The footsteps grew louder. Chike quickly hid behind the giant stone gate while the golden eagle watched silently. Moments later, the Shadow Hunter emerged from the trees. His dark cloak dragged across the ground as he searched the area. "I know you're here," he called out. "The map belongs to me!" Chike's heart pounded. The eagle leaned closer and whispered, "Do not let him get the map. It leads to something far more valuable than treasure." Suddenly, the glowing symbol on the map began to shine brighter. A beam of light shot toward the stone gate. The ground trembled. Slowly, the ancient gate opened with a deep rumbling sound. Behind it was a hidden path leading into a forgotten valley. The Shadow Hunter smiled. "At last," he said. Before he could enter, dozens of birds appeared from the sky. They circled above him, distracting him long enough for Chike to run through the gate. The moment Chike crossed the entrance, the gate slammed shut behind him. Now he was trapped inside the hidden valley. As he looked around, he saw sparkling rivers, strange glowing flowers, and animals he had never seen before. Then a majestic white lion stepped forward from the shadows. "Welcome, Chike," the lion said. "We have been waiting for the boy who can hear our voices." Chike was stunned. "Waiting for me? Why?" The lion lowered his head. "Because only you can save the Heart of the Forest before it falls into the wrong hands." Before Chike could speak again, a loud crack echoed across the valley. Something powerful was awakening. To be continued... 👀
