Forest

CHAPTER 02

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As consciousness slowly seeped back into my mind, I found myself engulfed in darkness. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I struggled to make sense of my surroundings.

I rose to my feet, a shiver running down my spine as I surveyed the unfamiliar room. "Where am I?" I muttered to myself, the words echoing in the empty space.

My eyes landed on a row of bookshelves, their outlines barely visible in the dim light. ---So, I'm in a library, huh? I thought, attempting to maintain a facade of composure.

With each step, the sound of my footsteps and labored breathing reverberated off the walls. The only source of illumination came from the faint glow of torches, casting long shadows across the floor.

"All the books have blank covers, huh?" I remarked aloud, my voice bouncing off the walls and echoing back to me. Hastily, I silenced myself, wary of drawing any unwanted attention.

As I continued to explore, I noticed several empty spaces on the shelves, as well as one particularly weathered book that stood out from the rest.

Approaching it, I felt a strange sensation wash over me, as if my body was no longer under my control. A primal urge to reach for the book consumed me, driving me forward despite my growing unease.

As my fingers brushed against the book's cover, it sprung open of its own accord, disappearing into thin air before I could react. In its place, a flurry of unknown letters danced before my eyes, sending waves of pain crashing through my skull.

"Arghhhh!! Wh-what is this?!!" I cried out, clutching my head in agony as the foreign characters seared themselves into my consciousness.

Falling to my knees, I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the pain to subside. When I dared to open them again, I found myself no longer in the library, but surrounded by shadowy figures advancing towards me.

My heart raced with fear as I struggled to stand, the pain in my head rendering me helpless. The amalgamation of shadows coalesced into a single entity, its form flickering in the dim light.

With dread coiling in my gut, I watched as the shadow raised a sword, its blade gleaming menacingly in the darkness. Paralyzed by fear and pain, I could do nothing but tremble as the blade descended towards my head.

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"!!!" I woke up covered in sweat, gasping for air. I gripped tightly to my pants and tears fell from my eyes.

I checked my neck for any injuries but found none.

"I-I'm... I'm alive."

I looked around and found myself in a forest. It was so silent, only the sounds of rustling leaves audible. The space was dark, the trees were enormous, and the breeze was cold.

And then I noticed something... something viewing me as prey.

It was a wolf... but larger than any I had ever seen. It circled around me, eyes fixed on me, preparing to attack.

I couldn't do anything but pray and wish for someone to save me, for someone to get me out of here.

The wolf charged and jumped towards me, ready to devour its prey. I closed my eyes in fear, using my arms as a shield.

...

"Haruki, wake up."

I heard a voice.

I woke up again, but now I was in my house. I looked around and saw no box, book, or ring.

---Sigh, in relief.

I stood up, still shivering a bit.

---Looks like I had a bad nightmare.

"Are you okay?" my mom asked.

"Y-yeah, thanks. How long have you been home, Mom?"

"I just got here and saw you lying here unconscious."

"I see~"

That night, I decided I wouldn't sleep.

10:00 p.m.

I was updating my novel while eating snacks.

I got a bit thirsty and decided to go to the kitchen.

I walked to the kitchen, feeling no signs of sleepiness.

But---

---I suddenly woke up again in that forest.

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