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Author: Hello, there was no chapter yesterday because I was traveling with my girlfriend. Yesterday was her birthday, so I took her for a walk...

Three chapters today...

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Hours later, the group found themselves in a stunning location in the interior of South Korea.

After his proposal, Theo had spent a few minutes searching the internet for "best camping spots with a view of the stars near Seoul."

His search led him to several options, but the images and descriptions of "Seoraksan National Park" stood out. He specifically chose a less frequented camping area near the Cheonbuldong Valley, a place known for its spectacular views and clear skies, far from the city's light pollution.

It was an elevated spot that offered a spectacular panoramic view of the rocky peaks and granite formations that made the mountain famous. A stream of crystal-clear water, fed by the melting snow from the higher parts, meandered gently among the rocks, its constant murmur adding a natural and calming melody to the environment.

The terrain was open, allowing the golden late-afternoon light to bathe the landscape, painting the distant Ulsanbawi peaks in shades of orange and pink, promising an unforgettable sunset. The air was pure and fresh, laden with the scent of pine trees and damp earth.

Theo, with efficiency, had already transformed the site into a top-tier campsite. Two spacious tents were perfectly set up.

A small fire pit area was already prepared with dry wood, and comfortable camping chairs were arranged in a semicircle, facing the breathtaking view.

He had taken care of everything, from the water purification system to the creation of the tents themselves.

While he finished the preparations, Nayun, Yeonha, and Cappie explored the area with great enthusiasm, marveling at the natural beauty around them.

"Wow... Theo, how did you find this place?"

Nayun asked, spinning slowly, trying to take in the entire landscape. Her eyes shone, reflecting the golden sunlight. She approached the edge of the stream and dipped her fingertips into the icy water, laughing at the sensation.

"It's amazing,"

Cappie agreed, hopping from one rock to another with surprising agility.

"It looks like a painting! Can we swim here tomorrow morning?"

Yeonha, for her part, was standing a little further away, fiddling with her smartwatch.

However, she wasn't checking emails or guild information. She was taking pictures.

A picture of the valley, one of the stream, one of the sun setting behind the peaks. There was an expression of peace on her face, a calm that not even the most luxurious of resorts could provide.

"The air quality here is 23% better than the average in Seoul."

Theo smiled upon hearing their comments.

"I did some research on the internet,"

he answered Nayun's question as he approached the group with four metal mugs.

"I'm glad you like it. I made more hot chocolate. It's going to get cold soon."

He handed a mug to each of them.

The warmth of the metal was comforting in their hands as the mountain air began to cool. Together, they sat in the camping chairs, side by side, and silently watched the sun complete its descent.

The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors—red, purple, orange, and gold—before finally giving way to a deep blue, sprinkled with the first stars of the night.

The murmur of the stream, the crackling of the fire that Theo had just lit, and the silent company of each other were all they needed.

Now a deep black velvet, it was so studded with stars that it seemed almost solid, a spectacle that Seoul's light pollution made impossible to see.

Sitting comfortably in their chairs, with mugs of hot chocolate warming their hands, the conversation began to flow naturally.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but..."

Nayun looked in awe at the campsite and the surrounding landscape.

"This is my first time camping. For real."

The confession hung in the air. Cappie looked at her, then at Theo.

"What about you, Theo?"

Cappie asked, curious, mainly to learn more about her host.

"Have you done this before?"

A nostalgic smile touched Theo's lips.

"Yes, once,"

he said, his gaze lost in the flames.

"When I was 9. I went camping with my parents and my sister."

"Oh, that must have been fun!"

Nayun said, imagining the scene.

"It was,"

Theo agreed.

"But it was also very scary. My dad thought it was hilarious to fill me with fear. He told all sorts of horror stories about forest monsters and lumberjack ghosts. I barely slept."

He laughed softly at the memory.

"I think that's why I ended up liking horror stories so much."

The small anecdote made Theo more real to them, a glimpse of a past he rarely mentioned, no, a past that they, as his girlfriends, rarely asked about.

Nayun shook her head, a sad smile on her face.

"I never had that chance. After my mom... passed away... and my brother went into a coma, I just... focused on training. Getting stronger was the only thing that mattered."

She looked at her own hands, which instinctively clenched.

"Things like this... seemed meaningless. A waste of time I could use to train."

An understanding silence settled over the group.

"And at the Military Academy?"

Theo asked gently.

"Didn't you do survival training or something like that?"

Nayun snorted, a sound between a laugh and a sigh.

"The Military Academy? That was more like basic teaching, like a preschool for heroes. They taught us how to hold a sword, the theory of mana... but nothing practical like this."

"She's right,"

Yeonha agreed, in a pragmatic tone.

"The Military Academy serves to filter out raw talent. They give us combat training, but there's no real field training. There was nothing like that. That's why the Cube is so different and important. It's the first place where we really apply what we've learned."

"Exactly,"

Nayun said, remembering her Academy days.

"It was just more theoretical training and repetitive exercises."

She looked up at the starry sky, a new kind of appreciation in her eyes.

It was then that Cappie, sensing the perfect cue to change the mood, leaned forward, her eyes shining with a mischievous light in the firelight.

"Well, since we're talking about first experiences..."

She began, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"You know what this night needs? A good horror story."

Nayun groaned.

"Oh, no... we just created such a nice mood."

"I love it!"

Cappie ignored the protest.

"Once, I heard about a mountain spirit that wanders around scaring hikers..."

She told her little story, and despite Nayun's protests, the atmosphere around the campfire changed, becoming more charged with expectation.

Theo laughed softly when she finished.

"That was a good one, Cappie. But if we're going to tell a horror story, it has to be a classic. One of those my dad would tell."

All eyes turned to him.

"I know one he told me himself."

Theo decided to join the fun, his voice lowering, taking on a narrative tone that immediately captured their attention.

"It's about a very famous lumberjack."

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