The Shadow World's air felt heavier than ever before.
After the horrifying encounter with the Living Shadow, Mori's chest still tightened every time he thought of its formless eyes staring into him. The group had survived, but only barely. The silence that lingered afterward carried more weight than the clash itself.
They trudged deeper into the eerie landscape, the ground crunching beneath their boots. The forest of shadows loomed endlessly, its trees warped and bent as if whispering secrets no one wanted to hear.
---
"A Sudden Encounter"
Kaida Ren glanced around nervously, gripping his blade.
"Stay sharp. This world doesn't give us second chances," he muttered, scanning the treeline.
Haruka, always careful, pressed a hand to Mori's shoulder.
"You're pale. Don't push yourself. If you collapse here, we can't carry you back to safety."
Mori forced a weak smile.
"I'll manage. I don't want to slow you down."
Before anyone could answer, a rustling echoed through the blackened underbrush. Everyone froze. Renji lifted his bow, an arrow already drawn, his eyes narrowing.
"Something's coming…"
From the shadows emerged "four figures"—not monsters, but humans. Their footsteps were confident, their stances steady, unlike the trembling uncertainty of Mori's group in their early days here.
---
"The New Faces"
The first to step forward was a tall boy with sharp eyes and a scar running down his left cheek. His presence radiated quiet strength.
"...So, more of us ended up here," he said simply. His voice was steady, commanding.
This was "Daichi Tanaka".
Beside him stood a girl with long black hair tied back in a ponytail, her gaze sharp like fire itself. Her stance screamed battle-ready, her fists clenched tightly.
"We don't need to waste words. Are they friend or foe?" she asked coldly.
That was "Miya Hoshino".
The third was a bespectacled boy, his expression calm, analytical. He carried no visible weapon, but his eyes darted around as if calculating everything.
"Let's not rush," he said smoothly. "This world punishes rashness."
That was "Takumi Ishida".
And finally, stepping from behind them was a girl who instantly froze Mori's heart.
Her hair was long and flowing, her eyes bright yet filled with something hidden. A calm smile spread across her lips when she spotted him.
"Mori… it's been a long time."
Mori's breath caught.
"...Saki? Saki Fujimoto?"
---
"Reunion"
Kaida blinked in surprise.
"You two know each other?"
Saki nodded softly, stepping closer, her eyes never leaving Mori's.
"We grew up together. Childhood friends."
Mori swallowed, emotions twisting inside him. The shadowy air, the tension of survival—suddenly, it all blurred because of the familiar warmth in her gaze.
"I… I thought you…" He stopped, unable to finish.
She smiled gently.
"I'm alive. And I've been here for some time."
The group exchanged glances, unsure how to react. Takuro crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly, though his expression remained friendly on the surface.
"More classmates, huh? This Shadow World really has a way of collecting people."
Miya stepped forward, her tone sharp.
"Enough chit-chat. If you're weak, stay out of our way. If you're strong, prove it."
Renji scoffed.
"Tch, someone's arrogant."
Haruka moved between them before tension could rise.
"Wait. We're all from the same school, aren't we? Fighting among ourselves will only get us killed."
Daichi's deep voice rumbled.
"She's not wrong, though. Strength decides survival here. If you can't pull your weight, you'll drag the rest of us down."
---
"First Impressions"
Kaida raised his sword, standing firmly.
"We've survived this long together. We're not weak."
Miya smirked, folding her arms.
"Survived doesn't mean strong. I'll believe it when I see it."
The air grew tense, sparks of hostility flickering. Mori could feel it, his stomach twisting. He glanced at Saki, searching for comfort, and she gave him the slightest nod.
Saki finally spoke, her voice calm, cutting through the heated air.
"Enough. The Shadow World doesn't care about our egos. If we keep measuring pride, we'll die before the sun falls."
Daichi crossed his arms and sighed.
"She's right. Fine. Let's talk instead of fight."
---
"Dialogue – Breaking the Ice"
Takumi adjusted his glasses and looked at Mori's group.
"You're Kaien Mori, right? I've heard your name back at school, though we never talked."
Mori blinked.
"Yeah. I… never thought we'd meet here."
Takumi gave a small smile.
"This world has a strange sense of humor."
Renji relaxed his bow slightly but muttered under his breath,
"Or a cruel one."
Kaida exhaled.
"So, you've been here longer than us? That means you know more. Care to share?"
Daichi looked at Saki.
"You're the one who knows the most. Explain."
Saki stepped forward, her gaze steady.
"I'll tell you everything I can. But not all at once. For now, let's just say… this world has rules. And if you don't learn them fast, you won't last long."
Miya crossed her arms, impatient.
"Rules, huh? Then tell us. I'm not here to babysit weaklings."
Haruka frowned.
"Could you stop calling everyone weak?"
Takuro finally chuckled, raising a hand.
"Now, now. Let's not start tearing each other apart. We're all classmates, aren't we? Maybe fate brought us here for a reason."
Something about his tone felt smooth, too smooth, but no one addressed it.
---
While the others exchanged cautious words, Mori and Saki found themselves standing slightly apart. The dim glow of the Shadow World painted her features with an eerie beauty.
"I can't believe it," Mori whispered. "After all this time…"
Saki tilted her head, smiling softly.
"You haven't changed, Mori. Still doubting yourself, aren't you?"
Mori flushed slightly.
"I… I don't know what you mean."
She laughed gently, the sound almost out of place in the haunting forest.
"You'll see. I know more than you think. But for now, trust me—we'll survive. Together."
Her words filled him with a fragile comfort, though he couldn't understand why.
---
"The Agreement"
Finally, Kaida raised his sword slightly, looking at the new arrivals.
"Then it's decided. We work together. At least until we figure out more about this world."
Daichi gave a slow nod.
"I can live with that."
Miya sighed but relented.
"Fine. But if anyone gets in my way, don't expect me to hold back."
Takumi adjusted his glasses again, smiling faintly.
"Agreed. Knowledge and cooperation are survival here."
Saki looked at Mori, her eyes softening.
"And with all of us together, maybe we'll find answers. Even the ones we don't want."
Mori swallowed hard, sensing the weight behind her words. He didn't understand them yet—but he would.
---