Chapter 1505
Another half day passed, and Andrew and his team finally arrived at their destinationโGallowโs End, the location marked on the treasure map.
Based on its illustrations, the treasure entrance was supposed to be carved into the base of a steep mountain, so steep it looked practically impossible to climb.
The treasure was said to be buried deep within the mountain itself through a tunnel someone had once hollowed out. However, as dusk fell and Andrewโs convoy rolled up to the mountainโs base, everyone was stunned.
The spot marked Gallowโs End, supposedly the hidden treasure entrance, had turned into a heritage hamlet.
The street was paved with weathered cobblestones, and both sides were lined with quaint shops glowing softly with warm lights.
The entire area radiated commercial charm. While it was not overly crowded, a handful of middle-aged backpackers strolled and laughed under the evening sky, even at 9 p.m.
Tiana frowned. โAndy, are we in the wrong place?โ
Andrew did not respond right away. He pulled out the treasure map and examined it closely again. Finally, he shook his head. โ No. This is the place.โ
Behind them, Logan and Chantelle had already instructed their teams to park the cars. Both of them walked over to Andrew, wearing expressions of confusion and skepticism.
โYou didnโt bring us here for a vacation, did you?โ Logan joked dryly.
Andrew did not laugh. โEveryone, split up and start asking around. Be discreet. Donโt mention anything about treasure. Just see if you can dig up anything about the name Gallowโs End.โ
Chantelle stepped forward. โNo need. Leave it to me. Everyone, follow me.โ
Logan blinked. โWaitโMs. Garcia, youโve got a plan?โ
Chantelle ignored him. She looked at Andrew and said firmly, โMr. Lloyd, Iโll prove to you that my presence on this expedition is an asset, not a liability.โ
With that, she huffed and strode off confidently down the cobbled path.
Tiana chuckled. โCome on, Andy. Who knows, maybe Ms. Garcia really does have a trick up her sleeve.โ
Logan walked beside Andrew and whispered, โDid you piss her off?โ
Andrew scoffed. โI didnโt. Sheโs the one who picked a fight with me.โ
Logan patted him on the shoulder. โDonโt stress about her. I know those two tagalongs of hers are dead weight. But honestly, that Magnus? Sure, heโs greedy and loves to brag, but the guy does know a thing or two about geomancy.
โAnd Ralph? That guyโs solid. If things get ugly, we can always throw him in front as a meat shield.โ
Andrew frowned. โLogan, youโre not seriously okay with someone dying, are you?โ
Logan gave a casual shrug. โAs long as itโs not one of us, who cares?โ
Andrew fell silent.
Loganโs words were not unusual for a man raised in a powerful family. To people like him, the lives of outsiders were hardly worth mentioning. If Andrew had not proven his own strength by now, Logan likely would not even be speaking to him as an equal.
Ten minutes later, under Chantelleโs lead, the group arrived in front of a traditional stilted wooden houseโan elevated home common among mountain tribes.
This entire old village, tucked beneath the towering mountain, was a preserved minority heritage site, complete with rustic aesthetics and cultural charm that drew in tourists from the cities.
Inside the stilted home, Chantelle flashed her badge and calmly identified herself. A middle-aged man with a patterned head wrap immediately stood at attention. โAn official visit? Forgive me, Miss. I didnโt realize we were receiving a dignitaryโplease accept my apology.โ
Chantelle put away her credentials and smiled. โNo need to be so formal, Chief Flintspire. Iโve come to your beautiful village for a very specific reason, and I was hoping you could help us with it.โ
Axel Flintspireโs expression turned slightly strange. โYouโre not here asking about the ancient ruins of Gallowโs End, are you?โ
Chantelle froze. โYou know about Gallowโs End, Chief Flintspire?โ
Andrew and Tiana could not help but take another look at this Patoajo village chief. It seemed he knew something after all.
He motioned for them to sit down and smiled warmly. โI wonโt lie to you, Miss. The legend of Gallowโs End has always been a part of this place.โ
Chapter 1506