As night blanketed the northern outskirts of Sunnydale City, Alina Smith's view was slowly swallowed by dense fog and shadows along the winding mountain road. She leaned against the window, staring at the blurred silhouettes of the mountains, a growing unease gnawing at her heart. Their destination lay about a hundred kilometers away, a small city that would serve as their staging area under the guidance of the Stellar Foundation. However, this small town was only a step away from their true destination—Everstar Town.
Alina had heard the name Everstar Town several times. There were chilling rumors among the volunteers: it was once a thriving town, but decades ago, a sudden plague claimed most of the residents' lives. Since then, it had been abandoned, a place no one dared to go near. People said that those who passed by Everstar Town at night often saw flickering shadows along the old streets, like the restless souls of those unable to find peace.
The vehicle jolted over the rough road, and Alina overheard hushed voices from the front seats.
"They say you shouldn't get too close at night; even the nearby villagers talk about… strange sounds," one young woman whispered.
"It's not just sounds. There are also unexplained lights," another voice murmured with a hint of fear. "Some say it's the spirits of the dead townsfolk, while others believe… it's something that shouldn't exist."
Alina feigned indifference but mentally heightened her guard. She knew the Stellar Foundation was no ordinary charity. Choosing such a location hinted at ulterior motives. Perhaps this forgotten town harbored secrets unknown to the rest of the world.
Finally, the vehicle stopped at a meeting point in the small city. Alina stepped out with the other volunteers, taking in the surroundings. The place was a stark contrast to Sunnydale City; silence blanketed the streets, broken only by the weak glow of a few streetlights that barely penetrated the thick darkness. A chill crept up her spine; the town seemed shrouded in an invisible shadow.
As she and the volunteers began sorting through supplies, her fingers brushed against a faded map inside one of the boxes. It marked Everstar Town's exact location, including abandoned buildings and "relics" noted in careful detail.
"Is this… a map of Everstar Town?" she muttered, puzzled. Why would the foundation include such a map in their supplies for a charity event?
She discreetly tucked the map away, outwardly calm but increasingly wary. This town wasn't just an abandoned relic of the past; it concealed secrets, and those secrets might be the true purpose of her journey here.
Alina took a quiet, steadying breath, sensing an unusual weight, as though this mission was no ordinary charity event but a confrontation with unknown forces.
Carefully placing the map into her backpack, she resumed organizing the supplies, pretending nothing had happened. Meanwhile, she discreetly observed the senior volunteers, noting how some of them acted with heightened caution. Their occasional whispers and exchanged glances hinted at a hidden understanding.
Alex Lin was busy counting medications. Noticing her glance, he smiled and waved her over.
"Alina, are you alright? You seem preoccupied," he asked, concerned.
She shook her head and forced a natural smile. "It's just… this place feels very different from Sunnydale City. It's so quiet it's unsettling."
Alex chuckled. "True, but the people here are used to it. They say Everstar Town is even eerier, so this place is actually lively in comparison."
Feigning surprise, she asked, "Oh? I've heard bits and pieces, like how it's been abandoned for years. Is it really that terrifying?"
"Curious, are you?" Alex leaned in, lowering his voice. "Actually, Everstar Town experienced more than just a plague decades ago. Some friends of mine, who study history, mentioned it was once a place of strange rituals and practices. After those people vanished, the town began to decay."
Alina listened quietly, her curiosity deepening. She suspected none of this was a coincidence. The foundation's choice of this location likely wasn't just for charity.
As the last of the supplies were organized, the foundation leader stepped forward to announce the following day's itinerary.
"Thank you for your hard work! Rest well tonight. Tomorrow morning, we'll head into the mountains, with each team assigned to various distribution points. Please be cautious, especially near Everstar Town, as the terrain there can be quite treacherous."
Alina paid particular attention to the mention of "near Everstar Town." The leader's voice held a barely concealed wariness, as if Everstar Town truly was an ominous place.
That night, Alina returned to her dormitory, opened the window, and looked toward the distant mountains. The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the peaks, faintly illuminating a dark silhouette beyond, like an impassable barrier.
"Everstar Town…" she murmured, steeling herself. Whatever lay hidden there, she had to uncover it. The foundation's activities might be nothing more than a front, and the real purpose could be buried within that shadowed, forgotten place.
The next morning, Alina joined the other volunteers on the bus heading into the mountains. As the vehicle bounced along the winding road, the scenery grew increasingly desolate. Villages vanished from view, replaced by overgrown paths and dilapidated structures, as if leading them to another world.
Her gaze drifted to the fog-cloaked mountains outside, her vigilance rising as they neared Everstar Town's borders.
At last, the convoy halted at the foot of the mountains. Each team began distributing supplies, and Alina's group was assigned to nearby households. As they finished their tasks, she kept a close ear on her surroundings.
Just as she unloaded the last box, she heard faint footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw a man in a black coat standing a short distance away, his face expressionless. He spoke in a low voice, "There are things you're better off not knowing."
Alina froze, but before she could ask his identity, he had already turned, vanishing into the fog-draped forest, leaving her with more questions than answers.
Standing there, she watched the direction he had gone, a heavy sense of foreboding settling over her. The secrets of Everstar Town were far more complex and dangerous than she had anticipated.
Ray Quinn and Nina Eichner walked along a forest path leading toward the mountains, dry leaves crunching underfoot. A light mist clung to the air. Ray occasionally glanced around to keep them on course, while Nina scanned the surroundings eagerly, as if hoping to catch sight of something unusual.
"Ray, did you know that in places like these, sometimes you can actually hear strange sounds? Especially late at night, some say you can hear…" She leaned in and whispered theatrically, "whispers, like people talking in hushed voices."
Ray's expression remained calm. "Oh? That doesn't mean it's paranormal. It could be wind… or maybe some animals."
Nina quickened her pace to keep up, linking her arm with his and shaking him playfully. "Hey, can't you play along? A boyfriend this boring might get dumped, you know!"
Ray shook his head with a soft smile. "Alright, let's hear what bold plans you have. Are you really planning on exploring here?"
"Of course! Once we reach Everstar Town, you're taking me to see those abandoned buildings. Isn't there an old church? People say there are candles that sometimes light up inside," Nina replied with a challenging tone.
"You're bolder than I thought," Ray said, feigning a sigh. "Aren't you worried about disturbing something you shouldn't?"
"Wait, are you saying you believe in those ghost stories?" Nina raised an eyebrow, her face alight with a mischievous smile.
"Not exactly… I just don't want us getting lost. There's barely anyone around here, and if we encounter something… unexplained, you'll have to deal with it."
Nina hesitated, then laughed and gave him a light shove. "You better not scare me! Besides, you'll be there with me if anything happens, right?"
Ray shook his head and sighed. "Sure, sure. Miss Celebrity Livestreamer, are you really up for this?"
"Watch and see! I'm not backing down tonight!" Nina declared, her eyes flashing with excitement.
They continued down the path, arriving at the base of Everstar Town by dusk. Shadows wrapped around the decaying houses, and Nina felt a chill despite her curiosity. She gripped Ray's arm tightly. "This place is… kind of spooky."
Ray studied the town's silhouette with a thoughtful look, then turned to her. "Let's go for a walk in the hills first and come back later. That way, we won't be affected by the atmosphere before dark." He squeezed her hand gently. "You wanted a taste of the legends, didn't you? Tonight, you'll get your fill."
Nina took a deep breath and smiled, steadying herself. "Then you better protect me. Don't you dare run off!"
Ray chuckled. "Relax. Even if you see something, I'll be right here."
As night deepened, they walked hand-in-hand along the mountain trail toward the shadowed town in the distance.
In the dark of night, Ethan Hess stood at the entrance of his bookstore, gazing at the note in his hand. The sharp, unyielding script seemed to urge him silently toward the mysterious location. He sighed, pocketing the note, locked up, and stepped into the night.
Sunnydale City's streets lay silent under the streetlights, his shadow following as he walked. His expression was calm, but his steps betrayed a hint of tension. He understood Everstar Town was more than just an abandoned village; its secrets ran deeper than he could fathom.
Ethan flagged down a taxi, settled into the backseat, and spoke calmly, "Take me to the closest stop to Everstar Town."
The driver hesitated, glancing at him with concern. "Are you sure, sir? That area's deserted, no lights, no people…"
Ethan's tone was resolute. "Please."
After a moment, the driver nodded, and the atmosphere grew heavy as they drove on. Darkness enveloped the car, only a few old trees visible now and then in the headlights, as if whispering forgotten tales.
Finally, unable to contain his curiosity, the driver asked, "Sir, if you don't mind me asking, why are you going to Everstar Town so late? I grew up hearing about that place; the stories aren't pleasant."
Ethan offered a faint smile. "I've heard there are relics from old bookstores there. I'm curious."
The driver glanced at him, puzzled but saying nothing more. As they climbed the winding mountain road, the night air seeped through the windows, carrying a damp chill.
As they neared their destination, the driver finally muttered, "Sir, no offense, but that place… people say they see shadows in the town at night. Some even hear a bell tolling in the distance. Be careful."
Ethan nodded, his gaze fixed on the faint outline of the town. Under the moonlight, Everstar Town's silhouette seemed to flicker between shadow and reality, a tangible weight in the air.
The taxi halted by an old signpost, and Ethan stepped out, thanking the driver. The vehicle sped off as if eager to leave the ominous area behind. Standing alone at the foot of the mountains, he looked toward Everstar Town with a heavy gaze.
The night breeze brushed against his face, bringing a chill. Taking a deep breath, Ethan began his solitary trek toward the abandoned town and the secrets waiting within the shadows.