Arav, Buddhi, and Dhiran were walking along a winding path that snaked through the lush valleys of the Land of the Rising Sun. The three friends were in high spirits, trading stories and banter as they prepared for their journey into the infamous Nyigong Thicket. The forest was still far in the distance, but its looming reputation weighed heavily on their minds.

"You know," Buddhi began, his voice full of mock seriousness, "they say the trees in Nyigong Thicket can see you coming from miles away. Like, literally see you. The locals think the forest has eyes.”

Dhiran rolled his eyes, smirking. “And I’m guessing you heard that from one of the elders at Sangri Peak? They love their spooky tales.”

“Laugh all you want,” Buddhi retorted, “but do you know about the Buru? That giant serpent thing? They say it lurks in shadowy lakes, waiting for travelers like us. Silent, patient, and then bam!—you’re snake food.”

Arav, walking a step ahead, chuckled at Buddhi’s dramatic delivery. “The Buru? I’ve heard of it. Supposedly, it’s as long as a river and as quiet as the fog. They say when it moves, the water doesn’t ripple—it just... shifts.”

Dhiran raised an eyebrow. “That’s comforting. So, what do we do if we run into it?”

Arav shrugged, his tone light but thoughtful. “I guess we don’t go swimming.”

The three burst into laughter, but the atmosphere shifted slightly. The weight of their destination hung between them.

As they continued walking, Buddhi broke the silence. “What about the other creatures? Like the Nyima? It’s supposed to be this massive cat that’s invisible at night. Only appears to people who are pure of heart.”

Dhiran snorted. “Well, I guess that rules you out.”

“Hey!” Buddhi protested, feigning indignation. “I’m plenty pure. The Nyima would probably be my best friend.”

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Arav grinned. “Sure, Buddhi. Just don’t expect it to fetch you a stick.”

“Speaking of Nyima,” Dhiran cut in, his tone turning serious, “it’s supposed to guard sacred sites, right? What if the Lumring Stone is in a place the Nyima is protecting?”

Arav nodded. “If that’s the case, we better hope we’re on its good side. I’d rather deal with a Nyima than follow one of those will-o’-the-wisps.”

Buddhi shivered slightly. “Yeah, those things creep me out. Imagine being led deeper and deeper into the forest, and then—”

“You disappear forever,” Dhiran finished, his voice low.

“Alright, alright,” Arav said, waving them off. “Let’s not scare ourselves before we even get there.”

The conversation shifted again as Buddhi brought up another beast. “What about the Rimo? The bird with those huge wings that can summon storms? It’s supposed to sing to bring rain or sun. Imagine hearing its song!”

“Yeah,” Dhiran mused. “But imagine it bringing a storm while we’re there. That wouldn’t be fun.”

“True,” Arav agreed. “But the Rimo isn’t supposed to be malicious, right? It only reacts when it feels the land needs it. Maybe if we’re respectful, it’ll leave us alone.”

Buddhi glanced at Arav. “And what about the Aji-Pamu? The serpent with lotus flowers? That thing’s supposed to purify lakes. Maybe it’ll show us the way.”

Dhiran shook his head, grinning. “Or maybe it’ll decide we’re unworthy and drown us in ‘purity.’”

“Great,” Buddhi groaned. “Why are all these creatures either guides or executioners? Can’t we just get a simple, friendly beast?”

“Because this is the Nyigong Thicket we’re talking about,” Arav said, his voice tinged with both humor and respect. “It’s not supposed to be simple. Every legend says the forest tests you, whether it’s through the creatures or the forest itself.”

As they walked, Dhiran gestured toward the distant horizon, where the faintest outline of the forest’s treetops loomed. “It’s funny, isn’t it? People tell all these stories about the thicket,heads everyone seems to agree on what’s true , the beasts, The spirits, The forest itself".

“Maybe,” Arav said thoughtfully. “Or maybe the forest is different for everyone. What you see, what you face... it could be tied to who you are.”

Buddhi smirked. “Well, if that’s true, Dhiran’s going to meet a monster made of stubbornness and bad jokes.”

“And you’ll meet one made of laziness and overconfidence,” Dhiran shot back.

Arav laughed. “And I’ll meet... what? A big ball of unresolved anger?”

The three fell into easy laughter again, their camaraderie a comfort against the uncertainty ahead.