The passage beyond the cave was deep, narrow, and pitch-black. Even with the searchlights shining brightly, Shelly, who was piloting the submarine, could barely make out the way ahead.
But even traveling at full speed, Shelly still failed to catch up with Archie.
Fortunately, after another few hundred meters, light gradually appeared ahead, and the passage curved upward. Clearly, they were almost at the end.
Finally, as the submarine broke the surface, Xia You and the others arrived inside an underground cavern.
Before they could get a good look around, they spotted an identical submarine parked nearby.
Needless to say, this had to be Archie's ride!
There had long since been no sign of activity inside it, and only one Team Aqua member remained on the shore beside it, standing guard.
Shelly opened the hatch and climbed out first.
The member froze when he saw her, then hurriedly saluted. "Big Sis, what brings you here?"
As he spoke, his gaze swept over Xia You and Misty as they climbed out behind Shelly in turn, and he felt thoroughly puzzled.
Who are these two?
They look so unfamiliar.
Shelly unobtrusively blocked his view and asked, "Where's the boss?"
The member pointed deeper inside. "He just left. He shouldn't have gotten far."
Without another word, Shelly hurried away with Xia You and Misty, following the dark cavern in the direction Archie had gone.
They moved faster and faster, until they were practically running, using both hands and feet to scramble over protruding rocks and water channels.
Even with their flashlights, visibility in the cavern remained limited. One careless step could easily send them tumbling.
Sure enough, Shelly lost her footing while climbing over a rock and nearly fell, but Xia You caught her in time.
Yet the woman showed no gratitude whatsoever.