14

John and the travelers regrouped after the battle, taking a moment to catch their breath and assess their situation. They were all exhausted, but they were also exhilarated by their victory.

"We need to find out more about these shadowy figures," John said. "We need to know what they want, and why they're after this artifact."

The other travelers agreed. They knew that they couldn't defeat the shadowy figures without understanding their motives.

So they began to search the temple for clues. They scoured the walls for inscriptions, and they examined every object they could find.

But it seemed as if the temple was devoid of any answers. They couldn't find any clues about the shadowy figures, or the artifact they sought.

But then, John noticed something strange. There was a door at the back of the temple, a door that had been hidden behind a thick layer of vines and foliage.

John approached the door, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel a strange energy emanating from behind the door, an energy that seemed to call to him.

He reached out and touched the door, and it swung open with a creak.