CHAPTER NINETY SEVEN – JUNGLE HIKE

Julian winced as he leveraged himself upright, his injured ankle throbbing in protest. "Just one question, señor. How exactly do you propose we go about this little treasure hunt?" He gestured to his swollen appendage with a wry quirk of his brow. "As you can see, I'm not exactly in peak adventuring condition at the moment." The official waved a dismissive hand. "Do not worry, señor. We will provide you with every resource at our disposal – provisions, equipment, and most importantly, an experienced local guide to lead you through the treacherous heart of the ruins." Charlotte's eyes widened at the prospect, her mind already spinning with visions of treacherous jungle treks and crumbling temples concealing glittering riches. "A guide, you say? Well, that's certainly a relief." The official nodded, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "Indeed, señora. We would not dream of sending two... seasoned explorers such as yourselves into the wilderness without a native expert to