The cavern trembled, and the sound of rumbling rocks filled the air. Chairman Lee's eyes widened in alarm.
"What have you done?" he shouted at Ji-Hyun's father.
Ji-Hyun's father smiled. "A little surprise I've been working on."
The ground shook violently, and the lights flickered. Ji-Hyun stumbled, but Su-Ho caught her.
"Hold on!" he yelled above the din.
Min-Ho and Hana clung to each other, fear etched on their faces.
Chairman Lee's guards struggled to maintain their footing.
"This way!" Ji-Hyun's father shouted, pointing to a side tunnel.
They sprinted toward the tunnel as the cavern collapsed behind them.
They emerged from the tunnel, gasping for air. Ji-Hyun looked back to see the cavern entrance collapse, sealing Chairman Lee and his guards inside.
"We have to keep moving," Ji-Hyun's father urged.
They sprinted through the winding tunnels, the sound of collapsing rock growing fainter.
Finally, they reached the exit, a hidden door leading to the surface.
As they emerged into the bright sunlight, Ji-Hyun felt a sense of freedom.
But their joy was short-lived. Chairman Lee's voice echoed from a nearby rooftop.
"You may have escaped this time," he shouted, "but the Serpent's Circle will rise again!"
Ji-Hyun's father smiled grimly. "We'll be ready."
Su-Ho turned to Ji-Hyun, his eyes burning with determination.
"We make a good team," he said.
Ji-Hyun smiled, feeling a spark of hope.