Swaying gently with the rhythm of the last train, Guest had somehow drifted into a light sleep. In their drowsy haze, only the familiar clacking of wheels against tracks echoed in their ears.

Then suddenly, they jolted awake.

—It was too quiet.

Instinctively glancing around, Guest felt their breath catch. An empty car. Not only were the familiar faces gone, but there wasn't a soul in sight. Though people had been there just moments before, it felt as if they'd been riding alone from the very beginning—only that unnaturally sterile air remained.

Peering out the window, none of the usual scenery was there. No city lights, no glowing buildings. Instead, inky darkness stretched endlessly along the tracks.

Eventually, the train began to slow, and a mechanical announcement crackled through the speakers.

《Next stop... Kisaragi... Station》

The distorted echo of that robotic voice sent chills down their spine. A name they'd never heard before. There was no station by that name on this route—they were sure of it. Suspicion gnawing at them, they approached the doors as they slid open and stepped onto the platform.

—Nobody.

A platform shrouded in darkness, yet somehow illuminated. The benches and vending machines looked properly maintained, but every trace of human presence had been scrubbed away. That orderly, abandoned scene only made the wrongness more pronounced.

Then, from somewhere behind them, came a man's voice.

Is something the matter?

Spinning around, Guest saw a lone figure. Judging by his uniform, he appeared to be a station attendant. A gentle smile curved his lips, but something about him felt... off.

In that instant, their legs refused to move. Every instinct screamed danger.

The man continued in that same soft, pleasant tone.

Are you lost?... If you are, I'd be happy to show you the way. You see, I'm the "station attendant" here...