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Yuna spoke, "Here we go, my granpa's coming."

Her grandfather descended the stairs, a warm smile illuminating his face. The soft creaking of the wooden steps beneath his feet filled the room. As he reached the bottom, his eyes twinkled with curiosity.

"I'm done with my work," he said. "Now, tell me, young kids, what's the matter? How can I help you all?"

Gia's piercing gaze fixed on Grandpa, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Taehyung stepped forward, handing the old treasure map to Grandpa. "Here, I found this paper while we were shifting my house. It looks like some treasure map with symbols and hints."

Grandpa's eyes widened as he accepted the map. "Okay, let me see this." He settled into a plush, cream-colored couch, adorned with intricate patterns.

"Everyone, please, sit around," he invited, gesturing to the cozy seating area.

The group gathered around, their faces filled with anticipation. Soft sunlight streaming through the large windows highlighted the tense excitement.

After 15-20 minutes of intense study, Grandpa looked up, his eyes sparkling.

"First, notice the compass rose in the top-right corner. It's oriented differently than modern maps, indicating our ancestors used an alternative navigation system."

He pointed to a stylized image.

"This symbol, resembling a setting sun, signifies westward direction. It's crucial for deciphering the map's cryptic clues."

Grandpa's finger moved to a series of cryptic markings.

"These hieroglyphics represent astronomical events. The crescent moon with an arrow pointing to the number seven indicates the seventh lunar phase after the spring equinox."

Next, he highlighted a phrase etched in elegant calligraphy.

"'Where shadows dance at dawn' suggests a specific time and location. During the summer solstice, the island's unique geography creates a phenomenon where shadows appear to dance across the landscape at dawn."

Grandpa tapped a small X marked on the map.

"This X denotes the treasure's approximate location. Notice the surrounding symbols: a palm tree, a seagull, and a lighthouse. These landmarks will guide you to the treasure site."

He pointed to a series of numbers and letters.

"These coordinates - 43.7892° N, 79.3214° W - pinpoint Isla del Cielo's location in the Azure Sea. The letters 'I.D.C.' confirm the island's identity."

The group leaned in, fascinated.

"Lastly, this phrase - 'Beneath the wings of the sea goddess' - hints at the treasure's hiding place. You'll need to find a statue or monument related to a sea goddess on the island."

Grandpa looked up, his eyes sparkling.

"With these clues, you should find the treasure. But remember, the journey's treacherous, and you'll need wit and bravery."

Everyone gasped in unison, their eyes wide with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Hobi spoke up, his voice laced with concern, "I think we're not going there."

Jungkook's curiosity got the better of him, "Why?"

Suga's skepticism was palpable, "Are you nuts? It's an abandoned island. We can get lost." Namjoon nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed.

Yuna's enthusiasm remained unwavering, "Oh, come on! Grandpa will help us with everything." Grandpa, standing by the fireplace, chimed in, his voice reassuring.

𝘿𝙀𝘼𝘿 𝙎𝙄𝙇𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀 || 𝕂𝕋ℍ 𝔽𝔽Where stories live. Discover now