The noon sun held its regal position in the desolate heavens, casting its golden light over the vast Amazon Forest, evidence of Earth's ancient legacy. This lush expanse had been the silent witness to the rise and fall of countless civilizations, safeguarding their secrets. A realm of ancient mysteries and hidden wonders, where the whispers of innumerable trees spoke to those willing to listen.

In the heart of this natural marvel, a group of students and their professors ventured deep into the Amazon, guided by Joao, a local with an infectious smile. His enthusiasm rivaled the brilliance of the sun. Yet, beyond the professors, few among the group paid much attention to Joao's tales.

Scott, a young man with a mop of curly brown hair, lingered at the rear of the group. His brown eyes, however, were not on the guide but on a tall, athletic young lady named Jessica. She donned a simple tank top and cargo shorts, and her graceful demeanor belied her age. Her sun-kissed skin seemed to radiate under the sun's embrace, and her smile outshone even Joao's vibrant storytelling. A gentle breeze tousled her long, black hair, drawing occasional glances from her fellow students.

Scott's childhood friend, Omar, playfully nudged him and pointed to a vibrant parrot nearby. “Hey, man, check out that bird over there. Isn't it cool?”

The little parrot reveled in its newfound attention, playfully posing for photographs. But Scott, lost in his infatuation, had tuned out the world around him. The camera shutters echoed like distant whispers.

“Hey, man, you're doing that thing again,” Omar sighed. He was taller and more muscular than Scott. “Dude, you have to stop obsessing over Jessica.”

Scott turned to his friend, but his gaze wavered between Omar and the enchanting beauty. “I can't help it, Omar. She's just... extraordinary.”

Omar smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Extraordinary, huh? Well, there are plenty of beautiful ladies here.”

Scott nodded, acknowledging the truth of Omar's statement. “I know, but it's not just about her looks. There's something special about her.”

Omar couldn't resist a sly grin. “Sure thing. If you're that smitten, why don't you go talk to her?”

Scott's gaze flitted to the blonde athlete standing next to Jessica. “I’m not in the mood to get my shit rocked. But what does that guy have that I don't?”

Omar chuckled. “Well, for starters, he's not ogling her like some creep.”

Scott scowled; his frustration evident. “Very funny.”

Omar's grin broadened as he continued, “He's confident, charming, smart, and interesting. Most importantly, he's not just staring at her like she's a goddess. He talks to her.”

Scott sighed, accepting the truth. “I guess you're right.”

“Get over it, lover boy,” Omar advised. “As your best friend, I'd suggest you focus on the experience. Who knows, maybe the Amazon will work its magic on you.”

Scott gazed at his classmates, who seemed equally preoccupied with their own interests and social media profiles rather than the Amazon's beauty. “I hope so. This rainforest adventure wasn't exactly my first choice.”

He took a sip of water, his thoughts momentarily drifting to his life back in Los Angeles. “I can't wait to go back. I wonder if Mrs. Dubois found the note I left on her porch.”

After emptying the bottle, he searched for Omar, but the young man was engrossed in photographing another vibrant parrot.

Scott then noticed Alex, a fellow student, sitting alone on a dry patch of land. He approached Alex, his curiosity piqued by the book covered in a protective plastic layer.

“What are you doing here all alone?” Scott wore a curious smile as he stopped in front of Alex.

Alex raised his head, slightly adjusting his glasses. “Oh, what's up, Scott? I thought you'd be sticking close to Jessica by now. Need something?”

Scott couldn't help but smile. “Is it that obvious?”

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“You're kidding, right? I doubt there’s anyone who doesn’t know at this point,” Alex chuckled.

Scott froze for a moment, “Wait,” he said, instinctively turning toward Jessica. “Does that mean she knows too?” he pondered aloud.

“Maybe. It’s not like you’re trying to hide it either.” Alex chuckled. “Or maybe she’s an airhead who has no idea.”

Scott sighed, realizing the need to rein in his infatuation. “I can't afford to be labeled a creep during my freshman year.”

“You still have several levels to go before reaching that,” Alex grinned, relishing the conversation.

“Oh, so what level am I now?” Scott asked.

“In between love struck puppy and I wonder what her favorite lunch is,” Alex said.

Scott burst out laughing, hunching over as tears fell from the corners of his eyes. As he laughed, he took a closer look at the cover of Alex's book. “I didn't know you were into this stuff, too.”

Alex made a sidelong glance at the novel, a smile brightening his pale face. “Aren't they the best?” He tapped the cover of the fantasy book, featuring a valiant knight surrounded by alluring women of various races.

Scott chuckled, understanding the allure of such stories. “I used to enjoy them, but it's been years. They all started feeling the same.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “I know what you mean. But I can’t help myself; sometimes I feel like this is what it’s like to be addicted to cheap crack.”

The two students exchanged their love for these fantasy worlds, speculating on the kind of adventures they would embark on if they were transported into one of them. Alex, however, had a preference for worlds with jiggling, gravity-defying anime titties, while Scott desired epic adventures.

Omar soon joined the duo, and the conversation became more animated as the trio engaged in light-hearted banter.

Suddenly, Professor Wilson, one of the two teachers leading the group, gathered the group's attention. He applauded Joao's passionate presentation and praised the guide for his captivating storytelling.

“Thank you, thank you,” Joao humbly acknowledged the applause, though his face reddened with embarrassment.

“Mr. Joao truly deserves our appreciation,” Professor Wilson remarked, shaking Joao's hand, and then addressing the students. “We have one more stop before we return to the hotel. Let's proceed.”

While the group moved forward, the short professor whispered a curious inquiry to Joao, “I'm eager to see those special flowers you mentioned. Can they really make... things bigger?”

“Trust me. You won’t be disappointed,” Joao's response was affirmative, and with a wink and a thumbs-up, they were on their way.

The students continued their expedition, navigating the swampy terrain. Justling between swatting away pesky mosquitoes and capturing the beauty of the forest. Meanwhile, some students enjoyed snacks they had brought from the hotel.

Scott and Omar trailed behind the others, their playful banter providing respite from the discomfort of the humid rainforest.

“I swear, bro, I'll leave you behind if we encounter a lion,” Omar chuckled.

“Shut up, dumb ass,” Scott retorted. “Since when do lions live in the rainforest? You should be more concerned about an anaconda sneaking up on you.”

Omar's grin was mischievous as he tapped his groin. “Nah. Anacondas know their daddy.”

Scott chuckled, shaking his head. “Let's hope we don't have to meet them. Those—"

But before he could finish his thought, Omar pointed ahead. “Who are those guys?”

Scott followed the direction of Omar's outstretched finger, and a frown creased his forehead.

Military-style vehicles blocked their path, and hundreds of men clad in black uniforms patrolled the area. Their raised weapons, accompanied by unfamiliar words shouted in Portuguese.

Scott's thoughts raced. Have we accidentally ventured into a restricted area? he pondered, anxiety gripping him. He raised both hands, following the lead of his classmates who had dropped to their knees. Joao, their guide, called out in Portuguese while Professor Wilson attempted to calm the panicked students.

The group watched as the leader of the militia summoned Joao and the anxious English professor forward. Omar whispered to Scott, “Who do you think they are?”

“I have no idea, man. To be honest, I don't even want to know. These guys look like they mean business.”

Escaping wasn’t an option he considered. Running away would likely result in a hail of bullets before they covered any significant distance.

Scott observed his other classmates, his gaze pausing on Jessica. Her anxiety was as evident as anyone else's.

“Look, they're coming back,” Omar remarked, pointing out the two men who followed Joao and Professor Wilson.

Professor Wilson's voice cut through the tension. “Everyone, please get up,” he urged, glancing back at the intimidating soldiers. “Unfortunately, our excursion ends here. These fine gentlemen are conducting an exercise, and they've been gracious enough to release us with only a warning.”

The students promptly rose to their feet, the curious eyes of the stern soldiers following their every move. The university group turned around silently and walked away at the swiftest pace they could muster.

As they distanced themselves from the armed militia, a collective sigh of relief swept through the group. Thank goodness nothing happened, Scott thought.

They were nearly a hundred meters from the military presence when an ear-deafening gong boomed through the forest. Thunder and lightning erupted in unison as thick black clouds obscured the sun.

An eerie silence descended, coupled with the partial darkness, compounded the group's anxiety.

Then, a voice from the heavens boomed, sending shivers down the spines of all present as they fell flat on the ground. “Attention, inhabitants of Earth. You have been chosen to participate in the grand opening of the Tower of Champions!”

The restrictions binding them faded, but most students remained paralyzed by fear and confusion, their wide-eyed gazes locked onto each other in search of answers.