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  Milo turned to the others, his tone calm but resolute. "Let’s not waste any more time. Li, John — it’s time we begin our journey."

  Li hesitated, his expression uneasy. "Look, I know I offered to guide you, but going to Fushiro is... risky. Especially now, after what I told you."

  Milo pulled out a sleek, black wallet from his coat and counted a neat stack of bills. He handed them to Li without a blink. "Ten thousand dollars. That’s yours if you get us there safely."

  Li stared at the money for a moment, then sighed and tucked it away. "Alright. But don’t say I didn’t warn you."

  And with that, the journey began.

  The path leading out of the city gradually transformed into winding dirt roads, flanked by thick woods and scattered farmhouses. The scent of damp earth hung in the air, mingling with the cool wind that brushed past them as they rode in a battered old truck Li had borrowed from his cousin.

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  Hours passed in silence, broken only by the occasional comment from John about the strange shapes he thought he saw in the trees or the eerie quietness of the countryside.

  After nearly four hours on the road, Milo glanced at Li. "How much farther?"

  Li checked the old map tucked into the dashboard. "We still have about five hours to go. Maybe more if the road gets worse."

  John groaned, stretching his arms. "It’s going to be dark soon. I really don’t like the sound of driving through some haunted forest at night."

  Li nodded, his voice dropping slightly. "You're right. There’s a forest ahead — thick, silent, and not the kind you want to cross after sundown. We should stop somewhere for the night."

  Milo frowned. "And where exactly are we supposed to stay? There’s nothing but trees and shadows out here."

  Li gestured to the right as they passed a narrow dirt path. "See that old sign? There’s a temple a few minutes up that way. Pilgrims sometimes rest there when they travel through this region. The monks are usually kind to travelers."

  Milo gave a small nod. "A temple... not a bad idea."

  They turned onto the dirt path, which wound through a line of tall, swaying trees. Soon, the stone silhouette of a weathered temple emerged from the woods, serene and half-lit by the fading sun.

  As they stepped out of the vehicle, a soft chanting could be heard from within the temple walls. A monk in plain saffron robes emerged from the courtyard, bowing slightly as he approached them.

  Li stepped forward and greeted him with a respectful nod. "Good evening, Master. We’re travelers heading toward Fushiro. The road is long, and the forest dangerous at night. Would it be possible for us to rest here until morning?"

  The monk studied their faces carefully, then gave a serene smile. "Of course. You may stay in the guest quarters. The temple welcomes all who come with peaceful hearts."

  Milo inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Master. We won’t trouble you more than necessary."

  The monk turned, beckoning them to follow. "Come. The evening bell will ring soon.

  You may join the evening meal if you wish."

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