Chapter 128

Ida, deeply moved, wept throughout their journey. "Emma, you're too kind," she sobbed. "I promise to work harder and be more useful."

Lane chuckled. "It's a bit late for future hard work. After today's training, Emma won't be carrying you anymore!"

The impending end of summer camp caused Ida's tears to flow even more freely. Ida cried; Lane laughed. Only Emma understood their attempts to lighten the mood, recognizing the unsettling nature of the misty forest.

Soon, Emma grew weary. Ida was set down, and Lane continued to carry her. Fearful of tiring them further, Ida regaled them with stories and jokes. The three girls, supporting each other, finally and laboriously traversed the misty forest.

Emerging from the fog, they saw a wooden hut. "Emma, a hut!" Ida exclaimed. "Should we look inside?"

"Let's," Emma replied. They cautiously approached. The door swung open on its own, revealing an old man in a black suit. He produced a magnificent blue diamond. "Looking for this?" he asked.

The enormous diamond, at least fifty carats, was unmistakably the Tear of the Moon, confirmed by Emma's comparison to the quest book. Its flawless cut seemed to capture every color imaginable, dazzling like moonlight. It was truly one of a kind.

"This is the Tear of the Moon!" Emma declared, then questioned, "But why is it in your hands, Mr. Quinn?" Her doubt mirrored that of her companions.

Leroy laughed heartily. "Because I want it too!"

"You want it…?" Ida was speechless. She recalled the mission book's instructions to return the Tear of the Moon to the local museum. Torn between Mr. Quinn and the museum, she was utterly confused.

Leroy, sensing her turmoil, offered a proposition: "An outstanding camper graduates early. But give me this diamond, and I'll give each of you two million dollars!"

Lane and Ida, both from modest backgrounds, were stunned by the offer. They could hardly imagine such wealth.

"So?" Leroy pressed. "Deal? Here are the checks. I mean it!"

Ida, tempted by the money, hesitated, lacking the courage to accept. Then, a cold voice cut through the air. "Mr. Quinn, this diamond belongs to the Zima Museum. It should be returned."

Leroy smirked. "Two million might not be much to you, Emma, but what about your teammates?"

Emma, unsure if this was a deliberate camp test, fought against the temptation. Years of experience reminded her to stay focused, free from distraction, especially the lure of money. "Don't forget our original intention!" she firmly told her friends.

Ida's resolve solidified. "Yes! Hand over the diamond, Mr. Quinn!"

Emma felt a surge of satisfaction at Ida's response. Lane stepped forward. "Are you sure about the two million?"

Ida cautioned, "Lane!"

Leroy nodded. "Absolutely! Help me, and you'll not only get two million, but also become my successor!" He waved the check at Lane. "Six million for you, since your teammates don't want it!"

Emma was shocked by Lane's wavering. "Lane, no!"

But Lane, resolute, took the checks. Leroy's eyes narrowed. Emma swiftly intervened, preventing Lane and Leroy from taking the Tear of the Moon. Outmatched, Lane was quickly subdued. Emma tossed the checks aside, reclaiming the diamond in an instant. However, Lane attacked again.

"Ida, catch!" In a critical moment, Emma passed the Tear of the Moon to Ida. Emma's cold gaze met Lane's. "Lane, stop!" She would not take the diamond herself, nor would she allow her teammates to do so. Lane persisted, until Emma cleverly restrained her. "Don't forget, the teacher said our final test is about the heart!"

Lane’s understanding dawned. A deliberate setup? she wondered. Their struggle drew the attention of other teams lost in the forest.

"Someone there!" "A hut!" "Let's go!"

Bob led the second team. Seeing the diamond, they exclaimed, "The Tear of the Moon?"

Leroy, eyeing the second team, offered them six million dollars to take it from Ida. The team was astonished. Bob hesitated, torn between Leroy and the museum.

Suddenly, someone charged, attacking Ida. The diamond was snatched, but Bob, reacting swiftly, retrieved it. "The Tear of the Moon is an internationally recognized lost relic. It belongs in the Zima Museum!"

Leroy stared, surprised. "Bob, unlike Emma—niece of a wealthy family—you're adopted. Six million and your talent...you won't have to live under another person's roof anymore!"