Creatures Of The Forest

"I thought you'd said the creatures around here won't harm us? I don't see an issue with a little sound."

"There would be issues, especially if you roused up by some kids running around your home. If the creatures wake up in a bad mood, they will be hostile no matter what they are. And the creatures here are ones that Z and I have captured to be guardians of this place."

"The creatures are quite diverse, with some being cute but deadly while others being echoes of the Corrupted Ones. Even if you kill them, they'll come back again. Freaky but necessary for the Old Chapel's protection. We've managed to capture a few imps and sprites as well."

"The best one caught was Tomoe, our Kitsune Familiar from Raiyen. That fox is of Japanese descent, and he brought back a bunch of nature spirits called 'Kodama.' These little things are our little patrollers of the forest when the main team isn't around. They are cute but fierce."

"So long as you respect them in their home, the Kodamas would give you their blessing. For instance, if you see one, bow down to say high or give them offerings if one helps you out of the forest. However, kids can't see them and often vandalize their homes, which are trees."

"Doing so would invoke the wrath of the Kodamas, and they will rain curses upon the person. Chopping off trees would anger them as well unless you've entered into combat. Then, the Kodama of this forest would understand and stay away from the battle site," explained Mavislin.

Hmm, so this forest is packed with different creatures that can be hostile. It was no wonder I got attacked as soon as Mavislin left me. But luckily for me, I've yet to see these little tree spirits. I have read about them, but I always thought nothing about it.

The illusions of the Kodama aren't terrifying, so I didn't pay too much attention to their specialties but I know they've been drawn as cute little ghosts. I was more interested in Tomoe, the Kistune that Mavislin briefly mentioned. Those fox spritis are sly and playful, taking on various forms.

Either to seduce women or con others, the Kitsune would use their shape-shifting ability for ill-will. That's what I know, but I can't say for sure that this Tomoe person would be bearing any misfortune to me. After all, this fox sounds like he is on the nice list of Lady Mavislin Roydon.

"As for the earlier battle you had with Bryan, the creatures can tell the difference from a kid's cries and weapons clashing. Another thing about kids going missing is that we might be invaded or others are trying to get into the area. What if the child meets a kidnapper?"

"Thus, I've created a codeword in the form of a little game. It's a simple thing called 'guess my wings' color' while I take the kids out of the dense area. It's specific to me and a way to ward off Mages that know about the ever-changing wings of a Valkyrie," added Mavislin.

Suddenly, the giant Mage called Z halted in his tracks. I almost bumped into Mavislin because of the sudden stop, and I stuck my head to the side to see what was blocking us. But, instead, Z turned to Mavislin and smiled while gesturing for her to lead the way.

The Valkyrie smiled and courtesied to the Galaxian Mage. Z moved to the side to allow me to get the full view of the pathway to the Old Chapel. I wasn't sure if I should call it a doorway or a gateway since there isn't any gate or door. They were merely willows and vines covering a hole.

And beyond the vines was pitch black. Hell, it's blacker than my heart and soul combined. So I don't get why the two Mages were smiling so happily as if I was walking into Narnia. Mavislin locked at the vines and laughed before snapping her fingers.

The darkness dispersed, revealing an obscured view of an empty but lush green plot of land. That was better, but where's the Old Chapel. Mavislin reached out and grasped my hand to grab one of the vines. The moment I touched one vine, all of the vines started glowing in an array of colors.

Each vine was changing colors while I freaked out and asked Mavislin what was happening. The Valkyrie laughed and asked me to relax. I swear I can hear Vania laughing in my head.

"Notice. I haven't got the feeling of laughter, but I do think your fear is silly."

Why you little... I turned to see Z giggling as well. Somehow, I was getting more angry than fearful. Mavislin smiled at me again.