As they emerged from the pit, the group was greeted by the sight of a vast, churning river that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The water was a deep, murky brown, and it seemed to be moving with a life of its own.
"This is the River of the Ancients?" Amina asked, her voice full of wonder.
Gidado nodded. "Yes, it's said to be one of the most treacherous rivers in the world. The currents are strong, and the water is icy cold. We'll need to be careful if we're going to make it across."
Mike scanned the river, looking for any sign of a crossing point. "I don't see any bridges or ferries. How are we supposed to get across?"
Gidado smiled grimly. "We'll have to find a way to ford it. But first, we need to find a safe place to cross. The river is said to be full of hidden dangers, and we don't want to get caught off guard."
The group began to search for a safe crossing point, their eyes scanning the riverbank for any sign of danger. As they walked, they noticed that the river seemed to be getting wider and more turbulent.
Suddenly, Avovome let out a warning cry. "Look out!" it shouted, pointing to a spot in the river.
The group turned to see a massive, serpentine creature rising out of the water. Its body was covered in scales, and its eyes seemed to be glowing with an otherworldly energy.
Gidado's face was grim. "I think it's a River Serpent. They're said to be guardians of the river, and they're not to be trifled with."
The group knew they had to act fast. They couldn't let the River Serpent stop them from crossing the river. But as they prepared to face the creature, they realized that they were in for the fight of their lives.
The river stretched out before them, its waters churning and foaming like a living thing. The surface was a deep, murky brown, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation. The riverbank was lined with towering trees, their branches twisted and gnarled with age, and their leaves rustling softly in the breeze.
As they gazed out onto the river, the group caught sight of the River Serpent, its massive body undulating through the water like a living mountain range. The serpent's scales glistened in the sunlight, shimmering like gold and bronze as it moved. Its eyes seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy, and its jaws were wide open, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
TJ's eyes widened in terror as the serpent lunged at him, its jaws snapping shut just inches from his face. He tried to dodge, but the serpent was too fast. In a flash, it had swallowed him whole, its body convulsing as it tried to digest its prey.
Amina's face was contorted with horror and grief, her eyes streaming with tears as she screamed TJ's name. Bisola's expression was grim and determined, her sword flashing in the sunlight as she charged forward to attack the serpent. Gidado's face was set in a fierce snarl, his sword slicing through the water with deadly precision. Avovome's eyes blazed with fury, its breath streaming out in a fiery blast that scorched the serpent's scales.
Mike's face was pale with fear, but he didn't let his emotions get the better of him. He worked together with the others, striking at the serpent with precision and skill. As the battle raged on, the group fought with all their might, determined to save TJ and defeat the serpent.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the group managed to overpower the serpent. As it lay defeated on the riverbank, Gidado knew they had to act fast to save TJ. He raised his sword and cut open the serpent's belly, revealing the dark, cavernous interior.
Inside, they found TJ unconscious, but still breathing. His skin was pale and clammy, and his eyes were sunken. But as they pulled him out and administered some medicine to revive him, his eyes began to flutter open.
The group breathed a sigh of relief as TJ began to stir. Amina's face was etched with worry and concern, but as she saw TJ's eyes open, she smiled with joy. Bisola's expression softened, and she reached out to touch TJ's arm. Gidado's face relaxed, and he nodded in satisfaction. Avovome's eyes shone with warmth, and it reached out to nudge TJ gently with its snout.