Trunks' blush was quickly swallowed by the shadows of the ancient corridor as they reached the end of the straight path. The soft, white glow from Melody's aura flickered against a massive stone pillar that divided the cavern ahead. Two tunnels lay before them. One plunged steeply into the pitch-black lower depths of the mountain, smelling of damp earth. The other wound upward, lined with cracked, ancient masonry that looked like it might collapse at any moment.
Trunks: We've got a problem, *Trunks said, stepping past Goten to examine the ground.* The tracks—or what's left of them—end right here.
Goten: *He closed his eyes, raising two fingers to his forehead to try and sense any lingering energy.* I can't feel the Soulstone's power. Piccolo's old energy signature is smeared all over this place, it's messing with my sensory skills.
Melody: *She walked up to the edge of the downward slope, peering into the abyss.* We can't just guess. If we pick the wrong one, we might trigger a cave-in.
Trunks: *Trunks gritted his teeth—this was worse than the Red Ribbon tunnels. No obvious path, no clues.* Piccolo didn't say which way it went…
A cold draft crept up from the downward tunnel, making Melody shiver slightly. The upward one was unstable—but maybe safer? Either could collapse on them.
Melody: This might sound impulsive, but I think we should settle with the path on the right. This path feels eerie and out of place. *Melody suggested as she looked at the guys from over her shoulder.*
Goten and Trunks exchanged a glance—Melody was usually right about these things.
Trunks: Alright. *Trunks said, nodding toward the upward path.* But if that collapses on us… I'm blaming you.
He stepped forward first this time, testing the cracked masonry with his foot. The stones groaned ominously but held—for now.