With a final burst of speed, they shot through the tunnel, the sound of the Tunnel Wrecker's frustrated roars echoing behind them. Just when it seemed they might escape, the tunnel opened up into a larger cavern, and Mortimer slammed on the brakes. "Well, that's one way to stop a vehicle!" Alex thought, bracing himself.

"Whoa! This is it!" he exclaimed; eyes wide with excitement. The cavern was filled with sparkling crystals, reflecting the faint light from their vehicle. It was beautiful, but Alex couldn't shake the feeling that this was a setting for something bad to happen—like a horror movie where the main character trips over their own feet.

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"Now what?" Alex asked, his heart still racing from the chase.

"Now," Mortimer said, taking a deep breath, "we explore this place. It could be full of treasures—or more dangers." He glanced nervously at the control panel. "And we need to let the vehicle cool down; it's overheating from that little escapade."

"Great, just what I need: a treasure hunt with a side of impending doom!" Alex thought, scanning the glittering crystals. Just then, they heard the rumbling of the Tunnel Wrecker approaching again, its growls echoing ominously in the cavern. Of course it follows us to the scenic route, he mused.