I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

"You're right," the Guardian suddenly interrupted. "This power can indeed be used for many things, but it's also fraught with danger. Once it falls into the wrong hands, it can bring disastrous consequences. That's why powerful people like me are needed to guard it and prevent it from being stolen or misused."

Gavin interrupted, "But the situation is special now! The world we represent is being devastated by an unprecedented catastrophe. If we can't find a solution, it will probably be completely destroyed soon! So no matter how difficult it is, even if we only have a moment's chance, we must try!"

"I have already learned part of your story through his memories," the guardian pointed at the Dark Apostle and continued, "But a few nice words alone are not enough to convince me that your purpose is indeed purely harmless. Therefore, I put forward a condition - let this 'guide' prove that he also desires peace and is willing to make sacrifices for it." After speaking, he looked at the other party again.

Facing the expectant gazes of everyone and the stern scrutiny of the guards, the usually calm Dark Apostle suddenly showed a rare nervousness. "I know you're struggling, but this may be the only viable solution, and it's a mutually beneficial outcome for both of us!" Aiden encouraged him softly. After a few seconds, the Dark Apostle finally made a decision: "I'm willing to do as you say."

After hearing this, the atmosphere seemed to relax slightly. The guard nodded. "Alright, I'll give you three days to find a solution. Until then, I'll remain on the periphery to monitor the area and prevent any uninvited guests from breaking into this contract. But remember one thing: no one who doesn't belong here may be allowed to touch the sacred object. Failure to do so will be considered a violation of the agreement and will be immediately executed!"

-"Wow! Isn't this too harsh?!"

-"Oh, whatever! At least we have a little more time to breathe."

-"Yeah, and there's still three days left. That's enough time to get a lot done, right?"

Watching his companions excitedly chattering about him, Aiden, though still worried, couldn't help but smile with relief. "Thank you so much for your understanding and support. Rest assured, we'll do everything we can to keep everything safe here and strive to achieve our goal as quickly as possible and evacuate."

"I hope you get what you want." The guard responded indifferently and then turned and walked out, disappearing from sight.

As the guards gradually faded into the distance, everyone began to separate and get busy. Meili and several members skilled in spell analysis gathered around the mural, studying its hidden meaning. Gavin and the others carefully examined their surroundings, trying to find any clues they might have missed. Aiden, on his own, repeatedly studied the blue crystal floating above the altar, trying to figure out how to open it without triggering further traps.

Just as everyone was busy with their work, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps not far away. "Oh no, boss! Come and see what's going on here!" Gavin shouted in panic. The other members rushed over to see what was going on.

Before them appeared the entrance to a secret underground tunnel, engraved with mysterious symbols and gleaming with a faint green light. "It seems our journey isn't over yet," Aiden exclaimed.

"What should we do next? Continue exploring the unknown, or stay put and wait for inspiration?" Meli asked her teammates for their opinions. "Perhaps a combination of the two would be better?" Thrall suggested. "After all, some puzzles often require a different perspective to find the answer."

Just as they were discussing their next plan, a slight earthquake struck from beneath their feet, causing everyone to stop talking and look at each other with surprise on their faces...

"What is going on?" Aiden frowned, his eyes revealing worry.

- “Feel something approaching!”

- “Everyone, get your weapons ready! Be prepared for any emergency!”

-“…”

At the same time, a faint roar could be heard from the depths of the cave. Aiden looked up at his anxious companions, took a deep breath, and said firmly: "No matter what challenges await us, we must unite. Now, please join me in facing the unknown fate!"

Following his call, the team members regained their spirits and prepared for a new adventure... but could they truly find the final answer in this perilous place? Nothing remained clear. The earthquakes seemed to be growing more frequent, and the deep roars in the distance were even more terrifying. Aiden and the others quickly formed a circle, ready to face whatever was about to happen. The staff in Meli's hand glowed faintly, and she whispered to Thrall beside her, "You're right. Thinking from a different perspective might actually lead to a breakthrough. But this sudden change... makes me feel uneasy."

"That's true." Gavin said, gripping a long knife tightly, "But this is not the time to retreat. Since the guardians have given us three days, we must make good use of this time!" He spoke in a firm tone, looking at Aiden with bright eyes.

Aiden nodded, then turned to face the entire team. "Now everyone, listen up! First and foremost, we must ensure safety. If the situation gets out of our control, please be ready to evacuate at any time. But as long as there's a chance, we must persevere and find answers!"

-"Yeah, I understand, boss!" A young expedition member echoed excitedly.

-"It's always right to follow the captain!" Another female team member smiled with confidence.

-"Although I'm a little scared, I still want to see the truth." A short male team member bit his lip to express his agreement.

As everyone was discussing, the dim light at the underground tunnel entrance began to grow brighter. Then, accompanied by a sharp, piercing sound, a massive beast-like creature, emitting a faint blue light, rushed out and headed straight for the crowd. "Get out of the way!" Thrall shouted hurriedly, immediately raising his shield to form a defensive barrier in front of everyone.

"Where did this thing come from? Why has no one ever mentioned it?" Mary complained in horror. This unknown beast resembled a wolf, yet was many times larger. Its body was covered in barbed scales, and its crimson eyes were terrifying, as if they could pierce the soul. Even stranger, faint energy waves continuously emanated from its body, like some powerful source of magic.