Suddenly, a blaring, high-pitched screech accompanied by demonic growls shattered the eerie silence that enveloped the area. The roar reverberated endlessly. The unnerving sound sent cold waves of ripples down Oliver and Gregory's spines. The atmosphere became thick—as if the hole had become a living, breathing man, groaning and moaning in pain.

"Oli, whatever you're thinking, don't," Gregory grabbed his friend's shoulder and spoke firmly.

"Don't do what I'm thinking? So, you're saying we should go inside the hole?" Oliver smirked.

"What? No! We can't do that!" Gregory exclaimed as his eyes reflected his fear.

"But you told me not to do what I was thinking," Oliver pointed out with a whisper.

"Wait... so... you're telling me that... uhm..." Gregory uttered.

"Yes. We're going back to shore," said Oliver.

     A broad smile spreads across Gregory's face. He couldn't help but bounce on the raft as relief and excitement washed over him. Overcome by emotion, Gregory wraps both arms tightly around his friend's core.

"Finally!" Gregory cheered as he hugged Oliver with his strong arms.

"Shall we go?" Oliver asked, placing a hand on Gregory's head.

"Of course!" Gregory let go of his hug and sprang to his feet.

     Oliver forms a circle with his fingers and palm, leaving a gap in the centre. He focuses his energy, closing his eyes and furrowing his brows. Then, he summons two paddles with his elemental powers, handing one to Gregory.

"Thanks," Gregory grabbed the oar as he looked at Oliver with a genuine smile.

     The two men lower the oars into the water. Then, they paddle away from the hole. Their eyes fix on the distant shore as they row, and they hesitate to look back at the source of the loud, inhuman sounds that torments them.

     As the raft approached the shallow waters, it collided with a cluster of rocks hiding beneath the surface. The impact quaked the raft, and it began to bump into more rocks, cracking several planks. Oliver and Gregory quickly leapt off the raft and onto the nearby land. The damaged raft finally collided with the stony shore with a loud crash, ending its journey.

Gregory turned around and saw the broken raft beached on the shore. "Are you hurt?" he asked Oliver.

"Not a bit," Oliver replied kindly.

"Good," Gregory said, relieved.

"You?" Oliver asked.

"Nah, I'm fine," Gregory reassured him.

"Glad to hear it," Oliver said with a glistening smile. "Let's get going."

     Gregory placed an arm on Oliver's shoulder. Together, they climbed a low slope and reached the grassy plains. As they ascended, the rocky terrain gradually stepped aside for the lush vegetation with soft soil and greenery.

     The transition was drastic, and Oliver and Gregory immediately stepped into the grassland. They heard the rustling of the leaves under their feet and smelled the pleasant scent of the surrounding flora. Then, the tall grass swayed with the wind.

     Despite the tall grass reaching their waists, Oliver and Gregory walk with steady feet. As they strut, they spot their carriage waiting for them. They immediately hasten towards it, moving diagonally to their left.

As Oliver and Gregory approached the carriage, the coachman sitting in the driver's seat spotted them and greeted them with a smile. "Good evening, gentlemen. I've been waiting for you," he said, putting on his top hat.

"Sir, I thought we had an agreement that you would stay inside your vehicle," Oliver said with a stiff face.

The coachman chuckled. "Don't worry, sir. I'm only taking in some fresh air," he replied.

"How long have you been here?" Oliver asked.

"About fifteen minutes or so," the coachman answered.

Oliver closed his eyes and turned around, sighing loudly. He then faced the coachman again and spoke with a deep, stern voice. "Sir, I don't want to be responsible for anyone's disappearance, but you might get attacked if I leave you out here," he said worryingly. "Have you seen the headlines or heard the news about someone... or 'something' on a killing spree?"

The coachman nodded. "Then, I apologise for the inconvenience." He inquired, "Are you two coming back home or...?"

Oliver's mind raced with an idea, causing his eyes to widen. "...Could you drop us off at the City Hall?" he asked the coachman politely.

     A loud, sharp slash echoes across the grasslands, causing the horses to neigh and rear. The carriage begins to move slowly before gradually picking up speed, and the loud hooves and the gentle creaking wood clash with the swaying grass. After facing the life-threatening night, the carriage leaves the place.