Chapter 2: The Crystal Caverns

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After two days of hiking, Maya reached the entrance to the Crystal Caverns. The cave mouth yawned before her like a giant sleeping mouth, dark and mysterious. Scout whimpered nervously, but Maya scratched behind his ears reassuringly.

Armed with her flashlight, Maya ventured inside. The walls sparkled with thousands of crystal formations, reflecting her light like a universe of stars. She followed the map's directions, turning left at the underground waterfall and right at the stone bear formation.

Deep within the caverns, she discovered ancient writings on the walls, telling the story of a legendary treasure hidden long ago by the Mountain King, protected by three trials that only the pure of heart could overcome.