The sky was painted with soft morning colors as Aeliana stepped out of her small camp. Her body ached from sleeping on the ground, but her mind was alive. Today felt different, but she was ready for a challenge.
She packed a small bag with her tools and some dried fruit. She had already secured food and shelter. Now, she was curious about what else the island had to offer. The island was wild, yes, but it felt... monitored not only by the program team, but by someone else. As if something more was hidden beneath the surface.
The live camera drone floated behind her like always, its lens focused on her every move. The broadcast never stopped during breaks and sleep time. Only during personal times like bathing or changing was the feed paused. The rest of the time, the audience watched everything.
Aeliana hiked deeper into the forest. The trees grew thicker, and strange vines curled around them like snakes in camouflage. But her steps were careful. She knew how to read the land, where to place her foot, and what plants to avoid.
Suddenly, something caught her eye.
There was a patch of green ahead, brighter than the rest. She pushed past some bushes and gasped.
A small field was spread out before her. It wasn't a natural wild area. The plants were planted neatly, more like a hidden farmland. Plants were lined in rows, spaced evenly apart. These weren't weeds. They were herbs, even the rarest ones appeared. Some were known to treat diseases, boost strength, or slow aging.
She stepped closer and knelt by one plant. Her fingers gently touched the leaves.
"This is Ginseng…" she whispered. "Real Ginseng."
She moved to another row.
"And this… Snow Lotus?" Her heart beat faster. "These plants don't just grow anywhere. Someone must have planted them here..."
Aeliana stood up and looked around. The forest was silent, devoid of animal activity. But her instincts warned her that the area might be dangerous. This wasn't just a survival game anymore. Someone had once used this place for more.
She followed the rows of herbs. The path wasn't marked, but the direction was clear. Eventually, she reached a strange sight.
What is this place? Does the government know about this site? Or did the program team arrange this to be discovered?
A building, old, cracked, and covered in moss, stood hidden between tall trees. Its glass windows were broken, and vines grew through the walls. An old sign hung above the rusted door, but the letters had faded. Still, she could make out two words.
"Research Facility."
Aeliana stared at the building.
Her hands felt cold, but her curiosity burned stronger than her fear. The drone camera zoomed in, catching every expression on her face. The audience at home watched with wide eyes. The chat exploded with messages.
[What is that place?]
[This is not part of the show, right?]
[She found something they didn't want us to see!]
[It couldn't be arranged by the program team, right?]
Some fans thought it was just for drama. Others were starting to believe Aeliana had stumbled upon something real, something not planned by the program team.
She stepped forward and gently pushed the door open. It creaked loudly. Dust filled the air, and inside, everything looked frozen in time. Desks were still in place, some with papers scattered across them. Machines lined the walls, rusted and quiet. Aeliana walked carefully, stepping over fallen tiles and cracked glass.
The walls were full of notes. She read the ones she could understand. Some mentioned tests on herbal medicine. Others had charts of body responses and immune reactions. There were old vials in broken cabinets, and faded photos pinned to cork boards.
"This was a medical lab…" she said under her breath. "But why is it abandoned?"
A door at the far end of the room was slightly open. Aeliana walked to it and peeked inside. It was a storage room. On the shelves were sealed containers, dusty but untouched. She opened one. Inside were dried herbs, labeled and sorted, still safe after all these years.
She took one of the labels and read it aloud. "Antivenom root extract…"
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed from deeper in the building. A metallic clank, like something falling. Aeliana froze.
Was someone else here?
The camera drone hovered behind her, and the audience held their breath.
Aeliana grabbed her knife and crept toward the sound. Her footsteps were muted.
She turned the corner… and saw nothing. Just a rat, scurrying across the floor.
She let out a slow breath. "Just a rat."
But the feeling didn't go away. Her skin tingled. Her instincts screamed.
She left the room and stepped outside into the fresh air, letting the sunlight calm her nerves. The herbs still stood in perfect rows. Everything was clear now.
This island had once been more than just wilderness. It was a secret research center. And now she had uncovered it.
Back in the Imperial Capital, Reinhardt's secretary burst into his office.
"Sir, you need to see this," he said, holding a tablet.
"I'm working," Reinhardt said without looking up.
"It's about your wife. She found something."
Reluctantly, Reinhardt took the tablet and glanced at the screen.
His eyes widened.
He watched as Aeliana explored the lab. He recognized the layout. He had seen old documents about this place when he was younger. This wasn't just an island for fun or games. This was a private facility that was supposed to be shut down.
"Get me the program director," he said. "Now."
Back on the island, Aeliana returned to her camp, still deep in thought. Her mind was racing. Why was a research lab hidden here? Why were precious herbs left growing?
She didn't know the answers yet, but she knew one thing. This show was no longer just about survival. It was about secrets hidden by some organization. And she had just found the first one.
Will this show continue?
As the sun dipped below the trees and darkness covered the forest, the drone camera zoomed out, showing Aeliana alone in her camp, her fire flickering softly.
She stared at the flames, her face calm but thoughtful.
She was no ordinary celebrity.
She was something more.
And the world was starting to see it.