“Well, the person has gone missing!”

Hila was the first to visit the student council and inform them of Riley’s disappearance. In response, the first-year representative of the student council expressed regret as if acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.

“Is it really confirmed that she disappeared? Not wanting to be alone for a moment or leaving for personal reasons?”

“She disappeared suddenly while I was walking with her! It’s like she evaporated.”

“Do you think that’s a reasonable explanation? Moreover, Riley Eadalin… even among her peers, she had a bad reputation. She seemed quite aloof and stand-offish even among fellow students. It’s possible she intentionally avoided the welcoming ceremony due to discomfort.”

“If she didn’t want to attend, she wouldn’t have followed us this far! And how much was she enjoying it!”

If a student affiliated with Horizon went missing, it was natural for the Horizon Student Council to take action. Hila couldn’t understand their passive attitude.

“Hey, new student, it’s not the time for this here. Why don’t you ask for help from Shikyung?”

“I tried, but they just told me to go back and wait. They seemed reluctant. It seemed like they didn’t take it seriously. They probably won’t even bother to look for her properly.”

“…It’s unfortunate, but we can’t all move for one person’s personal escapade. Besides, right now, the welcoming ceremony is underway. We have a responsibility to conclude the ceremony safely, not just for one person, but for the majority.”

“…”

“I know you’re worried about your friend, but try to calm down and think rationally. A grown adult can’t mishandle themselves properly, especially in Lurat, where the security is good! The chances of something happening in the early evening are slim! Especially in a place like that walkway, which is a popular tourist spot! The possibility of her disappearing and getting involved in a crime or accident is low.”

Hila couldn’t refute anything. She couldn’t be sure if Riley was in danger.

“But Riley isn’t the type to disappear without a word…”

“Alright, I’ll try to find her alone.”

Hila left the hotel without looking back.

She had visited the student council out of concern, but they valued the situation that many enjoyed more than a potential emergency. It drained her strength.

The fact that neither Shikyung nor the student council took this matter seriously was disheartening.

At that moment, when Hila felt overwhelmed,

A familiar man caught her eye. A man smoking behind the hotel, his features still clear even in the darkness. The senior who had been looking for Riley and had helped her at the pub just a while ago!

“He will believe me!”

Hila rushed straight to the man.

“Excuse me!”

“What is it?”

“Riley is missing! Please help!”
In response to Hila’s words, half surprised, Si-Ga discarded the cigarette he was holding and crushed it with his foot.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“She disappeared suddenly while we were walking on the promenade. She just vanished… Something clearly happened, but no one believes me.”

“…Are you sure she disappeared? It wasn’t something she did on her own?”

“No, she was right next to me… She just disappeared without a trace.”

He sighed, as if expecting something like this, touching his forehead.

“Yeah, be careful, I told her.”

“…What are you talking about? Do you know something?”

“I don’t know, but there were always guys lurking around her. Whether they were enemies or people protecting her, I don’t know. Today, there were a few more than usual, not the usual guys I’m familiar with.”

“…So, people have been lurking around Riley?”

“That promenade, is it the one I know? It’s nearby.”

“Yes, that’s right. Will you help me?”

“Then just leave it?”

“Okay, let’s go! I’ll guide you!”

“No, you stay.”

“?”

“If something went wrong, her husband would come here. You stay here, wait for that person, and then guide him to the place where Riley disappeared.”

“…Husband? What does that mean…”

“Then I’m going first.”

He disappeared in an instant without looking back.

Left alone, Hila, still holding her head, leaned against the wall.

“Husband?”

With Riley missing, the fact that Riley had a husband hit her even harder. Stunned, Hila couldn’t get up from her spot for a long time.

As it got darker, the eerie atmosphere in the forest became more intense.

The forested area that was dark even during the day turned into complete darkness at night. Nothing could be seen at all—neither hands, feet, nor the clothes one was wearing. Just the fact that the field of vision had turned pitch-black was terrifying, and what was even more frightening was that strange wailing sounds began to be heard.

I don’t know how much time has passed.

After the darkness set in, the sense of time dulled even more. I couldn’t tell if a long time had passed or if 1 minute felt like an hour.

I thought that rescue could happen in an hour or two, but was that a wrong judgment? Is it right to move now to find the exit? But it’s too dark to do that.