Tahir's senses were engulfed by darkness, leaving him disoriented and unsure of his surroundings. Panic gripped him as he struggled to comprehend his situation. Suddenly, a solitary footstep echoed through the darkness, drawing his attention. As the sound faded into the distance, a figure emerged from the shadows—a young girl, clad in a flowing uniform dress that seemed to emit a faint glow. With each step she took, the darkness seemed to recede, and Tahir watched in awe as she transformed before his eyes. The girl matured rapidly, her features morphing into those of a young woman with darkening blonde hair. Then, with a suddenness that jolted Tahir, she halted and raised her head, unleashing a piercing scream that reverberated through the eerie stillness, sending shivers down his spine.
With a jolt, Tahir's eyes snapped open, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to shake off the remnants of the nightmare. Tremors wracked his body, and he clutched the sheets tightly, seeking solace in their familiar warmth. "Just a dream," he murmured to himself, the words a feeble attempt to dispel the lingering unease that clung to his thoughts. Gradually, his heartbeat slowed, and the shivers subsided as he willed himself to relax. Resigned to the reality of sleep's temporary escape, he closed his eyes once more, drifting back into the realm of slumber, though the haunting echoes of the dream still lingered in his mind.
As Tahir's consciousness began to slip away into the comforting embrace of sleep, the haunting scream echoed once more, reverberating through the depths of his mind. In his mind's eye, the image of the young woman materialized once again, her form shifting and morphing before him. Yet this time, amidst the unsettling visions, a vivid symbol flashed before his eyes, its meaning eluding him even as he struggled to grasp it. With a start, Tahir jolted awake once more, his heart racing with the remnants of fear. Blinking against the morning light that filtered through the window, he slowly realized that he had been caught in the grip of yet another disturbing dream. Taking a deep breath, he pushed aside the lingering unease, focusing instead on the reality of the new day that lay ahead.
With a start, Tahir turned to find Ramad standing beside him, his voice breaking through the remnants of the unsettling dream that still lingered in Tahir's mind. Despite his efforts to compose himself, Tahir's widened eyes betrayed his inner turmoil as he struggled to shake off the lingering unease. "Is everything alright?" Ramad's concerned inquiry pierced through the haze of Tahir's thoughts. Clearing his throat, Tahir nodded hesitantly. "I guess," he managed, though his expression belied his words.
"Quick, get ready, we have somewhere to go," Ramad urged, his tone brisk with urgency. As Tahir rose from the bed, he couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that clung to him like a shadow. "Where are we going?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.
Ramad and Tahir emerged from the GOHST house, greeted by the sight of Alicia waiting for them by the exit. Her attire, resembling that of an adventurer, drew Tahir's curiosity. "Why are you dressed like that?" he inquired, unable to conceal his bemusement.
Alicia glanced at him, a hint of exasperation flickering in her eyes. "What do you mean?" she retorted.
Tahir persisted, his confusion evident. "Like that. Are you going on an adventure or something?"
With a resigned sigh, Alicia clarified, "Don't you know where we are going?"
Tahir shook his head, prompting Xender's voice to ring out from the front yard of the house. "We are going on a camp trip," he announced.
Alicia's response was swift and sharp. "No, you idiot," she rebuked him before turning back to Tahir. "We are going to a class," Ramad explained, coming to Tahir's aid.
"Ah, I see," Tahir responded, his earlier curiosity now replaced by acceptance.
As the group, accompanied by several other students, set off, Tahir couldn't help but notice the eclectic array of attire and equipment among his peers. Some carried farm tools, others bore first-aid boxes, while still others had an assortment of items in tow. Boarding a large bus, they embarked on a journey into the woods. Despite his initial confusion, Tahir reasoned that there must be a valid explanation for their destination. After all, the school was vast, and there could be a multitude of reasons for venturing into the forest. As the bus rumbled along, Tahir's thoughts swirled with anticipation and curiosity.
"Seriously, where are we going?" Tahir queried Ramad, who was seated beside him.
"Do you not have the times table?" Alicia interjected.
"Of course I do, it's always with me," Tahir replied, retrieving the schedule from his pocket. "It says we are having an enchanted woodlore class," he read aloud.
"And where are we going now?" Alicia pressed.
Tahir sighed. "The woods," he stated matter-of-factly, prompting a chuckle from Ramad.
The bus continued its journey, winding its way through the forest, the dense foliage enveloping them in a verdant embrace. Tahir's anticipation grew with each passing moment, his curiosity piqued by the mysterious destination that lay ahead.
After a brief ride, the bus came to a stop in an open field surrounded by towering trees. As they disembarked, Tahir surveyed the tranquil scene before them, the rustling leaves and chirping birds creating a serene ambiance. Ahead stood a stage, the focal point of their destination.
"So this is where we are going," Tahir remarked.
"Yes," Alicia affirmed, striding past them.
"What's up with her?" Ramad inquired.
"Who knows?" Tahir shrugged.
"Who cares?" Xender chimed in eagerly. "Come on, let's go explore the forest," he suggested, his excitement palpable.
"What?!" Ramad exclaimed incredulously.
"What do you mean what?" Xender retorted.
"I thought we are here for a class?" Tahir interjected.
"Yes, but we have to wait for the other houses to arrive. And there are a lot of houses in the school," Xender explained.
"But can't the school just bring us all at a single moment, or are there no buses in the school?" Tahir questioned.
"This is the Seylvia forest, it's not just some forest that you will just barge in like that," Xender reasoned.
"And you want us to go explore the forest?" Tahir pressed.
"Yes... erm... I mean, you know, we are already in, nothing will happen, I'm sure," Xender asserted, though uncertainty tinged his voice.
"You are insane, you know that?" Ramad remarked.
"Whatever," Xender dismissed before venturing into the depths of the forest.