The ground trembled violently, sending students running in all directions. Confusion and panicked cries filled the air as everyone scrambled to escape the chaos. The massive oak tree that had once stood tall was swallowed whole by the earth, vanishing into the gaping void.
"What is happening?!" Zayn shouted, clutching the nearest tree for support.
"I don't know!" Claire screamed, trying to steady Natasha, who had nearly fallen. Maya stood her ground, her sharp eyes scanning the scene for answers, though even she looked nervous.
Amidst the quake, the blinding light from the treasure chest only grew stronger, pulsating in rhythmic waves. Students shielded their eyes, squinting at the source of the extreme light.
"What the hell is that light?" someone shouted, their voice barely audible over the chaos.
Before anyone could answer, the light dimmed slightly, and the earth stilled. For a brief, eerie moment, silence came over the field.
