Fox Sister

As the sunset finally faded and darkness enveloped the village, I scoured every corner but found nothing. Retreating to the tavern for another night’s rest, the heavy, oppressive air greeted me once more. Inside, a woman sat quietly polishing a lantern under dim light. She glanced up briefly as I entered, her gaze carrying a complex mix of wariness and unease.

“Welcome back,” she said in a low voice, more of a confirmation than a greeting.

“…Yeah,” I replied curtly, heading toward my room until she stopped me. “Stay only till tonight. It’s best to leave before tomorrow night.”

Her tone was dismissive, like she was shooing away an unwelcome guest. Yet there was something restrained beneath it. Her eyes never left the lantern she was cleaning.

“Why?” I asked.

She paused, hesitating in the silence. “Something… unpleasant will happen the day after tomorrow,” she finally said, her voice firm despite its vagueness. Her direct gaze was cold and resolute.

I sensed more to her words, wondering why she seemed so normal while everyone else appeared broken. As I considered using my spirit eye powered by my magical energy to probe deeper, her expression shifted slightly, as if sensing my intent.

“There are times ignorance is bliss,” she whispered softly.

“Is my curiosity misplaced?” I countered.

Her chilly reply carried a strange tremor beneath its resolve. Clearly hiding something, yet without fear or guilt—more like concern for my safety.

“What exactly are you hiding?” I pressed.

Instead of answering, she turned away, clearly knowing something but not out of malice. Deciding to step back and observe further rather than antagonize her, I moved to my room.

A faint blood-red glimmer in the dark.

A small figure crouched amidst the shadows.

The moonlight revealed a face stained with crimson.

Cold sweat trickled down my spine as I woke. The room felt colder, the ominous aura thicker than yesterday. Recalling the woman’s warning, I realized these weren’t just bad dreams but premonitions. My head spun as I rose from bed, feeling the weight of dread in the air.

Remembering Master’s teachings, I stepped outside toward the mountain path. Dawn painted the distant hills with scattered wildflowers, their beauty contrasting sharply against the oppressive atmosphere. Finding a sunny spot, I prepared ink, yellow paper, and a small glass vial.

Dipping my fingers into the ink, I began drawing talismans with utmost focus. Each stroke concentrated my mind entirely on the task. Placing the completed talisman on my palm, I infused it with my magical power, feeling subtle vibrations ripple through my hand.

Next, filling the vial with dirt, I channeled my energy, watching white light bloom within. The soil turned pure white like snow, radiating warmth from my palm. Preparations done, tension mounted as I faced the unknown.

The crescent moon hung sharp and cold above empty streets. Drawing the chicken blood from my flask, I sketched lines following the village’s spiritual veins. The red patterns shimmered eerily in the dark, completing the formation.

Suddenly, the dormant energy surged violently, awakening something deep within the shadows. A massive spider emerged, its dozens of segments writhing grotesquely, crimson eyes gleaming maliciously.

Oddly, it wasn’t as formidable as expected compared to the oppressive aura plaguing the village. My hands trembled slightly as I straightened, adjusting my voice to address the beast.

“Fiendish creature, why do you harm the innocent?”

The spider bared its fangs and let out a deafening shriek, its crimson ichor dripping disgustingly. Raising its front legs, it smashed toward the formation.

Throwing the vial of purified earth, thorny vines erupted to bind the monster. Drawing Master’s borrowed sword, I charged forward despite his usual critique of my swordsmanship. Stabbing the beast proved simple enough, and it collapsed lifelessly.

Relaxing momentarily, thinking it over, a powerful impact struck my side, sending me flying. Pain exploded as I crashed to the ground. Blinking away spots, I saw another spider looming over me.

Before it could strike, a whistling sound cut through the air as a giant spear pierced its body. Turning toward the source, the tavern woman stood there, her cold eyes meeting mine.

“I did warn you to leave before tonight,” she stated icily, finishing off the second spider with swift precision.

The metallic clang echoed in my ears, leaving me stunned.

“Are you alright?” she asked, her frosty demeanor softened slightly by concern in her tone.

“Thanks to you…” I managed weakly, attempting to rise but groaning in pain instead.

“We need to tend to that wound first. Come inside,” she insisted, silently returning my fallen sword.