The forest looked harmless enough.
Green. Bright. Peaceful.
The kind of place where birds should be chirping and fairies throw glitter tantrums or whatever.
So naturally, I didn't trust it.
I took one long breath, rolled my shoulders, and muttered, "Alright, floor forty-eight. Let's see what kind of nightmare you've got for me."
Then I stepped in.
The moment my boot hit the moss, a soft chime echoed in my ears, like wind bells. I froze, waiting for a monster jump scare, but nothing happened. Just… the smell of wet soil, leaves glistening like they'd been polished by hand.
"Okay, not creepy. Just suspiciously pretty."
As I moved deeper, the world grew more unreal. Trees thick as towers, roots twisting over ancient ruins, and the ground glittered with glowing herbs.
Herbs.
My eyes widened.
"Oh-ho. Jackpot."
I crouched beside a cluster of shimmering blue petals, tapping them with my finger before opening my HUD. The system blinked to life,
