The giant guardian followed them through the ruins.
Every step thundered across the cavern.
Martin panted.
"That thing weighs ten tons!"
Jones ran beside him.
"Yes… which gives us an advantage."
"How exactly?!"
Jones pointed toward the cracked cavern ceiling.
"Remember the earthquake that buried this city?"
Martin nodded.
"The ceiling is unstable."
They climbed the ruins of a collapsed tower.
Below them, the guardian continued advancing.
Jones examined the ancient mechanisms carved into the ground.
A large stone lever connected to underground channels.
"What does that do?" Rathore asked.
Jones smiled slightly.
"I believe it controls the city's ancient water system."
Martin groaned.
"Professor… this is not the time for plumbing experiments."
The guardian reached the base of the tower.
Its stone arm swung forward.
Jones pulled the lever.
Far below, ancient water channels burst open.
Water flooded into the chamber.
Heavy counterweights inside the guardian suddenly shifted.
The enormous machine lost balance.
With a thunderous crash…
The guardian collapsed into the sand.
The cavern shook violently.
Stones rained from the ceiling.
"Everyone move!" Jones shouted.
They ran for the tunnel entrance as the underground city began collapsing.
Moments later they emerged back into the labyrinth.
Then finally…
They climbed out into the sunlight above the ruins of Bhangarh Fort.
Behind them, the tunnel collapsed completely.
Sealing the lost city forever beneath the desert.
Martin lay on the sand catching his breath.
"Well…"
He looked at Jones.
"That was the most dangerous plumbing repair I've ever seen."
Jones chuckled softly.
Inspector Rathore shook his head.
"No one will ever believe this story."
Dr. Mehta looked toward the silent ruins.
"The lost kingdom will remain buried."
Jones adjusted his glasses.
"Perhaps that's for the best."
Martin stood and brushed sand from his clothes.
"So… where to next, Professor?"
Jones smiled.
"Wherever the next mystery waits."
And somewhere beyond the endless sands of Rajasthan…
Another adventure had already begun.