"I don't know what had happened to them," I thought as tears welled up. As I began to cry, a peculiar panel-like object appeared in front of me.

[[

***G_E_C***

In shadows, a silent tragedy unfolds—innocent eyes witness the abrupt end of their parents, a grim puzzle that time may never unravel.

In the darkness, find strength. Look closely at what happened, learn from it. Seek support, and as you make sense of the pieces, grow stronger through understanding.

The weak will die

]]

"What the hell is GEC"I pondered.

Upon reading the entire message, I eventually figured out that someone had intentionally organized this unfortunate event. The message explicitly advised ignoring the incident and focusing on becoming stronger. I felt compelled to comply as it warned that only weak individuals would perish.

However, the sudden appearance of a panel-like object puzzled me. Such advanced technology doesn't seem to exist.

"It's probably just my imagination," I thought. I attempted to touch it, only to receive a slight shock.

"I offer my heartfelt apologies, dear Mom and Dad, as a heavy sigh escapes me, expressing my regret at being unable to shield you from harm," I lamented. Taking the responsible step, I promptly reported the distressing incident to the police, who are now providing support during this challenging time. The funeral proceedings for my beloved parents transpired with solemn grace.

In the aftermath, the incident gained widespread attention, permeating the news. Engrossed in watching a movie one day, my attention was abruptly drawn by the resounding blast of a car horn. Peering outside, I beheld my uncle, the esteemed CEO of my father's company, patiently awaiting entry. Inevitably, I sensed the imminent transfer of my father's corporate reins.

"How are you, Mark?" queried my uncle with genuine concern.

"I am coping," I replied.

"I regret missing the somber occasion of the funeral," he expressed.

"It's quite alright, Uncle," I reassured.

"The demands of the company kept me preoccupied," he explained, initiating our conversation.

Following a series of casual exchanges, my uncle eventually divulged the underlying purpose of his visit. He sought my cooperation in relinquishing control of the company, promising eventual ownership once I reached the maturity to steward it.

I started feeling a strong sense of greed emanating from him, an excessive desire that seemed overwhelming, to the point where I feared it might consume me entirely. Frustrated and fatigued with the complexities of the world, I came to a monumental decision. I chose to permanently hand over the entire company to him, noticing a subtle, invisible smile forming on his face.

Curiosity marked his face as he questioned, "Why the sudden change?"

"That's not something you need to worry about," I replied, a bit irked. It felt like there was a bit of resentment directed my way.

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Subsequently, my uncle handed me a stack of papers, urging me to put my signature on them. Succumbing to the weight of the situation, I obliged and began to make my way towards the exit.

"Where are you off to?" he inquired.

"Somewhere away from people," I stated, expressing my desire for solitude.

I hurried my steps, running faster and faster until I found myself at the edges of the city. Looking at the clock, I realized it had taken me a good half-day, starting my journey at 1 pm, and now the time had advanced to almost 7 pm. My attempt to leave the city was met with resistance from vigilant security guards who warned me about the potential dangers lurking outside at this hour.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I probed further, discovering that a sizable forest, housing various wild creatures, surrounded the city. Facing the predicament of having no place to stay, the guards kindly guided me to their camp, where they generously provided me with a meal.

As night approached, I entertained the notion of slipping away without anyone taking notice, a thought that elicited a chuckle from me.

After a few hours of much-needed rest, I roused myself and embarked on a quiet escape from the camp. Skillfully avoiding detection, I found myself within the depths of the mysterious forest. A sense of relief washed over me as I began to unravel the secrets concealed within the vast wooded expanse.

Venturing further into the dense forest, where human presence dwindled, I found myself immersed in solitude. With the sunrise, hunger gripped me, a stark reminder of the contrast from my previous luxurious lifestyle. No longer accustomed to the comforts of the past, I acknowledged the need to hunt for sustenance.

Driven by the pangs of hunger, my first quest was to find a source of water. Thirst compelled me to scour the surroundings for any significant water bodies. Hoping for a river where I could indulge in fishing to satisfy my appetite, I diligently searched for hours. However, to my dismay, I couldn't spot any.

Fatigue and desperation set in, prompting me to seek refuge beneath a tree. The realization dawned upon me that survival in this new environment demanded a departure from the comforts of my past life.

In the midst of the forest, a symphony of water falling from a considerable height caught my attention. Intrigued by the enchanting sound, I embarked on a journey to trace its origin, eventually stumbling upon a breathtaking sight – a colossal waterfall, shrouded in mist, with the top concealed by clouds. The water below was exceptionally clear, sparking a palpable excitement within me. My immediate need for hydration prompted me to partake in the refreshing liquid, yet the persistent growls emanating from my stomach reminded me of the pressing hunger that awaited satisfaction.

Facing with the challenge of securing sustenance, my attempts at catching fish with bare hands proved futile. Undeterred, I scoured the surroundings for makeshift tools and chanced upon wooden sticks with a hardness akin to rocks. Determined to fashion them into serviceable instruments, I spent a dedicated hour refining their edges with the aid of stones. Armed with these rudimentary implements, I embarked on a renewed effort to fish, only to be confronted with the stark reality of my inexperience. Undaunted, I found myself lying on the ground, resolute in my determination to persevere against the challenges that nature presented.

"I won't yield," I declared to myself, rallying my spirit. Resuming my fishing endeavors, a stroke of fortune smiled upon me as I spotted a sizable fish, its impressive stature promising a bountiful reward. Seizing the opportunity, I strategically ambushed the aquatic creature, swiftly bringing it to a successful end. Overwhelmed with joy, I couldn't contain my exuberance, letting out a triumphant exclamation, "I did it!" Utilizing the wooden sticks collected earlier, I adeptly kindled a campfire, where I skillfully fried the freshly caught fish. Each bite was a celebration of not just survival but also a triumph over the challenges presented by this newfound environment.

"Mmm, it's truly delectable," I savored each mouthful, reveling in the unexpected joy of a simple meal. In the midst of this culinary satisfaction, as I lay on the forest floor, a sudden bark pierced the ambient sounds. Following the canine melody, I discovered a little puppy, lying unconscious on the ground. Moved by compassion, I gently revived the pup by offering it water and a share of the fish. As the small creature stirred to consciousness, a joyful wag of its tail revealed its appreciation. I affectionately named the black-furred companion Shadow, a symbol of our newfound camaraderie.

Curiosity enveloped me as the little pup approached, emanating an unexpected sense of loyalty. In that intriguing moment, I found myself contemplating the seemingly extraordinary ability to discern the emotions of an animal. It was a realization that extended beyond the mundane challenges of survival, hinting at a deeper connection with the natural world around me.