Everyone followed Leopold's gaze and saw a massive opening in the ice cliff ahead. The entrance was covered in thick layers of ice, yet a faint glow was visible from within.

"We're finally here," Matthias said. His eyes lit up with excitement, and he quickened his pace toward the cave.

The others followed him to the entrance, which stood about 30 feet high and 20 feet wide. Inside was pitch black, with only distant light visible ahead.

Leopold pulled a torch from his bag, lit it, and handed it to Matthias.

Matthias took the torch and led the way into the passage. The tunnel was spacious with level ground, and glowing minerals embedded in the walls illuminated the passage.

They walked slowly, their footsteps and breathing echoing in the silence. After walking for nearly an hour, the light ahead grew brighter, and they could faintly hear bird calls.

"We're almost there," Leopold said excitedly.

A few minutes later, they finally emerged from the passage and were frozen in awe.

Gon