Forest of Sarinda—there was something mysterious hidden even in its name. Spread across the slopes of rolling hills, the forest stood as an untouched creation of nature. Tall sal, teak, mahua, and sonajhuri trees rose toward the sky like silent sentinels of centuries past. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, breaking into fragments that danced upon the forest floor, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. In the early mornings, a thin veil of mist draped the jungle, and through it, herds of deer moved slowly—alert, yet calm.
The day here began with the chorus of birds. Mynas, cuckoos, bulbuls, and the distant call of peacocks blended into a living symphony. At times, troops of monkeys leapt from branch to branch, while below, the dry leaves rustled with the slithering movement of snakes. The forest was home to many creatures—deer, foxes, wild boars, and occasionally, even sloth bears.
Yet amidst all this beauty, there lurked an unknown fear—an invisible mystery that had not yet been fully understood.
It was toward this very jungle that Martin and Professor Jones were heading.
Martin and Professor Jones—both seasoned adventurers with experience in solving countless mysteries. Their lives had been filled with expeditions. From lost cities in deserts to strange riddles hidden in mountain caves, they had seen it all. And yet, this time, their purpose was different.
They wanted a break.
Away from the noise of the city, the smoke, and the relentless rush of life—they sought a few days of peace. Some solitude in nature, some fresh air—that was their plan.
As the train came to a halt, they stepped down onto the platform. It was a small, quiet station—surrounded by greenery and red earth pathways. There weren't many people around, just a few locals and some tea vendors.
As they exited the station, they noticed a jeep waiting for them. Beside it stood a middle-aged driver. A faint beard lined his face, and his eyes carried a trace of unease.
Martin and Professor Jones approached him.
"Are you here for us?" Professor Jones asked.
The driver nodded.
"Yes, sir. You are Professor Jones, right?"
They got into the vehicle, and as they settled in, Professor Jones said,
"Take us to a homestay or a hotel as close to the jungle as possible."
At that, the driver hesitated. His hands froze on the steering wheel. He glanced at them through the rearview mirror with uncertainty clear in his eyes.
After a few seconds of silence, he spoke slowly,
"Sir… it would be better not to stay near the jungle right now."
Martin leaned forward, frowning slightly.
"Why? Is there a problem?"
The driver took a deep breath, as if preparing himself.
"Lately, bears have been coming out of the jungle. They're entering the villages. Killing livestock… even some people have been injured."
For a moment, silence filled the car. Outside, only the sound of the tires and distant bird calls remained.
Martin let out a faint chuckle.
"Professor, seems like there's no peace anywhere!"
Though he joked, there was curiosity in his eyes.
Professor Jones looked out the window and said thoughtfully,
"Maybe we should see if this problem can be solved…"
The driver looked genuinely surprised.
"You mean… you want to look into this?"
Professor Jones nodded.
"Yes. But first, take us to a place to stay."
Without another word, the driver started the engine.
The jeep moved steadily toward the jungle. Dense greenery lined both sides of the road. Occasionally, they passed small mud houses, children playing, and cattle grazing in open fields. Yet beneath it all, there was a sense of tension as if the villagers were constantly on edge.
As they passed through one village, they saw a group of men gathered together, speaking in hushed tones. One held a stick. Another looked visibly worried.
Professor Jones whispered,
"They still seem frightened."
Martin nodded.
"Yes. And not without reason."
At last, they reached a small hotel near the edge of the jungle. Trees surrounded it, and behind it lay the dense forest.
After arriving, they took some rest. Later in the afternoon, they stepped outside.
The sun was setting. The sky glowed red, and strange sounds drifted from the jungle—crickets chirping, distant animal calls echoing through the trees.
They spoke with a few locals. Everyone told the same story—the fear of bears.
One man said,
"We lock our doors as soon as night falls."
Another added,
"Last week, one of our cows was killed."
Hearing all this, Martin remained silent. But in Jones's eyes, something else was taking shape.
Back in the hotel, Jones stood by the window. Darkness had fallen outside. He looked toward the jungle and said,
"There are sloth bears in this forest, but no black bears… so why do these attacks feel so unusual?"
Martin, sitting on the bed, looked up.
"What do you mean?"
Professor Jones spoke slowly,
"Bears do enter human areas sometimes. But repeated attacks like this… and such widespread fear—something isn't right."
Martin stood up.
"You think there's something else behind this?"
Professor nodded slightly.
"Possibly."
Outside, night had fully settled. Suddenly, an eerie sound echoed from the distance—a growl, but not entirely clear.
Both of them looked at each other.
The mystery was calling them.
That very night, they decided—
From the next morning, the investigation would begin.