Rahim and Karim slowly moved forward toward the mountains. The path was no longer easy. The ground was rocky, and the air was getting colder with every step.
Karim looked up at the tall mountains and said, "Rahim… these mountains look very big and dangerous."
Rahim nodded calmly.
"Yes. But somewhere inside these mountains, the hidden city is waiting for us."
Karim took a deep breath.
"Then we must reach it, no matter what."
Behind them, at some distance, Mr. Roy was still following quietly.
Karim looked back and whispered, "He is still there. He is not giving up."
Rahim said, "I know. That's why we must stay alert and move faster."
They continued walking carefully. The path became narrower, and small stones kept rolling under their feet.
Karim said, "One wrong step, and we can fall."
Rahim replied, "So don't rush. Stay focused."
After some time, they reached a steep slope. Climbing it was very difficult.
Rahim climbed first and then helped Karim.
"Hold my hand," Rahim said.
Karim grabbed his hand and slowly climbed up.
Finally, they reached the top.
Both of them stopped to catch their breath.
From the top, the view was amazing. They could see deep forests, rivers, and hills far away.
Karim smiled.
"It looks beautiful from here."
Rahim nodded.
"Yes… but our journey is not over yet."
He took out the crystal.
The crystal started glowing softly.
A shining path appeared on the ground again.
Karim said with excitement, "The crystal is guiding us!"
Rahim smiled.
"Yes. Let's follow it."
They followed the glowing path along the edge of the mountain.
After walking for some time, they saw a dark opening in the rock.
Karim said, "Is that a cave?"
Rahim checked the map.
"Yes. The path goes through it."
Karim hesitated for a moment.
"Another cave… I hope it is safe."
Rahim said, "We have no choice."
They entered the cave slowly.
Inside, it was cold and silent.
The walls were covered with strange symbols, just like before.
Karim said, "Everything is connected… the house, the cave, and now this place."
Rahim nodded.
"Yes. Someone planned all of this."
They walked deeper into the cave.
After a few minutes, they saw something amazing.
A huge stone gate stood in front of them.
It was covered with glowing symbols.
Karim said, "This must be important."
Rahim stepped closer.
The crystal in his hand suddenly shined brighter.
The symbols on the gate started glowing.
Karim stepped back.
"Rahim… it's opening!"
Slowly, the stone gate began to move.
A bright light came from the other side.
The gate opened fully.
Rahim and Karim looked at each other.
"This is it," Rahim said.
They stepped through the gate.
On the other side, they saw a hidden valley between the mountains.
The valley was full of green trees, shining water, and soft light.
It looked peaceful and magical.
Karim said in amazement, "This place is beautiful… I have never seen anything like this."
Rahim smiled.
"This must be very close to the hidden city."
Suddenly, a voice came from behind them.
"You finally found it."
Both boys turned around quickly.
Mr. Roy was standing there again.
Karim said, "How did he reach here?"
Rahim said, "He must have followed us all the way."
Mr. Roy smiled proudly.
"You two are very helpful," he said. "You found the path for me."
Rahim said firmly, "You cannot take this secret."
Mr. Roy laughed.
"We will see about that."
He started walking toward the valley.
But just then, the ground shook slightly.
A loud sound echoed across the mountains.
Karim said, "What is that?"
Suddenly, a group of large birds flew out of the valley.
Their wings made a strong wind.
The sky became darker for a moment.
Mr. Roy stopped.
"What is happening?" he said.
Rahim looked at the crystal.
"It is reacting again," he said.
The crystal started glowing very brightly.
The entire valley began to shine.
The trees, the ground, and even the air looked magical.
Karim said, "This place is alive!"
Suddenly, a glowing path appeared in the valley.
It was bright and clear.
Rahim pointed at it.
"That must be the way to the hidden city."
Karim nodded.
"Yes… we are finally close."
Mr. Roy's eyes shined with excitement.
"Yes! This is what I was looking for!"
He quickly tried to move forward.
But Rahim stepped in front of him.
"You will not go first," Rahim said.
Karim stood beside him.
"We will protect this place."
Mr. Roy looked angry.
"You cannot stop me forever."
Rahim said calmly, "We don't need to. The crystal will."
For a moment, all three of them stood facing each other.
Then Rahim said, "Karim, let's go."
They quickly moved toward the glowing path.
Karim followed him without hesitation.
Mr. Roy tried to follow them again.
But this time, the path became narrow and difficult.
The journey was becoming more dangerous.
Rahim held the crystal tightly.
"We must stay strong," he said.
Karim nodded.
"Yes. We are very close now."
The hidden city was waiting.
And the biggest part of their adventure was just about to begin.