The Great Treasure The Brave Hero of the Seas Chapter 3: The Island of Echoing Bones (EN)

The Great Treasure The Brave Hero of the Seas:Chapter 3: The Island of Echoing Bones:As the sun began to set, casting golden light over the darkening ocean, the Red Wind finally approached a jagged shape rising out of the sea. It was a rocky island shrouded in mist, with cliffs like broken teeth and eerie, echoing calls from unseen creatures."This must be the Island of Echoing Bones," said Ariel, pointing to the map. "It’s marked with a skull symbol."Leo looked nervous. "I don’t like the sound of bones..."Harry narrowed his eyes. "It’s where we need to be. Let’s stay alert."They dropped anchor in a small cove and climbed ashore. The sand was black, and the beach was littered with pieces of old shipwrecks and broken bones—some clearly not from animals.As they moved deeper into the jungle, a strange howling sound began to follow them. It wasn’t the wind. It was like ghostly voices, repeating whispers of the past.Suddenly, the ground beneath Leo crumbled, and he fell into a pit!"Leo!" Ariel shouted.Harry dropped a rope and pulled him up quickly. Leo was shaking."There’s something down there... glowing eyes!"Out of the shadows, shadowy figures began to appear. Skeletal pirates, holding ghostly cutlasses, rose silently from the earth."The cursed crew..." Ariel whispered. "They guard this island.""We’re not here to steal," Harry shouted bravely. "We’re searching for the truth!"The ghostly pirates circled them. One stepped forward, missing an arm, its skull cracked."Then you must prove you are worthy. Face the Trial of Echoes."The jungle cleared to reveal a stone arena, ancient and overgrown. In its center stood three statues of former pirate kings.A ghostly voice echoed: "Speak the name of the pirate who first set foot here."Ariel quickly scanned the map and pointed. "Captain Marellus."The statues glowed blue. The ghosts paused.Then, slowly... they bowed.The skeletal pirates vanished into the mist.Leo gulped. "Let’s never come back here."Harry laughed. "Not unless we have to."They returned to the Red Wind under a sky full of stars, their hearts pounding with the thrill of survival.(To be continued in Chapter 4...)