The decision to venture into Yeowool Forest had not been taken lightly. Yoona, though still a novice in mastering her powers, knew she didn't have the luxury of hesitation. Between the rumors of mutants terrorizing the locals and the mysterious disappearance of a young boy, she felt driven by both a moral duty and an insatiable curiosity. The mission wasn't without risks—Yoona was well aware of that—but Kang Soo's often laconic messages pushed her to take action. She had explained her plan to him in a few words:
— "I'm going to investigate the mutants in Yeowool. I need tangible proof."
— "Be careful. Those areas are unstable. And prepare yourself well."
Those words echoed in her mind as she stood in front of her small suitcase, carefully considering what to bring.
Yoona opted for a practical outfit: black cargo pants with multiple pockets, a light yet sturdy jacket to protect herself from branches and the cold night air, and a pair of solid boots, ideal for rough terrain. A baseball cap partially concealed her face, giving her an air of both strength and discretion.
She packed a few essentials into her bag: a flashlight, a first aid kit, a water bottle, and a notebook to record her observations. But her gaze lingered on an old camera. She hesitated before taking it—if she found anything unusual, photos would be valuable proof for Kang Soo.
Finally, she stopped in front of a small mirror. For a moment, she stared at herself, searching for courage in her own reflection.
— "I have to go," she murmured. "For that boy… and for myself."
As she finished her preparations, Jisoo entered the room with a wide grin and a camera in hand.
— "You're really planning to go alone? No way!" Jisoo declared, pointing her camera like a weapon.
— "Jisoo, this isn't a game," Yoona sighed. "These mutants are real. That boy disappeared. It's dangerous."
— "Exactly!" Jisoo exclaimed excitedly. "This is a golden opportunity! I want to see these creatures with my own eyes. And who knows, maybe I'll capture something incredible on film."
Yoona shook her head, exasperated by her friend's naïve enthusiasm.
— "You have no idea what you're asking for. This isn't a horror movie. If you come, you could get hurt… or worse."
Jisoo, however, remained undeterred. She placed her camera on the table and crossed her arms.
— "Listen, Yoona. I know you want to protect everyone, but you can't do everything alone. I may not be useful in a fight, but I have gadgets, a good dose of courage, and most importantly, I'm your friend. You're not going to stop me from helping you."
After a long silence, Yoona let out a deep sigh.
— "Alright… but if you come, you do exactly what I say. No unnecessary risks."
— "Deal! Now, let me show you what I've prepared."
Jisoo proudly opened her backpack, revealing an eclectic collection of items:
A night-vision camera equipped with a directional microphone.
A taser gun—"just in case," she explained, mimicking a shot.
A survival kit containing energy bars, a lightweight rope, and a Swiss army knife.
A headlamp and several spare batteries.
Yoona raised an eyebrow at the assortment.
— "Are you planning to move there permanently or what?" she joked.
— "Hey, I'm ready for anything! And who knows what we might find? Mutants, ghosts, treasure?"
Yoona couldn't help but smile at her friend's boundless enthusiasm.
Yeowool Forest, though accessible, was dangerous, especially at night. Yoona knew the area well from her work as a forest guide, but she also understood that even familiar trails could become unrecognizable in the dark.
They decided to go on foot, using the map Yoona had carefully annotated. Their plan was to follow the main trail up to a certain point and then veer off toward an area known for its anomalies—a place the locals had avoided ever since the first mutant rumors emerged.
Before leaving, Yoona sent one last message to Kang Soo.
— "We're heading out now. If I don't reply by tomorrow morning, you know where to look."
She slipped the phone into her pocket, a chill running down her spine.
Night had fallen when the two friends left the house. Jisoo, true to herself, adjusted her camera and exclaimed:
— "Let's go, Yoona! Onward to adventure!"
Yoona, on the other hand, tightened the strap of her backpack and cast one last glance at the house.
— "I hope we know what we're getting into…" she murmured before stepping into the night.
The path leading to the forest was silent, disturbed only by the rustling leaves and the crunching of twigs under their feet. The stars, though veiled by the trees, faintly illuminated the way.
As they neared the forest's edge, an eerie sensation crept over Yoona. A strange tension hung in the air, as if the forest itself was holding its breath. She paused, her instincts on high alert.
— "Yoona, are you okay?" Jisoo asked, switching on her headlamp.
— "Yeah… just a feeling. Let's go."
And so began their journey—a nighttime expedition into the unknown, driven by curiosity.