Clocktower_Lucil

In the shadowy depths of an ancient forest in Heian Japan, a nameless European knight finds himself inexplicably transported from his homeland to a realm unknown, hundreds of kilometers away from the familiar landscapes of Europe. Lost and bewildered, he stands amidst the towering trees of a foreign land, his armor gleaming like a beacon in this distant time period.

As the knight grapples with the enigma of his sudden displacement, he soon discovers that this world is teeming with malevolent forces, demons, and spirits drawn from the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore. They torment him, as if toying with the interloper who has unwittingly stumbled into their domain. Each encounter with these supernatural entities becomes a harrowing battle, his sword clashing against the eerie, otherworldly forms that emerge from the shadows.

Yet amidst the chaos and danger, a ray of hope emerges in the form of a mysterious shrine maiden. She becomes his guide in this realm, her gentle presence a lifeline in a sea of unfamiliar customs and an impenetrable language barrier. Together, they embark on a quest, not only to confront the demons that have ensnared him but also to decipher the ancient mysteries of Heian Japan.

Their journey takes them through a world of vividly painted landscapes, from the bustling streets of Heian-era Kyoto to the serene tranquility of remote mountain shrines. Along the way, the knight gains a deep appreciation for the life of the common folk in this ancient East Asian society, as he witnesses the delicate interplay between Shinto and Buddhist practices and becomes entwined in the cultural tapestry of the time.

As the battles against the malevolent spirits intensify, the knight's quest for a way back to his European homeland becomes deeply personal. The demons have not only transported him across time and space but have also tampered with his very existence. Determined to reclaim his lost identity and return home, he must muster every ounce of courage and determination, forging an unbreakable bond with the shrine maiden.

Wandering Knight Too Angry to Die

In a coastal village nestled between the rhythmic waves of the sea and the gentle rustling of bamboo, there lived a fisherman named Daiki. Known for his hearty laughter and the tales of the sea that danced in his eyes, Daiki was a jovial presence among the villagers.

One evening, after a spirited drinking dinner with his friends, Daiki stumbled into his way home under the moonlit sky. The scent of the salty sea air and the faint sound of distant waves accompanied him on his tipsy journey. His steps were unsteady, his laughter contagious as he weaved through the narrow paths leading to his humble abode.

Upon reaching home, he was greeted by the sight of his teenage daughter, Yuki, waiting in the doorway. The hut was small and command modesty that befitting a fisherman's, but the gracious sight of a daughter waiting for him lifted his spirits into newer heights. Yuki had grown into a fine young woman, her beauty reflecting the grace of her mother. Daiki's eyes softened with love as he clumsily inquired if she and her mother had already eaten dinner. Yuki, accustomed to her father's occasional bouts of inebriation and wanted to give him ease, assured him that they had.

In his drunken haze, Daiki fumbled with a cloth bag he had slung over his shoulder. With a lopsided grin, he presented it to Yuki. The bag, heavy with the aroma of dried fish, was a leftover from the drinking feast at a friend's house. While excited, Yuki's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she accepted this unexpected gift.

Later that night, the quaint fisherman's house echoed with soft murmurs of sleep. Yuki, nestled in the cold embrace of the wooden floor, suddenly woke up to the persistent growling of hunger in her stomach. Unable to resist the call of a midnight snack, she tiptoed into the dimly lit kitchen.

In the dark corner of the room, a straw box sat patiently. The ashen floor scraped her sandals as she gingerly approached the wooden rack. Yuki opened the straw box with practiced ease, revealing the cloth bag that held the remnants of the dried fish her father mentioned. Around the corner of her eye, she spotted a rice pot, with the hunger encroaching Yuki opened the lid. With a delicate touch, she combined the flavorful fish with leftover rice, creating a simple yet satisfying rice ball.

Under the soft glow of the full moon entering the abode from the window, Yuki savored the quiet pleasure of her makeshift meal. The blend of textures and flavors painted a picture of comfort, time seemed to be suspended for a moment. Content and nourished, she returned to her makeshift bed, leaving the kitchen wrapped in the gentle embrace of the night.

The following morning, as the first rays of dawn painted the horizon, Daiki awoke with a start. The memory of the previous night's actions immediately flooded his consciousness, and a wave of fury washed over him.

"Oh gods what have I done?!" He exclaimed.

Regret gnawed at his heart as he finally realized the sinister deed he committed that will change Yuki's life forever, and ever.

Chapter Thirty-three part two: Yao-bikuni