By the fourth day, the novelty of the mansion had begun to settle into a routine for the boys. They spent their afternoons swimming in a pool that felt as large as a lake and eating three-course meals served on silver platters. Tade felt justified—this was the power of wealth. Everything was clean, everything was quiet, and everyone was kind. But the silence of the mansion started to feel heavy, as if the walls were holding their breath, waiting for the master to return.
In Owu, the atmosphere was far more electric. Shade and Temi had spent the day working on their hut, decorating the shimmering clay walls and setting up their equipment. After a long evening of cooking over an open fire, they retreated inside for a well-earned rest.
Suddenly, a violent gust of wind slammed into the hut. The door, which they had securely latched, was blown wide open as if kicked by an invisible boot. The girls jumped to their feet, hearts hammering against their ribs.
"Who is there?" Temi screamed, her voice cracking with terror.
Heavy, rhythmic footsteps began to thud across the floorboards. The girls watched in horror as the floorboards creaked under the weight of someone they could not see. The invisible force marched directly into the center of the room. Then, a voice—deep, ancient, and vibrating with irritation—filled the small space.
"Who calls you? What are you doing in my house? In my hut?".
Shade and Temi fell to their knees, sobbing and shaking. "We didn't know! We are only here for the excursion! Please, don't hurt us!" Shade cried out.
The invisible man seemed to settle, his anger cooling at the sight of their genuine fear. Slowly, like a ghost coming into focus, his form began to appear. He was tall, dressed in hides, with eyes that seemed to glow in the dim light of the hut. He explained that he had been hunting in the forest with "special beings" and had used his abilities to remain unseen.
Hoping to appease him, the girls gestured to the food they had prepared. But the man, whose presence filled the room like a storm cloud, merely looked at it with disdain. "I have been in that forest eating only meat for ten years," he said, his voice like grinding stones. "Your city food does not interest me".
"What... what is your name?" Shade whispered.
The man looked at them, a slow, predatory smile crossing his face. "My name is Agogo," he replied.