Two people were standing and discussing something in front of a lake, glowing from the rays of the sun. A light, warm breeze disturbed the calm water surface, creating small but beautiful waves.
"How long ago did they contact us?" - asked Klym, examining the surface of the lake in front of him.
"About an hour ago. They should be here soon." - John replied.
"I see. What do you think they might have found?" - Klym asked, picking up a stone and throwing it into the water.
"Well, maybe ancient records or artifacts. But that's in the best-case scenario." - John suggested, also throwing stones into the water.
After standing for a while, they noticed something approaching from the depths of the lake. After a dozen seconds, four people emerged on the shore. They walked a few meters from the shore, removed their masks, and took a deep breath of the pleasant warm air. After greeting each other, we decided to change clothes first and then tell our friends about our findings. Gathered around a large table in the center of the camp, we began the conversation.
"So, guys, did you find anything?" - Klym asked first.
"Most of the catacombs were empty, but we did find some interesting places." - I said and began talking about our finds, the others joined in, speaking and complementing each other.
We left the weapons warehouse for last, and when it was its turn, Frederick pulled out a dagger that we had taken on the way back. When Klym and John saw it, they were greatly surprised, but before they could snap out of it, Eliza told them about the other weapons. After her words, Klym literally jumped in his chair, as he understood the value of our find better than anyone. After telling about everything else, we paused for a couple of minutes to let their shocked minds cool down a bit. We still had to discuss the most important thing—how we were going to descend into Zone X.
"Ha... All this weapon has already paid for the entire expedition." - Klym said, smiling with joy.
"Don't relax, we still need to explore Zone X." - I said.
"Zone X? You mean that part of the catacombs about which we know nothing?" - John asked, addressing me.
"Exactly, and we have problems with it." - I replied, dissatisfaction in my voice.
"What's there?" - Klym asked briefly.
"Haaa..."- I exhaled and started. - "We managed to find the right passage, but the corridor we were walking down collapsed or something happened to it, I don't know. But the problem is that the passage goes deeper, so deep that our rope won't be enough to descend." - I said in one breath.
"And what do you suggest?" - John asked us.
"We need to have much longer ropes delivered to us, maybe bring something else so the helicopter doesn't come just for the ropes." - I suggested.
"I think you're right, we have no choice anyway, the higher-ups won't let us go until we've checked everything there." - Klym said, giving a crooked smile.
"John, can you arrange the delivery? I'll start studying this dagger." - Addressing him, Klym carefully took the dagger and stood up from the table. - "I guess I'll start now, so we don't waste time." - He added and headed towards the research complex.
We wished him good luck and started discussing what else we could have delivered. After making a small list of needed items, we all went about our business. The girls went to take a shower, and Frederick and I went to clear and mark the area for the helicopter's landing. We took everything we needed and went to find a suitable place. After finding it, we got to work. John, having requested everything from our list, came to us to help. We were glad for the extra help, as it would make everything much faster and easier. After deciding who would do what, we got down to business.
Without even noticing it, we finished only by evening. Returning to the camp, hot food, which the girls had prepared, was already waiting for us.
"Where's Klym?" - I asked.
"He's still working, I think." - Eliza replied.
"Got it, then I'll go call him." - I said and headed toward the research tent.
"Alright, but let's hurry, or the food will get cold!" - Eliza shouted after me. I just nodded in response and continued on my way.
Entering the tent, I saw Klym still sitting by the blade. He was so focused and absorbed in his work that he didn't even notice me. I approached him and leaned over to see what he was doing.
"Did you find anything out?" - I asked him.
"Oh my God!" - he suddenly shouted and turned toward me. - "Damn it, Vilmar, you scared the hell out of me!" - he added more calmly.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to." - I replied.
His shout startled me too, and I jumped back. After exhaling and realizing what had just happened, we both laughed in sync at the situation.
"Listen, I came to invite you for dinner. So, come on, tell us what you've figured out." - I said, motioning for him to follow, and started heading out.
"Fine, we won't keep them waiting." - Klym added and followed me.
When we returned, we sat down at the table, where Klym explained the quality of the dagger we had brought. In general, the blade had rusted quite a bit, so restoring it would take more time and money. But due to its size, the estimated price would give us about two hundred million as our share. We were shocked by that amount, and considering what was left at the bottom, each of us would get at least a billion.
In our time, that wasn't such an unbelievable amount, but it would be enough for a few decades of comfortable living. A few seconds after hearing this, we came to our senses, and while eating, we talked about what we would do with such a sum. John also mentioned that the helicopter would arrive in two days. After all, we were in a forest high up in the mountains, but luckily, it was summer, and it was warm here.
After dinner, we went to our tents or took care of our own tasks.
The next day, I prepared some sweets for Angela and went to her to make up. As it turned out, she wasn't mad anymore, but she still accepted the sweets. So, two days passed, and the helicopter was about to arrive. We began to pack up to head deeper into Zone X.
An hour later, the helicopter landed on our makeshift landing pad. After taking the ropes and the rest of the equipment, we finished getting ready and headed toward the lake.
We crossed it and went through the cave to the catacombs. Along the way, we passed through the vine-covered area again, where Klym and John were surprised, just like we had been the last time, even though we had already told them about this place. As soon as we descended into the catacombs, they immediately rushed to the room with weapons, and when we reached it, they were completely shocked by what they saw. There, we decided to stop and sleep.
Moving deeper, we reached the arena and showed everything to our new companions. Another day passed, and on the third day, we arrived at our destination. Last time, we had to leave quickly, but now we were ready to descend into the previously closed area.
The entrance was a large, pitch-black hole where part of the corridor, which should have led further, was hanging down. We stopped before it and began discussing the best way to descend. Eventually, we decided to go down the upper part of the former corridor, which now served as the ceiling. We secured the ropes to ensure a safe descent, lowered one end, and attached the ropes to ourselves before starting our journey down.
The descent took about fifteen minutes, but at one point, we were finally able to stand up. The reason for this was the corridor, which had become less steep, and we could walk through it on foot.
"So… what do we do next?" - Klym asked, looking ahead.
We had to stop to think about our next move. Right in front of us was a huge cave, and the corridor we were on had now turned into a long bridge leading to the other side.
"We need to go to the other side." - John suddenly said in a quiet voice. - "We have no choice, either we move forward or go back." - he added.
At that moment, we all exchanged glances, and the anxiety and confusion were visible on our faces. After a brief pause, we began to decide what to do. After a few minutes, we chose to move forward. The main reason was that the corridor we were standing on didn't look like it would collapse. Also, closer to the other side, there was a hole we could crawl into and continue deeper inside the corridor.
Once we made our decision, we untied the ropes, as they would only get in the way, and moved forward. As we walked, everything seemed fine, and we even relaxed a bit, but only for a short while. While walking, I felt like the floor was slightly trembling, but I didn't pay much attention to it, since we were stepping on a bridge above a chasm, and such things were to be expected. After walking halfway, a sudden loud squeal came from John. Hearing the sound, we quickly looked at him, and his eyes narrowed in terror as he suddenly experienced intense fear.
At that moment, John quickly took out some device and began examining it closely.
"John, wh..." - I wanted to ask what was happening, but I was interrupted mid-sentence.
"Earthquake! Run back, quickly!" - John shouted loudly and dashed back.
This was completely unlike him, but before I could process anything, we immediately followed him. The screeching sound grew louder, and everything around us began to shake. With each passing second, the tremors grew stronger, causing the cave to collapse right before our eyes. Within moments, we all heard a strange sound coming from behind us.
Since I was the last in line, I decided to turn around and see what was happening. As soon as I turned my head, an overwhelming fear gripped me, and cold sweat appeared on my forehead. Right before my eyes, the corridor that had been a bridge started collapsing. A large portion of it was already gone, and the remaining part was quickly crumbling, following us, revealing the pitch-black abyss beneath us.
"The bridge is collapsing, run faster!" - I shouted loudly to warn my friends and increased my pace.
We ran with all the speed we had, while the earthquake only intensified. But at one point, a massive rock fell in front of us, breaking part of the corridor and creating a hole that nearly split the bridge in two. We stopped for a brief moment, but quickly resumed our dash forward, as the part we were standing on began to crumble. Since I was last, I barely managed to leap over the hole created by the falling rock before it collapsed.
The situation was dire. I was pushing myself to my limits. My speed was barely enough to keep me from falling with the debris. But the collapse was accelerating, closing in on us with incredible speed, threatening to consume us into the dark abyss below.
This event lasted only a few dozen seconds, but to us, it felt like an eternity, one that could very well be our last. Finally, when we were almost at the safety ropes, a chunk of rock fell between us and the wall, blocking our path to safety.
In a single moment, all our hopes were shattered, plunging us into a pit of fear and despair. We had no chance of reaching the ropes now. The instant the rock fell, the structure beneath us disintegrated, and we began to fall.
As we fell, we landed on the edge of the cliff, which was not as steep as the upper part. Hitting the hard stone, we tumbled down the slope, colliding with the ground and scattered rocks. Within moments, we ended up in a smaller cave, still rolling uncontrollably. A couple of seconds after we entered the cave, I hit a rock, and sharp pain pierced my shoulder. After another impact, pain shot through my head, and I lost consciousness.
"Ngrgh..." - I groaned, slowly regaining consciousness.
As I came to, I felt a dull ache in my entire body, and my head was splitting, especially my forehead, which felt like it was on fire. I tried to open my eyes, but everything was covered in a red haze, and I couldn't see anything. Closing my eyes again, I tried to get up, but immediately fell back to the cold ground.
"Hey, Vi... are you..." - A hoarse voice came through, reverberating in my ears.
Following the voice, I heard footsteps approaching me. When they got closer, someone helped me sit up and handed me a bottle.
"Vilmar, wash your eyes, it's water. Kha-kha." - The familiar voice sounded, followed by a cough.
It took me a moment to realize it was Klym's voice, but after hearing him, I started washing my eyes, and then I splashed my face. I did all this with trembling hands, which barely managed to hold the bottle. They hurt just as much as the rest of my body.
"Kharggh..." - I coughed, spitting out blood.
"How are you?" - Klym asked.
After hearing his words, I looked at him. Despite the surrounding darkness, the faint light from the crystals protruding from the walls allowed me to see the environment. His head was covered in blood, his clothes were dirty, and in some places torn. But it seemed he wasn't seriously injured, which was a relief.
"I..." - I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts and continued. - "I'll live. But what about the others?"
My eyes shifted to the rest. They were in worse shape than we were.
"Everyone's alive, but unconscious." - Klym replied and limped toward them. - "We need to wake them up. Can you help?" - he added, asking me.
"Yeah, I can, just help me get up, please." - I rasped, replying.
Klaim approached and extended his hand to help me up. Together, we began trying to bring the others back to consciousness, but no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't manage to wake anyone up. After several minutes of unsuccessful attempts, we started to worry, unsure if they were truly okay. Unfortunately, we only knew basic first aid, which only heightened our anxiety, especially since our only doctor was also unconscious.
After a few more minutes of futile efforts, we decided to carefully line them up and sit next to them, trying to calm the growing panic and figure out how to escape. Despite the grim situation, there were still things to be grateful for: everyone was alive, and no one had sustained serious injuries.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
The hoarse cough suddenly broke the oppressive silence.
As soon as we heard the cough, we turned in unison and saw that John was beginning to regain consciousness. We immediately sprang to our feet and rushed over to him, helping him fully wake up. While helping him, we noticed that the others were also starting to stir. I decided to leave John with Klaim and began helping the others.
We spent several minutes bringing them back to consciousness. During that time, each of them struggled to focus on reality, asking the same questions over and over again. But after about half an hour, everyone began to grasp the situation we were in, so we started discussing what we should do next.
"What should we do? Can we get out of here?" - Angela asked, her voice trembling with fear and hopelessness.
No one answered her question, because we had no idea how to get back to the surface. Frederick seemed to be in the best shape, which was a little surprising. While we just sat there, he rummaged through the backpacks, checking what had survived. Since Klaim and I had regained consciousness earlier than the others, we were feeling a bit better, which allowed us to think more clearly. This was crucial in our situation.
Trying to clear my mind, I decided to walk over to Frederick. As soon as he heard my steps, he turned toward me, but the grim look on his face made me uneasy.
"How are you doing? Is it really that bad?" - I asked, approaching him and looking at the contents of the backpacks.
"It's bad enough. We need to get out of here as quickly as possible." - He replied, his voice tinged with faint desperation.
"What's the problem exactly?" - I asked. After his words, my anxiety only grew, but there was still a hint of hope in his voice.
"Haa..." - He exhaled and took a deep breath before speaking. - "All the equipment is shattered into pieces, including the cartosphere, and that's one of the main problems. As for the light sources, we still have two flashlights and a couple of HIS, but I managed to salvage the batteries from the others, so it's not all bad. The biggest issue is food. Half of the containers are destroyed, and several are now unusable. Only two are intact. The cans are mostly fine, just a bit dented, and the water's okay too." - He said all of this in one breath, then looked over at the others.
Not only I, but the others had overheard the conversation, and their faces grew even grimmer. The main issues: food and the cartosphere. Who knew how long we had been falling or how deep we were? The tunnel we had fallen through was near the wall, but we'd checked it already and found that it was too steep to climb.
However, there was another tunnel, though we didn't know where it led. We didn't have much of a choice. I looked at the unknown tunnel, and my face became more serious. My gaze turned to the others.
"We have no choice. We have to go that way." - I said, pointing in the direction I had been looking just a few moments ago.
"I agree. We really have no choice." - Elisa responded, her voice no longer trembling but filled with confidence.
We exchanged glances and started gathering the remaining items. In the end, we were left with only two backpacks. We didn't take any more, since the straps of three had torn, and carrying them by hand wasn't an option, plus there was only enough left for two. We turned on the remaining flashlights and began moving forward, holding onto the last shred of hope.
As we made our way through the lifeless tunnel, the only sounds breaking the suffocating silence that filled the space around us were the echoes of our footsteps. We walked for a long time, about six hours, occasionally stopping to rest, but unexpectedly, in the distance, we noticed how the tunnel ahead of us suddenly widened. Upon seeing this, we quickened our pace, and as we emerged from the narrow passage, an incredible sight unfolded before us—something we had never expected to see.
Right before us, at the bottom of a slope, stretched an enormous city, sprawling for several dozen kilometers. Due to the darkness, we couldn't clearly make out the architecture of the buildings. Though the glowing crystals scattered throughout the cave's surface still didn't provide enough light, we could confidently say that the city had structures ranging from small houses to towering spires. The size of the city made our hearts stop with awe.
"Incredible." - Klaim said in shock, his voice full of wonder.
"We... We'll have to go down. Maybe there's an exit to the surface there." - I said, hope in my voice.
"Yes, let's do that." - Angela agreed with me.
"Frederick, are you alright?" - John suddenly asked.
At that moment, we all looked at Frederick, who was standing behind us. His face was a little pale and tense, and he was holding his head.
"Yeah, probably just tired, nothing serious." - Frederick replied, giving a slight smile so no one would feel more anxious.
"Are you sure? Maybe you've caught a cold?" - Elisa asked, suggesting a possible cause.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Let's go to the city, maybe there really is an exit there." - Frederick answered.
"Well, if it gets worse, tell me." - Elisa warned him.
After that conversation, we all headed towards the underground city. An hour later, we were approaching the city, and luckily, we arrived right at the gates, whose scale was truly breathtaking. The archway of the gates was covered in many familiar patterns and images from ancient times. But for some reason, the gates themselves were absent. As we got closer, we noticed that the walls, made of the same stone as the catacombs, were covered in huge cracks, and some sections were completely destroyed. This view created the impression of wounded flesh, scarred by countless wounds after a prolonged battle. Despite their current state, they still presented an impressive sight.
"It looks like these walls were under siege. Could this city really be several hundred years old?" - Elisa speculated.
"Most likely." - Angela agreed. - "Besides, they're made from the same material as the catacombs." - she added, examining the city walls.
Angela was right. Apparently, the builders of these places were the same. This meant that we were supposed to arrive here in the first place, and that this city might be the key to our salvation, and we might be able to escape this difficult situation. We stood there for a few minutes, gazing at these once grand walls. After taking in the view, our curiosity and desire to learn more about the history of this mysterious city were reignited, and we headed inside.