The cave was engulfed in absolute darkness, so dense it seemed to swallow any attempt to make out shapes or outlines.
The only sound was the steady drip of water, falling into invisible puddles with a rhythmic plop that echoed off the rocky walls.
Occasional crunches from the ground beneath Charles and Nora's movements mingled with the sound of their heavy, ragged breaths after their ordeal in the water.
Each exhale seemed amplified, as if the cave were alive, listening to them.
The air was cold and damp, with a musty smell of wet earth that clung to the throat.
Charles sat on the rock, his back against the wall, still coughing occasionally as he tried to catch his breath.
His eyes still burned from the system's activated ability, a sharp pain that refused to fade.
Beside him, he could hear Nora breathing heavily, her gasps mixed with quiet murmurs of frustration.
