Page 15 - JEJAK ENIGMA

Chapter 7: The Ruins of the Hidden City

The fog began to thin as the sky above the cave crevice slowly brightened. The five teenagers
now stood before a sight that took their breath away—

An ancient city, partially buried, partially destroyed, stood in silent grandeur. Towering stone
pillars were overgrown with moss and the roots of ancient trees. Statues of masked humans
stood frozen along the main road. This was the City of Enigma.

“At last,” Nayla whispered. “We found it.”

Farel stepped forward, inspecting the ruins. “But this city… feels alive.”

Sure enough, as they stepped onto the main road of the city, a faint sound echoed from the
walls: a soft chant, in a language they didn’t understand—like a prayer from the past.

“This city is more than just ruins,” Gilang said. “It’s watching us.”

Tiara shivered. “This place… is testing us.”

At the center of the city stood a domed building with five paths leading to it. At each path
was a statue bearing a different symbol: Courage, Honesty, Loyalty, Knowledge, and
Compassion.

“These are the five keys,” said Nayla. “Each of us has to take one path. Only we can open the
door to the city’s core.”

Raka, his leg still bandaged, nodded. “If this is a test… then we’ll face it. Together.”

Meanwhile, deep within the inner ruins…

Adit woke up. His body was covered in dust and wounds, but he was still alive. He looked
around—the walls were covered with carved faces, all staring at him blankly.

“Where am I…?” he muttered.

Suddenly, from the darkness, a tall shadowy figure emerged with an unseen face. Its voice
was deep and echoing: “You are the one who is lost. But it is not too late.”

Adit stepped back. “Who are you?”

“I am the final guardian of this city. This city was built upon five values. You have rejected
them all. You will never open the gate alone.”

Adit clenched his jaw. “I don’t need them. I’m strong enough!”

“Strength without values… is destruction.” The voice faded. The floor beneath Adit glowed,
showing five shadows—his five friends’ shadows—growing brighter.

“If you want to escape… find your way back to them. Or perish here.”

Adit fell to his knees. For the first time… he felt small.