A place entirely different from the Ghost Palace unfolded before Simon and Merida's eyes.
It was a strange forest where the trees and vegetation were twisted and contorted.
The sky was dark overall, with a red sunset streaked across it like cracks on a plate.
“This… this can’t be the Ghost Palace, can it?”
Simon muttered in a bewildered voice.
Merida, standing beside him, seemed to have no particular thoughts on the matter.
She let out a big yawn and said, “It’s a forest.”
“...I can see that for myself.”
“The coordinates of the Teleportation Magic Circle weren't wrong.”
She meant for them to keep moving.
The two cautiously made their way through the dense fog.
Step.
Step.
Patter.
Patter.
As they walked, Merida, with her slow pace, began to fall slightly behind.
Soon, she was leaning lightly against Simon’s back.
‘Is she scared because it’s a dark forest?’
If that was the reason, Simon didn’t bother to stop her.
But as it turned out, Merida was dozing off.
It seemed she just needed someone to lean on.
They continued along the path for a while longer.
“Merida, look at this.”
When Simon stopped, Merida, with a sleepy expression, peeked her head out to look ahead.
In the middle of the forest, a single candle was placed unnaturally.
Its wick wasn’t burning down, and the flame was green.