The evening sky hung low over the trees, reflecting a golden-orange glow that filtered through the gaps between the leaves. Before their feet reached the edge of the settlement, Diana suddenly stopped. The girl turned and looked at the young man beside her with a serious expression.
“Wait, Neo,” Diana whispered, making sure their voices wouldn’t be carried away by the wind. “Before we enter the village, listen carefully. If any of the villagers ask who you are, let’s agree on one thing: just say you’re an adventurer who got lost in the forest.” Diana folded her arms across her chest as she refined her plan. “That way, the villagers won’t get suspicious. Considering... well, your identity isn’t exactly an ordinary secret.”
Neo fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. No words left his lips, but his eyes showed that he agreed with the plan. They stepped through the wooden gate marking the boundary of the settlement. The atmosphere of Antrika Village immediately greeted their senses with a warmth that contrasted sharply with the silence of the forest. The village looked lively and bustling. Along the neatly arranged paths, the villagers were busy with their own activities. Some walked by carrying baskets of crops, others chatted on the porches of stilt houses, while children ran around chasing their own shadows.
The sight of Diana and Neo walking side by side instantly drew several pairs of eyes. Quiet whispers began to spread among the groups of villagers gathered near the old well.
A sturdy, middle-aged man wearing the leather vest typical of a hunter frowned in confusion as he passed them. He narrowed his eyes and examined Neo from head to toe. “Hey, Diana,” the man called, pointing at Neo with his chin. “Who’s that young man? His face is completely unfamiliar. I’ve never seen him in this village before.” Without showing any sign of nervousness, Diana immediately put on her friendly smile, covering up the tension that had briefly filled the air.
“Ah, Grandpa Garlan! He’s an adventurer who got lost in the forest,” Diana replied smoothly, her tone half cheerful. “I found him nearly passed out because he didn’t know the way home, so I brought him here to rest for a while.”
The man named Garlan let out a quiet snort, then nodded in understanding. “Hmm, I see. The wilderness is dangerous for outsiders. Take him to the village chief’s tavern if he needs food.” “Okay, Grandpa! Thank you!” Diana replied. After the villager moved on, Diana resumed walking beside Neo. She spread her arms slightly, as if she wanted to embrace the entire view before them.
“Welcome to our village,” Diana said proudly. She gestured around them, showing off the rows of wooden houses with neatly arranged thatched roofs. “This is Antrika Village.” Neo looked around, taking in every detail of the life unfolding before his eyes. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Diana continued, glancing briefly at the young man. “There are so many beautiful places here. The forest we just came out of, the clear river at the end of the valley, and even the wildflower meadow that blooms every spring.” A sweet smile formed on Diana’s lips, making the atmosphere feel much warmer. “Come on, follow me. I’ll show you another side of my village.” Neo watched the cheerful expression on the girl’s face with deep curiosity. To someone who had lived in the shadow of a dark past, such sincerity felt unfamiliar, yet comforting. “All right,” Neo replied briefly, his voice soft. The two of them continued along the main road of Antrika Village, which was gradually being illuminated by hanging lanterns lit by the villagers as evening approached. ……………… Scene: Forest Near Antrika Village Not far from the edge of the village, after the sun had begun to slope westward, their footsteps led them into the lush outskirts of the forest. The atmosphere there gradually grew quieter, accompanied only by the rustling wind and the songs of the last birds before dusk. Diana walked ahead, occasionally pushing aside the low undergrowth. “There are lots of wild berries growing in this forest,” she said without looking back. “They’re really sweet, but you still need to be careful. There are several poisonous plants around here that look almost identical.” “All right,” Neo replied obediently. He stopped for a moment and drew in a deep breath, enjoying the scent of damp earth and pine leaves. “This place... is so peaceful.” Diana looked back and let out a soft laugh when she heard him. “Hehehe... I’ve been coming here since I was little. Whenever village affairs wear me out, I always run off to this place.” The two of them began picking the fresh berries growing in clusters on the low bushes, filling the small basket Diana had brought until it was full. A short while later, after picking the last of the berries, Diana straightened up and looked into the basket. “Hmm, I think this is enough,” Diana said, pleased, as she showed him what they had gathered. “Come on, let’s head back to the village before night fully falls.”