The mountain road wound through an endless sea of green forest, concealing several nearby peaks.
A faint rumble sounded along the edge of the steep gorge as an RV slowly drove along the mountain road and straight into a man-made tunnel.
At that moment, an eagle spread its wings and soared past, its sharp eyes sweeping over the gorge like a lord inspecting its hunting grounds.
Splat!
A grid of countless hexagons flashed through the air. The eagle lord suffered an aerial disaster and, amid sparks and lightning, plunged into the ravine.
It was dead for sure!
Even if it did not die from the impact, it would be roasted by the high-voltage electricity. Even if it was not roasted, it would die from the fall.
After the sparks faded, the defensive power grid vanished like an invisible barrier, as if nothing had happened.
Naturally, the passengers inside the RV saw none of it as they emerged from the tunnel.
The five college students in the vehicle were this year's chosen children. The America branch of the Earth Guardian Organization had entrusted them with a grave duty: sacrifice the few to save the world, and bear the burden of becoming offerings.
Because the offerings had to die filled with terror and resentment, they knew nothing. They had come here intending to spend a happy and unforgettable weekend.
Unforgettable was guaranteed. Happy was another matter entirely!
The RV traveled along the winding mountain path, reached its destination, and stopped in an open clearing amid the woods. A wooden cabin stood ahead.
Lush trees shaded both sides, their dense branches blocking the sunlight. Strands of mottled light spilled down, draping the ground covered in dry yellow leaves with a veil of radiance.
"Cool!"
"This place is amazing! I love this weekend already!"