Finally, after what seemed like minutes stretching into hours, Alain began to see a glimmer of hope. In the distance, he caught sight of an expansive valley, a hill where the trees were the most beautiful he had ever seen. Far off in the distance, a magnificent river wound its way through the valley, its waters gleaming with crystal clarity in the darkness. And at the far end of that hill, he saw a colossal mansion, though calling it a mansion was a comparison far too diminutive.
The mansion, with its towering structure, stood proudly on the hill like an eternal guardian of the valley. Its towers reached high into the sky, with gothic windows reflecting the soft moonlight. The stone walls, partially draped in ivy that cascaded down like delicate green waterfalls, gave the building an air of ancient grandeur and power. The roof, a series of elegant peaks, seemed to touch the stars, and the intricate design of the facade, with wrought-iron and intricately carved wood, left no doubt: this was not just a residence, but a luxurious fortress, built to endure through the ages.
In the distance, Alain could make out the flickering lights spilling through the windows, as if someone, or something, were inside. Yet the air was so still that only the faintest sound of the wind through the trees could be heard. The sight of this majestic edifice filled him with awe, but also a sense of unease. What kind of place was this? Who or what resided in such an astonishing fortress?
Despite the many questions that flooded his mind, Alain could not help but feel drawn to the place. Without a doubt, this mansion—no, this castle—was a place like no other, and it seemed to be the only refuge amidst his confusion.
However, despite Alain's surprise and the wondrous delight he felt at the sight before him—something so rare and satisfying that he didn't often encounter—it didn't take long for his logical mind to take over, disturbing him. He said to himself: "I'm far from home..." Alain's words were more than just a passing thought, for he had always lived in a bustling city filled with heavy traffic, towering buildings, and all the noise and hustle one could imagine. Every day, he took the bus or subway back home, reading his novels as the traffic of people filled the streets, everyone rushing off to work.
Alain, ever the logical thinker, knew that this place—a valley with an incredible castle and a river—was far removed from the city. He was somewhere, somewhere deep in the dark, just like the life he had always known. Alain recognized that familiar feeling, and though he wouldn't admit it aloud, he knew what it felt like to be lost in the confusion and fear, alone.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Alain debated internally whether he should approach the castle—if only out of curiosity or in hopes of finding help. He muttered to himself, "Pfft, would you help someone who barges into your home in the middle of the night with no warning?" Then, in a desperate voice, he said aloud: "Well, I don't have any other choice right now!" With that, Alain cast aside his doubts and began making his way toward the castle, moving cautiously, careful not to step on any traps or fall into a hole. He had read many light novels throughout his life and had a rough idea of the kinds of traps one might find in medieval castles. Worst case scenario, he thought, was that he was living in one of those stories now.
As Alain continued walking, watching the path ahead of him, he was so absorbed in his thoughts and the fear of facing the unknown that he failed to notice the crimson moon illuminating the path before him. The valley around him was unsettling yet beautiful, dangerous yet alluring, quiet but peaceful. Alain felt as though he could lie down right there and simply fade away, drifting off in the cold, captivating breeze that swept through the valley near the mansion. But he had never seen such a phenomenon before. He would almost call himself crazy, though it was difficult to accept that his eyes were playing a cruel joke on him. But no, the crimson moon was here, right in front of him, and he could only appreciate it with a mixture of fear and awe. This wasn't some apocalyptic movie, and he hadn't somehow traveled to the future just to witness a crimson moon. Was he?
"What am I doing here? Where am I? All I have is this gigantic mansion next to me. I need to approach it, but more importantly, I need to get home..." Alain continued on his path, advancing until he finally reached the massive doors, the kind he had seen in fantasy shows. Everything about it seemed straight out of the medieval era. Then, out of nowhere, he felt the barrel of a weapon—a rifle, by the cold, metal touch—press against his head. The safety clicked off, ready to fire. Alain froze at the sensation of the weapon, knowing full well that he was now in serious trouble.
Alain thought to himself: So, this is it... it's all over now.
The mysterious man spoke. One could say he was the mansion guard, performing his usual duties in the early hours of the morning. The man demanded: "Who are you? Identify yourself!"
Alain stood in silence for a moment before answering sarcastically: "Does that really matter right now?"