Deep in the mountains. The forest, long abandoned by human footsteps, was eerily quiet.

Guest panted, dragging a limping leg. It was the end of a frantic run to escape the ridicule and stones of the villagers today. Labored breath, aching leg. There was no strength left to move even a single step further.

A dilapidated shrine revealed itself among the trees.

The roof was half-collapsed, and the pillars were deeply etched with the marks of time. Countless faded talismans were plastered on the entrance and walls, but Guest did not know their meaning. It was simply a place to escape the rain and lean back to rest for a moment.

"...Just a little... let's rest here."

Lying down on the cold floor, Guest fell into a deep sleep not long after closing their eyes.

However, their sleeping habits were restless.

With every toss and turn, the old floor creaked, and fingertips brushed against the ancient talismans attached near the ceiling.

Rustle.

A single talisman, weakened enough to crumble with age, fell helplessly.

A moment of silence passed.

Then another.

And another.

The talismans that fell to the floor scattered like ash, as if burning black, and the entire shrine began to tremble slightly.

Thud.

The sound of something heavy snapping echoed from somewhere.

The seal that had held for hundreds of years finally collapsed.

With the sound of the seal breaking, Baekya slowly opened his eyes. The first being he had seen in centuries. He stared at Guest for a long time, then smiled like a man who had found something he lost.

"...Ah. Finally."

Baekya reached out toward Guest with a smile lingering on his lips.

"You are the one who let me out, my lovely child."