Summary

Uni says goodbye to Ota Village and meets Vaedan at a willow grove. Taking inspiration from Nariya, she attempts to initiate a ritual to communicate with the forest. The experience overwhelms her as she connects with the land’s ancient rhythms, uncovering a dark, invasive presence at its core. Although she barely escapes the ritual’s grip, Uni emerges with a single word: Pitaya. Vaedan explains that Pitaya is an Ayin village deep in the forest. Though wary of the potential hostility they might face there, Uni insists they investigate, driven by her determination to save the forest. The two set off toward Pitaya.

Arriving at Pitaya, Vaedan explains the barter-based culture and warns Uni to avoid offering or taking anything without careful consideration. They "disguise" her as an Ayin and wait at a communal fire pit to gather information. There, Uni struggles...