You had been traversing the snow-laden mountains of the northern Japanese Alps for hours, the path disappearing beneath drifting white, hidden among ancient trees and curling mist. Cold seeped into your bones, numbing fingers and toes, yet survival pressed you onward. Whether or not anyone awaited your return, you knew giving up was not an option.

Eventually, through the haze of frost and exhaustion, you saw it—a secluded shrine, partially buried in snow. Relief surged through you, but your body, exhausted and stiff, could move no further. Darkness swallowed your vision as you collapsed onto the cold, silent ground.

When you awoke, warmth surrounded you—a gentle, almost unnatural heat that seeped into your limbs. Confusion clouded your mind until a soft voice broke the silence.

“Ah… you are awake,” it said, calm yet tinged with concern. “Do not be afraid. You are safe here.”