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At that boring party filled with aristocratic atmosphere, masks, and the fake kindness characteristic of that deceitful class—whose main concern is to display their wealth and compete over whose watch or car is more expensive—the men talked about business deals and acquiring the latest cars and real estate, while the women discussed jewelry, fashion, and who had the most elegant and refined appearance.
Then, a feminine voice broke through the monotony:
"Ugh, this is so boring! Yuck!"
"Stay silent, or I swear I'll kill you once we get out of here."
Where was that voice coming from? Specifically, behind the group previously mentioned, there was a table where two extraordinarily beautiful young women sat, as if beauty itself were sitting beside beauty. All eyes were drawn to them. Their elegant outfits made it clear that they, too, were of aristocratic status.
Rika: "Oh my God, my dear friend! I didn't know the party would be this boring. I really miss our university days. Don't be mad at me!" (innocent eyes)
Amasia: "Just be quiet and don't remind me of your stupid idea."
Then, suddenly remembering something—
Amasia: "Rika, let's go to our special place quickly before they start bombarding us with questions and their excessive curiosity."
Rika: (excitedly) "Yes! Oh, I've missed it so much! Let's go, Amasia!"
The two girls then left with confident, poised steps that reflected their high status. Of course, they wouldn't rush out like commoners. They moved past the gathering of people who had reunited at this party after years apart.
The moment they disappeared from sight, Amasia immediately removed her high heels and started chasing after Rika, who had already run ahead, knowing full well she was going to get beaten today.
Amasia: (angrily) "Wait, you melon-head! I'm going to kill you today. You made me waste my day off for this boring party!"
Rika: (laughing as she runs) "Hahaha, sorry, Masi! I didn't know they'd be like this. I just wanted to see how they turned out after all these years."
Then, mimicking one of the women at the party—
"Ohhh, did you see my new necklace? My fiancé gave it to me! It's made of emeralds and pearls. Have you all seen it?"
She burst into laughter, and Amasia couldn't help but join her. But as they ran, Amasia failed to notice a small rock in her path. She tripped over it and fell straight into the lake, not realizing how close she was to the water.
Rika laughed at first, but her laughter died down when she noticed that Amasia hadn't surfaced. Five minutes had passed.
Rika: "Hey, Amasia! Stop playing around! You actually scared me… Come on, Amasia!"
That was when she suddenly remembered the old legend about this lake—how those who fell into it never returned. She and Amasia had always laughed at the myth, calling this place their special sanctuary since their school days.
Panicked, Rika quickly dove in to search for her friend—the one person who had been like a mother to her, who had raised, protected, and cared for her ever since they were both just little girls.
Suddenly, she felt something pulling her downward. A blinding light engulfed her, making it impossible to open her eyes. Within mere moments, she felt herself falling from above, hitting the ground.
She gasped for breath. "Grass? I can breathe? No way…"
Looking around in shock, she saw Amasia in the same bewildered state. They both turned to stare at the dense trees surrounding them. Then, at the same time, they spoke in stuttering voices—
"T-The forest… Suddenly…?"
Amasia: "Aaaaaaah! What is this?!"
To be continued…