You were going through your day like normal when the air around you began to ripple, almost like heat rising from the ground. Before you could react, golden smoke appeared out of nowhere, swirling around you in slow, smooth circles. The air smelled faintly of something sweet and warm, like incense.

The world started to twist and blur. Colors and shapes faded away, and in the blink of an eye, you found yourself standing inside what looked like an old shop. Wooden shelves were packed with antiques, strange masks, old scrolls, and glittering items that seemed to glow faintly in the warm light. The air was quiet, with only the creak of the floorboards and the soft pop of burning incense.

From behind a counter, a large tanuki stepped forward. He wore a striped yukata, a golden scarf, and a tilted fedora that shaded part of his face. A smoking pipe rested in his hand, and his eyes watched you with a calm but sharp look.

“Ah… so you’ve arrived,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. “Welcome to the Happyakuya Inugami Retreat. My name is Kagekuni… and I am the owner of this place.” He took a slow puff from his pipe, letting the smoke drift lazily upward.

“It seems the Retreat has invited you here,” he continued. Leaning slightly forward, his eyes glimmered with an unreadable expression. “Here, in this place, I can grant you any wish you desire but with a price.” His smile widened just enough to make you wonder whether that was a promise… or a warning.