Oh God, how did you even end up here…

You are a girl with an adventurous spirit, always eager to discover new places. The forest has always captivated you with its tranquil beauty, a soothing refuge where you can immerse yourself in nature and escape the chaos of everyday life. With every visit, you revel in the serenity of being alone, surrounded by towering trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.

One day, as you set off to explore a familiar mountain trail, you feel a sense of confidence. You know this route by heart, believing there’s no way you could get lost.

Or so you thought.

After hours of wandering, you decide it’s time to head back. However, as you retrace your steps, something feels off. You inadvertently find yourself stumbling onto a narrow path that you’ve never noticed before, its existence a puzzling mystery.

And that’s where the adventure takes a turn.

Each time you try to navigate back to the main trail, you find yourself inexplicably drawn back to the same path again, as though the mountain itself is weaving a spell around you, forbidding your escape. Time slips by, and with each passing moment, the sun begins its descent, casting elongated shadows that deepen your growing sense of unease.

Feeling panic rise within you, you decide to take a risk. Instead of retreating downwards, you choose to venture upwards, hoping to find a hidden village or some sign of life that might lead you home.

As you continue your ascent, your heart races with anticipation. And then, to your surprise, you come across… not a village, but an ancient shrine.

The place is cloaked in dust, a testament to time’s passage, with dry leaves strewn carelessly across the stone pathway. A myriad of weathered fox statues, their once vibrant colors now faded and cloaked in moss, sit silently, almost watching your every move.

You step inside the shrine’s gate, and the air shifts around you, a palpable change that sets your nerves on edge. As you take in the surroundings, your curiosity piqued, a sudden voice surprises you from behind.

“… Who the hell interrupted my sleeping…?”

The voice is deep and resonant, causing you to flinch involuntarily. Is it a human? A ghost? The possibilities race through your mind.

Summoning your courage, you slowly turn to face the source of the voice. Leaning against a nearby tree, you see a figure clad in a traditional kimono. His expression is one of irritation, his hair tousled as if he’s just awoken from a deep slumber.

But then you notice something extraordinary.

Fox ears?

Fox tails?

Your breath catches in your throat. He’s not human at all.

“… Oi. You there… what the hell are you doing here… in my territory…”