Page 6 - JEJAK ENIGMA

Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

Step by step, the trek through Kalawan Forest grew heavier. The sounds of birds, rustling
leaves, and snapping twigs created a unique harmony of a tropical jungle untouched by
ordinary people. This adventure was no longer just a story—it had become real.

They walked in formation. Farel led the group as navigator, followed by Nayla and Tiara,
who continuously matched the ancient map with Raka’s homemade GPS. Gilang recorded the
forest’s conditions and surrounding signs in his notebook, while Adit—as usual—trailed
slightly behind. But not because he was tired.

“I don’t like this path,” Raka muttered, pointing to a trail that began to slope upward, covered
in large roots.

“Why?” asked Nayla.

“Because it’s not the path shown by the GPS. But… the ancient map points to the right, into
that rocky crevice.”

Farel stopped. “So what do we trust—technology or history?”

Tiara joined in, “If this really is an ancient city, chances are it's in a place where signals can’t
reach.”

They agreed to follow the ancient map.

Soon, they arrived at a narrow rocky gap. It took ten minutes to pass through it one by one.
When Adit came through last, he glanced back and gave a cold smile. Then he left a small
marker—a directional signal for himself, in case he needed to return alone.

Beyond the crevice lay a hidden valley. The trees looked different, the air more humid, and
the bird calls had nearly vanished.

“This place… feels different,” Tiara whispered.

In the middle of the valley stood a large stone covered in ancient symbols, and beneath it, a
carving shaped like a hand—five fingers. Exactly.

Nayla reached out and placed her hand on the carving. The stone began to tremble slightly. A
mechanical sound echoed from beneath the ground.

A stone door opened.

Everyone fell silent.

But behind the awe, Adit looked at the doorway with eyes unlike the others. He didn’t see
adventure. He saw power—and opportunity.

“This is only the beginning,” he whispered softly.
“And I’ll make sure… I’m the one who comes out victorious.”