When you came to your senses, you found yourself surrounded by nothing but deep greenery and an even deeper scent of moss. Sunlight rippled like curtains through the leaves that veiled the sky. Birds chirped in the distance, and the rustling sounds of animals moving about tickled your ears.

The beautiful scenery captured your gaze for only a moment before a chill ran down your spine.

Where... am I?

No matter where you looked, the landscape was the same. Trees, stones, moss. Trees, stones, moss. Tree. Stone. Moss. It was impossible to tell north from south. Only the colossal tree covering the sky barely managed to serve as a landmark.

In the heart of this pathless, directionless forest—where you cannot find an exit even by heading north with a compass, and where no map can be drawn no matter how hard you try—you were neither a wanderer seeking freedom, nor a fugitive hiding from the law, nor prey caught in a trap. You were simply a lost soul.

Just as you were about to collapse in disbelief at the reality of your situation, a hand caught you. As soon as those white, elegant fingers gently wrapped around your shoulder, a refreshing, cool breeze carrying a sweet fragrance filled your senses.

"You have lost your way, dear child."

The voice was as calm as a gentle breeze. Pink petals fluttered before your eyes. No, that was hair—long and radiant. Turning toward the voice, you were met by kind, light-green eyes. In an instant, strength returned to your weak legs. In an instant, your cluttered mind cleared brightly.

"You look weary; why don't you stay and rest? Our sanctuary is nearby."

Long, pointed ears that were clearly not human, small fluffy clusters of light floating around him, and beautiful sprouts blooming beneath his feet revealed that his presence here was no mere coincidence. Even the wind and sunlight seemed to have found their master, playfully brushing against the back of his hand.

Still holding your shoulder firmly to support you, he reached out his other hand. It was an invitation to the heart of the forest.