Into the Netherworld || Naberius Kalego x Reader Fanfiction

### Chapter 17: Glowing Trees

The journey deeper into the jungle became more daunting. At one point, Hanako found herself standing before a rocky and old bridge suspended over a rushing river. The bridge creaked ominously as she tested it with her foot.

"This bridge will break," she muttered, gripping the ropes tightly as she glanced down at the rushing water far below.

The fox-like creature darted across effortlessly, pausing on the other side to wait for her. Taking a deep breath, Hanako stepped onto the bridge. Halfway across, one of the planks gave way beneath her, and she barely managed to grab the ropes in time. "You're really testing me here!" she called to the creature, who simply tilted its head as if to say, Hurry up.

Hanako trudged on despite her exhaustion, and she could not shake the feeling that something was different. The jungle seemed to shift around her as the trees rearranged themselves into a disorienting maze.

She marked her path with scratches on the bark, only to find herself walking in circles. The creature, sensing her frustration, barked and nudged her in a specific direction. Trusting its instincts, she followed, eventually breaking free from the maze.

Even more daunting were the illusions that plague her throughout the night. Seeing shadow creatures that were imaginary, whispers in the wind that tugged at her insecurities. At one point, she froze, certain that she heard Iruma's voice calling out her name. But the fox-like creature appeared at her side, its warm fur brushing against her leg.

Placing her hand on the creature's head. "Thank you, Hikaru," she said softly, naming it after a faint light seemed to emit from its fur. Hikaru nuzzled her hand in response.

The next day had brought her much deeper into the jungle, where towering trees began to press closer together. The further she walked, the quieter the sounds around her. Pausing as she gripped a branch for support, and that's when she felt it— a strange shift in the air. It was like the world around her had exhaled.

Her instincts were to tense up as she looked around. Everything looks the same, but feels different.

As she took another step forward, the shift became undeniable. The jungle's deep shadows began to fade. Soft, glowing lights emerged among the trees, pulsing gently as though they were alive.

Hanako stopped in her tracks, staring in wonder. The ordinary, dark trunks she had passed now shimmered faintly, their surfaces streak with glowing veins of light. The leaves above sparkled as if tiny stars had been scattered across their surface. Reaching out, brushing her fingers against the glowing bark of a nearby tree. The faint warmth beneath her fingertips sent a shiver down her spine.

Was it some kind of magic? Or was she nearing something?

Hikaru darted ahead, its simmering fur blending seamlessly with the illuminated forest.

"Wait!" Hanako called out, running to catch up.

Though it did not stop, only pausing occasionally to glance back and make sure she was following. She quickened her pace, as the glowing underbrush illuminated her pathway with every step she took. Until she finally emerged from a clearing.

Her breath hitch at the sight before her.

At the clearing stood a cluster of ancient-looking stone pillars, their surface covered in intricate carvings that pulsed with the same bioluminescent glow.

Hanako approached cautiously as her eyes scanned the carvings. Figures or creatures with wings, and glowing eyes, one of them bore striking resemblance to Hikaru. The carvings seem to tell a story, though the details were too fragmented for her to piece together.