Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

Alex and Jim spent the next few days preparing for their journey to the Amazon. They gathered supplies, including food, water, and equipment for navigating the dense jungle. They also studied the map further, trying to glean any information they could about the path ahead.

As they prepared, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had always dreamed of discovering something like Eldarado, and now, it seemed like her dream was finally within reach.

Finally, the day of their departure arrived. Alex and Jim set off early in the morning, flying from the university to the small town of Puerto Maldonado, which was the last stop before the jungle.

As they flew over the Amazon, Alex marveled at the vast expanse of green below. The jungle stretched out as far as the eye could see, a seemingly endless sea of trees and vines.

When they arrived in Puerto Maldonado, they were greeted by the humid heat of the jungle. Alex felt a sweat break out on her forehead as they made their way through the small airport.

Carlos, their guide, was waiting for them outside. He was a tall, imposing man with a kind face and a quick smile. "Welcome, Alex and Jim," he said, shaking their hands. "I will be your guide on this journey. Let us get started."

They set off in a small boat, heading up the river that wound its way into the heart of the Amazon. The sun beat down on them, and Alex felt her skin prickle with sweat. She was grateful for the wide-brimmed hat that Carlos had lent her.

As they journeyed deeper into the jungle, the air grew thick with humidity and the sounds of the rainforest grew louder. Alex felt a sense of awe at the beauty around her. The jungle was teeming with life, and she could hear the calls of exotic birds and the rustle of leaves as unknown animals scurried through the underbrush.

After several hours of travel, they arrived at the edge of a clearing. In the center of the clearing stood an ancient stone statue, covered in moss and vines. Alex's heart raced as she realized that this must be the starting point of the path to Eldarado.

As they approached the statue, Alex could see that it was covered in intricate carvings, depicting scenes of jungle creatures and ancient battles. She reached out a hand to touch the stone, feeling a strange energy emanating from it.

"This is amazing," Jim said, his voice full of wonder. "I've never seen anything like it."

Carlos nodded. "Yes, the ancient ones were skilled craftsmen. They built this statue to honor their gods, and to mark the entrance to the path to Eldarado."

Alex's heart raced as she looked at the statue. She had always been drawn to the unknown, and the thrill of discovery was what drove her. She knew that she had to explore the path to Eldarado, no matter what dangers lay within.

"Let's get moving," she said, her voice firm. "We have a long journey ahead of us."

Carlos nodded, and led them into the jungle. The path was narrow and winding, and Alex had to push aside thick vines and branches as she walked. The air was thick with humidity, and she could hear the sounds of the rainforest all around her.

As they walked, Alex noticed that the statue was facing a particular direction. She followed the direction of the statue's gaze, and saw a faint glow in the distance.

"What's that?" she asked Carlos, pointing to the glow.

Carlos followed her gaze, and his expression turned serious. "That is the glow of the crystal," he said. "It marks the entrance to the path to Eldarado."

Alex's heart raced as she looked at the glow. She knew that they were getting close, and she could feel the excitement building up inside her.