"In danger? Why?" Kai asked curiously.
He wasn't someone who would stay silent after hearing he was in danger. Amber also didn't take that too kindly, but Rena's next words explained everything.
"With the Oni Festival only a few days away, many dangers gathered, including troublemakers and some people with plans. That's why I advise you to get away from our shrine, as some seemingly targeted my siblings, the Spirit Foxes."
'That's… worrisome.' Kai thought.
He had experienced being attacked because someone targeted Amber twice. He certainly didn't want that to happen to the fox in front of him.
They were cute and polite. The first Supernatural beast he met after Amber warned him to get away because he was in a dangerous location. He was happy Rena even warned him and cared a little about his well-being.
Maybe that was the reason why the little fox looked cautious around him and ran away when the fox noticed he and Amber could see it.
Kai tried to put himself in their position. If someone was about to attack his restaurant and a powerful person suddenly liked his food and praised it, he would definitely warn that person too, even when he knew that someone could protect himself.
He didn't like to get himself into trouble. At that time, he remembered something from his idol.
Then there was this Oni Festival. His great mood would be spoiled if he ignored Rena and the Spirit Foxes after he knew the situation.
Besides… He didn't like troublemakers because of that incident from before. He glanced at Amber, and she only smiled. Through what he knew about the Phoenix girl, that gaze indicated that she would follow his decision.
He did this not because he needed to but because he wanted to.
"Can you tell us more about it?" He asked Rena.
"Do not worry about us, traveler. I don't want to waste your festive mood with the mighty Phoenix." Rena replied with a foxy smile, trying to reassure Rei.
"Descendant of Kyubi." Amber suddenly called out to Rena, getting her attention. "Don't worry about my master's decision. If he wants to help, then he will help."
"Indeed! The troublemakers are a source of free Talisman." Kai nodded. "So, tell us how you know they will attack you and your siblings. We will help you."
Actually, he had another reason for stepping in at this moment. He wanted to test his full strength and gain the Foxes' trust.
This was his debut in the Supernatural World. He was an unknown individual with unknown power to make a contract with a Mythical Beast. His existence was a danger in itself.
Amber's trust in him wasn't enough evidence that he wasn't dangerous. He could also be mistaken as a troublemaker because of his power. Or someone would try to get his strength from themselves.
He had seen all of those in movies.
But, if he gained the Spirit Foxes' trust, then at least he had another backing to prove he was an innocent and kind man. It would be a good foundation to start his journey.
'The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way.' Kai thought, reciting one of the lines he loved. This was his act of paying attention to his reputation.
"Traveler… Thank you so much." The fox bowed its head at Kai and raised it shortly after.
"Don't worry about it. My name is Kai, and she's Amber." He introduced himself with a slight nod. Still, he was a bit curious about something. "Can I ask why you invite us to meet you if you are in danger because of the troublemakers?"
The Spirit Foxes were in danger. But why did Rena invite them?
It didn't make sense. If it was him, he would hide and try to keep his distance from other people. Inviting strangers could result in unwanted things happening.
"It's because of your soul," Rena replied.
"We, Spirit Foxes, are the descendants of Kyubi and could see an aura around living beings. And yours, unexpectedly, are bright and warm. Kind, but not forgiving. I thought I could trust you and decided to warn you about the danger you don't know about." She continued.
"I see." Kai nodded. He could somehow guess that, knowing his way of life. "Well, can I take it that you accept our help in protecting your Spirit Foxes until the Oni Festival is held? I am sorry, but I can't linger for that long because I want to attend that Festival too."
"It's fine, traveler Kai. Your help is much appreciated. We will surely repay you." At Rena's words, the little Spirit Foxes lined up behind Rena and bowed their heads to show appreciation.
Kai scratched his cheek, feeling a bit embarrassed because he was thanked for something he hadn't done yet. Amber smiled softly on the side and took a step forward.
"Then, Kyubi Descendant. Tell us about the danger."
"Sure, mighty Phoenix." Rena nodded. A bright light then covered her body, slowly morphing into something else. Kai had seen this spectacle once before. It was when they landed in Japan that Amber turned back into her human form.
Even if it was the second time he had seen something like this, he was still amazed.
The light morphed into a human form with tall ears and a moving tail. Slowly, it regained colors and dispersed slowly. In place of the 3-tailed fox earlier was a young girl with white hair.
She wore a red and white Miko outfit, similar to those worn by the Mikos in Fushimi Inari Shrine. A pair of silver fox ears twitched on top of her head, and three similar white tails jutted out from her back, moving around excitedly, sweeping the dust.
Her eyes were golden with red eyeliners around them. Then, staring up at Kai because she was as short as a middle-schooler kid, the girl spoke.
"Let's talk inside the temple. I have invited both of you, so let me prepare something as we speak. Are you fine with tea and rice snacks?" She asked, tilting her head.
"It's fine. Rather, thank you for the hospitality." He replied.
"Naturally." Rena nodded with a bright smile and turned around. "Once again, welcome to the inner Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Fox Temple."
The source of this c𝓸ntent is fr𝒆e(w)𝒆bnovel