Naoto woke from his sleep, slowly rose from the ground, and walked heavily toward the cave. The sun had set, and darkness engulfed the area. The wind howled fiercely, carrying the sound of clashing trees.
He entered the vast cave he had used as shelter from the powerful storm. Darkness enveloped the cave terrifyingly, with no light reflecting from the rocky walls. The wind produced eerie sounds echoing through the narrow tunnels, which made Naoto anxious and cautious.
Naoto began preparing the cave. He gathered scattered wood and branches to build a small fire in the center of the cave. Then he spread some damp herbs on the ground to make a comfortable bedding and took out the dead deer skin to use as a cover in case of extreme cold. He knew he needed to make a shelter comfortable enough for at least one night.
When he finished setting up, Naoto sat near the fire to feel warmth and safety. He watched the flames consume the wood and send bright sparks into the air. He hoped the fire would remain lit all night, relying on this small flame to keep away the cold and darkness.
Outside, the storm raged on, the wind carrying sounds of struggling trees, which increased his feeling of relaxation and protection inside the cave. He listened to the noise of the storm while lying on the ground, longing for safety and peace.
Naoto closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift into the world of dreams, where he could escape the harsh conditions of the outside world. In his dreams, he forgot the darkness, storm, and cold, and enjoyed the comfort of sleep in his safe haven.
The next morning, Naoto awoke to birds singing outside the cave. The storm had passed, replaced by warm sunlight streaming through the cave entrance. Naoto stretched his stiff muscles from sleep.
He stood up, relying on his lone arm, and took a few steps until he exited the cave, gazing at the view before him.
The trees were wet with raindrops, and the ground beneath his feet was damp. Yet the fresh air and bright sun filled him with vitality and energy.
Naoto walked through the forest, skipping over fallen trees and bent branches. He listened to the birds happily chirping.
Suddenly, he noticed something strange in the forest—a tall old tower rising above the trees. Curiosity took hold, and he decided to explore it.
He reached the tower's base and began climbing the crumbling stone stairs. Each step filled him with tension and excitement.
"This place looks old, but who builds a tower in the middle of a forest?" he thought.
At the top, he discovered a small dark room. Entering cautiously, he noticed light sneaking in through broken windows, casting mysterious shadows on the floor covered with old tiles.
On one wall, there was a carved mural with writings in a strange and mysterious language. The script seemed to tell a story, but to Naoto it was useless as he did not understand it.
On the other side of the room was an old wooden bookshelf holding ancient books of various sizes. The books smelled of mold and dampness.
Naoto took a random book and flipped through it but found it was in the same unknown language as the wall.
He decided to keep it for later examination.
There was nothing else visible in the tower except a bed and a small desk.
Naoto noticed something under the bed, began searching, and found a paper. Opening it, he saw a map, which he took with him.
With nothing else to do, he prepared to leave.
Exiting the tower, he spread out the map and studied its details.
The map showed a designated path through the forest, marked with strange signs and symbols pointing to various locations.
He compared the terrain and landmarks to the map.
"In reality, there is a match, and this point at the edge must be the exit."
Surprised, Naoto saw that the map indicated an exit at the end of the path. He decided to follow the map and explore the designated area.
Naoto started walking through the forest, bypassing trees and branches, avoiding pits and obstacles.
He listened to the birds and insects.
After walking for hours, he saw mountain ranges ahead.
Starting at the mountain base, Naoto climbed slowly and cautiously.
As time passed, pain crept into his body. Every muscle ached, disturbed by the strenuous effort.
Fatigue sank deep in his bones, and each step was extremely difficult.
Yet, he did not give up. His goal was clear, and with every step closer to the summit, his determination and resolve grew.
After many long hours of toil and pain, he reached the mountaintop.
The view was breathtaking and amazing, but the scenery on the other side was misty, obscuring his sight.
Naoto began descending carefully, step by step, along a narrow twisting path through rocky terrain.
The steep rocks and rugged terrain posed serious challenges.
He stayed focused and composed.
Strong winds whipped his hair.
He had to make wise decisions to avoid dangers and not fall into trouble.
He assessed the path and sought places to take shelter if needed.
With every step, difficulty increased.
Full awareness and concentration were necessary to overcome the tough and dangerous terrain.
He had to be cautious of steep rocks and hidden pits.
After a while, a foul-smelling fog rose, causing Naoto to cough.
Over time, he adapted to the changing conditions and took necessary care with every step.
Naoto reached the ground, his worn shoes touching the soil.
He felt a slight warmth beneath his feet.
Turning toward the land, he saw a sight that filled him with amazement and wonder.
Before him stretched a black land.
The surface was wrinkled and wavy like raging sea waves.
It looked as if from another world compared to the other side—dark and terrifying at once.
No other color reflected light, only deep black consuming everything.
Naoto began cautiously walking on this new land.
His steps were heavy and careful, feeling both strangeness and fear.
Though fog blocked his sight, silence pervaded the place.
No sound except his footsteps and heavy breaths.
Over time, he noticed changes in the black land where red cracks appeared.
Suddenly, an earthquake shook the ground.
A deep fissure opened, sending out smoke and ash, creating a frightening and mysterious sight.
At once, a huge whale-like creature emerged.
It resembled a massive volcano-shaped cannon, emitting a dark aura as if ready to burn and reduce everything to ashes.
The creature was hideous and bizarre, causing onlookers to tremble with fear.
The giant had tough, stiff skin, and its eyes sparkled red, shooting sparks.
Naoto knew he had to act fast before the giant attacked.
But his body and mind thought of only one thing:
Run.
Without a doubt, when the fierce whale appeared, volcanic lava spread in the air, shaking the earth violently.
These dire conditions cast their shadow on Naoto.
He ran with all his might, dodging volcanic lava and trying to escape the tremors.
Though scared and anxious, he refused to give up and kept running.
While running, Naoto noticed the fierce whale rapidly coming toward him.
He realized he could not defeat it and had to get away as fast as possible.
He scanned for a safe place and found a small ditch.
Without hesitation, Naoto entered and hid in a dark corner.
While hiding, he felt tense and anxious, hearing the whale's approach and feeling the heat from the volcanic lava.
His heart raced, and breathing became difficult.
It was a moment between life and death.
He sat trembling with fear but continued holding on, aware each minute felt like an hour.
He knew he faced a life-or-death battle with the fierce whale.
While waiting patiently, anxiety crept into every cell of his body, knowing he had to be ready for any possible attack.
His eyes scanned the dark place, watching for any movement.
Instead of a sudden attack, the whale slowly moved away.
This was scary too, not knowing if the whale planned to return and attack mercilessly.
Still, it was a relief to be out of immediate danger.
Naoto hurried out and began running across the burning lands to quickly pass through.
He ran with all his effort.
Though tired and exhausted, he was determined to survive.
He knew that stopping or retreating would mean grave danger.
He kept running until reaching a safe area.
There, he sat and caught his breath.
After resting an hour, he decided to continue.
After walking for a long time, he began to see the edge of the area ahead.