MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 343: The Allure of Yama-mura

"The Yokai of Yama-mura exhibit tremendous diversity. This is the last refuge of spirits from all across the ancient world, and each has been shaped by the culture it originated in or near," continued Ginko.

"They can be seen with all manner of skin color, height, weight, and physical features. They wear outfits that suit whatever they are currently doing, using their shapeshifting abilities to change their attire during the day.

"Currently, Yama-mura had grown. Most of this growth occurs as Yokai move from one place to another, but some Yokai from nearby areas may make their way to Yama-mura from afar, potentially bringing new spirit types and forms to the village."

"That concludes all of the questions thus far," Ginko said with a bemused laugh. "Anything you don’t understand?"

Seraphim and Xin both shook their heads, signifying that they had the basic information about the place.

While Hilda was still stuck at the idea that Satomi was a young woman and might be a potential rival.

"Looks like we’re the first players to have ever reached this far," Seraphim muttered.

"You can tell?" Xin asked her.

"With the guilds and players coming in here, we haven’t encountered even a single one as we traversed this path. Looks like you really need that map to get here, or you will get lost in the forest."

Xin didn’t comment. It must have to do with Twig or other scattered NPCs around the forest.

The key was probably to maximize their relationship with them so they would give them parts of the Uncharted Woodland’s map.

Xin gave a half shrugged. Well, it wasn’t his problem.

"You could probably sell that map for a very high price," Seraphim told Lord Scrooge with a grin.

"Can’t do. All acquired items here belong to the group and must be equally shared among us. So the decision lies within the group if we wanted to sell the map or not."

"Although you acquired it," Seraphim said.

"That’s right," Hilda nodded in agreement. "It should belong to you, Lord Scrooge."

"Don’t put strange ideas into my head," Xin told the two, his voice signifying the end of the discussion.

He wasn’t that thick-skinned and unprofessional to not uphold the contract.

And his goal wasn’t money right now. Since he had acquired their house back and paid off their debt, he was just enjoying the moment.

It was a nice change for once after the hassling he did in the past months. He should start enjoying the game for once.

While waiting, Xin decided to check the others’ locations on his map. Victor and Sylvan were fast approaching, while Drakoon had met up with Luna and Ignis.

However, Xin noticed that the three had stopped in their location.

"They must have encountered something on the way here," Xin thought.

Only the location of their group was shown on the map. As to whether they had encountered beasts or players, he wouldn’t know, as other things wouldn’t show on the group’s map.

Finally, Victor and Sylvan arrived after thirty minutes.

Victor went to Xin and tapped his back. "Good job in acquiring that map."

"We just got lucky encountering an NPC along the way," Xin said with a straight face. "But I’m glad that you’re finally here."

Victor blinked before he grinned widely, placing his hand on Xin’s shoulder. "Eheeheee. Don’t tell me that you miss me? Aw. I miss you too."

Ah, no. He was glad that Victor was finally here since he was uncomfortable with Midnight Duchess, aka Seraphim, on his side.

Suddenly, a stone flickered on Victor’s head, and he immediately let go of Xin.

Rubbing his head, Victor growled, "Who did that?"

He cursed and shifted his head left and right.

On the side, Seraphim pretended that she just didn’t throw a stone at Grey Smoke while the latter narrowed his eyes at her.

"Was it you?"

Seraphim shook her head.

Victor was about to open his mouth to retort when Sylvan interjected.

"Ignis and the others are not here yet?" he asked Lord Scrooge and the others.

Xin shook his head, while Seraphim answered, "Isn’t it obvious?"

Sylvan threw her a glare before he sighed, and his eyes went to Ginko at the side. "Who’s he?"

Ginko waved to the newcomers and said with a wide smile, showing rows of canine teeth, "Hello there! My name is Ginko, Neko Yokai, at your service! If you have questions about Yokai and the Kitsunes, just ask me!" he said enthusiastically.

"Heh. Is that right?" Sylvan was curious, and he went to Ginko.

Xin, Seraphim, and Hilda exchanged glances. They knew what was about to come, so they wanted to stop Sylvan, but it was already too late. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Sylvan had already pressed one of the buttons, and Ginko went on, repeating what he had said a while ago.

Great, Xin thought. He should have just waited for the others before asking Ginko those questions.

Now they had to listen to the Neko cat all over again.

Sylvan and Victor didn’t seem to mind since they were just hearing it for the first time, but Xin and the others had already had enough.

Wait . . . Xin paused. What if Ignis, Drakoon, and Luna came? Would they press the questions again, and the three of them would have to listen to Ginko three times over?

Xin lamented. If that happened, he might already have memorized the Yokai’s history.

After a few minutes, all the questions had finally been pressed, and Sylvan was finally satisfied with his curiosity. Though there was a gleam in his eyes this time, and he couldn’t contain his excitement when he addressed the others.

"Let’s go inside the village."

He must be really excited to finally acquire the Golden Tail Kitsune. Xin mused to himself.

Finally, they could see the Yokai village and finish this mission.

"What about the others?" Victor asked. "Ignis, Luna, and Drakoon aren’t still here."

Sylvan didn’t mind and answered him, "The village is just past this point, and they won’t get lost. We’ll just meet inside the village."

He then went onward, almost skipping his steps.

Xin stared at Sylvan’s back and thought to himself, then why did he have them wait outside? He should have just said to meet inside the village in the first place.

Looks like Sylvan was eager to be the first to enter and see the Yokai village. Xin thought and followed behind the others.