Nestled within the winding mountain range, an ancient and gloomy forest stood in silence. The sun seemed devoured by the dense canopy, casting only sparse specks of light onto the dappled ground. The towering trees stood like proud sentinels, their interlocking branches forming a natural dome, concealing most of the sky from view.
In the midst of the day, the forest was as quiet as the night, devoid of birdsong or the stir of insects, lacking even the rustling of wind-blown leaves. Footsteps became unusually heavy on the thick bed of fallen foliage, as if all breath of life was suppressed by an invisible force. Warning signs were everywhere, painted in red with the words "Cherish Life," glaringly conspicuous. These signs brought no comfort, instead evoking countless unknown tragedies that incited an inexplicable panic within.
