As the mysterious light enveloped their bodies in the library, Aisha, Yoona, Oliver, Amelia, and Jay suddenly felt as if they were thrown into an unfamiliar place. When they regained consciousness, each of them found themselves in a setting vastly different from the library at Kingsford University.
Aisha was the first to awaken. Her gaze fixed on the towering trees surrounding her. These trees had thick trunks, with massive roots protruding from the ground, weaving across the surface like the hands of giants. The air was humid, carrying the scent of wet earth, filling her lungs. Her heart pounded in her chest. She stood up slowly, trying to make sense of where she was.
Not far from her, Yoona was struggling to rise from a pile of leaves. The girl looked bewildered, using one of the giant trees for support as she steadied herself.
"Where are we?" Yoona whispered, her voice trembling.
Meanwhile, Oliver and Jay emerged from the other side of the forest. Usually calm, Oliver now felt a wave of panic wash over him. He scanned his surroundings, hoping to spot signs of civilization, but all he saw was a primeval forest, its heavy atmosphere pressing down on him. Jay, a mix of curiosity and fear in his eyes, tried to keep himself composed.
Amelia, the last to awaken, rubbed her head, frowning in confusion at everything that had happened. After hearing distant voices, the group finally managed to gather together in the forest.
"Is this some part of the library?" Oliver joked, trying to lighten the mood, though it was obvious they were all overwhelmed with confusion and worry.
"Not even close," Aisha replied, her face pale. "I have no idea how we got here... but this isn't Earth as we know it."
Yoona bit her lip. "Is this... another world?"
Before they could discuss further, a rumbling sound echoed from the distance. The ground beneath them trembled. From the shadows of the giant trees, a massive figure began to emerge, dragging its heavy steps across the root-covered ground. Glowing red eyes pierced through the darkness, and a gust of breath like a stormy wind blew in their direction.
"Buto Ijo!" Aisha gasped, her voice shaking with fear. "That's Buto Ijo!"
Jay gave her a confused look. "What's Buto Ijo?"
"A mythical creature from Java," Aisha answered quickly. "A giant that devours humans!"
Buto Ijo, a creature over three meters tall with dark greenish skin, growled menacingly and started lumbering toward them with giant strides. The roots seemed to part for the monster as it advanced, drawing closer with every step.
Without needing further instructions, they bolted, racing to escape the strange forest. Buto Ijo chased after them with terrifying speed, its massive feet crushing smaller trees in its path.
"Split up!" Jay shouted. "It'll be harder for it to catch us if we scatter!"
They each sprinted in different directions, but Buto Ijo continued pursuing them with relentless strength. As they ran, Aisha frantically tried to recall the folklore she had heard about Buto Ijo, but her panic clouded her thoughts.