arrow_back Genshin Impact Quests 
Divina Vulpes Chapter: Act I
The Great Narukami Offering
You planned to visit the Yae Publishing House, but after arriving in Hanamizaka, you find that it is more lively than usual here...
Take a stroll around Hanamizaka
Paimon:
We haven't been to the Yae Publishing House in a while. Paimon wonders if they have any new books in? The one we read with Ei that time was pretty cool...
Takatoshi:
Come on, this is a no-brainer, man! There's only one thing worth wishing for — and that is a ton of Mora!
Kiyoto:
But the exam's next week... If I fail again, I'm seriously done for. I'm better off wishing that my exam goes smoothly.
Takatoshi:
Ahh, it's just an exam! Trust me, there's no problem you can't solve by throwing Mora at it. If it doesn't work, then just keep throwing till it does!
Paimon:
What are they arguing about? It's quite a spirited debate.
Takatoshi:
Huh...? Really? You guys don't know?
Takatoshi:
"You need but stand on this land at midnight, lower your head and recite a special incantation, then your wish will come true!"
Takatoshi:
Looks like you guys really aren't in the loop. This, my friends, is the next big thing. A highly effective wish ritual, guaranteed to make your wishes come true!
Paimon:
A wish ritual? ...That actually works?
Traveler:
This does not sound credible...
Paimon:
Right? Even Paimon knows that's just not how the world works.
Takatoshi:
Heh, I didn't believe it at first, either. But that changed when it worked for someone I know.
Takatoshi:
It's this guy called Kunihiko. He's practically always been unemployed, wastes his days away, and he owes a lot of money... like, a lot! But get this — I don't see him for a few days, and suddenly I find him dressed to the nines and feasting at a high-class restaurant!
Takatoshi:
I heard it directly from him. He used this wishing ritual, and the next day he woke up to find his whole bed filled high with Mora!
Paimon:
His whole bed was filled with M—M—M...!? Woooow!!!
Kiyoto:
Of course, I'm sure the part about waking up lying on a bed of Mora is a bit of an exaggeration.
Kiyoto:
But whether you believe it or not, it's not exactly a difficult ritual. It can't hurt to give it a try, right?
Takatoshi:
If you're still feeling skeptical, just ask around. There are a lot of very compelling stories about this going around these days.
Paimon:
Really? Well c'mon, Traveler, let's go ask around right now, shall we?
Traveler:
Why the sudden urgency?
Paimon:
Well, if it really is true, then just think of all the Mora Paimon could... Oh and you'd finally be reunited with your twin, too! Let's go, let's go!
Investigate a kaidan that has been making the rounds recently
Paimon:
On closer inspection, it seems like there really are a lot of people talking about this kind of stuff. Hey, see those two? Paimon remembers them from the Yae Publishing House. One's an editor and the other's an author.
Junkichi:
...Grasp the thought in mind, clear like... ah, clear like the light of the moon. As close as kin with you... no, "thou"... wait, "thee." Uh, hear my... summons, right?
Shigeru:
No, no, it's not "hear my summons," it's "heed my summons," "heed." *sigh* You're never going to get it down at this rate.
Paimon:
Hey, what are you guys up to?
Junkichi:
Whoa! Sheesh, you scared me. Okay, okay... Where did I leave off with the incantation, again...
Paimon:
Incantation? Are you guys trying out this new wishing ritual stuff, too?
Shigeru:
Junkichi is trying it out, to be specific. He's hit a bit of a creativity block recently, so I'm helping him make a wish so that he can move past it.
Traveler:
I didn't think you guys would believe in this kind of thing.
Shigeru:
I mean, I obviously don't. But Junkichi never listens to an outside opinion. So all I can do is go along with it.
Junkichi:
Mr. Shigeru, can you please be a little more accommodating? This is extremely important to me!
Junkichi:
People have had all kinds of wishes come true: become more attractive, get rich quick, ace their studies... I'm just a poor, struggling writer looking to get over a creative hurdle. Is that so much to ask?
Junkichi:
Anyway, I just know this is going to work. I have a gut feeling about it.
Shigeru:
Didn't you say the same thing when you went to make your wish at the Grand Narukami Shrine? "Oh, I just know this is gonna work, I have a gut feeling about it."
Junkichi:
The omamori from the shrine take too long to have any effect on your luck. Ugh, alright, enough of that, help me get this incantation down. My new book depends on it!
Shigeru:
*sigh* Look, to be completely honest, I think you need to sit down and have a good think about what kind of story you wanna write. Where's all that self-confidence you had when you first started out?
Shigeru:
Look at you now! Trying dubious methods from any old light novel.
Paimon:
Wait, wait, wait... What? This wishing ritual comes from a light novel?
Junkichi:
Yup. It's from the one called "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."
Traveler:
Is it published by Yae Publishing House?
Junkichi:
No, it's most likely a self-published title. It just appeared out of nowhere and took Inazuma by storm.
Junkichi:
As a fellow writer, I'll refrain from passing comment on how well the story is written. But everyone is saying the wishing incantations it contains are the real deal.
Shigeru:
Look, Junkichi... yes, everyone's saying it's real, it works, but that's only half the story. I've also heard lots of people saying that everyone who's had their wish granted using this method starts behaving strangely!
Junkichi:
What's so surprising about that? They're probably just giddy with joy at having their wish come true!
Paimon:
Hmm, this is starting to sound a little suspicious...
Paimon:
Why don't we go to the Grand Narukami Shrine and ask Yae Miko about it, Traveler?
Paimon:
She's the expert when it comes to both light novels and the supernatural!
Go to the Grand Narukami Shrine and look for Yae Miko
Paimon:
Miko! Great, you're here.
Yae Miko:
Well hello there, young ones. What brings you to the shrine? It just so happens that I have a wonderful novel here. I highly recommend it.
Traveler:
We'd like your expert input on something.
Yae Miko:
Oh? Well what did you want to ask?
Paimon:
Well, we were just... Uh, actually, you look kinda busy, is this a bad time?
Yae Miko:
Hehe, no, not at all. It's nothing major.
Katou Youhei:
L—Lady Guuji... what do you mean, "nothing major"? I'm begging you, you've gotta help me save my brother!
Yae Miko:
It really is nothing major, I stand by that. Oh, but since you're so curious, let's have him relate the story one more time, just for you.
Katou Youhei:
You two seem to have a good relationship with Guuji Yae. Please, put in a good word for me, you have to convince her to help my brother!
Katou Youhei:
Here's what happened. My name is Katou Youhei, and my brother is Katou Shingo. All he's ever wanted is to become a swordmaster, so he once asked Sensei Domon of the Meikyou Shisui Art to take him on as a disciple.
Katou Youhei:
Domon turned him away. Took one look at him and said he didn't have what it takes to train in the art of the sword. But my brother wasn't about to resign himself to defeat — he trained every day as hard as he could, and finally proved himself by defeating one of Domon's best disciples in a duel recently.
Katou Youhei:
But since his victory, he's been acting extremely strange. It's like he's become a completely different person... The doctors can't find anything wrong with him, so I'm betting it must be the work of an evil spirit. That's why I'm here begging for Guuji Yae's help...
Yae Miko:
Hahaha... You know, there really aren't as many evil spirits lurking around as you seem to think. Your brother achieved the goal he'd been striving toward for as long as he can remember, and now it's gone. It's only natural that he feels a little empty and lost while he's trying to find a new direction.
Yae Miko:
If it were me, I'd just leave him be for a couple of days. He'll recover on his own soon enough.
Katou Youhei:
No, Lady Guuji! If you saw him for yourself, you'd know. I guarantee you, he is not acting like someone who feels empty and lost!
Yae Miko:
Oh, alright, alright. Then tell me, when did your brother spar with Domon's disciple?
Katou Youhei:
About... five days ago.
Yae Miko:
Hmm... five days ago, you say...
Katou Youhei:
Yes, Lady Guuji. That's a long time for him to be acting up like this. I'm really worried about him!
Katou Youhei:
Our greatest wish is to one day found our own school, just like Domon. We can't jeopardize that dream now!
Yae Miko:
Wait a minute, now I'm a little confused. Are you here to save your brother, or are you here to make your dreams of founding a martial arts school come true?
Katou Youhei:
Uh... Well they're kinda two sides of the same coin, aren't they?
Yae Miko:
Hmm? Whatever. Let me ask you this, have you heard of any interesting new rumors lately? If so, I'd love to hear about them.
Katou Youhei:
Wh—What? Rumors? I... I haven't heard anything!
Yae Miko:
Oh dear. Well, that's too bad.
Katou Youhei:
Lady Guuji, please, stop changing the subject. This is someone's life we're talking about here! Please, you've gotta help me!
Paimon:
Miko, he seems really desperate. This thing with his brother sounds really bad... Come on, you should help him.
Yae Miko:
Okay, fine. Then it's decided!
Paimon:
Yay, Miko! So you're gonna help him?
Yae Miko:
Katou whatever-your-name-was, these two guests are trusted acquaintances of mine, and in fact they are experts in resolving all manner of strange and supernatural phenomena. Exorcisms and that sort of thing are all in a day's work for them.
Paimon:
Yeah! Uh, wait a sec...
Katou Youhei:
Um.. r—really!?
Yae Miko:
Is that hesitation that I detect in your voice? So let me get this straight, you come begging to me for help, I actually recommend someone for the job, then suddenly you start doubting me?
Katou Youhei:
Not at all, never! Whatever Lady Guuji says, I trust wholeheartedly! Thank you two for your willingness to help, please follow me!
Paimon:
Now hold on a hot second, Miko! We may be a lot of things, but we ain't exorcists!
Yae Miko:
Hehe, don't worry. If he wants an exorcism, just grab a handful of salt and mutter some mumbo-jumbo while you're sprinkling it around.
Yae Miko:
It's a common trope in light novels, right? You just have to have a bit of bravado. As soon as the protagonist gains self-confidence, everything else just magically falls into place.
Yae Miko:
Well, you were the ones who seemed concerned about his situation. Don't you think it would be a little unfair to make me do all the work?
Yae Miko:
Besides, we both know you wouldn't be here at the Grand Narukami Shrine unless you had a request for me, too. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you come in good faith.
Paimon:
Ugh... this feels all wrong, but you technically have a point, so...
Yae Miko:
Alright, let's go. Don't worry, now, I'll be coming along too.
Paimon:
Okay, Traveler, let's follow Youhei and go visit his brother.
Search for Youhei's brother
Katou Youhei:
Hmm, how strange. My brother's been meditating here pretty much constantly over the past few days, but now he's gone!
Paimon:
Meditating?
Katou Youhei:
Yeah, it's something that he suddenly started doing after defeating Domon's disciple. He just sits there alone, talking to himself... It's pretty disturbing, actually.
Katou Youhei:
But that's not important right now! Where the heck could he have gone in his current state?
Yae Miko:
Hmm, this does pose a bit of a problem. If we can't find your brother, well, we can't perform an exorcism with nothing to exorcise, can we?
Yae Miko:
Katou whatever-your-name-was, given the circumstances, why don't you start by going to find your brother and also picking up a handful of salt on your way. We'll need to use it during the exorcism.
Katou Youhei:
Okay... okay, got it! I'm on it!
Paimon:
Miko, what about us? Shouldn't we help look for his brother, too?
Yae Miko:
Hehe, no need. While what's-his-face is handling that, we'll take a walk around and ask people what they know about the two brothers. Maybe we'll find out some amusing details.
Ask the villagers about Youhei and his brother
Paimon:
Hello, Sir! We'd like to ask you about the Katou brothers.
Nobuo:
Oh, are you debt collectors? Youhei said to tell you not to worry — he'll be able to pay you back as soon as he has enrolled a few disciples...
Paimon:
Huh? Debt collectors? No, no, we're not here for anything like that!
Paimon:
But, uh, it sounds like Youhei and Shingo have gotten themselves into a bit of a pickle...
Nobuo:
Well, yes, I don't think there's any disputing that. Those two don't have an ounce of dedication between them. They just hop between ideas and won't stick to anything.
Paimon:
Huh? But Youhei said his brother has always wanted to become a swordmaster, and even asked Domon to be his sensei.
Nobuo:
That's true, yes. Shingo begged Domon to take him on and eventually, he finally relented. But even after convincing a renowned sensei to give him a chance, he was the same as ever, bumming around in class instead of focusing on his training.
Nobuo:
In the end, Domon had enough and kicked him out. But Shingo was resentful about it. He blamed Domon for not seeing his potential, and even declared that he would challenge a disciple of Domon to a duel.
Paimon:
Wait, what? That's not what we heard...
Yae Miko:
Oh, how interesting. We heard a slightly different version: "My brother wasn't about to resign himself to defeat — he trained every day as hard as he could, and finally proved himself by defeating one of Domon's best disciples in a duel recently."
Nobuo:
Haha! Youhei said that? That Shingo trained hard? That's ridiculous, he just lay there cussing to high heaven all day, every day. Some training regimen that is.
Nobuo:
Youhei did tell me about Shingo winning the fight, but I took it with a grain of salt. You can ask Kenji at the village entrance more about that. He always has reliable information.
Ask the villagers for more information
Paimon:
Hey there, we've come to ask you about the Katou brothers!
Kenji:
Oh, you mean Shingo and Youhei?
Paimon:
Yeah! We heard that Shingo defeated an apprentice of Domon's recently. Is that true?
Kenji:
Haha, yes it's true. Wait, so are you here because you heard they're starting their own school and you're looking to sign up?
Paimon:
We're not here to sign up, but we would like to hear more details about the fight.
Kenji:
Well, you've come to the right person. I actually went to watch it.
Kenji:
I thought it was a joke when I first heard that Shingo was going to challenge a disciple of the Meikyou Shisui Art. But when he drew his sword, whoa. He became a whole different person.
Kenji:
The way he handled his blade, it was like flowing water. Mesmerizing to watch. Domon's disciple is no pushover, but he was absolutely no match for Shingo.
Paimon:
Is Shingo really that strong!?
Kenji:
Yup. He seemed pretty euphoric after winning the duel, too... he was celebrating very vocally, saying something like "What a duel! I haven't felt this good in a long time!"
Yae Miko:
Hehe, any other details to share? We've heard that Shingo has been behaving rather out of character since then.
Kenji:
Hmm... I'd definitely say that he has more energy than he used to. In the past, he never used to do much except lie around sunbathing all day.
Kenji:
But just yesterday, for example, I saw him cutting down trees for the village head. In the space of one afternoon, he did what most people couldn't finish in three days. Not only that, but he managed to fell a Lavender Melon Tree with just one kick!
Paimon:
...
Traveler:
...
Yae Miko:
Hmm... Quite impressive.
Kenji:
Things got weird after that though. The village head brought out some tofu for him, and he just flipped out. He shouted: "What is that stuff!? Keep that away from me!" then ran off.
Katou Youhei:
Lady Guuji. Esteemed exorcists. Finally, I've found you!
Katou Youhei:
I found my brother, he's at the waterfall. And I've got the salt you asked for, too. C'mon, let's go!
Yae Miko:
As much as I'd prefer to stay and hear some more delicious details, I suppose we had better be going now that he's been found.
"Exorcise" Katou Shingo
Paimon:
So this is Youhei's brother. Whoa, he's meditating while sitting in a waterfall! That's pretty wild!
Paimon:
Hey, listen, he's talking to himself...
Katou Shingo:
...
Katou Shingo:
Whoo... Hehehe... How's that! Can you... feel it!?
Katou Youhei:
Uhhhh...
Katou Shingo:
Can you feel... the feeling... of manliness!
Katou Shingo:
Found your own school... Hah! So shallow... How can a manly man... aspire to something... so... lame!?
Katou Shingo:
...Ugh... Please, spare me... spare me... I—I can't feel the... m—manliness... I can't even feel the cold anymore...
Katou Shingo:
...I... I can't take any more... I'm gonna die...
Katou Shingo:
Youhei... Youhei! S—Save me! Save me!!!
Paimon:
Did you hear that, Traveler? All the nonsense aside, he's calling for help!
Katou Shingo:
Huh? Who... Who goes there?
Paimon:
He stood up... and now he's coming this way!
Katou Youhei:
No! Don't come any closer!
Katou Youhei:
Help!
Paimon:
What do we do? Traveler, Miko! Think of something!
Yae Miko:
Aww, poor thing.
Yae Miko:
Youhei, your brother's life is hanging in the balance, and he's using his final breaths to call on you for help. Whatever shall we do?
Katou Youhei:
Uh, I... Well, how should I know?
Yae Miko:
The way it looks to me is that Shingo feels terribly resentful to you about something. Would you mind telling me what that's all about?
Katou Youhei:
I don't know what to tell you! I don't know!
Yae Miko:
You don't know? But surely you should have more insight than anyone else into how your brother came to be this way?
Yae Miko:
Youhei, I suggest you think very carefully before you open your mouth again. This is a life-or-death situation.
Katou Youhei:
Uhhh! Umm... Ummm...
Yae Miko:
"Uhhh! Umm... Ummm..."? Your brother is your closest relative. You must have noticed straight away when he started acting out of character.
Yae Miko:
And yet five whole days pass before it occurs to you to come and seek help from me. You really expect me not to notice the gaping holes in your story?
Katou Youhei:
But I—
Yae Miko:
As you wish. It's fine by me if you don't want to tell the truth.
Yae Miko:
But after Shingo dies, you'll be next.
Yae Miko:
It's futile trying to escape. Anywhere in the world you run to, it will be right behind your back. After all... you did summon it together.
Katou Youhei:
Aaaah!!!!
Katou Youhei:
Alright, I'll talk, I'll talk! I'll tell you everything! ...My brother and I used a wishing incantation. We made a wish!
Katou Youhei:
Yes! Yes, that's it! The one that's all the rage right now. You just have to recite an incantation at midnight and your wish will be granted!
Katou Youhei:
Just like the book described, we drew the magic symbol, stepped inside it barefoot at midnight, said the incantation, and lo and behold — spheres of light appeared all around us!
Katou Youhei:
After my brother wished to become a swordmaster, it really worked — out of nowhere, he suddenly had these amazing sword skills. But his whole personality changed, too!
Katou Youhei:
Because... I was worried that if he goes back to normal, he'll lose his skills with the sword.
Katou Youhei:
If that happens, it'd ruin our plans to start a martial arts school, and we'd be back to being poor. I just wanted to keep this under wraps until we'd managed to get the dojo set up and paid off our debts...
Paimon:
So then why'd you go to the Grand Narukami Shrine?
Katou Youhei:
Well, cause with the way he's acting now, I was worried that rumors might start spreading that he's gotten involved in the occult arts or something. And then no one would wanna sign up as his disciple!
Katou Youhei:
So I was thinking that maybe Lady Guuji might have a way to get my brother back to normal but let him keep his sword skills...
Yae Miko:
My, look at you with your ingenious schemes!
Yae Miko:
Stop deluding yourself. These new-found sword skills are not his, they belong to the spirit that has possessed him.
Katou Youhei:
You're right, you're right! We were wrong to do what we did! We had this coming!
Yae Miko:
Alright then. Your turn now, my little friend. Toss the salt, and then draw your sword.
As the salt is sprinkled, Katou Shingo collapses, and the thing that the two brothers "summoned" manifests...
Paimon:
Wh—What is that!?
Katou Youhei:
Aaaah!!! It's the s—s—spirit!!!
Yae Miko:
See that? That's what you summoned. And look, now that Shingo's no use, it's coming straight for you.
Katou Youhei:
Waahhh! Save me! Save me...
Paimon:
M—Miko! He fainted! What do we do now?
Yae Miko:
We do nothing.
Yae Miko:
But you, little one. Just a quick fight and this will all be over.
Arakawa Kouji:
Huh... Hahahaha! Who's this? Ah, a fellow swordmaster!
Arakawa Kouji:
Come on! Fight me!
Paimon:
He's coming, Traveler! Be careful!
Investigate the truth behind the spirit
After a difficult battle, you defeat the spirit that was possessing Shingo...
Arakawa Kouji:
Hehe... Hahaha... That was great, excellent! Wooh! What a rush!
Arakawa Kouji:
I haven't felt this great... in a long, long time!
Paimon:
He... disappeared. But he looked pretty content at the end there.
Paimon:
Huh, well, Paimon sure is confused. Do you know what that was all about, Traveler?
Yae Miko:
Ah, we can talk about it later. They're about to wake up.
Katou Shingo:
*cough cough* ...What am I doing here... Youhei? Youhei, is that you?
Katou Youhei:
Shingo! Are you alright?
Katou Shingo:
Youhei, I had the weirdest dream...
Katou Shingo:
I dreamed that I wasn't a useless loser with the sword anymore. I even beat one of Domon's disciples.
Katou Shingo:
I thought we could finally open a dojo of our own now... but then I realized, I couldn't control my own body, and there was this voice in my ear talking to me constantly.
Katou Shingo:
I was terrified and I wanted to take control of my body back, but I couldn't. And the voice kept talking about "manliness"...
Katou Youhei:
Shingo, we shouldn't have made that wish. We summoned a spirit and... it possessed you!
Yae Miko:
Yes, and had we not come to your rescue, your life would've been over before too much longer. Then, the spirit would have haunted your brother until he died of fatigue, too.
Katou Youhei:
Thank you, Lady Guuji! And thank you for your assistance, exorcism experts!
Yae Miko:
Alright, take him to get some rest. He's very weak right now, having been possessed for quite a few days.
Yae Miko:
He will experience a high fever, but it won't be fatal. Remember, this is the price you pay.
Yae Miko:
At this point, I would normally lecture you on the dire consequences of using occult methods to obtain power that does not belong to you... but I think you get the picture now, don't you?
Katou Shingo:
Yes... we understand now! We won't ever do it again!
Katou Youhei:
Thank you, Lady Guuji! Thank you, exorcists!
Katou Youhei:
We'll be on our way then. Come on, Shingo.
Paimon:
Miko, would they really have lost their lives if we hadn't gotten involved?
Paimon:
And if so... why the heck were you so reluctant to help out!?
Yae Miko:
Ugh, they would've been fine.
Yae Miko:
I had to scare them a little, though. Otherwise I hardly think these two lazy rascals would have learned their lesson.
Paimon:
So... what was it that possessed Shingo?
Yae Miko:
You saw it all for yourselves. I'm sure you can figure out what kind of spirit had possessed him, can't you?
Paimon:
Ah! Paimon's got it! It was an oni!
Yae Miko:
Correct. Although it possessed Shingo, it didn't have any ill intentions. As a matter of fact, it actually seemed like it was trying to train Shingo to become bolder.
Paimon:
Huh... Fair enough, but it seems like it had the opposite effect.
Yae Miko:
Tossing salt caused it to temporarily leave Shingo's body. Then, you exhausted its strength by fighting it, so it disappeared.
Yae Miko:
Even if we'd done nothing at all, Shingo would have eventually become too weak for his body to host the spirit, and it would have left of its own accord.
Yae Miko:
Of course, it would have been more stressful for Shingo and Youhei that way, hehe. Still, the experience may ultimately have been more effective than me scaring them into submission with a little exaggeration.
Paimon:
Whew... Well, the main thing is that nobody got hurt.
Yae Miko:
Alright, seems like we've wrapped up everything here. Come on, off we go.
Paimon:
Hold on, Miko! You say everything's wrapped up, but are you sure about that?
Yae Miko:
Hmm? You mean you disagree?
Yae Miko:
Oh, you mean that they got the incantation from that book. Yes, I know the one.
Paimon:
Actually, that book's the whole reason we came looking for you at the shrine today. Incantations seem really popular right now.
Yae Miko:
Human beings don't have powers like us youkai. It's quite understandable for them to be interested in incantations to summon the supernatural.
Paimon:
That's not the point! The problem is that the incantations in the book are actually capable of summoning spirits and stuff! And loads of people are trying it!
Yae Miko:
Ugh, even then, humans only have so much strength. Even if they do successfully summon a spirit with the incantation, it won't stay with them for very long. I really wouldn't fret about it.
Paimon:
But who wrote this book, and why? Don't we think there might be a bigger safety risk here?
Paimon:
What do you think, Traveler?
Paimon:
Yeah... Youhei and Shingo may have been fine in the end, but things got pretty scary when Shingo was possessed.
Kuroda:
Lady Yae! I've finally found you.
Yae Miko:
Kuroda? What are you doing here?
Kuroda:
I'm here to report on Yae Publishing House's sales for the last month. All the numbers are here, please take a look.
Yae Miko:
Let me see... What? We're losing market share?
Kuroda:
Yes. "Overall Bestseller," "Reader's Favorite," and "Trending Ranking"... We're being beaten in all categories!
Kuroda:
One book is topping all the charts... It's called "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."
Yae Miko:
Both of you, back here, now!
Paimon:
Miko, what is it? You have a really scary look on your face right now.
Yae Miko:
Things just got serious. "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" is an all-round hit, summarily beating the novels of the Yae Publishing House by every analysis.
Traveler:
Define "serious"...?
Yae Miko:
Just what is that supposed to mean!? I worked extremely hard to promote our latest featured work, and now a rival book comes out of nowhere and steals our thunder! If this isn't the very definition of intolerable, I don't know what is.
Yae Miko:
I have to come up with a counter plan. And you are going to help me.
Paimon:
Huh? How is this our problem all of a sudden?
Yae Miko:
Paimon, please. "Who wrote this book, and why? Don't we think there might be a bigger safety risk here?"
Yae Miko:
*sigh* Am I to take it that the safety of the people of Inazuma isn't so important in your eyes after all?
Paimon:
Wait... what just happened... Again, you technically have a point, but... this feels all wrong!
Yae Miko:
Nothing's wrong, okay? Come on. We're going to war.
Yae Miko:
I'm going to head back and make some preparations. Meet me outside the Yae Publishing House.
It turns out that Youhei and Shingo had summoned a spirit with the method recorded in "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." Yae Miko suggests going to the Yae Publishing House to discuss how to respond...
Go to Yae Publishing House
Paimon:
Alright, Miko, we're here. So, what's your plan of action to deal with this rival book?
Yae Miko:
Hmm... Why don't you take a guess?
Yae Miko:
I'll give you a hint. It's to do with the Yae Publishing House.
Paimon:
Hmmmm... Oh, Paimon knows! Combine the reputation of the Yae Publishing House with the status of Guuji Yae and tell everyone that the incantations in that book are dangerous!
Yae Miko:
Ooh, wow! Your first guess, and you got it absolutely...
Yae Miko:
...wrong.
Paimon:
Yeah— Aww! ...Wait, seriously? That wasn't it?
Yae Miko:
"A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" is the hottest light novel right now. If we did as you suggested, we would effectively be advertising to everyone that the incantations are real.
Yae Miko:
In bending over backwards trying to warn everyone about the dangers, all we would accomplish is to create more curious readers ready to try them out. Also, sales for the book would only increase further.
Paimon:
Okay, yeah, that would be pretty catastrophic... Oh! How about we confiscate all the copies?
Yae Miko:
*sigh* Leaving aside the issue of the enormous manpower and resources such an operation would require, going to such lengths over a light novel would be extremely disruptive to the lives of Inazumans.
Paimon:
But that means there's nothing we can do...
Yae Miko:
Well I've been thinking...
Yae Miko:
I've read "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." It has many other good qualities besides the incantations alone.
Yae Miko:
The book contains many ancient "kaidan" — or tales of the supernatural — and is written in a very engaging way. That is why the book has become so popular.
Yae Miko:
I think we're going to have a difficult time trying to rein in its popularity while it's the only work in its league on the market.
Traveler:
Wait, so you mean...
Yae Miko:
That's right. How do you get rid of the next big thing? You replace it with the next next big thing.
Yae Miko:
So what we're going to do is create Inazuma's newest hit novel.
Yae Miko:
Smash our rival's sales numbers and win our readers back. That is how Yae Miko wages war!
Yae Miko:
Incidentally, this will also be the best way to combat the influence of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."
Paimon:
Wait, Miko, so you want us to write a novel?
Yae Miko:
Heh, well, becoming an accomplished novelist certainly isn't an overnight process. But let's not forget that I am the chief editor of the Yae Publishing House. I have my ways.
Yae Miko:
I did say this is what "we're" going to do. I trust that the word "teamwork" is in your vocabulary.
Yae Miko:
Anyway. There's a writers' submission event going on at the moment. Start by talking to readers and finding out what they're into. When you have an idea of what the current trends are, come back and see me.
Yae Miko:
I'll be at Uyuu Restaurant — find me there when you're done. I will assemble a team, and we can work while we eat.
Go to the submission event to listen to what the readers like
You ask a reader named Kyouta some questions...
Kyouta:
I've been reading light novels for long time now. I'm mainly into big, ambitious fantasy works with an original core concept and good storytelling.
Kyouta:
These days, though, everyone seems to be imitating each other. Most of the time I can guess what the story is about just from the title.
Kyouta:
The only recent book worth mentioning is "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."
Kyouta:
Not only is it a good story, but the descriptions are really true to life. So much so that I'm almost wondering if maybe the author really has met all those youkai before.
You ask a reader named Oosuke some questions...
Oosuke:
The key to a successful light novel is having good illustrations.
Oosuke:
When to use illustrations, what they should contain, and which artist you should commission for them... These are all key things to bear in mind.
Oosuke:
Good illustrations can make up for bad writing. But on the flip side, a bad illustration can ruin your novel, even if you have the best story in the world.
Oosuke:
There's a saying that light novels are essentially a case of "buy art, get words free." I'd agree with that. Too bad most of the top artists have jam-packed schedules, so it's extremely difficult to commission them...
Oosuke:
The illustrations in "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" are incredible, but it's unlike any art style I've ever seen before.
You ask a reader named Tetsuo some questions...
Tetsuo:
I'll be honest. I read light novels for the cheap thrills.
Tetsuo:
In most traditional stories, the protagonist usually has this long and drawn out character arc, usually involving a process of separation, loss, and ultimately growth and renewed strength. It reads well, and everything, it's just a little slow-paced for me.
Tetsuo:
By contrast, there's this popular light novel at the moment called "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits," where the protagonist is super strong right from the get-go! That's what I mean by cheap thrills: action-packed right from page one.
Tetsuo:
The protagonist is a kitsune who has not only mastered the secret art of incantations, but also tea ceremony, painting, and calligraphy!
Go to Uyuu Restaurant to finish the light novel
Yae Miko:
Ah, there you are. Let me introduce the team:
Yae Miko:
You've already met Junkichi and Shigeru.
Yae Miko:
Shigeru is an experienced editor and Junkichi is the author he's partnered with. Junkichi's working through a creative lull at the moment, but all his past works have been very popular with young people. He has developed a distinct and enduringly popular style.
Yae Miko:
Satomi is Yae Publishing House's ace in the hole. Her specialty is that she can write all kinds of completely different stories, and all under different pen names. As for what those names are, well, that's a trade secret.
Yae Miko:
They will be teaming up with us to collectively create the novel that knocks "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" off its perch. So? Feeling better about my plan now?
Paimon:
Uh-huh, it definitely makes sense! Hehe.
Yae Miko:
Now then, tell me what you found out about readers' preferences.
You tell Yae Miko the readers' thoughts.
Yae Miko:
All very true. An original core concept, a fast pace, quality illustrations, and lots of action. This is the formula that will guarantee good sales numbers.
Yae Miko:
More importantly than that, even though it's a work of fiction, we have to deliver a sense of realism.
Paimon:
Paimon followed pretty much all of that, but there's still one question... what are we actually gonna write about?
Paimon:
For example, we know we need an original core concept... but how do we come up with one?
Yae Miko:
Hehe... Before you can answer that question, you have to understand your target audience.
Yae Miko:
Take "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits," for example. When I read it, all I find is common knowledge to the kitsune. But to the general public, it's bursting with new and interesting ideas. It all comes down to the size of the information gap between author and reader.
Yae Miko:
As a Traveler, there must be a great many things you know about that are complete unknowns to the people of Inazuma. What is commonplace to you may be fresh and original to them.
Paimon:
Ohh, right! So maybe we can take inspiration from our time in Mondstadt and Liyue!
Paimon:
Hmm, but that would make it a completely different genre than "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"... Uh, is that gonna be a problem?
Yae Miko:
Not at all. You don't have to worry so much about how to compete with that book. All you have to do is provide some interesting ideas based on your travel experiences.
Yae Miko:
As long as the core content is interesting, my expert team here will be able to flesh out the details.
Paimon:
Alright! Let's start with chapter one, then. Uh... what are you thinking, Traveler?
Paimon:
No! No one would ever go for that, no matter how you tried to play it!
Yae Miko:
Hmm... Out of a maximum of 10 points, I'd give that a 9!
Yae Miko:
Is there really flying emergency food in other worlds? How does it taste? And how do you cook it?
Yae Miko:
It's a strong opening — an easy way to grab the readers' attention. Never underestimate the appeal of culinary-oriented subject matter. Food, after all, is a topic that everyone is interested in.
Paimon:
Hey!
Yae Miko:
Good job, little one. You're not only drawing on your own experiences, but it seems you're filtering them through the lens of the kinds of light novels you've read in the past. I think you really understand what we're trying to do here.
Yae Miko:
Thoughts from the experts? Are we able to work with this general framework to make an interesting story?
Junkichi:
Yeah, we think it works. I tend to overcomplicate the core concept if I'm not careful, so this deals with that problem.
Yae Miko:
Hehe. That's good.
Yae Miko:
Okay, we're done with chapter one. Let's move on to chapter two.
Paimon:
Huh? Won't that do for now?
Yae Miko:
Readers will devour your content a lot more quickly than you'd think. If we don't keep delivering the goods now we've caught their attention, all our hard work so far is in vain.
Yae Miko:
Hurry, chapter two, let's go. Can't you see that Satomi is waiting?
Paimon:
Hmm? What's wrong with you, Traveler? You don't look so good...
Yae Miko:
What a pity... I thought your "beginner's luck" would carry you a little further before it came to this. But alas. The time has come prematurely.
Paimon:
Before it came to what? What's happened?
Yae Miko:
The bane of our existence: "writer's block." It's your arch-nemesis for life, appearing without warning and inflicting a pain worse than death upon the writer. They sell their souls just to get their muse back.
Paimon:
Sounds awful.
Yae Miko:
When this happens, the best thing you can do is have a bite to eat and take a proper break.
Yae Miko:
Boss, get me a plate of Fried Tofu! And get some Kushikatsu for these two. Just the basic kind will do.
Yae Miko:
Don't worry, this is my treat.
Paimon:
Your treat? Oh, wait a minute. Miko, we'll be getting paid for all the hard work we're doing, right?
Yae Miko:
Of course, everyone that takes part in the creative process will be paid.
Paimon:
Alright, cool! Then let's press on, shall we, Traveler? Don't give up now! For the sake of our paycheck, get your brain going!
Traveler:
Paycheck... hmm, speaking of "Mora"...
Paimon:
Ooh, ooh! Does this mean your inspiration's come back?
Paimon:
Let's see now... "The protagonist arrives in Liyue and befriends a young man who doesn't have the money to pay for anything. Only later do we find out that this young man is none other than Rex Lapis himself."
Paimon:
"With the help of the Qixing and the protection of the adepti, I am free to roam this vast realm..."
Paimon:
Hmm, is this the kind of "cheap thrill" that that guy was talking about?
Yae Miko:
Hmm... I give it a 9.8!
Yae Miko:
The story is fun and action-packed, with no dark undertones. Also, there are a great many legends about Rex Lapis. I'm sure it will spark the people's curiosity.
Yae Miko:
I, for one, think there's a sizable market for this. Approved.
Paimon:
Alright, well... let's just hope Zhongli doesn't mind.
Yae Miko:
Great, well, now Satomi can get started on that.
Satomi:
Leave it to me, Lady Yae.
Yae Miko:
Let's write about Inazuma in the third chapter, shall we? I can help with this one. We can use the Vision Hunt Decree or your experience in the resistance, any ideas?
Yae Miko:
Mm, clearly very closely based on your own personal experience, with no major changes at all.
Traveler:
Well, I'm running low on inspiration...
Yae Miko:
That's fine. Since it's something that took place in Inazuma, it might actually be more interesting to readers if it's grounded in the truth.
Yae Miko:
One thing though — we'll need to rewrite the part about me giving you the omamori.
Yae Miko:
Let's change it to: "The mysterious Lady Kitsune teaches the protagonist a spell that can make their wishes come true. The protagonist uses this spell to defeat the Raiden Shogun in battle." That should do the trick.
Paimon:
Whoa, so we're really going head-to-head with our rival on this one, huh?
Yae Miko:
Hehe, I suppose so. Once they're done writing the manuscript, I'll write the passage where the protagonist recites the incantation myself.
Paimon:
Are we done, then? Do you really think this will be able to beat "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"?
Yae Miko:
The content is fine. Now we just need to promote it.
Yae Miko:
I will contact an artist to make some illustrations — I'm positive they will be at least as good as those in "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." We'll also need an endorsement on a paper band around the book. I can get the wonderful Ms. Hina to write that.
Yae Miko:
She runs a regular Q&A column in "That's Life" magazine. The people of Inazuma absolutely adore her.
Yae Miko:
You're free to take a break while the creative team is doing their work, but please go by the Yae Publishing House at some point to commission Ms. Hina for that recommendation. Once our light novel is complete, let's meet at the writers' submission event.
Go to Yae Publishing House to complete the endorsement
You tell Kuroda about the situation...
Kuroda:
Ms. Hina doesn't usually do endorsements. But since it's Lady Guuji that's asking, we'll see what we can do.
Kuroda:
With Ms. Hina getting so popular lately, a lot of people have come to us hoping to do a collaboration.
Kuroda:
But Ms. Hina's not interested in any of it. She still prefers to focus all her efforts on replying to readers' letters, and turns down every promotional opportunity she can.
Kuroda:
Maybe that's why her fans like her so much... Ahem, I'm getting off topic here. Anyway, if we can get that endorsement from Ms. Hina, you'll definitely get an exposure boost at the beginning.
Kuroda:
May your light novel sell well, and set a new record for the Yae Publishing House!
Paimon:
We'll do our best!
Go to submit the manuscript
Yae Miko brings the completed light novel...
Nakano Shino:
Are you sure you'd like to submit this entry? Let me see, "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler," by "Thousand Hands."
Paimon:
What a strange pen name... Definitely your doing. Having been around you so much recently, Paimon's slowly starting to understand your unique tastes.
Yae Miko:
What do you mean, "strange"? It took a lot of work by a lot of different people to get this thing finished. Don't you think it's a very descriptive pen name?
Nakano Shino:
We'll get this printed as a matter of priority and conduct trial sales in pilot locations throughout Inazuma. I'll announce the sales numbers in three days.
Paimon:
Uh-oh, Paimon's getting a little nervous now. D'you really think this is gonna work, Traveler?
Yae Miko:
That's right, be confident in your work. That's exactly how a light novelist should be.
Nakano Shino:
Okay, then I'll sign you up. Please come back in three days for the results.
Nakano Shino:
Thank you all for your submission. I wish you the very best of luck!
Ask about the sales situation
Nakano Shino:
Ah, you've all finally made it.
Nakano Shino:
Good news, everyone. I just received word that your light novel is flying off the shelves! Multiple sales locations are asking when we'll be printing more copies.
Paimon:
Woohoo, that's great!
Nakano Shino:
This level of success is an amazing accomplishment for a new work. Most new books don't sell 30% of what you've sold.
Nakano Shino:
I have free copies for each of you here, please take them. The payment will follow shortly, and I'll notify you to come and collect it when the time comes.
Traveler:
This is all great, but...
Paimon:
Oh, yeah! The whole reason why we made this light novel was to combat the influence of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."
Paimon:
Hmm, we sold a lot of copies, but it doesn't feel like we accomplished our goal. How do we know whether it worked?
Yae Miko:
Hehe... Oh, don't worry. The change is already underway.
Yae Miko:
Shh... listen to what the people around us are talking about. The conversation has already moved on, hasn't it?
Kazumichi:
Hey guys... have you heard about this latest kaidan thing doing the rounds? You just need to recite the incantation from "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" at midnight, and your wish will come true...
Kyouta:
Oh, that? Heh, that's a throwback. That's old news, man.
Kyouta:
No one's talking about that anymore. "The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune" is the new hit thing. I've already memorized all the incantations.
Kazumichi:
"The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune"? What's that?
Tetsuo:
You haven't read it yet? Okay, so, supposedly, if you recite the spell in there on a moonless night, you'll receive the protection of the kitsune and all the other powerful youkai. They can make any of your wishes come true!
Tetsuo:
I heard that the incantations in "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" have weird side effects! This one guy wished for a load of Mora — and got it — but then one night, it all turned to leaves and he developed a high fever.
Tetsuo:
They actually had to use one of "The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune" to get rid of the discomfort.
Tetsuo:
That proves that the incantations in this book are more potent than the ones everyone was trying before! Pretty much everyone I know is desperate to try it out — just waiting for a moonless night.
Kazumichi:
Really? Well I'd better go and prepare, too...
Yae Miko:
Well? Feeling less worried now?
Paimon:
Wow, you're right. Everyone's shifting focus!
Paimon:
But what's this "moonless night" that they're talking about?
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't remember that detail from the brainstorming session.
Yae Miko:
Hehe, this is something that will become very important to us further down the line. Alright, it's time to move on to the next phase of the plan.
Paimon:
Eh? There's a phase two?
Yae Miko:
Of course. Behind every book that hits the market lies an author, right?
Paimon:
Ohh, yeah! If we leave him to his own devices, he might just write another guide to summoning spirits.
Paimon:
...Also, we still need to figure out what his motive for writing it was!
Yae Miko:
Exactly, that's what we need to take care of next. Fortunately, I've already managed to identify the author — he's a failed light novelist named Tomoyuki.
Yae Miko:
But when we went to ask him about it, he had no recollection whatsoever of having written the book.
Traveler:
Wait, so does this mean...
Yae Miko:
Yes, this is another case of possession — only this time, whoever possessed him actively sought him out.
Yae Miko:
After his novel submission failed, he was walking aimlessly in Araumi. In frustration, he shouted out: "Please, someone, anyone! Help me write a truly amazing novel!" After that, he lost consciousness.
Paimon:
But the spirit that wrote the book has already left him now, right? So what are we supposed to do?
Yae Miko:
Simple. It wrote a summoning incantation in the book, didn't it? So we can just use its own method to make it manifest itself.
Yae Miko:
And you, my little friend, are the perfect candidate for this role. Hehehe...
Yae Miko:
Aww, what are you talking about? The fun's just about to begin.
The light novel is a great hit. It has successfully outshone "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." Now, it is time to catch the spirit behind it.
Go to the summoning ritual site
Paimon:
Miko, what is this place?
Yae Miko:
The ideal spot for a little meet-and-greet with a certain elusive author. This is the place where we are most likely to succeed in summoning the spirit.
Paimon:
Really? But it feels so eerie here...
Yae Miko:
Hehe, that seems rather fitting, considering that we are dealing with the spirits of the deceased here.
Yae Miko:
What are you so afraid of, honestly? We're finally about to meet the true author of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." Aren't you excited?
Paimon:
Paimon's heart is pounding, but Paimon's pretty sure it's not because of excitement!
Yae Miko:
Hahaha. Come on, in we go.
Paimon:
Hey! Wait up!
Paimon:
*whimpering* Paimon's scared... Traveler, stay close by, okay? Don't leave Paimon all alone...
Collect clues concerning the summoning ritual
Paimon:
What a weird painting... Miko, do you know what it's supposed to show?
Yae Miko:
Hmm... Probably a scene from ancient Inazuma.
Paimon:
It's a good piece of artwork and all, but it's also kinda eerie... so it's a bit scary.
Paimon:
Hmm... Looks like the artist signed their name... Umm... "Rakusai"? Hmm, it's not very clear.
Yae Miko:
Let's go inside and take a look.
Begin the summoning ritual
Paimon:
Whoa, it's that painting we just saw! It's turning this way, along with the whole wall!
Paimon:
It's getting eerier and scarier! Wh—What is this place!?
Yae Miko:
Okay. Next, I will show you a secret kitsune spell. This painting is a "swift summoning medium," which means I'll be able to skip many of the more tedious steps.
Yae Miko:
The murky mirror reflects the view of Inazuma in a bygone age. Spirits stirred by the sight of the past will be easily drawn to it.
Yae Miko:
You're up next, little one. Come on, sit yourself down here.
Yae Miko:
Yes, the whole point of a summoning ritual is for a dead person's spirit to possess a living person's body.
Yae Miko:
You saw what happened to that oni samurai's spirit. After leaving the host's body, he was only able to maintain his form for a very short time before disappearing.
Paimon:
Are we positive that summoning a spirit to possess Traveler isn't gonna have any lasting negative consequences?
Yae Miko:
Aw, you really care about the little one quite a lot, don't you? Hm, I'm a little jealous. I wish my friends were caring like that.
Yae Miko:
Anyway, are you scared, little friend? Don't you worry, now, it'll be over soon. Just think of it like having a dream.
Traveler:
What do I need to do?
Yae Miko:
Sit on the chair, stare at the painting, and relax your body and mind. But try and be natural, there's really no need to be nervous.
Paimon:
It's like Traveler's sitting inside the painting.
Paimon:
Huh!? Is Paimon seeing things? Did the painting just move!?
Yae Miko:
Recite the incantation in your heart, little one. Also, you'll need to have some intense thoughts going through your head — a wish, for example.
Yae Miko:
Now, what kind of wish do we think it would take to summon forth the author of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"? Anyone?
Paimon:
Umm... probably something to do with writing?
Yae Miko:
Very good! The wish needs to be heartfelt, though, so let me help add a little realism to the equation:
Yae Miko:
"The book is selling exceptionally well, Traveler, but we're going to need an outline for chapter four as soon as humanly possible. When is the earliest that you can turn it in by?"
Paimon:
The painting is moving again! What the—
The strange aura travels from within the painting onto you, and the scene before your eyes changes...
Traveler:
...
Traveler:
Haw-haw... I never thought the day would come when I'd be summoned using my own ritual! Getting a taste of my own medicine...
Traveler:
What have we here? Another budding writer? What's come over you all, why is everyone wishing for help with their writing? Are novels so popular in this day and age?
Paimon:
We got you! So, you were the one who wrote "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"!
Paimon:
What are you trying to do, hmm? Why'd you put that summoning incantation in the book, huh? What's your game here?
Traveler:
Huh? What's this?
Traveler:
Oh, ho-ho, I see... No wonder this felt so familiar. I've walked right into your trap, haven't I.
Traveler:
You ask me what my game is here? Well of course... it was to use this incantation as a means for all the souls of the departed youkai to make their glorious return to the world and plunge all of Inazuma into a brutal, bloody war!
Paimon:
What!? Paimon knew it! You had an evil plan all along!
Traveler:
Oh, did you now? Then how naive of you to let me possess this body so easily!
Traveler:
I sense... Yes, great power within him...
Traveler:
Good... good! With this power, no one shall be able to stand in my way!
Traveler:
Mwuhahahahahaha!
Paimon:
Wake up, Traveler! Quick, wake up! We gotta stop him!
Traveler:
It is futile... you shall never wake him again! This body now belongs to me!
Paimon:
Hey! Come on, wake up! Don't let him take your mind!
Paimon:
Miko! Think of something! Miko! Miko!!!
Yae Miko:
...
Yae Miko:
Pfff...
Yae Miko:
Bahahahaha...
Traveler:
Hahahaha...
Paimon:
...Um...
Paimon:
You're laughing!?
Yae Miko:
Ahahahahahaha, oh, Urakusai, you haven't changed a bit. You caught on so quickly. Too perfect.
Traveler:
Haw-haw, well, you made the face enough times that I couldn't exactly miss the hint. This is what you were going for, yes? Never one to stand on the sidelines of a good spectacle, are you? Always got to dive in and fan the flames... Ah, you mischievous little kitsune, you...
Traveler:
Look what you've done to this little flying one here. Aw, poor thing's scared witless.
Yae Miko:
Pfft, you were having plenty of fun playing the bad guy a moment ago. Now you're trying blame it all on me?
Paimon:
Urakusai? Miko, you guys know each other?
Traveler:
Yes, we do! Of course we do.
Yae Miko:
Hehe, allow me to formally introduce the author of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits," Urakusai.
Yae Miko:
No, wait. To be more accurate, it's Urakusai's memory.
Paimon:
Memory? But... isn't he a spirit?
Traveler:
Ah, spirits, memories... they're just different words to describe the same thing. Something that comes from the Ley Lines.
Yae Miko:
Do you remember that recent incident when the rifthounds were gnawing at the Sacred Sakura's roots?
Yae Miko:
You witnessed human memories leaking from the Ley Lines, didn't you? Well, since there are human memories, of course there are going to be youkai memories, too.
Yae Miko:
In life, youkai possess supernatural powers, and even when they are a shadow of their former selves from a bygone era, they still have the ability to control whether they are visible or not.
Yae Miko:
Typically, youkai memories survive longer in the world than those of humans.
Traveler:
Indeed, indeed. I was wandering around the Sacred Sakura's roots, when I suddenly heard someone yelling "Please, someone, anyone! Help me write a truly amazing novel!"
Traveler:
It piqued my curiosity, so I popped inside his body and wrote a novel for him.
Paimon:
So that's how it happened... But why did you include a summoning incantation in the novel?
Traveler:
Oh, little one... not to toot my own horn here, but when I was alive, I wasn't just another kitsune, no. I was a mighty and powerful Daiyouko. The memories of other youkai can't possess human bodies at will like I can.
Traveler:
But with this incantation, they can go one last little joyride in the world for a couple of days. Anything they're still itching to do, they can go and get it done!
Paimon:
Uh, but... but...
Yae Miko:
She's trying to say that all the commotion this causes is likely to be a great disturbance to the humans.
Traveler:
Disturbance? Haw-haw, I guess you mean that we might leave them with some broken dreams after we leave, hmm? Oh, yes, and they might have a fever, or whatever.
Traveler:
But you know, I actually think that the most admirable thing about human beings is the way that they go out and shape their fate with their own two hands, given that they're not born blessed with the same powers that we enjoy.
Traveler:
As for those who would rather draw on external power than seek to improve themselves, it's quite right that they learn their lesson eventually.
Traveler:
So when you think about it, we're actually doing the humans a big favor. Miko, you agree, don't you?
Yae Miko:
Hehe, yes, that's what I thought, too.
Paimon:
Alright then... You've finally convinced Paimon, you guys were right.
Traveler:
What are you scared of, little one? Don't be deceived by her day-to-day antics. Miko is actually one of the most powerful youkai out there.
Yae Miko:
Not only that, Urakusai, but my latest work has beaten that book you wrote, "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits," to become the most popular in Inazuma.
Traveler:
Hmph, of course. You were never one to make extra work for yourself where you can help it, and yet you went to all these lengths to find my painting room and even took the trouble to summon me... I knew you must have some ulterior motive!
Traveler:
You were always the one to pick a quarrel with me when we all used to gather around and share stories.
Traveler:
Alright, alright. You win, I lose. Happy now?
Yae Miko:
Ha! I finally get to hear you say it, centuries later. Oh, I must say it feels good.
Traveler:
Mmm... I remember when you were just a little girl, always hanging off my shoulders. A few hundred years later, and you're all grown up.
Yae Miko:
Urakusai, how much time do you have left?
Traveler:
Not much. That goes for all of us, actually. We've all got to go back where we came from in the end.
Traveler:
Everyone's quite content in many ways, but they still can't help but ask: "Are we ever going to have another Hyakkiyakou?"
Yae Miko:
Hehe, don't you worry about that, Urakusai. Arrangements are being made.
Yae Miko:
When my bell rings, it means the moonless night is upon us.
Traveler:
Haw-haw, great, wonderful! Fantastic!
Traveler:
Miko, it's been nice catching up, but I'd better conserve my energy if I want to stick it out until then. So I'll be on my way now.
Yae Miko:
Alright. Goodbye then, Urakusai.
Traveler:
One last thing, Miko... I just want to know, have you been well all these years?
Yae Miko:
I've been great, of course. Every day is a happy one.
Yae Miko:
Especially these days. Not only do I have my light novels, but I've also met these two delightfully nosy outlanders.
Yae Miko:
And even Ei is finally starting to come to her senses. Quite a miracle, given how pig-headed she can be.
Traveler:
Oh, well great! That's fantastic!
Yae Miko:
Urakusai, you'd be right at home in this era.
Yae Miko:
A great storyteller and artist like yourself would be the Yae Publishing House's ace in the hole. And I would personally be hounding you over your next installment.
Traveler:
Hehe, hahahaha...
Paimon:
He disappeared...
Paimon:
Are you awake, Traveler? How are you feeling?
Yae Miko:
Are you all there? Here, like last time, repeat after me—
Yae Miko:
Oh, you beat me to it. Looks like your brain is intact.
Yae Miko:
So, your first possession, hmm? What was it like?
Yae Miko:
Hehe, good. Saves me from having to explain everything again.
Yae Miko:
Hearing Urakusai admit defeat has put me in the most wonderful mood. In return, it's only fair that we make sure to deliver on what they're all hoping for.
Yae Miko:
Yes. Though they only represent a tiny proportion of the memories in the Ley Lines, it will still be quite a sight to behold when the time comes.
Yae Miko:
Since you've come this far, why don't you do one last thing for me, hmm? I'll need your help with the ritual.
Paimon:
You cannot be serious, Miko! After all that, you still have more errands for us?
Paimon:
Hmph, you guys teamed up to scare Paimon just now. If you think Paimon's gonna do anything you ask for, think again!
Yae Miko:
Aw, come on, I'm really only asking you to finish what you started. Besides... your paychecks are still in my hands. Heh, heh, heh.
Paimon:
Paimon's paycheck!
Traveler:
My paycheck!!!
Paimon:
Ugh, well there's no way out now... We're in too deep.
What can we do for these youkai? If you were to answer honestly, it could only be a grand farewell party.
Go to the Grand Narukami Shrine and look for Yae Miko
Yae Miko:
Well hello there, my little helpers, so nice of you to join me. You're right on time, too.
Paimon:
Hmph, as if we had a choice. We just want our paychecks.
Paimon:
So, Miko, what exactly do we have to do to make this Hyakkiyakou happen?
Paimon:
Also, to be clear, we actually have no idea what it even means.
Yae Miko:
It might sound ominous, but to put it simply, the Hyakkiyakou is just a gathering of the youkai.
Yae Miko:
Back in the day, at youkai gatherings, once everyone had had plenty to drink, one by one they'd start soaring into the sky with their youkai powers. There were so many of them that their silhouettes would block out the moon.
Yae Miko:
But now, the youkai memories that leak from the Ley Lines are weak. They are no longer able to fly.
Yae Miko:
So, I will be performing a convocation ritual for them, gathering all the wandering memories together in one place.
Yae Miko:
When the time comes, they will gather in the sky above the Grand Narukami Shrine. Once their energy is spent, they will be satisfied, and return to where they belong.
Traveler:
I see. I understand.
Yae Miko:
All the preparations for the ritual have actually been made well in advance. Remember the incantation and the mention of "moonless night" that I added to our novel?
Paimon:
Oh yeah, something about reciting "The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune" on a moonless night.
Yae Miko:
That's the one. Actually, it's not a wish-granting incantation at all. It's a spell to help calm the Ley Line memories.
Yae Miko:
When that time comes, let's all pitch in and help send them on their way!
Traveler:
What do you need from me?
Yae Miko:
I will start the ritual preparations shortly, and at that time, I need you to do two things:
Yae Miko:
First, tell the shrine maidens to leave the mountain.
Yae Miko:
During the Hyakkiyakou, a whole swarm of youkai memories will be hanging around in the air above the Grand Narukami Shrine. Having the shrine maidens leave avoids the bothersome issue of someone potentially getting possessed.
Yae Miko:
After that, I will commence the ritual, and the memories will begin to congregate. This will take some time. I need you at the foot of Mt. Yougou during this part to keep an eye on nearby monster activity.
Yae Miko:
The memories are normally dispersed, and don't pose a threat. But when their energy is concentrated, it is likely to disturb the monsters.
Yae Miko:
They may see this as an opportunity to try and make it up the mountain. I need you to fend them off so that that doesn't happen.
Paimon:
Alright, got it. Then what?
Yae Miko:
Hmm... Well, if at that point you felt like coming to the shrine and getting a close-up view of the youkai, I wouldn't say no.
Paimon:
Okay, Traveler, let's get going!
Tell the shrine maidens to leave the shrine temporarily
Maki:
...Descend the mountain? Are those Lady Guuji's orders?
Paimon:
Yep, Miko said the ritual she's gonna perform soon might pose a physical danger to you all.
Maki:
I see... I'll evacuate everyone right away. What about you?
Paimon:
We'll be taking care of a couple other things for her, and once we're done with that, we're gonna come back and do the ritual together.
Maki:
It seems like Lady Guuji places great trust in you.
Maki:
Lady Guuji's never allowed anyone else to be in her presence when she's conducted rituals like this in the past.
Maki:
Thank you for helping with the ritual, and... good luck.
Paimon:
Don't worry, we're much stronger than we look!
Go to the main road under Mt. Yougou
Paimon:
These monsters look really riled up!
Paimon:
Yup yup! Let's get rid of them as fast as we can! Then we can get back in time to see the youkai!
Paimon:
Alright, here they come, Traveler!
You defeated the monsters that were attracted to this place...
Say farewell to the youkai within the Ley Lines
movie
You see the youkai off as they gather and ascend, reveling all the way. To help them go on their way in peace, you recite the incantation in earnest together with Miko, as do those readers who believe in The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune. As you bless them, these beings who once fought so courageously in this land leave it once more with carefree hearts.
Yae Miko:
Hm, just as I thought, the ritual went very smoothly. Thank you both.
Traveler:
Miko, are you alright?
Yae Miko:
Hmm? I'm great.
Paimon:
But, the look on your face just now...
Yae Miko:
I'm fine, seriously. Really! I...
Yae Miko:
Huh... Honestly, you two...
Paimon:
Miko...
Yae Miko:
Fine, well if you're dead-set on doing something for me, you can treat me to a meal.
Paimon:
Sure, no problem! A meal it is!
Traveler:
A meal? It's a deal!
Yae Miko:
Okay. Well, see you soon, then.
Go close to Uyuu Restaurant
Kyouta:
Ugh, the wait is unbearable! How has the next chapter of "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler" not been released yet!
Oosuke:
It was quite a surprise when the "moonless night" finally came.
Tetsuo:
Yeah, that huge black cloud over Mt. Yougou that night. It just seemed to form out of nowhere!
Oosuke:
But then nothing happened after I made a wish using the method in that book.
Tetsuo:
*sigh* I guess light novels are just fiction after all, huh.
Oosuke:
That night was definitely the nail in the coffin for the "incantations from novels" fad. Still, something tells me "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler" will remain an interesting series for a long time to come!
Paimon:
Huh? Paimon can't see Miko anywhere.
Paimon:
Guess she's not out here. Uh... maybe she went inside already? Let's head in and look for her.
Enter Uyuu Restaurant
Yae Miko:
Ah, my little friends, there you are.
Paimon:
Miko... what is this? You started eating without us!?
Yae Miko:
I did, yes. You're paying, after all.
Yae Miko:
The thought of being able to eat the most expensive dishes and drink the finest sake, all for absolutely free... Oh, I just couldn't wait any longer.
Yae Miko:
Ah, Boss, see these two faces here? Remember them. They're the ones picking up the bill later.
Okazaki Rikuto:
Alrighty!
Paimon:
Uhhh...
Traveler:
...
Yae Miko:
What's gotten into you? Come on, sit yourselves down.
Yae Miko:
You have to try this fish. It's found exclusively in the waters around Seirai Island. They shipped it to Inazuma overnight, and it was still alive right up until I ordered it.
Yae Miko:
Or maybe you'd rather try this? I know, I know — I normally can't bring myself to drink sake this expensive either.
Yae Miko:
If you don't drink alcohol, that's fine too. There are all kinds of fruit juices covering the whole price spectrum.
Paimon:
Grrr... Miko! You are outrageous!
Paimon:
Last time we were here working on the novel, all you ordered for us was the plainest Kushikatsu!
Yae Miko:
Huh? Strange, I remember no such thing.
Yae Miko:
Oh. So what? You did offer to treat me to a meal, didn't you? Anyway, I am something of a VIP, you know. Wouldn't you find it embarrassing to treat me anything short of lavishly?
Paimon:
Miko, this meal is going to be super expensive. Aren't you afraid we won't be able to afford it?
Yae Miko:
Hehe, oh, don't you worry about that. You can most definitely afford it... They're still printing your light novel by the batch, you know. You have quite the generous payment due.
Paimon:
Wh—What!?
Paimon:
Aaaah, darn it!!! She tricked us into this, Traveler! Miko was after our Mora from the very beginning!
Yae Miko:
Hahaha, oh, the looks on your faces right now. Too perfect. Hahaha.
Yae Miko:
Oh, by the way — since nobody's wishes came true on the moonless night, novels with incantations are no longer in vogue.
Yae Miko:
So you'll have to come up with something new for the next chapter of "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler."
Yae Miko:
The deadline is looming... I'm counting on you.