Wader the Frog
Wader and Scid continued their journey, the path growing more rugged as they ventured further into the valley. The map they had received from the stranger showed a trail leading through an ancient forest, its towering trees and thick underbrush hiding secrets of their own. The scent of menthol hung in the air as they walked, a strange, almost soothing aroma that seemed to emanate from the trees themselves.
“I think this forest might be magical,” Wader mused, glancing around. “It smells like… mint?”
Scid sniffed the air. “I don't know, but it feels like it's hiding something. Let's keep going.”
As they walked deeper into the woods, they came across a large manhole in the middle of the path. The cover was cracked, revealing a dark, shadowy entrance. It looked like it had been there for ages, covered in layers of moss and ivy.
“That's odd,” Wader said, peering down. “I don't remember seeing anything about a manhole on the map.”
“It could be a shortcut or a trap,” Scid replied cautiously. “What do you think?”
Before Wader could answer, a small mole popped its head out from the hole, twitching its nose. “I see you've found the secret entrance. I am the guardian of this passage. If you wish to continue, you must answer my riddle.”
Wader leaned in closer. “Alright, what's the riddle?”
The mole twitched its whiskers. “I'll ask you this:
What's small, round, and grows in the heat,
Its taste is sweet, though you may loathe its smell when you eat?”
Wader thought for a moment. “A melon,” he said. “It's sweet and round, and though it's delicious, some people don't like its smell.”
The mole's eyes gleamed with approval. “Correct! You may pass, but beware—this is no ordinary passage. At the end of the lane, you'll find what you seek, but the road will test your patience.”
The mole scurried back into the hole, disappearing from sight. The manhole cover creaked open as it moved on its own, revealing a narrow staircase descending into the earth.
“Guess this is the only way forward,” Wader said, his voice echoing in the darkness.
They descended into the tunnel, the air growing cooler and more stale with each step. It wasn't long before they emerged into a large underground chamber. The walls were lined with ancient elm trees, their trunks twisted and knotted, their leaves glowing with an eerie light.
“This place is incredible,” Scid whispered, looking around in awe. “I've never seen anything like it.”
As they ventured deeper into the chamber, they noticed a small ATM in the corner. It was old-fashioned, covered in dust, with a faded sign above it. "Withdraw from the Bank of Knowledge," it read.
“What in the world?” Wader muttered, confused. “How does an ATM fit in here?”
The machine whirred to life as Wader approached. “Insert your wisdom,” a mechanical voice said, and a small screen blinked on.
“What does it mean, 'insert your wisdom'?” Wader wondered aloud.
“I don't know, but I guess we should give it a try,” Scid said, her curiosity piqued.
Wader hesitated for a moment and then placed his hand on the machine. The screen flickered and then displayed a simple prompt: "What is the key to unlocking the next step in your journey?"
Wader thought long and hard, his mind racing. "I know!" he said, snapping his fingers. "The answer is the men who seek knowledge, the men who venture forth with open hearts and minds."
The ATM beeped in approval, and a hidden compartment opened, revealing a small, glowing mat. It was made of soft, silken threads that shimmered in the dim light.
“This must be it,” Wader said, reaching for the mat.
As soon as he touched it, the ground beneath them began to rumble, and the walls of the chamber started shifting. A new pathway opened, leading them out of the underground world and back to the surface, the sunlight filtering through the trees above.
“Well, that was strange,” Scid said, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Indeed,” Wader agreed. “But I think we're closer than ever to the treasure now.”
They both looked up at the path ahead, their hearts filled with a new sense of purpose and adventure.