Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

Loki led the way into the cave, and the rest, despite their hesitation, followed. Fred lingered at the back, watching the others enter one by one. A glint of greed flashed in his eyes, like a hunter spotting prey.

The narrow path within the cave wasn't particularly cramped, but the terrain was rough and treacherous. It wound downward in a serpentine fashion, growing steeper and more precarious with every step. In just ten minutes, the incline became so sharp that one wrong move could send someone plummeting into the darkness.

"We can't go any farther," Harry suddenly said, his face solemn. "This path is far too dangerous. Besides, hasn't anyone noticed? There's no sign of life here—not a single plant or insect. This place feels... dead." He turned to Loki, who stood at the front of the group.

"Oh, what a thoughtful suggestion," Malfoy sneered, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "After all, those missing students have nothing to do with Slytherin. Why risk our lives for a bunch of nobodies? Looks like even the 'noble' Gryffindors can grasp the bigger picture sometimes."

Harry's face flushed red with anger, but he couldn't find the words to counter Malfoy's remark. The path truly was unnerving, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it was leading them straight into something far worse than they anticipated.

Hermione sighed softly. The missing students weren't closely connected to any of them, and risking their lives to save them did seem irrational. Still, even the usually self-serving Slytherins hadn't objected to pressing onward. For Harry to suggest turning back now only painted him as cowardly in the eyes of the group.

Cho Chang, who usually held a favorable opinion of Harry, frowned slightly. Her expression turned cold as she said, "So, what are you saying? That we should abandon those students and turn back?"

The group fell silent. Many stared at Harry with disdain, their eyes silently accusing him of cowardice. Surely, it wasn't that dangerous yet. How could the so-called Hogwarts champion falter before any real threat had even emerged?

Harry's heart sank. Cho's indifferent tone stung more than Malfoy's mockery. She probably saw him as a spineless coward now.

Shaking his head with a bitter smile, he replied, "I'm not saying we should turn back. Of course, we need to rescue them. I'm just asking everyone to stay vigilant. This path is far from ordinary."

"Ugh, what a waste of words," Malfoy scoffed, striding forward.

"You—" Harry clenched his fists, anger flaring. But when he noticed Cho's disapproving glance, he swallowed his frustration with a sigh and kept walking.

Loki cast Harry a brief, appraising look but didn't join in mocking him. Unlike most of the group, Loki took Harry's words seriously. The cave's atmosphere, terrain, and even the faint sulfuric scent in the air all hinted at hidden dangers. To Loki, that distinctive smell could only mean one thing: a particular race was at play.

Hermione's unease grew. As a mage specializing in light magic, she could sense the diminishing resonance of light elements in the space around them. A faint, innate aversion rose within her, as though something ahead was the very antithesis of light itself.

The path seemed to stretch endlessly downward, with the incline eventually nearing a sheer drop. If the ground were any less dry, even a single misstep could lead to a fatal plunge into the shadows below.

At the front of the group, Thor suddenly caught a faint whiff of something unusual—a sweet, floral scent mingled with a hint of blood. It was a strange, alluring aroma, like the intoxicating scent of blossoms in full bloom, filling the air with an almost hypnotic allure.

"Why is there a floral scent here?" Susan Bones murmured, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Could it be that this path leads to a hidden paradise? Maybe the missing students discovered some ancient ruins or treasure and ventured in."

"This reminds me of those fairy tales about elven sanctuaries," Hannah Abbott chimed in wistfully. "What if this path leads to a valley where elves live in harmony with nature?"

Fred's eyes glinted darkly as a sly smirk spread across his face. Pointing ahead, he said, "There's light up ahead. Looks like we've reached the end of the path."

The group turned their attention forward. In the distance, a faint, bright glow pierced through the darkness. After so much time spent in this oppressive cave, the sight of light filled everyone with renewed energy. Whatever awaited them at the end of the path, they were eager to escape the suffocating darkness.

Some believed treasure or ruins awaited them. Others simply wanted to leave the perilous path behind. Either way, they quickened their pace, racing toward the light.

At last, they emerged. The brightness was almost blinding, and the scene before them took their breath away.

A wooden ladder leaned against the cave's exit, leading down into a lush valley. The sight was like something out of a dream. The valley was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and the gentle hum of bees. A vibrant sea of pink blossoms blanketed the landscape, interspersed with towering green trees.

In the distance, a crystal-clear stream wound its way through the valley, shimmering in the sunlight. Its tranquil waters teemed with golden carp, and along its banks, squirrels and rabbits drank without fear.

The air was fresh and sweet, carrying the mingling scents of earth and flowers.

"This is your idea of danger?" Malfoy scoffed, inhaling deeply with a look of exaggerated delight. "This place is paradise! What's there to fear? Those idiots must've come here for the scenery. And who can blame them? With a place like this, there's bound to be some hidden treasure or secret."

Harry scanned the surroundings, still uneasy. Despite the valley's beauty, something felt off. It was too perfect, too serene—as though it was masking something deeper, something ominous.

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