Chapter 16: The Peacock Arrow Trap
The group continued to explore the darkened hallways of the palace, their senses on high alert. They knew that the arrow trap they had just encountered was only the beginning, and there were likely more deadly traps waiting for them.
As they walked, they examined the arrow that had grazed Robin's hand. It had a peacock engraved on its tail, which was a royal symbol associated with Queen Xiamen. No one else would dare to use this symbol, which indicated that this palace must have some connection to the queen.
"Look at this peacock engraving. It's the same as the one on the walls outside. This palace must have some relation to Queen Xiamen," Allen said, examining the arrow closely.
The group's fear grew as they realized that they were in a palace associated with the powerful queen, who was known for her ruthlessness and love of deadly traps.
As they continued to walk, Aster suddenly cried out in pain as an arrow grazed his hand, leaving a deep scratch.
"Are you all right?" Maaya asked, rushing to his side.
"I'm fine. It just grazed me," Aster replied, trying to hide his pain.
The group examined the walls and floor more closely, looking for any clues as to how the arrow trap was triggered. They soon discovered a small pressure plate on the ground, which had been hidden by a thin layer of dust.
Adam and Allen carefully lifted the pressure plate, revealing a complex mechanism beneath it. Allen examined the mechanism closely, trying to figure out how to disable it.
"This mechanism is quite complex, but it seems to be triggered by a series of gears that connect to the pressure plate. If we can find a way to disengage the gears, we can disable the trap," Allen said, his voice filled with determination.
Adam and Allen worked together to carefully disengage the gears, making sure that the trap would no longer be triggered. They then placed the pressure plate back in its original position, making it look as if nothing had been disturbed.
"Let's be careful from now on. We don't know what other traps might be waiting for us," Maaya said, her voice trembling slightly.
Robin nodded in agreement. "We've only just entered the palace, and we've already encountered such deadly traps. God knows what else is inside. Will our friends even be alive by the time we find them?" he said, his voice filled with fear and doubt.
Maaya scolded him for making such a negative remark. "We need to stay positive and focused. We'll find our friends and get out of here safely," she said, trying to encourage the group.
Allen, who was usually the one trying to calm the group down, suddenly burst out in anger. "How can you say something like that, Robin? Nothing is going to happen to Emi or anyone else! We're going to find them and get out of here safely, do you understand?" he shouted, his eyes fixed on Robin.
Everyone looked at Allen, surprised and astonished at his outburst. They had never seen him lose control like this before.
After a brief moment, Allen regained his composure and spoke again, this time with hesitation, trying to hide his emotions. "I...I mean, everyone will be safe. Nothing is going to happen to anyone," he said, his voice softer now.
As they continued to walk, the group remained on high alert, looking for any further traps or clues to the whereabouts of their missing friends.
Meanwhile, Emi, Jia, and James were hiding in a secret chamber. They knew that they were in great danger, and they needed to find a way to escape the palace and reunite with their friends.