บท 40: CALL FOR MISSION: Into the Rotten Swamp —2

[OKAMI VILLAGE, 280TH CENTURY, SUMMER]

"I see we have some matters to discuss," Maeda began, his voice resonating.

Yukio joined them, standing beside Maeda. "We have a mission for you. It will be part of your training, but also crucial for the safety of Okami Village."

"In the swamp and the border, live fairies and nymphs, and many other creatures," Maeda replied. "In my experience, they were quite social, just like us in the village. But we received some reports that they attacked travelers from another village without any reasoning."

Yukio turned his head. "Indeed," he sighed. "It was odd for fairies and nymphs to attack aggressively, unless… they were under a dark spell…" Yukio explained further.

"Prepare yourselves and head out at first light. The village is counting on you," Maeda instructed.