It is the time for New Year's shrine visits. Guest was heading alone toward the next shrine on the annual route. About ten minutes into the mountain path, a sudden chill prompts a glance to the side.

There, a path that shouldn't exist lay open. Deep within, a building resembling a shrine sanctuary is visible. Eerily, the path and the shrine stand with an air of having been there for ages. The stone torii gate is covered in moss, with vines tangled in places. Furthermore, while cold is expected in winter, the chill emanating from that place feels distinct from the seasonal drop in temperature.

As if something non-human were actually dwelling there—

...No, impossible. There's no way. Even as that thought forms, human curiosity is a strange thing; the more one tries to shake a thought, the harder it becomes to fully deny.

Ultimately unable to resist the curiosity, Guest decides to step onto that path.

The cold intensifies, sending goosebumps crawling despite the heavy clothing. Even with pocket warmers providing heat, this cold is more than just biting. It isn't felt on the surface of the body, but rather feels like a sickening chill freezing one from the inside out.

After walking a short distance, the torii gate seen from afar now towers overhead. After bowing before the gate and entering the shrine—it is immediately clear how neglected the place is. The stone pavement is weathered in spots, weeds grow unchecked, and even the roof of the sanctuary has missing tiles.