A shadow on the cave wall moves, Johan turns head first to see a scorpion-like creature emerge from around the corner.

The creature, the size of the average human, hisses wildly upon seeing the group before running off into the depths of the cave.

"What was that about?" Helena tilts her head to the side and says in a startled tone.

"A cave scorpion, nothin' that bad. They're not aggressive but can be a bit... Big." Qiang says with a light chuckle as he rubs his chin.

"Should we follow it?" Helena says, now in a confused tone with some fear evident in her voice.

"Yes, i know this mirage will lead us to the doctor... The cave exit is most likely in the direction the scorpion went to." Johan starts walking and the others follow in silence.

A mirage, a manna mirage to be precise, is a natural phenomenon that is created when manna seeps from the surroundings and, when attracted to something, accumulates somewhere to create a direct entrance to a place. This time, it was attracted by the minerals in the cave and formed false ground below the river that led directly to the cave.

"Does anybody feel kinda scared?" Helena looks around frantically and tries to keep her voice as low as possible.

"You're a former Principle! What do you have to fear?!" Qiang says sternly with a strong voice.

"Well, excuse me, i was in a fight! If something attacks me i fear i won't have the energy to fight back..." She looks even more afraid of the possibility.

"Thats the last thing i expected of you, little miss! At least try to act brave!"

"Enough! I will not allow you to argue here, Helena's fears are not unwarrented, we need to keep quiet and not attract attention!" Johan scolds fiercely, but trying not to yell.

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Not long after, they reach a cavern. It stretches far with glowing minerals that emmit faint energy from them, Helena's body apears to relax as they reach the cavern, the energy apearing to have a soothing or pleasuring effect.

Helena stretches and sighs in a calm and relaxed manner, "this energy is so nice... It feels as if my whole body is rejuvinated! I feel stronger, like i just woke up from the greatest nap of my life!" She says breathily.

"Strange... I feel no different... Perhaps its a feeling only Principles feel?" Johan Suggests, his tone is slightly concerned.

"Makes me feel special!" She says with a proud and joking smile.

"Regardless... This cavern is vast, we will have to find some exit to it, let's go deeper in and look for clues." Johan walks forward, jumping down from elevation of the tunnel they came from.

"Follow me, miss! We'll look for some clues together!" Qiang Jumps down from elevation as well, Helena follows, stumbling a bit when making contact with the ground.

They begin to walk around aimlessly in silence, around them is moss and a small river in the cave, they look around in awe at the cavern's vastness while slowly following the river's flow.

Helena notices that Qiang is moving slowly and more carefully, having trouble with navigating forward. She quickly catches up to him and walks beside him, moving closer to him and eventually starts to hold his hand.

Qiang moves his hand and backs away slightly, "what are you doing..?" He sounds shocked and slightly annoyed.

"You're blind, right? You looked as if you were having trouble with walking so i just wanted to help guide you... Sorry..." She looks down in shame.

"Yeah, i am blind, i use residual manna other people leave with touch to sense my surroundings, unfortunately, manna in this area is very faint... But i also sense i great amount of... Something..." Qiang rubs his chin thoughtfully.

"What do you mean?" She says in a concerned tone.

"I sense manna a few hundred meters in front of us... Its stronger than any other person's manna i've sensed before..." He takes her hand, "please guide me."

Helena's eyes light up as she nods quickly and happily. They then continue further ahead, standing before another tunnel, Helena takes a deep breath before entering.

"This is it." Qiang looks curious as his hand clenches into a fist.

They enter the tunnel, it is long and humid, no sound being heard from it. They carefully walk forward, the sight of a man in an almost ancient robe enters their sight, he apears to be petting a giant scorpion with a smile.

TO BE CONTINUED...