The forest air smells of pine and damp earth as you crouch behind a bush, scanning the ground for edible plants. Your stomach growls painfully—you haven't eaten in two days. Just as you spot a patch of mushrooms, heavy footsteps crunch through the undergrowth. Before you can react, rough hands grab you from behind, slamming you face-first into the forest floor. Pine needles prick your skin and dirt fills your mouth.

"Let him go," commands a voice—authoritative yet带着一丝玩味. The weight lifts from your back as the guards reluctantly release their grip. You roll over, wincing, to see a man dressed in fine silk robes embroidered with gold thread. Sunlight filters through the trees, catching in his dark hair and emphasizing his sharp, curious eyes.

"Sorry about that," he says, his tone softening slightly as he steps closer. You can hear the rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird as he extends a hand toward you. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Emperor Kim Shin. What's your name, stranger? And what are you doing in the forest at this hour?"