When it comes to Lulat, the most famous attraction is the emerald-green beach, but in reality, the hidden gem of Lulat is a vast and scenic walking path surrounded by dense forests.

The walking path, created to allow people to comfortably explore the forest, was a popular spot not only for tourists but also for locals.

However, only a small part of the dense forest area was open to the public, and beyond the restricted zone, there was a dangerous area where various rare magical creatures inhabited, causing concerns about accidents.

Nevertheless, the habitat of magical creatures was blocked by a special barrier, making it impossible for both ordinary people and wizards to approach recklessly, so it wasn’t considered significantly dangerous.

“Do you know, Riley? All the trees and plants beyond that chain-link fence are imbued with magic.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, the restricted zone over there is the habitat of magical creatures, right? Originally, this place was also a restricted area. They drove out the magical creatures and created this walking path. Anyway, the plants here seem to absorb the excrement of magical creatures, and as a result, they emit magic along with oxygen. So, the magical concentration here is much higher than elsewhere.”

“Fascinating.”

“Especially why it’s popular among wizards. Since this place is overflowing with magic, it’s renowned as a place for recuperation.”

Perhaps because the surroundings were filled with magic. It certainly felt refreshing.

“There’s talk that it has an effect of sharpening your mind. That’s why people facing important exams often come here.”

“Really?”

“But, to be honest, I don’t know if it really works. However, maybe because of the mood, don’t you feel like your head is clearer for no reason?”

To become more intelligent. Next month, there’s an exam. If you receive even one failing grade, you won’t be able to take the subjects for the next semester. If you receive failing grades in three or more subjects, it could lead to expulsion. So, you need to focus and do well on the exams.

If you visit this place the day before the exam, will you be able to take the test a bit more successfully?

Enjoying the refreshing feeling, Riley slowly looked around.

Cool breeze, the sound of birds chirping, people chatting. The sound of rustling leaves… Just walking made her mind peaceful, and she got lost in it without a care. Among the places she visited today, this was the most appealing. How happy would it be to build a house and live in a place like this?

It would be a perfect place if only it weren’t crowded.

After walking for a while, Riley suddenly stopped.

“What’s this feeling?”

The refreshing feeling disappeared, and she felt a momentary chill. Her spine tingled, and her hair stood on end. The view momentarily blurred, and darkness came. It was a very brief moment.

As her vision returned, a bewildered Riley quickly turned around.

“Hila, just now… Hila?”

Trying to go back, but Hila was nowhere to be seen. Not only Hila, but also the numerous people who were strolling along the walking path had disappeared.

Just a while ago, it was noisy with people chatting, but now… Besides the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, there was no other sound.
The dense forest was simply quiet. No, it was beyond quiet; it was eerie. Riley realized that something was wrong and huddled, becoming alert to her surroundings. Upon closer inspection, the environment seemed a bit different.

While the walking path was nicely manicured for people to stroll comfortably, this place was filled with untouched trees. The trees were so tightly packed that even sunlight couldn’t penetrate, giving an eerie feeling despite being broad daylight.

Something was amiss.

‘…I’m alone.’

In this vast forest, I’m all alone.

Fear overwhelmed her.

“Riley? No, where did she go in the meantime?”

At first, it was not a big deal. She thought Riley might have briefly lost her way among the people or gone somewhere for a moment.

However, after about 20 minutes, Hila began to feel anxious.

‘No, can the girl who was right next to me suddenly disappear like this? It’s as if she evaporated on her own.’

The uneasiness grew as time passed.

“Riley!”

Hila searched every corner of the walking path, desperately calling for Riley. Even after an hour of searching, Riley was nowhere to be found, and Hila slumped down, disheartened.

‘What should I do? What do I do? She suddenly disappeared… Could something have happened…’

Hila’s face turned deathly pale.

She stood up abruptly and rushed to the hotel.

‘I need to ask for help!’

“Excuse me, is anyone there? Is anyone here?”

It seemed like the world could be this silent. Nothing could be heard. It felt as if everything stopped, except for me.