1.Prologue
“One more day, our survival will soon end... tonight is the last fight we live in the jungle!” explained a young man named Nick who was one of the leaders of a group of nature-loving students while undergoing survival activities in the forest for three days.
The nine students were only provided with one lighter and candle. The rest they learn to survive at one with nature. Tonight is the last night of the survival exam as a condition for being inaugurated as a member of the Black Rose nature lovers on their campus.
“Jo! Tom! I’ll assign you guys to look for firewood this afternoon! Understand?” Nick’s loud voice broke the silence of the tropical forest.
“Ready!” Jo and Tom answered firmly.
“For other members, please do what I have ordered as usual!” Nick explained to the other members.
“Interrupt!” A student named Miana or often called Mia raised her hand.
“Sorry chief... water supplies are running low, it looks like it won’t be enough for tonight,” Mia explained to Nick.
“That’s your problem! I don’t want to know how you guys get that water! Go ahead if you want to go back down to the river! Remember! Soon it will be evening! If you insist on walking into the river, I will not be responsible for your safety! Remember, this is the jungle!” Nick explained to Mia. Nick is a type of leader who lacks empathy for his members. He was only busy thinking about his own safety without caring about the other members.
“But, Brian is already dehydrated! Doesn’t anyone care?” Mia felt disappointed as she looked at Nick with her sharp eyes.
“Let us go down to the river... just wait! We’ll be back before nightfall!” Jo was willing to sacrifice to go down to the river even though the distance from the tent where they were staying was quite far. Jo and Tom want to carry out this rather dangerous activity while also looking for firewood to warm their bodies tonight. When Jo and Tom started walking, it was already very dusk.
***
Jo and Tom took enough clean water from the river. Then they climbed back up to return to the location where they were staying. It didn’t feel like the sun had already set. The beautiful sunset suddenly turned into evening with the clouds clumping together as if they wanted to pounce on them. It looks like it will rain heavily tonight.
“Tom! Come on, go faster! The sky is overcast! We have to get there before it rains!” Jo invited Tom to speed up his steps. But unfortunately, the drizzle started to fall and wet them. Meanwhile, they were still half way to where they were staying.
The drizzle was getting heavier on them. Jo and Tom ran through a very dense forest. Jo stopped his steps for a moment. He seemed to see a bamboo hut among the trees and drizzling water flowing between his eyelashes.
“Tom! Look at that!” Jo patted Tom’s shoulder.
“What?” Tom quickly turned in the direction Jo was pointing.
“Shack! We’re taking shelter! Come on!” Jo ran towards the hut to take shelter with his friend.
Jo and Tom looked around them. Silent and dark. Only the sound of a light drizzle accompanied them as they took shelter in front of the old hut.
Clak!!!
Immediately they jumped and screamed when they heard the hut door open.
“What the f**k ...!” Jo and Tom closed their eyes. But their legs felt heavy to walk.
“Dude... don’t be afraid! It’s Grandpa... come on in! Take shelter inside! Grandpa has made coffee for you!” The voice of an old grandfather who looks charismatic. His appearance looks like a misterious man wiht black clothes.
“Y—yes, Grandpa!” Jo tried to answer the old grandfather’s greeting even though Jo’s voice felt choked and the hairs on his neck rose when he saw the figure of the old grandfather.