Chapter 1: The Final Adventure
Jack Donovan was a man with an unstoppable spirit. As the owner of an antique shop in London, his life appeared calm to others. His small shop, filled with the scent of old wood and dusty books, was a paradise for collectors and history enthusiasts. However, to Jack, life was not just about selling ancient artifacts. It was a way to stay connected to the world he loved—history, mysteries, and the stories behind every item he discovered.
Beyond his work, Jack was a true adventurer. He spent his time exploring places that only appeared in history books and fairy tales. From the wild Amazon rainforest to the majestic pyramids of Egypt, from the mysterious Stonehenge to the breathtaking ruins of the Maya, Jack had seen more of the world than most people. Two things he cherished most, reading and exploring, were the sources of his happiness.
Now, his final journey had brought him to Indonesia, to the Muaro Jambi temple complex—a centuries-old site that held the marks of Hindu-Buddhist religion. Jack was not alone this time. He was accompanied by Agus, a historian who had spent years researching the site.
"Here, Jack," said Agus, pointing to an ancient stone carving covered with mysterious symbols. "This carving speaks of a protective deity and a gateway to another world. Some people believe there is something deeper beneath this place."
Jack gazed at the carving with curiosity. "Another world, huh? Sounds like something from a novel," he said with a smile.
They continued their exploration until Jack found himself in a quiet courtyard. He sat on a large stone to rest, opened his bag, and pulled out a book. It was Harry Potter, a story that had always inspired his curiosity about the magical world. But the peace did not last long.
Suddenly, the ground trembled. A massive earthquake struck, and a large crack appeared in the courtyard, splitting the earth beneath Jack. Agus shouted his name, but Jack had already fallen too deep into the darkness.
At the bottom of the deep fissure, Jack was trapped. He tried to survive for a few days with the remaining food he had. But eventually, his body gave in. In the stillness, Jack smiled faintly. He had no regrets. All the journeys he had undertaken, all the adventures he had experienced, were a life full of meaning.
"I wish I could explore further... perhaps a magical world..." he thought before everything faded to darkness.