No one was certain whether Jones’ words came from experience or arrogance, but all they knew was that his words were their last thread of hope—this was their only remaining solution. So, the technical team, responsible for maintaining and preparing the escape vessels, began preparing a small exploration submarine for Jones and his crew to investigate the rumored cave.

Days passed painfully slowly as everyone waited for the mission to begin, eager to know their fate. Was there truly an exit, or would they remain trapped on the island for the rest of their lives? After several weeks, the submarine was finally ready without any issues. It was transported to the water, and the moment everyone had been waiting for had arrived—the moment of truth. Soon, the exploration mission would begin. The wait was finally over as the crew boarded the submarine while everyone on the shore watched anxiously, waiting to learn whether escape was possible or if they were doomed to perish with the island.

The crew entered the submarine, sealed the hatch, and began their descent. The villagers stood in awe, witnessing a working submarine for the first time. They gathered along the shore, watching intently, while the technical and exploration teams was searching for missing submarine parts that would be needed for the evacuation.

Underwater, Jones and his crew began their search for the cave he had predicted. Everyone knew it would be an extremely difficult mission. Hours passed as they followed water currents and scanned the perimeter of the transparent dome surrounding the island. Finally, after hours of anxiety and doubt, they found the cave they had been searching for.

The submarine entered the cave, and the crew’s excitement was palpable—at last, a clear opportunity to escape this island. The cave was massive and intricately structured, seemingly designed to prevent water levels on the island from rising. Jones ordered the crew to venture deeper. Despite the cave’s complex passages, they eventually reached a perfectly straight tunnel—no twists, no turns—clear evidence that this section had been carved out by a creature.

Their journey didn’t take long. After some time, the submarine reached the end of the tunnel. And for the first time in two hundred years, something emerged from that island—a small submarine carrying five crew members. The sight was a defining moment for everyone on the island. At last, a clear beacon of hope. A visible light at the end of the tunnel.

Jones ordered the crew to surface and verify their location before returning to the island.

As they surfaced, Jones opened the hatch and took in his first breath of fresh air in years. For the first time in so long, he stood directly under the sun, holding an old notebook Mike had given him. He began writing down the island’s coordinates and the escape route. Once he finished, he returned inside and ordered them to dive back.

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But then—greed took hold of the crew.

“Why go back?” one of them questioned. “Why not escape now? We’re out! What reason do we have to return? We might never get another chance to be here again.”

Jones was stunned. Then fury took over. He reached into his jacket, pulled out a gun, and, with fire in his eyes, roared, “Have you lost your minds?! Do you want me—Captain Jones—to abandon a mission entrusted to me? I’d rather die than do that! I failed once when I was brought to that island. I will never fail again. I will never run away again. Do you hear me? I will not flee! I will not abandon those people on the island! If you’re done spouting nonsense, turn this submarine around now—before I send it back with your corpses!”

His threat was real, and his anger undeniable. The sheer intensity of his words struck fear into the crew. Without hesitation, they obeyed, steering the submarine back toward the island.

Meanwhile, on the shore, time dragged on. Hours passed, and doubt began to creep into the hearts of those waiting. Had the crew found the cave? Had they abandoned them? What was stopping them from escaping? Suspicion spread like wildfire among the crowd. The longer the wait, the stronger the uncertainty.

Then suddenly, the water stirred. The submarine emerged, slowly breaking through the surface, dissolving the doubts that had filled everyone’s hearts. Relief washed over them as they realized—they had not been betrayed.

As the submarine docked, Jones stepped out, announcing, “Captain Jones, at your service! The exploration team is pleased to report that the search for an escape route has been a resounding success! All that remains is to prepare the submarines, and we will be free!”

Eyes sparkled with excitement, and the crowd erupted in cheers. “Thank you, exploration team! We survived because of your efforts! We’re sorry for doubting your integrity!”

Jones replied firmly, “Don’t thank me yet. Save it for when we leave. For now, I have some information about the Island’s surroundings that you need to hear.”

The crowd followed him eagerly, their hearts filled with hope. Finally, it was time to say goodbye to this cursed island.

But hope quickly turned to shock and rage.

When they reached the technical and exploration teams, they found them wounded—severely injured, lying on the ground. Panic erupted as everyone rushed to them.

“What happened?!” someone cried.

One of the injured men gasped, “They attacked us… they stole parts of the submarines. We won’t be able to operate them without those parts. We’re… we’re so sorry… we couldn’t stop them…”

Jones clenched his fists. “No, we’re the ones who should be sorry… for leaving you unprotected.” Then he snapped, “Stop apologizing! Let’s get you treated first.”

Mike turned to Chief Manu, his expression grim. “Who attacked them? And why?”

The chief’s face darkened. “Follow me to my tent… I will tell you everything there.”

End of chapter 9