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Y/N had spent the past few days venturing deeper into the Western Ghats, far from the cities, the base, and the chaos of civilization-or whatever was left of it. The air grew thinner with every climb, and the terrain became increasingly unforgiving. Jagged rocks tore at her boots, and steep inclines left her gasping for breath.

Every step felt like a gamble. She avoided the city routes, knowing they promised nothing but hordes too vast to survive. Instead, she chose the quieter, harsher mountain paths, even as the steep trails pushed her body to its limits. Her pack grew heavier with each passing day, filled with just enough food and water to sustain her wandering for another week or two.

The nights were colder here, the silence oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of distant movement or the low groan of some undead straggler too slow to matter-yet still unsettling.

Now, standing on the edge of another rocky incline, her eyes scanned the horizon. The mountains stretched endlessly, their dark silhouettes jagged and uninviting. Narrow valleys weaved between them, offering little refuge. Her muscles ached from the relentless climb, her breath fogging in the cool air, but she couldn't stop. Not yet.

She reached a particularly steep section, her hands gripping onto protruding rocks to pull herself up. Loose gravel shifted beneath her boots, threatening to send her tumbling down into the abyss below. Each foothold felt precarious, but she pressed on, determination outweighing the risk.

Finally, after what felt like hours, she hauled herself over the ledge, collapsing onto solid ground. She stayed still for a moment, catching her breath. When she sat up, brushing dirt from her hands.

Y/N furrowed her brows as she stood, dusting herself off. What lay ahead didn't feel right. The terrain shifted unnaturally. While most of the mountains she'd ventured through were rugged and wild, this area was... different. There were more trees clustered, almost like a pocket of forest carved into the otherwise sparse landscape. It wasn't dense, but it stood out-too deliberate, too precise.

She stepped closer, her boots crunching softly against loose gravel, her grip tightening on her katana. Low growls reached her ears, barely audible but enough to set her on edge. Something was down there, lurking in the shadows.

Curiosity pushed her forward, even as her instincts screamed caution. The ground beneath her feet grew more unstable as she ventured down a slope hidden by the trees. The descent was steep, and loose rocks sent her sliding, stumbling, and nearly rolling as she struggled to keep her footing.

Her breath caught in her throat as she tumbled into another valley. This one was unlike anything she'd seen. At first glance, it seemed natural-another dip in the endless stretch of mountains and cliffs. But the more she looked, the clearer it became: this wasn't nature's work. The walls of the valley were unnaturally different from past ones. The rocks looked as though they had been carved or worn down with precision, their surfaces somewhat even to belong in such a wild place.

She rose slowly, brushing dirt off her arms and legs, her eyes darting around. The air felt heavier here, as if this place had been sealed off from time. The growls she'd heard earlier grew louder, echoing faintly off the smooth rock walls.

Her instincts sharpened. This wasn't just another valley. Whatever lay hidden here, it was something she wasn't meant to find.

Then the thought crossed her mind-was she heading toward another civilization? Or perhaps a forgotten countryside swallowed by time? The area didn't feel entirely unnatural, but it was undeniably different. The terrain was still natural, yet something about it stood out-the way the trees seemed to grow in irregular clusters, the way the air carried a strange, earthy scent, as though nature had slowly engulfed whatever had once been here.

As she followed the same route, her instincts guiding her through the unfamiliar valleys and rocky inclines. The path was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or distant echo of wildlife.

Her silence was broken when she stumbled upon a lone ambusher in the clearing ahead. It barely had a chance to react before her katana swept through it in one clean strike. Game over. She didn't even stop to think-her movements were sharp, practiced, and efficient, a reflex honed through years of survival.

As another day stretched on, she encountered a few more ambushers scattered along the way. Unlike the lone one before, these were in small clusters-decayed figures that stumbled toward her, their low growls muffled by their ruined throats. Though more in number, they posed no real challenge. Each was dealt with swiftly, her katana carving through them with precision.

So far, these encounters were sparse compared to what she'd expected. But the further she ventured, the more she realized this area, while unusual, wasn't as hostile as others she had passed. Yet something about it still put her on edge. The subtle differences in the environment, the lack of larger hordes-it all hinted at something just out of reach, waiting to be uncovered.

The air was heavy with silence, broken only by faint growls carried on the wind. Her instincts kept her on edge, and her katana remained close at hand. By now, she had encountered a handful of ambushers scattered across her path. They came in pairs or small groups, weak and decayed, their movements sluggish. Each encounter ended swiftly with the clean arc of her blade.

But this time, the ground felt different beneath her boots. As she ventured further, she noticed subtle disturbances in the earth-scratches, broken branches, and oddly placed rocks. Then it happened: her foot halted just in time as she spotted a pit ahead.

The trap was crudely concealed with loose dirt and branches, but it had clearly been effective. Inside, a stalker thrashed weakly, its limbs mangled and caught on sharp stakes. The sight stopped her for a moment. This wasn't just an accident of nature; someone had been here and built this.

Another day came, the terrain began to shift again. The oddities in the landscape persisted-natural yet strangely different. The trees clustered in uneven patches, denser in some areas where they shouldn't be, and the smooth, oddly carved rocks continued to stand out against the rugged surroundings. It was as though the land itself was holding secrets, blending the natural with something deliberate.

Pushing forward, she found more signs in this past days. A net tangled in the treetops cradled the rotting remains of an ambusher, its limbs dangling uselessly. Another pit, older but equally effective, its contents reduced to skeletal remains.

The traps weren't fresh-they bore the marks of time and wear, but they hadn't been here for no reason. Her mind raced with possibilities. Were they remnants of a past civilization? Survivors who had once lived in this area and fought to hold it? Or was she heading toward something entirely unknown?

She tightened her grip on her weapons and scanned the area. Each trap she passed was another piece of a puzzle, a sign that this place, despite its overgrown appearance, had been touched by human hands. And yet, there was no sign of who or what had set them.

The faint growls that had haunted the air now sounded closer, pushing her onward. If there were survivors ahead, she needed to tread carefully. But if this area had been abandoned, she had to be prepared for whatever might have driven them away. Either way, the traps were proof of one thing: this place was not as untouched as it seemed.

---

It was afternoon, and Hobi stood at the balcony of the town hall, keeping watch through the barricaded window. His eyes scanned the surroundings, noting the positions of RM and Jin, both stationed in trees on opposite sides of the town hall, keeping watch in different directions.

Hobi's gaze shifted, and through the binoculars, he caught a glimpse of a moving figure in the distance. His heart skipped as he focused the lenses and saw that it was Y/N.

But his frown deepened as he noticed something off. She was limping. Her steps were uneven, and as she came into clearer view, he could see the blood and dirt on her clothes. She had been out for days, and now she was returning in this state. He couldn't believe it.

"Aish, this girl..." he muttered under his breath, panic rising in his chest.

Without hesitation, Hobi darted down from the balcony, rushing out of the town hall. His concern for Y/N overriding everything else. As he bolted out the door, both RM and Jin, having seen him run off, quickly assessed the situation. They spotted Y/N in the distance as well, but there was no time to hesitate. They climbed down from their trees and followed him, though Hobi had already gained the lead.

As Y/N spotted them approaching, despite her limp, a mischievous grin spread across her face. Her arms were scratched-nothing major, but enough to show she'd been through a lot. Her voice carried a lighthearted tone, masking the exhaustion she felt.

"Look who's coming to check on me," she called out, her voice playful despite her condition.

When Hobi reached her, he steadied her by the shoulders, his worry clear in his eyes. "What happened to you?" he asked, his tone a mix of concern and frustration.

Y/N just smiled, ever the troublemaker. "How about a piggyback ride to the hall?" she teased, still full of mischief.

Hobi chuckled, shaking his head. Without hesitation, he crouched down in front of her, offering his back. RM and Jin arrived just then, their concern evident as they took her bag and weapons from her.

As Hobi carried Y/N on his back, the small group made their way toward the town hall. The air was tense with worry, but Y/N's teasing grin kept the atmosphere from being completely somber. RM walked ahead, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any lingering threats, while Jin carried her bag and weapons, his usual calm demeanor masking his concern.

"Seriously, Y/N," RM muttered without turning his head. "Sixteen days, and you come back looking like you wrestled with a bear."

"Not a bear," Y/N quipped, resting her chin on Hobi's shoulder. "Maybe a particularly angry zombie-or three."

Jin sighed, adjusting her gear on his shoulder. "You're impossible, you know that? We're worried sick, and you're out here cracking jokes."

Y/N let out a soft laugh, though it was laced with fatigue. "What can I say? I missed your nagging."

Hobi chuckled as he carried her, his steps steady but purposeful. "Yah, you missed us so much you decided to come back in pieces?"

"Aw, Hobi, you're sweet," Y/N teased, giving him a playful pat on the head. "But maybe don't drop me, okay?"

"I should drop you for making us worry this much," Hobi shot back, though his tone was light.

As they reached the town hall, RM pushed the door open, holding it for the group. Jin entered first, setting Y/N's bag and weapons by the door. Hobi stepped inside, carefully lowering Y/N onto the worn-out sofa in the corner of the room.

"Finally," Y/N sighed, leaning back against the cushions. "I thought I'd never sit again."

Hobi crouched in front of her, his hands on his knees. "Sit still. Let me check those scratches."

"I'm fine, really," Y/N protested, but Jin was already bringing over a first-aid kit.

RM leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. "You better start talking. What happened out there?"

Y/N tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You mean aside from the world trying to kill me? Nothing much."

Hobi shook his head, dabbing at a scratch on her arm with antiseptic. "You've got a death wish, don't you?"

Jin sat beside her, handing her a bottle of water. "Drink. You look like you've been through a desert."

She took the bottle, smirking. "Thanks, Jin. Always so thoughtful."

"Someone has to be," he replied, giving her a pointed look.

After taking a long sip of water, Y/N leaned back against the sofa, her eyes scanning the town hall. The place seemed unusually quiet, the usual hum of activity missing. She frowned slightly, setting the bottle down beside her.

"Where's everyone?" she asked, breaking the silence. "It's too quiet, even for this place."

Hobi, who was still seated nearby, answered without missing a beat. "Zitao and Lay are at the lookout points near the river-south and west. They've been covering shifts there. Minho's in the office working on Some maps, and Hyungsik just got back. He's with the horses, checking on them in the stables."

Y/N nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Suga? Taehyung?"

"They're scouting nearby," Hobi added, leaning back against the armrest of the sofa. "Making sure there aren't any threats creeping up on us. Jin and RM were keeping watch in front of the town hall, and I was up on the balcony when I spotted you."

Y/N's brows furrowed, her thoughts turning to those who weren't mentioned. "What about Sehun, Jiwoo, Haru, Jimin, and Jungkook? Where are they?"

Hobi sighed, brushing a hand through his hair. "The five of them headed to Suho's base yesterday. Jiwoo and Haru were getting restless, so Jimin, Sehun, and Jungkook decided to take them along. Probably for a couple of days, maybe even a week."

Y/N nodded again, though the information didn't completely sit right with her. "Jiwoo and Haru?" she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Hobi noticed her expression and chuckled softly. "They were driving everyone nuts with their boredom. Jimin figured it'd be good to let them stretch their legs somewhere else for a bit."

Before Y/N could respond, Jin crouched down in front of her, his sharp gaze fixed on her ankle. "Hold still," he said, his voice calm but firm. He gently lifted her foot, inspecting the injury.

Y/N winced slightly but let him work. She glanced back at Hobi, her curiosity still lingering. "When did they leave exactly?"

"Yesterday," Hobi replied. "Not long after noon. They'll be back in a few days-maybe longer, depending on what Suho needs."

Jin gave her a reassuring nod as he finished examining her ankle. "It's just a sprain. You'll need to rest it, but you'll be fine."

"Rest, huh?" Y/N smirked, her mischievous tone returning. "Not really my style."

Hobi rolled his eyes, but there was a smile tugging at his lips. "Well, it's about to be. You're not moving off that couch until we say so."

Y/N chuckled, her earlier tension easing slightly. "We'll see about that."

The sound of boots cut through the room's chatter, and Hyungsik appeared, wiping his hands on a rag. He must've come straight from the stables. His sharp eyes scanned the room until they landed on Y/N. Relief washed over his face, but it was fleeting-quickly replaced by frustration as he marched toward her with heavy strides.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up," he said, his voice tinged with exasperation and concern. His gaze flicked over her scratched arms, dirt-streaked clothes, and the freshly wrapped ankle. "What on earth have you done to yourself this time?"

Y/N leaned back against the sofa, her lips twitching into a smirk. "Oh, nothing much. Just a little slip."

Hyungsik's brow shot up, disbelief written all over his face. "A slip? That's it?"

RM, who had been leaning against a nearby wall, raised his head at her casual tone. His sharp eyes narrowed, focusing on her with curiosity and disbelief. "You slipped?" he asked slowly. "You're calling this a slip?"

Hyungsik crossed his arms, his frown deepening. "Alright, smartass, care to explain where this little 'slip' happened?"

Y/N's smirk grew wider, the mischievous glint in her eyes making both men wary. "Oh, you know... just a hill. Rolled all the way down. It was faster than walking, I'll tell you that."

For a moment, silence engulfed the room. Jin, crouched near her ankle, froze mid-motion, his head snapping up. Hobi, standing behind the couch, blinked a few times as if he'd misheard.

"Wait," Hobi said, pointing a finger at her. "You mean to tell me you rolled down a hill? That's what you're going with?"

Jin groaned, dropping his hands onto his knees as if the sheer absurdity of her statement had physically weighed him down. "This is the second time, I've had to hear that explanation, and it still sounds insane."

RM's jaw practically hit the floor. "You rolled down a hill?!" he repeated, his deep voice carrying equal parts shock and disbelief.

Hyungsik's jaw dropped too, and he stared at her like she'd grown a second head. "You have got to be kidding me. That's what happened? You rolled?!"

Y/N gave them both a nonchalant shrug. "Yup. Saved me some time, too."

"You saved-" Hyungsik threw his hands in the air, cutting himself off before the frustration could fully bubble over. "You know what? I can't even. I just can't."

Hobi was laughing now, his head tilted back as he clutched his stomach. "She's unbelievable. I swear, this girl could fall off a cliff and still make it sound like a tactical choice."

Jin shook his head, muttering under his breath. "I've patched her up enough times to know better than to argue."

RM, still looking baffled, pinched the bridge of his nose. "And you're just okay with this? She rolled down a hill and calls it a strategy?"

Hyungsik stepped closer, leaning over her with a stern expression. "You're lucky you didn't break your neck, Y/N. Do you have any idea how reckless that is?"

"Relax," Y/N said with a playful wave of her hand. "I'm fine, aren't I? Just a couple of scratches and a twisted ankle. Nothing serious."

"Nothing serious," RM echoed, incredulous. "Do you even hear yourself?"

Hyungsik groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "You're impossible. Absolutely impossible."

Y/N leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm with a grin. "Come on, you guys. Where's your sense of adventure?"

Hobi chuckled, shaking his head. "More like sense of survival. But sure, let's call rolling down a hill 'adventure.'"

Hyungsik turned to RM, his face painted with equal parts concern and disbelief. "She's not going to stop, is she?"

RM sighed, crossing his arms. "Not a chance."

Jin finally stood, brushing off his hands as he glanced down at Y/N. "She's definitely going to do something like this again. Might as well brace for it now."

"I heard that," Y/N chimed in, her grin widening.

Hyungsik threw his hands up in surrender. "Fine. You win. But don't come crying to me when you finally decide to try something worse than a hill."

"Noted," Y/N said cheekily. "But I'll save the cliff-diving for a special occasion."

The room erupted into a mix of laughter and groans as the tension finally broke. Even RM and Hyungsik couldn't help but shake their heads with small, reluctant smiles. No matter how reckless she was, Y/N had a way of lightening even the heaviest moments.

---

The crackling fireplace cast flickering shadows across the hall, the warm glow barely softening the tension in the air. RM, Suga, Hobi, Jin, Taehyung, and Minho sat on the rough, mismatched sofas surrounding the fire, their faces lined with exhaustion. The day had been long, and though the dinner earlier had filled their stomachs, it had done little to ease their minds.

On the far side of the room, Y/N sat alone at a sturdy wooden table, her back to them. The sharp scratch of her pen against paper and the occasional shuffle of documents were the only sounds