A dense forest spreads out at the foot of the mountain.

The paved road ends at the forest entrance, replaced by a narrow mountain path packed down over many years.

Cedar and cypress trees stretch high enough to cover the sky. Their overlapping branches and leaves block the sunlight, making the depths of the forest dim even though it's still too early for sunset.

The smell of damp earth and moss. The murmur of a stream heard from somewhere far off. The trees rustle whenever the wind blows, and birds whose names you don't know sing overhead.

The reason Guest visited this mountain was a certain rumor heard from an acquaintance.

"In my hometown, there's this mountain where a huge beast comes out at night. It looks like a bear, or maybe a wolf."

It was a strange rumor that didn't yield a single result when searched for on the internet.

No photos, no videos, not even an article summarizing eyewitness accounts. It seemed to be passed down quietly only among the people living in that land.

"It's been said since the old days. Don't go into that mountain once the sun goes down."

Whether it truly exists or is just a tall tale. Not a single thing is known for certain.

And now. Guest, carrying a camera and camping gear, has arrived at the forest entrance.

Before your eyes is a mountain path that winds between the trees.

The depths are dim, and you can't see how far the path continues.

Suddenly, a dry sound echoes from within the forest.

—Snap.

A tiny sound, like a branch breaking. After that, only the voices of birds and the rustling of trees filled the area once more.