MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 341: The Yokai Lore

As per their agreed-upon plan, Xin, Hilda, and Seraphim travelled onwards the following day towards the final save point before reaching Yamamura village.

As Xin, Hilda, and Seraphim embarked on their journey, diligently following the map provided by Twig, the forest unfolded its secrets before them.

The dense foliage created a natural canopy, filtering sunlight and casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. A symphony of rustling leaves and distant calls of unknown creatures filled the air, heightening the mystical atmosphere of the uncharted woodlands.

The trail, marked by subtle signs the map had pointed out, led them through a scene of vibrant flora. They encountered towering ancient trees with roots that seemed to writhe like serpents beneath the surface.

Glowing mushrooms in various hues dotted the forest floor, creating an ethereal glow that danced with the wind’s whispers.

Following the twists and turns of the map, the trio encountered a diverse array of creatures and different Yokais.

Some beings observed them with curiosity, their eyes gleaming from hidden corners. Graceful spirits resembling ethereal foxes, possibly another breed of kitsune, weaved through the underbrush, acknowledging the party with a flick of their tails before vanishing into the shadows.

Friendly encounters brought moments of tranquility. Radiant spirits resembling benevolent will-o’-wisps floated by, casting a gentle light that guided the travelers.

Elegant creatures with the features of deer approached cautiously, offering a momentary connection before gracefully departing.

However, not all the encounters were harmonious. Some Yokai, indifferent to the intruders, continued on their own business, their forms blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

On the other hand, confrontations arose with Yokai who deemed the humanoids unwelcome in their lands. These confrontations manifested as clashes, where Yokai with formidable abilities blocked their path, declaring in haunting tones that the intrusion would not be tolerated.

The skirmishes were fierce, with projectiles of magical energy and bursts of elemental forces illuminating the forest.

Yokais, embodying the spirits of the woodlands, expressed their displeasure at the presence of non Yokais, conveying a sense of ancient enmity that transcended mere hostility.

Through it all, Xin, Hilda, and Seraphim pressed forward, navigating the encounters as they advanced toward the last save point before reaching Yamamura village. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Guided by the map provided by Twig, their journey felt surprisingly effortless, with each step leading them deeper into the heart of the mystical woodlands.

Within the span of two hours, the trio found themselves standing at the final save point, a designated sanctuary in the midst of the enchanting forest.

"At last . . ." Hilda murmured, relief evident in her voice. "We’ve finally reached our destination."

"Is this where we’re rendezvousing with the others?" Seraphim inquired, scanning the surroundings. Her guard had eased, given the safe haven provided by the save point.

"We’ve got company," Xin announced and nodded in the direction of a figure not far.

As they approached the save point, a Yokai named Ginko stood sentinel.

Ginko, a tabaxi with a feline grace and humanoid features, exuded an air of curiosity and vigilance. His keen, catlike eyes assessed the newcomers, and a playful flick of his tail hinted at a mischievous spirit.

Draped in clothing that mimicked the natural hues of the forest, Ginko carried an aura of wilderness about him. He held a non-lethal trapping tool, showcasing his preference for capturing prey without causing harm.

The forest seemed to respond to his presence, the rustling leaves and gentle whispers of the wind creating a harmonious backdrop to their meeting.

[Ginko, a skilled hunter, bore the essence of one well-acquainted with the forest’s secrets.

Ginko’s lively demeanor suggested an eagerness to share his insights.

Quick to leap into action, Ginko exuded a feisty energy, and his readiness to exchange hunting techniques indicated a thirst for knowledge.]

Xin perused the brief description of the cat-faced Yokai, a creature standing upright on two feet like a human. Surprisingly, it shared the same height and friendly demeanor, even waving in a human-like manner.

"Hey there, friends," greeted the Yokai with a wide grin, sounding remarkably human.

Xin couldn’t help but be reminded of Puss in Boots.

"How are you doing? My name’s Ginko, a hunter in this forest," he introduced himself with a genial tone.

Xin and the others reciprocated with their own introductions, sparking Ginko’s enthusiasm.

"Are you heading to Yamamura? That village is full of Kitsune and is ruled by their leader, Satomi. They’re very hostile to non-Yokai and even Yokai that aren’t Kitsunes."

"You seem to know a lot about them," Seraphim observed.

Ginko laughed and explained. "My interest in the Kitsune’s stasis spell marked me as a figure knowledgeable about Yokai lore! Ask me anything and I will answer all your questions!"

Suddenly, a series of questions appeared on Xin and Seraphim’s screens, generated by the system.

Xin suspected that Ginko was standing on the save point was because he was like those NPCs who supply information to players.

Driven by curiosity, Xin pressed the first question.

[What’s a Yokai?]

Ginko immediately explained, "Yokais are distinct from humanoids, are a unique creature type, often featuring spirits as a subtype, similar to how Elves, Dwarves, and Orcs are humanoid subtypes.

"For instance, creatures may be labeled as "Yokai (kitsune)," signifying that the entity is both a kitsune and a Yokai.

"A millennium ago, Yokai and humanoids coexisted in the world. Despite Yokai possessing formidable magical abilities, the sheer numerical advantage lay with humanoids. Initially, Yokai offered their services, seeking payment and tribute in return.

"As humanoid nations expanded, the Yokai’s requests escalated, eventually surpassing their capabilities. In response, the spirits withdrew to a secluded mountain. With the absence of Yokai magic, societal structures crumbled swiftly.

"Farmers reliant on water spirits for irrigation found their fields barren, blacksmiths lost their fire spirits, and miners without earth spirits witnessed their mines collapsing. Enraged, humanoids launched an attack, repeatedly clashing with the Yokai on their mountain retreat. Despite their potency, the Yokai couldn’t contend with the overwhelming numbers. Forced into retreat, they found themselves cornered and nowhere to go."