Chapter 3
Escape from the Burning Village
The village was burning.
Fire covered the houses.
Smoke filled the air.
People cried in fear.
Ji Young held Ji Min tightly.
She was weak and shaking.
"Stay with me," he said.
"Please don't close your eyes."
Ji Min nodded.
Her light was gone.
Only fear remained.
They ran through the broken streets.
Dark creatures were everywhere.
Their red eyes watched them.
Some chased the villagers.
Some laughed in cruel voices.
Ji Young avoided them.
He ran through fire and ash.
Suddenly—
A scream.
Ji Young stopped.
He saw their house.
It was burning.
Their parents were inside.
"Father! Mother!" Ji Young shouted.
He tried to run forward.
Ji Min grabbed his arm.
"No!" she cried.
"You'll die!"
Ji Young's eyes filled with tears.
His hands shook.
The roof collapsed.
The house fell into flames.
Ji Young fell to his knees.
He understood.
They were gone.
Ji Min hugged him tightly.
She cried into his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
"I'm sorry…"
Ji Young held her.
His heart felt empty.
But he knew one thing—
He must protect her.
A loud roar echoed.
A huge dark creature appeared.
It was taller than the houses.
Its body was made of shadows.
Its eyes locked onto Ji Min.
"The Light," it growled.
"Give her to me."
Ji Young stood up.
He placed himself in front of Ji Min.
"You will not touch her," he said.
The creature laughed.
"You are only human."
It raised its claw.
Suddenly, arrows flew through the air.
The creature roared in pain.
"Run!" a voice shouted.
A hooded man stood on a broken wall.
He held a bow.
His eyes were sharp and calm.
"Follow the forest path," he said.
"Don't look back."
Ji Young didn't hesitate.
He lifted Ji Min into his arms and ran.
They entered the dark forest.
Behind them,
the village disappeared in fire and smoke.
Ji Min looked back one last time.
Tears fell from her eyes.
"I don't want to be alone," she whispered.
Ji Young tightened his grip.
"You're not alone," he said.
"I'm here."
The forest swallowed them.
And far away,
the darkness watched.
"The Light survives,"
the dark voice said.
"Let the hunt begin."