The buses continued moving deeper toward the Stone Forest.
Far behind them, the cities had disappeared completely. No towering buildings. No crowded streets. No signs of modern life remained anymore.
Only mountains.
Rivers.
And forests so ancient that they looked older than memory itself.
The sky above had slowly turned pale gold as evening approached, while enormous trees covered both sides of the road like silent guardians watching the travelers enter forbidden land.
Inside the buses, however, life still danced loudly.
Students were murmuring endlessly.
Some were singing old academy songs terribly out of tune, making the others laugh loudly. One group near the back had started playing card games while another group competed in guessing songs and stories.
Aster was loudly losing every game possible.
"This is cheating!" he shouted dramatically.
"You lost because you're stupid," another student replied immediately.
The entire row burst into laughter.
Even some teachers smiled after hearing them.
For a brief moment
Everyone looked normal.
Not gifted.
Not powerful.
Just young.
Near the front seats, Director Yonsai sat with two academy teachers.
Professor Mio the calm instructor with sharp observing eyes.
And another teacher named Hisimoto, an older man known for believing every strange rumor in existence.
Hisimoto leaned closer slightly while looking outside toward the endless forest.
"I still don't like this place," he muttered.
Mio adjusted his glasses calmly.
"You say that every year."
Hisimoto ignored him completely.
"They say this forest still hides the old tribes."
Yonsai sighed dramatically.
"Again?
No, listen seriously," Hisimoto continued stubbornly. "The demonic tribe of the southern stone valley. People claim they possessed powers that twisted the human body itself.
One of the younger teachers nearby laughed quietly.
Demonic powers?
Hisimoto nodded seriously.
They say some of them could manipulate fear itself.
A brief silence followed.
Then
Director Yonsai suddenly laughed loudly.
"Ah, Hisimoto…" he said while shaking his head. "You still believe those ancient rumors?"
Hisimoto crossed his arms.
Every rumor begins with truth.
Mio finally spoke quietly
"And every fear grows larger in darkness."
Yonsai smiled faintly.
"Well, unless the demons themselves invite us for dinner, I believe we are perfectly safe."
The teachers laughed softly.
But outside
The forest remained silent.
As if listening.
Toward the middle rows of the bus, students continued enjoying themselves.
Food containers opened everywhere.
Snacks passed between seats.
Drinks spilled.
Arguments started over games.
The atmosphere felt warm.
Alive.
But near the window seat
Arin sat quietly.
Not lonely.
Not fully involved either.
Just… watching.
The endless greenery outside moved like waves under the fading sunlight. Massive trees stretched endlessly into darkness, their roots twisting through stone like ancient creatures sleeping beneath the earth.
Something about this place pulled at him.
Not with fear.
But curiosity.
A strange feeling settled inside his chest.
As though the forest already knew him somehow.
He opened his small bag quietly.
Inside
Only a few cheap snacks.
Nothing more.
No carefully prepared meals.
No handmade boxes filled with warmth.
Just enough for survival.
Arin stared at them for a moment before quietly putting them back.
Then
A voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Arin."
He turned slightly.
Mira.
She leaned over the seat with her usual bright expression.
We're sharing food," she said. "Come here.
Arin blinked slightly.
ou already fed me yesterday.
And I can do it again," she replied instantly.
Peter, sitting beside her, laughed softly.
"Just come before she forces you."
Arin hesitated.
Not because he didn't want to.
But because part of him still didn't understand how to stand comfortably among people.
Mira noticed immediately.
Her expression softened slightly.
You know…" she said quietly, "you don't always have to sit alone."
The words were simple.
But they struck deeper than she realized.
Arin looked at her silently for a second.
Then slowly stood up and moved toward them.
Peter smiled immediately.
See? He listens sometimes."l
Rare phenomenon," Mira added dramatically.
Arin almost smiled.
Almost.
He sat beside them quietly.
Mira immediately opened another food box.
You're trying this.
What is it?"
Tamagoyaki.
Arin took a small bite carefully.
Then paused.
Mira watched him expectantly.
"Well?"
Arin nodded once.
…Good."
Peter burst into laughter.
That's your reaction?
What else should I say?
I don't know," Peter replied dramatically. "Maybe pretend you've discovered happiness.
Mira laughed loudly.
And slowly
Without realizing it
Arin laughed too.
A small one.
Short.
But real.
For a moment, the heaviness inside him loosened.
"Sometimes the heart heals quietly…
not through miracles, but through ordinary moments shared with the right people.
Hours passed.
The roads grew narrower.
The forest darker.
And finally
After nearly six hours
The buses stopped.
Students immediately pressed toward the windows.
And silence slowly replaced excitement.
Because before them
Stood the Stone Forest.
Massive stone pillars rose from the earth like the ruins of forgotten giants. Ancient trees twisted around black rock formations, while thick mist crawled between the forest paths.
It did not look welcoming.
It looked ancient.
Untouched.
Like a place humans were never meant to stay for long.
Even the air felt different.
Cold.
Heavy.
Alive.
Aster swallowed nervously.
…Why does it feel like the forest is staring at us?
Because you're ugly," someone replied instantly.
But the laughter this time was weaker.
Even the bold students looked uneasy.
The teachers stepped outside first.
Then Yonsai turned toward the students.
"Everyone listen carefully," he announced loudly.
By the time we set camp, night will arrive soon. Each group will prepare their own tents and shelters. Stay close to the assigned areas and do not wander into the deeper forest.
Hisimoto added dramatically
And if you hear voices calling your name at night…
Yonsai immediately slapped the back of his head.
Stop terrifying them.
Students laughed nervously.
But the fear remained.
Soon the entire camp area became busy.
Students unloaded bags.
Some struggled with ropes and poles.
Others argued about where to place tents.
Teachers moved around helping students set up shelters properly.
The once noisy academy students now looked like confused travelers fighting against nature itself.
Mira was busy helping her group nearby.
Peter carried heavy equipment.
Even Yuto silently assembled his tent alone with surprising precision.
But away from all of them
Arin stood still.
Empty-handed.
Watching quietly.
A cold realization slowly appeared on his face.
I forgot
He never bought a tent.
A small silence settled inside him.
Not dramatic.
Not painful.
Just familiar.
Because life had taught him something long ago
When everyone prepares for belonging…
People like him prepare for survival.
He looked around quietly.
No one noticed.
No one realized he had nowhere to sleep.
And strangely
He didn't blame them.
Why would they notice someone who had spent years trying not to be seen?
The evening wind moved through the forest softly.
The enormous stone pillars cast long shadows over the camp.
And for the first time since arriving
The excitement around him faded slightly.
Arin lowered his gaze.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Not happy.
Not sad.
Just tired.
The hardest part about being alone…
is becoming so used to it that you stop expecting anyone to notice.
And beneath the ancient trees of the forgotten forest—
While laughter and friendship surrounded the camp—
Arin Vale quietly stood without shelter beneath the coming night.