive... but the road to Arthallon won't be easy." Linus, his gaze fixed on the horizon, said, "Nothing about this journey has been easy... and never will be." Darius laughed, "But we're still standing... and that's enough."