The Seekers

Even in the afternoon, an eerie atmosphere often lingers over the strange village. The cold, silent air makes everything feel even more unsettling. The old trees swaying in the wind and the sounds of nocturnal animals roaming around create a mystical and mysterious aura for anyone passing through.

"How is it possible? The GPS led us here, didn't it? Can you help us?"

When someone asks for directions, usually people who know the location will help by giving directions to the destination. However, if the location in question is considered taboo or sensitive, some people may choose not to talk about it.

As is happening now.

The villagers were still confused about the arrival of these two strangers. People were confused about whether to answer or remain silent.

"Come on, boy, you must know the location of Vasukih Forest, right?"

"Umm... well..."

There are two foreign men asking for the location of a forest. They ask a local boy from Dewi Ijo Village.

"What do you need to find that place for?" asked one of the villagers who dared to join the conversation.

"As for the purpose, I can't tell you," one of the foreign men replied.

"Please tell us first what your need is for coming here," another villagers said.

"That's right! You can't just come to this place without a good reason."

"Please tell us the reason for your visit first."

Several villagers were present at the scene, as if they wanted to prevent the two men from going any further. However, they couldn't just drive them awa.

"Tsk! These people don't want to give us a straight answer. If you don't know, just say no. If so, then help us find the place!"

"It's not that simple," someone cut in from a distance.

Everyone turned to the source of the voice, where the young man with red eyes was standing. He was still wearing a black and white uniform, walking from the direction of the village gate. It seemed that he had just returned from college.

"Who are you?" one of the foreign men asked.

The villagers who saw Zeyn's arrival immediately rushed to flee and went into their own homes. Without any hesitation, everyone ran away from the scene as if they wanted to avoid any trouble.

"Why do you need to find Vasukih Forest?" Zeyn asked.

"Hey kid, what do you know? If you know something, it's better to tell us!"

In contrast to his companion, one of the strangers was more calm. Upon seeing Zeyn arrive, he immediately joined in asking questions.

"Excuse me, we're looking for Vasukih forest for our own purposes. Do you know its location?"

"Whether I know or not... I may give you an answer once I've heard your reasons."

The two men looked at each other. Since they arrived here, they have been asked with essentially the same question. It seems they can't keep insisting.

"We heard the stories," one of them said in a flat tone. "We want to pray at the shrine of Blorong the Serpent Queen. We heard that worshipping her will make her happy."

"Yep. And when she is pleased with our worship, she will grant all our requests."

Like being struck by lightning, Zeyn's expression changed to one of surprise. Not only did these people dare to mention his sister's name, but they also admitted that the intended to make a deal.

In other words, a dark pact.

Blorong. This name is sacred to the villagers. Some people didn't even dare to mention it. A figure of a ruler who is so respected, worshiped, and adored. She is the queen of the Vasukih kingdom, where her name itself is already the title of an ancient ruler.

"May I know why you should worship her?" Zeyn asked again, making sure.

"I am involved in a debt from an online loan. It's exhausting to keep digging myself out of it for years. I have tried every way, but still failed. So, if there is another alternative, I might consider it."

"As for me, there's someone I don't like at work. Because of them, I almost got fired. I'll definitely get revenge! I realized that I need to use some dark magic for my business. So, that's it."

With their eyes wide open and ears pricked up, some villagers who were still observing their conversation from behind the windows became frightened. This was not the first time that someone had come with such intentions. The villagers should have been accustomed to the intentions of strangers who came with a lot of desires.

Many thought the snake queen could grant any wishes. However, little did they know that the price was not simple.

"Leave... If you think that human life can be a little more meaningful, then you wouldn't think that far."

The two men squint their eyes at Zeyn's answer.

"Huh? What do you mean, kid? Just tell us where we should go."

"If you're not ready to make a deal with the devil, then you better go home. Trust me, not everything that sounds like good intentions will end well."

"What?! What does a kid like you know..."

*Grab!

Humans are inherently weak when it comes to their desires. Instead of seeking a good way to solve problems, people tend to look for alternatives that tend to be instant. Ordinary people run to the supernatural circumstances because it sounds so easy.

'Uh ohh~ You are being stubborn again... brother!'

A familiar woman's voice echoed from the sky. When he opened his eyes, Zeyn realized that he was no longer in the village area. Panic quickly set in as he saw that he was in the forest, with a bloody sky and eerie atmosphere.

It didn't take long for him to realize that he was pulled into the supernatural realm by something, depending on which layer he was currently in.

A vine plant suddenly wrapped around his leg and pulled him backwards.

*Shrrrrkk!

"What!?"

His surprise vanished as he saw where he was being dragged. A giant cave, where in the darkness a pair of reptilian pupils stared at him unhappily. As he was dragged inside, the setting suddenly changed again. This time, it turned out to be his own house.

From the darkness, emerged a woman with a black cheongsam that was quite revealing. One could say that she was half-human, as her lower body was a large, glossy black snake. Her black hair was long and seemed to be wet.

"Sister? Please let those two people go," Zeyn tried to negotiate.

'By the way,'

The woman said as she carefully turned him around, examining him from top to bottom with a hungry look on her face, unable to contain her tongue from sticking out.

'You've grown... sshhzzh~ Not only do you look more mature, but even your attitude has changed a bit since our last meeting...'

She hugged Zeyn from behind and rested her head on his shoulder.

'I never thought we would meet under these circumstances, brother.'

* * * *