"Hi Susan, are you alright?" Adrian's nervous voice came through the phone.

"Yes, till now. But I might die in a few seconds," Susan replied, her tone laced with humor.

"What... what are you saying? Are you okay?" Adrian's concern was palpable.

"Don't panic, Mr. Adrian. I was just kidding. I won't become a part of your story," Susan teased.

"Oh, come on, Susan! Don't be silly," Adrian snapped.

"What happened to you? Anything serious?" Susan's voice turned serious, sensing the stress in Adrian's tone.

"Yes, I got news about the missing aircraft from Puerto Rico. I rushed to confirm your safety," Adrian explained.

After a brief silence, Susan spoke in a low tone, "I didn't fly the plane. It was our crew members on a practice session. Unfortunately, we couldn't find them."

"Don't worry, none can change fate. But I'm relieved you're safe," Adrian said, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Susan chuckled. "Oh, what an affectionate friend you are!"

"Okay, you can stop mocking me, Ms. Susan," Adrian playfully retorted.

"How about your books, Adry?" Susan asked, changing the subject.

"They're in a precarious state, which I'd rather not discuss," Adrian replied, his tone laced with frustration.

Susan's laughter echoed through the phone. "Yes, everyone will laugh at me like you do, within a few weeks", Adrian said angrily.

"What's your problem, man? Why are you so stressed?" Susan asked, her tone turning sympathetic.

"He's making me stressful – the editor-in-chief. He rejects my book every time I try to publish, and now he's blaming me for not meeting the publisher's standards," Adrian explained.

"Better resign your job and join me as a trainee," Susan joked.

"It's best to work as the editor's assistant," Adrian declared, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Their laughter echoed through the phone. "It's usual for us to laugh in hard situations, isn't it?" Susan said.

"Yeah, Susan, we all miss being with you," Adrian replied wistfully.

"Have you heard any whispers about vacation ?" Adrian asked.

"It seems to be no. How about spending your vacation in Puerto Rico? Take our gang along and reach as soon as possible," Susan suggested.

"Are you joking? It's quite difficult," Adrian replied quickly.

"If we come over, will you be able to spend time with us?" Adrian asked.

"I can assure you, I'll spend at least a day with you. That's the least I can do for us. Moreover, I think you need a break. Maybe this trip will inspire your new book" Susan promised.

"Okay, Susan, I'll discuss this with our friends and let you know about our plan," Adrian said.

"Sure, Adry. Anything else?" Susan asked.

"Susan, I want to know about that mysterious incident," Adrian said, his curiosity piqued.

"Are you asking about the lost aircraft?" Susan clarified.

"Yes, I'm eager to know what happened to the aircraft. How did it disappear so suddenly?" Adrian pressed.

Susan chuckled. "You've proven yourself to be a great writer, but the story behind this incident is vast, and I have no time to discuss it now. I have to fly."

"I'll give you the detailed news on this incident later," Susan promised.

Adrian mocked, "What a responsible pilot!"

"Okay, Susan, take care. Bye," Adrian said.

"Bye, Adry. Will call you later," Susan replied.



_KNOCK KNOCK_


"Adrian, enter!" James exclaimed.

"Why didn't you respond to my call?", Adrian asked.

"I apologize, Adry! I returned home at the crack of dawn, feeling exhausted, and succumbed to sleep. I didn't notice your call," James replied.

"That's perfectly fine!" Adrian accepted his apology.
"What's on your mind, dude? Shall we organize an excursion?"
"Tour!" James exclaimed enthusiastically. "Hurray! When? Where? And how?"

"Susan invited us to spend a day with her in Puerto Rico. Let's make the necessary arrangements," Adrian said.

"We'll take our company vessel to Puerto Rico, and after a week, we can return to Brazil," James suggested.

"Oh dear, it'll take a month if we charter a ship to travel!" Adrian exclaimed.

"No problem, Adry! It'll take just seventeen days to travel from Brazil to Puerto Rico. We can book a flight to return," James replied.

"Will it work?" Adrian asked skeptically.

"Why not? Our company ships are exceptionally comfortable for extended journeys. Plus, we can avail ourselves of a discount on rent," James said, and they both chuckled.

"But I think seventeen days at sea will become monotonous," Adrian said.

"Not at all, Adry! I've been working at sea for nearly half a year. Whenever I sail, I feel incredibly refreshed. It never bores me. The sea holds countless wonders," James said.

"'To know about the sea, one should ask the mariner,'" Adrian joked.

"Indeed! I'm intimately familiar with the sea," James said with pride.

"Okay, Adrian, what about Debo and Ethan?" James asked.

"Let's convene a conference call with them. They'll be astonished and delighted," Adrian replied.

_Ring ring ring..._

"Hello, Debo! Hi, Ethan!" they chimed in unison.

"Is there a clandestine meeting taking place without us?" Deborah asked.

"Not merely a meeting, it's going to be an extended trip," Adrian replied.

"Adry, don't prattle on," Ethan interrupted.

James elaborated on their plans, addressing their concerns one by one.

"Guys, I have numerous commitments this week. How can I join you?" Deborah worried.

"No problem! We can depart next week. But please, don't schedule any new appointments. Kindly complete your existing commitments within this week," Adrian said.

"Sure, Adrian."

"Ethan, what's your take on this?" Adrian asked.

"Okay, but..." Ethan started.

"Get to the point, dude," James urged.

"Shall we return soon? Because a one-month tour is quite lengthy, and there's a considerable amount of pending work," Ethan said.

"Ethan, don't get bogged down in history books all the time. Just explore with your friends for a month. It'll be an incredible experience," James joked.

"Okay, guys. The planning process is complete. Prepare your belongings. We'll set our plan in motion next week."


AFTER TWO WEEKS...

"Hello, Susan! Guess our destination," James said, his voice laced with excitement.

Susan chuckled. "I'm not a fortune teller, James."

James laughed. "Nice one, Susan."

Susan's curiosity got the better of her. "Seriously, James, where are you headed?"

"We're bound for Puerto Rico," James revealed.

Susan's eyes widened. "Really? Oh my goodness! Where are you now? When can I expect you?"

"We set sail a week ago. Currently, we're navigating through the middle of the sea," James replied.

Susan's excitement was palpable. "Wow, that's fantastic! I estimate it'll take around ten more days to reach me."

James concurred. "Yes, you're right. Perhaps ten or eleven days."

Susan asked, "And where are the others?"

"They're exploring every inch of the ship," James said. "Our writer and historian have visited almost all the floors. They might be on the top floor now."

Susan laughed. "Ha! Let them enjoy themselves."

She added, "James, please convey my message to Adrian."

"Please go ahead, Susan."

"Remind him to check his messages. I texted him the details about the lost aircraft a few minutes ago."

"Will do, Susan."

"Alright, James. Take care, and have a safe journey. Looking forward to seeing you soon."


A few moments later...

"Adrian, Susan sent a message regarding the aircraft. You might want to take a look," James said.

Adrian's curiosity was piqued. "Oh, really?" He began reading the message. James, Deborah, and Ethan gathered around him.

The message read: "Hello, Adry! The aircraft had a total of fourteen members on board: thirteen trainees and a captain. While flying near Bermuda, a sudden storm started pulling the aircraft off course. The captain conveyed this message, stating that the flight's devices were malfunctioning. After losing communication with the control room, the aircraft vanished, leaving no trace of the crew or the plane itself. The incident remains a mystery, often attributed to the infamous Bermuda Triangle. Despite numerous theories, the scientific truth behind this phenomenon remains unknown."

Adrian looked up, intrigued. "What's the Bermuda Triangle?" he asked James.

James explained, "It's a region of the sea bounded by Miami, Bermuda Island, and Puerto Rico. The name is derived from the triangular shape formed by these points."

Deborah exclaimed, "James, what could have caused the plane to vanish?".

James replied, "That's the mystery surrounding the Bermuda Triangle. Whenever a plane, ship, or any vessel dares to enter the region, it seems to disappear without a trace. As a result, sailors and pilots tend to avoid traversing this area. However, storms and hurricanes can sometimes pull them into the triangle."

Ethan's interest was sparked. "James, do you know the history behind these incidents?"

James turned to Ethan. "To be honest, I'm not aware of the history behind these incidents. However, I do know that nearly fifty ships and twenty aircrafts have mysteriously disappeared within the triangle."

Deborah suggested, "Perhaps we should try to uncover the truth behind these disappearances and shed some light on the history of the Bermuda Triangle."

The group shared a hearty laugh, and the conversation continued, fueled by their curiosity about the mysterious Bermuda Triangle.

At 11:45 p.m., the melodic rhythms of Brazilian pop music filled the air.

Ethan extended an invitation to Adrian, "Adry, care to join me for dinner?"

Adrian declined, "I'll have to pass."

Ethan persisted, "Come now, Adry! The exquisite fish is waiting to be savored."

Adrian skillfully shifted the conversation, "Ethan, do you happen to have any literature on the Bermuda Triangle?"

Meanwhile, James teased Adrian, "Debo, do hurry along. I have a patient in need of your expertise."

Deborah's confusion was evident, "James, what do you mean?"

James chuckled, "Adry is displaying symptoms of psychopathy – an aversion to dinner and an obsession with the Bermuda Triangle. Clearly, he requires immediate treatment."

Adrian laughed, "James, do stop jesting."

Ethan intervened, "Adry, I don't have any books on the subject, but I did notice a library on the third floor of the ship. We can pay a visit in the morning, and I'll assist you in uncovering the history behind the Bermuda Triangle."

James added persuasively, "Now, Adry, shall we proceed to the dining room?"
Adrian assented with a nod.

In the hallowed halls of the library, Ethan gestured discreetly, drawing Adrian's attention to the history section. With a nod, Adrian made his way towards the shelves, his eyes scanning the dusty tomes with an air of anticipation.

"I'll delve into the archives of old newspaper reports," Adrian said, his voice low and intent. "Meanwhile, you can peruse the books on the subject."

As Adrian immersed himself in the yellowed newsprint, he unearthed a trove of enigmatic incidents that had transpired within the Bermuda Triangle. His curiosity piqued, he pored over the map of the region, his mind racing with the implications.

A few moments later, Ethan's voice cut through the silence, "Adrian, where are you?"

Adrian's reply was succinct, "Here. What's up?"

Ethan's tone was measured, "It appears there's a rational explanation for the Bermuda Triangle phenomenon. Read these pages."

Adrian's eyes scanned the pages.

"Reports of unexplained occurrences in the region date back to the mid-19th century. Some ships were found abandoned without explanation, while others vanished without transmitting distress signals. Aircraft have also been reported to vanish while flying in the area, with rescue missions sometimes disappearing as well. Although theories of supernatural causes abound, geophysical and environmental factors are likely responsible.

One hypothesis, in particular, caught Adrian's attention. It suggested that pilots navigating the Bermuda Triangle had failed to account for the agonic line, a critical point where magnetic compass variation was negligible. This oversight, the theory proposed, led to catastrophic navigational errors, sealing the fate of many an unsuspecting vessel.

Another theory, equally intriguing, implicated the infamous "rogue waves" that roamed the Atlantic. These towering behemoths, reaching heights of up to 100 feet, were capable of annihilating all evidence of a ship or airplane, leaving behind only the faintest whispers of their existence.

As Adrian poured over the pages, the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle began to unravel, revealing a complex tapestry of human error, natural phenomena, and the unrelenting power of the sea.

Ethan approached James, a book clutched in his hand, he inquired, "James, I borrowed this book from the library, but I won't be able to return it before we reach our destination. Would it be possible to hand it over to you for safekeeping?"

James reassured him, "No problem, Ethan! I'll take care of it with the librarian."

Deborah pointed out Adrian's arrival, and James introduced him to their former Captain Nicolas. The group exchanged warm greetings, and Captain Nicolas inquired about their journey.

"It's been the most comfortable journey, sir," Adrian replied. "We're thoroughly enjoying it."

Captain Nicolas beamed with delight, "That's wonderful! I'm glad to hear it."

James interrupted the conversation, "Adrian, did you find an answer to your question about the Bermuda Triangle?"

Adrian nodded, "Yes, James. The book provides a scientific explanation, but I'm not entirely convinced. I think there may be other factors at play."

Captain Nicolas's interest was piqued. "The Bermuda Triangle, you say? I've heard countless tales about that place. Some claim there's an invisible island beneath the sea that makes ships and planes vanish into thin air."

James nodded in agreement. "It's a fascinating topic, Captain. While science provides some explanations, there's still an air of mystery surrounding the triangle."

The next day, Deborah approached Adrian with a knowing glint in her eye. "You're still perplexed, aren't you, Adry?"

Adrian confessed, "Yes, Debo. I just can't shake off the feeling that there's something more to it than what science explains."

Deborah smiled . "As a psychologist, I can tell you that sometimes our minds play tricks on us. But I must admit, the Bermuda Triangle does have an aura of intrigue."

James called out, "Debo and Adrian, join us for fishing!"

As they joined the group, Adrian couldn't help but feel that the truth about the Bermuda Triangle remained elusive, hidden beneath the surface. The mystery lingered, waiting to be unraveled.

As the friends reunited after a year, they shared a warm group hug. Susan's eyes sparkled with concern as she asked, "Guys, did you enjoy your time at sea? You all look a bit worn out."

Adrian reassured her, "Not at all, Susan. The sea has been miraculous, just as James said. It's kept us refreshed throughout our journey."

Susan smiled, "Wonderful! James has shown you the wonders of the sea. Today, I'll show you the marvels of the sky. Take a rest for now."

Later, in Adrian's room, Susan knocked on the door. "Hello, Writer! May I come in?"

Adrian welcomed her, "Oh, come on in, Susan! Shall we head out?"

Susan replied, "Not just yet, Adry. I had requested a flight, but it was diverted for a VIP. So, I've arranged for a seaplane instead. It should arrive within minutes."

Adrian's curiosity was piqued. "What's a seaplane?"

Susan explained, "It's a powered fixed-wing aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water."

Adrian's eyes widened, "Wow, that sounds incredible."

Susan added, "James mentioned that you've been researching the Bermuda Triangle."

Adrian nodded, "Yes, but I'm still perplexed."

Susan cautioned, "Perhaps your curiosity is clouding your judgment. I've had similar thoughts, but it's not wise to tempt fate. Flying near the Bermuda Triangle is a risk I'm not willing to take."

Adrian countered, "What's wrong with exploring the unknown? It's possible to uncover the truth."

Susan's expression turned serious. "You're not taking this seriously, Adrian. The Bermuda Triangle is a treacherous region, and we can't predict the dangers that lie within."

Adrian pressed on, "Have you heard the rumors surrounding the triangle?"

Susan nodded, "Yes, there are many theories – some claim there's a hidden island, others believe in alien intervention or even time travel. Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain: venturing into the Bermuda Triangle is a recipe for disaster."

Adrian's enthusiasm was undeterred. "Imagine if we solved the mystery together, Susan! We'd be game-changers, and the world would look up to us."

Susan urged caution, "Be practical, Adrian."

Adrian persisted, "Don't you want to be the pilot who solved the mystery?"

Susan hesitated before responding, "Yes, I've wished for that. But it's not possible."

Adrian coaxed, "Let's try, Susan! Nothing is impossible. We can explore the triangle together and uncover its secrets."

Susan finally relented, "Okay, Adrian. But on one condition: I'll land the plane near the boundary region, and you can observe from a safe distance. I won't risk the lives of our friends."

Adrian agreed, "That's enough for me."

Just then, one of Susan's trainees arrived, "Ma'am, the plane has arrived."

Susan nodded, "We'll be right there."


"Guys, are you enjoying this flying experience?" Susan asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It's amazing, Susan! Let's fly like this all day!" her friends exclaimed in unison.

James chuckled, "I feel like a bird!"

Deborah teased, "Well, you usually spend your days swimming like a fish in the sea. Today, you're spreading your wings."

The group erupted into laughter, but Adrian's mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of the Bermuda Triangle. He had been waiting for this moment, and soon they reached the boundary region.

"Hey Susan, avoid this route. It's not safe to fly near the Bermuda Triangle," James cautioned.

Adrian intervened, "Actually, James, I asked Susan to land the plane here."

James's expression turned incredulous. "Are you mad? That's reckless!"

Adrian reassured him, "Don't panic, James. We're not going deep into the triangle. We'll observe from a safe distance for five minutes, and then Susan will take off."

James's concerns were alleviated, and Susan began the landing process. Ethan, however, was skeptical.

"I think Adrian's doing this for his new book. He's willing to risk our lives for the sake of a story."

Adrian's face reddened with anger. "How dare you? I'm not selfish like you."

The group's bickering escalated until Susan intervened, her voice firm. "Enough! This isn't the time for arguments."

As they gazed out the window, a massive black cloud emerged, hurtling towards them.

"What's going on? This is surreal!" James exclaimed.

Adrian urged Susan, "Do something, Susan! Get us out of here!"

But Susan's voice trembled with fear. "Adry, the plane is losing control. I don't know what's happening!"

Deborah cried out, "Adry, we're in danger because of you!"

Adrian's worry deepened as the plane stalled, suspended in mid-air for what felt like an eternity. The cloud enveloped them, and the plane was sucked into a long, spiral tunnel.

"Oh my god! What's happening?" James screamed.

The tunnel was ablaze with bright, ethereal lightnings. The plane careened through the tunnel at breakneck speed, leaving behind all semblance of sunshine and direction.

Susan frantically tried to contact the control room, but all attempts failed. The group was paralyzed with fear.

After what felt like an interminable thirty minutes, the plane's speed decreased, and the black clouds began to dissipate. Rays of sunlight pierced the clouds, and Susan's voice rallied her friends.

"Guys, look! Those rays are from the sun. I think we'll escape this trap."

But her optimism was short-lived. The rays emanated not from the sun, but from a gargantuan, red fireball. The plane hurtled towards it with alarming speed.

The group closed their eyes, praying fervently as they entered the heart of the fireball.


"James, open your eyes! Are you alright?" Adrian's voice was laced with concern.

James stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Y-yes...but where are we?"

Deborah's voice was tinged with unease. "I think we're trapped."

James's anxiety deepened. "Trapped? What is this place? I don't understand what's happening."

Susan's words were barely above a whisper. "It's like we're underwater, but we're not wet. We can breathe, we can talk...it's surreal."

Adrian's gaze scanned their surroundings, his eyes locking onto a faint light in the distance. "Guys, look! There's a way out."

As they moved towards the exit, a towering statue emerged from the shadows. The figure was imposing, with a flowing beard and a trident clutched in his hand.

Adrian's curiosity got the better of him. "Who is this?"

James's eyes narrowed. "I've seen him before...but where?"

Ethan's voice trembled as he held up the book he had borrowed from the library. "Look, it's the same statue! The wrapper of this book has a picture of him."

Deborah's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my god, it's the same person! Who is he?"

Ethan's voice barely above a whisper, "The title of the book is... 'Atlantis, the Lost Island'."

James's eyes locked onto the statue, his voice filled with awe. "So, this place might be Atlantis."

Susan's voice was laced with a mix of wonder and fear. "Oh no, it's not just a rumor! The mysterious island really exists underwater."

Deborah's concern was palpable. "How do we escape?"

Adrian turned to Ethan. "Did you read the book?"

Ethan shook his head. "N-no, I haven't started yet."

Adrian's suggestion was met with skepticism. "I think if we read the book, we might find a way out."

Ethan's retort was curt. "Your suggestions aren't needed."

The group's bickering resumed, but James intervened, his voice firm. "Stop it! Adrian's idea is worth a try. We don't know what's going to happen next. At least we have this book as a potential key."

Just then, a low, ominous voice boomed from the shadows, sending shivers down their spines. "Welcome to Atlantis, the beautiful magical island. You are requested to enter."

James's warning was urgent. "Don't move!"

But it was too late. Shining chains materialized, binding their legs, and they were forcibly pulled into the hidden island.

As they ventured deeper into the magical Island of Atlantis, the group found themselves surrounded by the eerie remnants of a bygone era. Crumbling stone buildings, algae-covered pillars, and stairs seemed to stretch on forever, like skeletal fingers reaching out from the depths of the ocean.

The air was heavy with an unsettling energy, and the numerous statues of humans that dotted the landscape only added to the sense of foreboding. They had stumbled into an abandoned palace, hidden beneath the waves for centuries.

Susan's voice trembled as she whispered, "Who brought us here?"

The response came from a rugged, unfamiliar voice, "The King of Atlantis."

The group spun around, and their eyes widened in terror as they beheld the speaker. He was a colossal, stone giant with a burning, fiery head that seemed to blaze with an inner intensity.

Adrian's bravery faltered, and he stammered, "M-monster! Leave us alone!"

The stone king's response was a thunderous roar, "You dare to call me a monster? You are the trespassers, the sinners who have entered my domain uninvited. You will be punished, and your punishment will be to serve me as my slaves."

The group exchanged fearful glances as the stone king continued, "All who enter Atlantis must become my slaves, serving me without question or hesitation. You will not seek your own pleasure, but will instead devote yourselves to my service. You will be willing to sacrifice your very lives for me, and you will never attempt to escape."

The king's gaze burned with an inner fire as he concluded, "And you will agree to these terms."

Deborah's voice was laced with accusation as she turned to Adrian, "This is all your fault, Adrian. You've brought us nothing but trouble."

Ethan's eyes blazed with determination, "You need to find a way to get us out of here, Adrian."

The stone king's voice boomed once more, "I will show you the way out. Follow me."

The group hesitated, unsure of what to do, but the king's words were laced with an undeniable authority. They trailed behind him, their hearts heavy with foreboding.

As they walked, the king led them to a massive, golden door. "This door will take you outside," he announced.

But his words were tempered with a warning, "However, if you touch the door without my permission, you will be transformed into a stone statue, doomed to serve me for eternity."

Ethan's impulsive nature got the better of him, and he sneered, "What a ridiculous rule! I'll show you it's just a silly superstition."

Before anyone could stop him, Ethan rushed forward and touched the golden door. A blinding flash of light illuminated the area, and Ethan's screams were abruptly silenced as he was transformed into a stone statue.

Susan's anguished cry echoed through the cavernous space, "Oh no, Ethan! Please, King, have mercy! Return him to us!"

The group pleaded with the stone king, begging him to reverse the spell. Finally, he relented, restoring Ethan to his human form.

As the group breathed a collective sigh of relief, the king's expression turned cold once more. "I spared him this time, but do not think you will be so fortunate again. You are all untrustworthy, and I will not give you the opportunity to touch the golden door again."

The king's words dripped with malevolence, "You will remain human for two days, as is the custom with my guests. But after that, you will be transformed into stone statues, doomed to serve me for eternity."

As the king vanished into thin air, the group was left reeling in shock and despair. Adrian's eyes welled up with tears as he whispered, "I'm so sorry, guys. This is all my fault."

Ethan's voice was filled with reassurance, "No, Adry, it's not your fault. We'll find a way out of here, together."

As they struggled to comprehend their predicament, Susan urged, "We can't just sit here crying. Let's come up with a plan to outsmart him."

Adrian asked, "What do you mean?"

Susan replied, "We need to get his permission to leave through the golden door."

Deborah disagreed, "I don't think that's the way. I'm sure he's lying."

James asked, "How do you know?"

Deborah explained, "I could tell from his tone. The golden door must be magical or something else."

Ethan suggested, "The book might hold the key. I'll read it and see if I can find anything."

As Ethan read aloud, the group learned about the island nation of Atlantis, its powerful and noble race, and its eventual downfall. They discovered that Atlas, the first king of Atlantis, was appointed by Poseidon as the supreme sovereign of the island.

According to legend, Atlas was a good king who made his territory prosperous, but his people eventually became corrupted by greed and power. The gods, angered by their immorality, destroyed the island in a catastrophic event.

Ethan closed the book, and the group sat in contemplative silence.

Susan whispered, "What a tragic story."

Adrian noted, "So, everything that's happening here is because of the curse."

Deborah suggested, "Let's think together. There must be a way."


Adrian said, "I think the monster king is Atlas."

Susan asked, "But why is he tormenting us? Atlas was supposed to be a good king."

James replied, "Perhaps he became a monster because of his people's immorality. The Gods punished him too."

Ethan added, "He spared me, though. I'd still be a statue if he hadn't forgiven me."

The group's somber mood lifted momentarily as they shared a laugh. But their merriment was short-lived, as the king stormed back, his face a picture of rage.

For a fleeting moment, they saw his face – a plain rock with glowing eyeballs, one red and one green. His expression twisted in anger, he warned them to remain calm before departing.

Deborah whispered, "Guys, did you notice his eyes?"

Adrian nodded, "Yeah, they're weird."

James cautiously approached the king, but his head began burning again, obscuring his face.

Deborah theorized, "I think his eyes hold the key to our escape."

Ethan asked, "But how do we reach his eyes?"

Deborah explained, "I've noticed that his head stops burning when he hears laughter."

Susan wondered, "Is that a phobia?"

Deborah replied, "Yes, it's called Gelotophobia – a fear of laughter."

Ethan revealed, "I found the last page of the book. It says the king was forbidden from laughing and hearing laughter as punishment."

James devised a plan, "Let's laugh continuously. He'll get mad, stop burning his head, and we can enter his green eyeball."

While the king was sleeping , they put their plan into action. The king's head stopped burning, revealing his glowing eyes. The group jumped into his face and fell into the green eyeball. The monster's thunderous scream echoed everywhere.

A blinding flash enveloped them, and when the light faded, they found themselves in a desolate desert.

Susan's eyes widened in shock as she gazed at her friends. "Oh my god, who are these old people?" she exclaimed.

James exclaimed, "Susan, Just look at your grey hairs and wrinkles."

Deborah's voice trembled, "We've all aged. I think we've traveled through time."

The group sat in stunned silence, surrounded by the wreckage of their seaplane in the desert. They had been sitting in the same positions as before, but now they felt like they had aged decades.

Adrian sobbed, "It was never a happy ending. What a huge mistake I made!" The group felt despair wash over them once again.

Their ordeal finally came to an end when locals discovered their plane and notified the authorities. The group was safely transported back home, where they were besieged by media outlets eager for interviews.

As the weight of guilt bore down on him, Adrian lay bedridden, struggling with illness, his friends rallied around him. Susan's voice was filled with encouragement, "Adry, don't worry about what happened. You once said we'd be game-changers. And we are! We survived the impossible and became legends."

With newfound determination, Adrian published his first and last book, "Into the Doom," two days before his passing.

As they laid Adrian to rest, his friends placed a flower wreath and his book on his grave. They whispered prayers for his peaceful slumber, knowing that his legacy would live on through the pages of his bestselling book.