Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
The city of Jaisalmer lay under the cover of night, its streets illuminated by the pale light of the moon. Aryan and Priya had returned to their temporary base, a nondescript building in the quieter part of the city. They were deep in discussion, their minds racing with the revelations from the hidden chamber and the looming threat of the Serpent's Call.
"Ravi should have returned by now," Aryan said, pacing the room. "We need to know what he's found out. Time is running out."
Priya nodded, her face lined with concern. "We've gathered a lot of information, but we still don't know the full extent of what the Serpent's Call is planning. We need to stay ahead of them."
Just as Aryan finished speaking, a soft knock on the door drew their attention. Aryan moved to answer it, and Ravi stepped inside, his face grim.
"They're planning something big," Ravi said without preamble. "I've gathered more intel. The Serpent's Call is preparing for a major ritual, and they're gathering at a location just outside the city—a remote fortress that's been abandoned for years."
Aryan's eyes narrowed. "A fortress? Do you know what they're planning to do there?"
Ravi shook his head. "Not all the details, but it seems they're setting up for a grand ritual to harness the power of the hidden chamber. If they succeed, they could gain control over the very forces of nature."
Priya's expression darkened. "We need to stop them. If they complete this ritual, it could have catastrophic consequences."
Ravi nodded. "I agree. I've managed to get a map of the fortress and some information about the layout. It's heavily guarded, but there are weak points in their defenses. If we move quickly, we might be able to get inside and disrupt their plans."
Aryan took the map from Ravi and studied it carefully. "We'll need to be cautious. If they're as prepared as we think they are, there will be traps and guards everywhere."
"Agreed," Priya said. "We should prepare for any possible encounters and make sure we have everything we need for both defense and the ritual."
They spent the rest of the night preparing for the infiltration. Aryan and Priya packed their gear, including the ancient relics and scrolls they had recovered, making sure they were ready for any eventuality. Ravi arranged for a local guide to help them navigate the terrain around the fortress, ensuring they would be able to approach undetected.
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