Kenji's footsteps echoed quietly against the narrow stone streets as he walked deeper into Kyoto's less-traveled districts. The golden hues of the setting sun had begun to give way to the cool blues of early evening. Shadows stretched longer, creeping along the ancient buildings, casting an almost mystical atmosphere over the city that seemed to breathe magic with every passing moment. Each step Kenji took felt like stepping further into a world layered with secrets, history, and silent watchers. The gentle rumble of distant trains and the soft chatter of locals faded behind him, swallowed by the thickening magic that wrapped itself around the old streets.
His Mana Sensitivity was still active, a constant low hum in the back of his mind. It helped him pick up small disturbances—little pockets of magic here and there, subtle ripples that revealed themselves if you knew what to feel for. As he continued forward, he sensed them—several presences, small but distinct, following him at a cautious distance. Their auras flickered faintly at the edges of his perception like shadows moving just beyond his line of sight.
Yōkai, Kenji realized immediately, his instincts sharpening.
He didn't turn around or react aggressively. That would only provoke them or shatter the unspoken rules of first contact. Instead, he kept his movements casual, pretending not to notice as he maintained a slow, relaxed pace. From what he knew, Kyoto's yōkai were territorial yet restrained—they watched newcomers carefully but didn't act without cause. As long as he didn't make a wrong move, he would be fine. Still, knowing he was being watched sent a prickling awareness down his spine, heightening his senses even further.
The sensation of being under observation kept him alert. His hands remained loose at his sides, ready for action if necessary, but his heart stayed steady, his breathing controlled. Training instincts kicked in, and Kenji walked the thin line between looking open and appearing weak. He admired the ancient buildings he passed, studying the worn stone steps and wooden signs, blending curiosity with vigilance.
He focused instead on his primary objective: finding a supernatural-friendly business where he could gather information, upgrade his knowledge, and maybe even offload some of the materials he had painstakingly collected through his grinding sessions. A shop run by someone familiar with both commerce and magic—someone who wouldn't look twice at a stranger with strange questions.
After several more minutes of weaving through increasingly narrow streets and feeling the curious eyes of his unseen observers, Kenji's efforts paid off. Tucked between two weather-worn buildings, a narrow wooden storefront caught his eye. A small hanging lantern, adorned with the kanji for "Knowledge" and "Trade," swung gently in the evening breeze. The structure looked modest but radiated an undeniable aura of magic, ancient and thick, making the hair on his arms rise slightly. The door was carved with intricate sigils—protection wards if he was reading them right.
Kenji's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. Bingo.
He approached the sliding door, bowing lightly out of habit, and stepped inside. The moment he crossed the threshold, it was like stepping into another realm, one hidden within the heart of Kyoto. The thick atmosphere of mana was nearly tangible here, pressing lightly against his skin like a warm mist.
The interior was a sensory overload. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment, burning incense, dried herbs, and the unmistakable tingle of ancient enchantments woven into the very walls. Wooden shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, crammed full of books, scrolls, jars of preserved magical ingredients, enchanted trinkets, and an impressive selection of weapons ranging from gleaming swords to rune-inscribed staves. Faint magical sigils glowed softly along the spines of certain books, while artifacts hummed gently with slumbering power.
Behind a heavy wooden counter sat a figure who, at first glance, might have been mistaken for a young woman in her early twenties. Her sharp, fox-like eyes glimmered with mischief, her delicate yet mischievous smile hinting at a deep well of experience. Most telling of all were the three luxurious silver tails that swayed lazily behind her, betraying her true nature: a three-tailed kitsune, youthful in appearance but radiantly powerful.
The young kitsune woman glanced up briefly but made no move to speak, her gaze simply following Kenji as he wandered deeper into the shop. Sensing that he was being given a moment of grace, Kenji took the opportunity to browse. His eyes roamed hungrily over the rows of artifacts and tomes, the old magic clinging to them so dense he could almost taste it. Each item seemed to hum with stories, with possibilities, as if they were inviting him to unlock their secrets.
He paused before a pedestal where a shimmering orb rested, its surface swirling with misty colors. His hand hovered above it, curiosity burning within him. Was it a focus stone? A scrying orb? Or something more dangerous? His mind buzzed with possibilities, excitement, and a hint of caution.
Before he could touch it, however, the kitsune cleared her throat softly. The sound, though barely audible, carried an undeniable command that snapped Kenji's focus back to her.
Kenji immediately turned, bowing slightly in apology, chastising himself for his lapse in judgment. He should know better than to touch unknown artifacts without permission—especially in a shop like this.
"Good evening," Kenji said quickly, respectfully. "I was hoping to inquire about some books—specifically skill manuals, magic theory, and techniques."
The shopkeeper's expression remained neutral, but Kenji noticed a glint of curiosity in her golden eyes. Her presence was oddly welcoming, which made him relax slightly even as he remained on guard.
"We carry many such things," she said, her voice smooth and musical, yet carrying an underlying firmness that hinted at the weight of centuries. "Are you seeking anything in particular"
Kenji took a moment to choose his words carefully. "I'm looking for foundational works," he explained. "Books on basic combat skills, mana control, magical crafting, and perhaps... something unique."
The young kitsune woman gave a slow, approving nod. Gesturing him closer.
Kenji inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, a small smile tugging at his lips.
As the kitsune rose gracefully from her seat and began pulling several books from behind the counter, Kenji decided to press his luck a little further.
"Also, if it's not too much trouble," he added politely, "do you perhaps buy monster materials?"
The shopkeeper paused, a chuckle escaping her lips like the tinkling of distant bells.
"We do," she confirmed, her eyes glinting with renewed interest. "Depending on the quality, rarity, and purity, of course."
Kenji opened his inventory discreetly and manifested a small sample: a neatly bundled set of ogre claws, high-quality zombie fangs, and a few intact mana crystals gleaming softly with residual energy.
The kitsune's eyebrows lifted slightly in mild surprise and intrigue.
"Well now these are good in quality," she said with amusement dancing in her tone. "You've been rather busy, haven't you? A hunter?"
Kenji simply offered a sheepish smile in response.
The young kitsune nodded approvingly. "Very well. Once you have selected your books, we will discuss the terms of trade. I believe we can strike a fair bargain."
As Kenji followed her deeper into the labyrinthine shop, the tension in his shoulders eased slightly.
And as he scanned the books laid out before him, a flicker of excitement stirred within his chest, stronger than before. This was an opportunity to grow, to learn, to get something to help carve a place for himself in this vast and dangerous world.
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