The rain poured in heavy sheets as the Pogues raced back to their hideout, soaked to the bone and breathless. The clue they had uncovered echoed in Nate's mind like a ticking clock—Beneath the tides, the true path lies. It wasn't just a riddle anymore. It was a promise. A key to everything they'd been chasing.
But there was something else haunting him—something heavier than any treasure. His father's voice. His past. His anger.
Back at the shack, Ryuji spread the parchment out under the dim lantern light, drying it carefully.
"'Beneath the tides,'" Ava repeated, pacing the floor. "You think it's literal? Like underwater?"
Kaito leaned over Ryuji's shoulder. "There's a shipwreck museum in the south docks. Could be a lead."
Ryuji nodded slowly. "Or maybe a location marked on old naval maps. We need access to archives."
Nate remained silent. The flickering light cast shadows over his face. Ava sat down beside him.
"You've been quiet again," she said gently.
He didn't look at her. "I'm just thinking."
"You mean brooding."
He let out a dry chuckle. "Maybe."
She nudged him lightly. "You don't always have to be strong, you know."
"I'm not." His voice was barely audible. "I just don't want to fall apart in front of everyone."
A long pause followed. Then Ava whispered, "You're not alone, Nate. Not anymore."
He looked at her—really looked—and for a brief moment, the mask cracked. She saw the pain behind his eyes, the weight he carried, the loneliness he buried.
Before either could say more, Kaito called out, "We've got company!"
All four jumped to their feet. Headlights flashed through the rain outside, growing closer. A black SUV rolled to a stop by the edge of the woods.
"Not cops," Ryuji muttered. "Worse."
Armed men stepped out, dressed in black, their movements sharp and trained.
Nate clenched his fists. "They've found us."
Ava grabbed his hand. "We'll fight. Together."
And just like that, the Pogues scattered—some through the back window, others through the trees. The rain masked their footsteps, but the enemy was relentless.
The shadows were closing in. And deep within Nate's heart, he knew—
This was no longer just a treasure hunt.
It was war.