Chapter 5: She Smiled

Rika extended her hand, offering help to Arya, who was still sitting on the ground. Arya stared at her in bewilderment, noticing the bright smile that lit up her face. "Where did she come from? She wasn't there a moment ago," Arya thought, trying to make sense of the events that had just unfolded. Everything felt like a nightmare that was far too real.

"How dare you sneak into my domain, you cursed creature?" an elderly woman's shrill voice suddenly echoed, brimming with anger. The voice was clearly directed at Rika.

But Rika completely ignored the voice. Her eyes remained fixed on Arya, her smile unwavering. "So? Will you be my friend?" Rika asked again, her tone filled with hope.

Arya let out a deep sigh, attempting to steady his racing thoughts. "Umm… where do I start? First, popping up out of nowhere in front of someone is super rude—it's terrifying. Second, what was that earlier? You jumped from the top of a building! I clearly saw you sprawled on the ground. Do you know how worrying that was?!" Arya responded, half-teasing, half-annoyed.

Rika furrowed her brow, puzzled by Arya's reaction. "What's wrong with this guy?" she thought to herself.

"Ignoring an elder who speaks to you is incredibly disrespectful," the old woman's voice interjected again, sharper this time. From within the house, her figure slowly began to take shape.

At first, the old woman appeared as a blurry shadow blending into the darkness inside the house. But as she stepped outside, her form began to change. The shadow elongated, her skin gleamed, and her body transformed into a massive white snake. The snake's eyes glowed with fury, staring intently at Rika and Arya.

"Unfortunately, we were just passing by, so we can't stay for this banquet. I hope—"

Rika's words were cut off as Arya suddenly grabbed her hand. The movement was so abrupt that Rika stumbled, struggling to maintain her balance. Arya, however, paid no attention. He kept pulling Rika away from the old house, as if his life depended on how quickly they could escape.

Behind them, the hissing sound of the giant snake grew louder, echoing through the fog