But then, as they neared the surface, something unexpected happened.
As they emerged from the water, gasping for air, one of them caught sight of the villagers. It was a distant silhouette at first, but as they swam closer, they saw the village chief, kneeling by the shore.
He was praying, his hands clasped in front of him, his face turned upward, as though giving thanks.
"Help! Please, help us!" the party member screamed as he floundered toward the shore, his voice hoarse with panic. He reached out to the village chief, his mind racing with confusion.
The village chief didn't move. He didn't even look up.
"Help! We need help! The monster—!" the man screamed again, but his words were cut off when he realized something.
The village chief was not responding because he didn't intend to help them.
