Chapter 11 Part I

    The New Companion More Troublesome Than the Old

    “Hey, what’s this, Miss… er… Inari?”

    Möbius asked Inari, who was currently arm-in-arm with him, surprised to find himself suddenly had another companion, the fox mother who seemed quite overwhelming.

    “Kid, you don’t know that for dog-type monsters, wearing something around their neck signifies something, do you? Why is it, Inari, that even though I've given you dozens of necklaces that are much prettier than the one this kid found, you’ve never worn any of them?”

    Cosmos, feeling a bit slighted, mused to himself.

    “That’s because I have other duties for you to do, Cosmos,”

    Inari acted as if she trusted Cosmos completely, but Möbius felt sorry for his master, who seemed to be at a disadvantage once again because of Inari. However, in the near future, he too would likely be in the same situation.

    “Is there a duty more important than protecting you, Inari?”

    Cosmos, who seemed reluctant to comply with Inari's request, but that was before Inari snapped her fingers.

    Due to gaining the power of the Moonlight Stone, the Celestial Fox tribe now had the ability to transform into humans effortlessly. Now, all members of the Celestial Fox tribe had transformed into beautiful young women, ranging from ages 17-18 to as young as 13-14.

    The oldest, whom Möbius recalled as an eight-tailed celestial fox, transformed into an 18-year-old beauty, though whether her transformation was imperfect or just playful, she still retained her fox ears and golden tails which made her look adorable. Möbius suspected it was more of the latter. She clung to Cosmos’s arm.

    “See, Brother Cosmos, we are not skilled enough to transform into perfect humans like Sister Miho or Sister Inari. What will we do if something happens to us? Sob... sob... oh...”

    After the young girl finished speaking, other young foxes of similar age began to surround Cosmos, pleading for his care by affectionately calling him 'big brother'. Möbius could only think to himself that judging from his appearance, they should probably address him as 'uncle' or 'grandpa'.

    “Uh, but I don’t know how long and how far I can bear to be away from Inari, so letting me, Brother Cosmos, to look after you, uhh…”

    Cosmos started to hesitate, finding the group of over thirty fox girls quite endearing, but he was concerned about how he could have kept his image that no one thought he had left intact.

    “Brother Cosmos, there’s a saying, 'distance tests a horse’s strength, time tests a person’s character.' As someone who is both a good man and a strong horse like you, you should be able to endure being away from me for a long time, right?”

    Inari seized the opportunity while Cosmos was still confused, breaking through the circle of fox girls to whisper softly in his ear before adding,

    “My fiery steed.”

    “Alright, don’t worry, Inari. This Cosmos will protect the village and these young fox girls… err… sisters of Inari very well until Sister Inari returns to her stallion,”

    Cosmos promised Inari, while Möbius just shook his head at his new fox companion’s cunning.

    “So, Möbius, where shall we go next?”

    Gumiho, who was casually sipping a blue potion, asked Möbius, as it seemed the Illusion Forest had returned to normal, and she had also heard that Möbius needed to venture out to find reliable comrades.

    “Let’s head to the nearest town because we’re running low on supplies, potions, and ammunition, so we need to restock first. Mr. Cosmos, where’s the nearest town?”

    Möbius asked Cosmos, who was busy getting acquainted with a large number of new sisters, his face glowing with joy.

    “Just cross the northern mountains, Möbius. Keep going, and you’ll reach the Erisé Village, the village of the arts. But it seemed a bit chaotic the last time I passed through. It’s about a three-hour walk from here,”

    Cosmos, very pleased, replied.

    “Then let me get ready first.”

    Möbius was concerned about supplies because the two foxes were known to eat a lot. Although they could find main meals along the way, the power-boosting potions they liked to snack on might not suffice in a real crunch.

    "Möbius, do we have enough bullets to get us there?"

    Gumiho asked, concerned, while scooping various colored potions left over from distributing them to the village into her lace bag, oblivious to anyone's gaze.

    "We have about 2,000 rounds left. I hope the village of art will have some firearms for sale,"

    Möbius frowned, as he didn't think it was likely that they would sell guns there. After all, it was called the village of art.

    "I've been wanting to try going there too, Möbius. I'd like to get some weapons."

    Inari told Möbius as she was saying goodbye to her siblings, along with hints on how to confuse Cosmos. In front of other players, she didn’t want to use her fox or half-fox form, so to utilize her full power, she'd need to use weapons.

    "Just remember one thing, Möbius: don't use your powers unnecessarily. When you use them, make sure it leaves no trace. Otherwise, those big three federations will make your life miserable until you have your own group. Don’t use it openly, absolutely not,"

    Cosmos gave his final advice to Möbius. The major federations were always looking for new members showing potential to join their federations because there were three of them, each balancing the other. They refrained from warfare fearing that the remaining federation might take advantage of the situation and attack, and the worst part was that anyone not aligned with them would no longer be able to enjoy the game freely. Though there were small groups resisting, their strengths weren’t strong enough to contend with the federations, only able to offer little help to those who wished to play freely.

    As the sun reached the middle of the sky, the trio finally started their journey towards Erisé Village, the village of art, through the now beautiful Illusion Forest as Gumiho had described. Möbius felt it was truly worth the effort, before he would cross another mountain range into a different part of the forest.

    (Ah, look Möbius, there’s the village.)

    Gumiho, in her nine-tailed golden fox form, pointed out the village at the end of the trail. From a distance, the village seemed small, likely comprising 50-60 houses. Seeing the village was not far, Möbius didn’t rush. He took his time to enjoy the nature of the sparse forest.

    The local monsters were demonic trees that looked just like ordinary large trees but had terrifying faces on their trunks, ranging from level 32 to 35. Möbius urged his two foxes to use as little fire as possible, fearing a forest fire.

    Suddenly, a sharp branch struck Möbius's back.

    100 (Remaining 1200/1300)

    "Argh. Respect. You blend in very well."

    Möbius complimented the demonic tree that had camouflaged itself so seamlessly among the normal trees that they had to wait for it to attack them first before they could retaliate. Gumiho fired back at the tree that ambushed Möbius, while Inari gently breathed on Möbius's wound, knowing what to do. Even though the mother fox's healing method was a bit unsettling, it worked very well.

    +200

    "Thank you, Inari."

    Möbius continuously thanked the mother fox for healing his wounds. As Inari had explained, she was skilled in healing and supportive magic rather than offensive, which was evident since her fire was silver, while Gumiho specialized in offensive magic because her fire was gold, sparing Möbius from needing to use the red potion.

    Möbius could now share experience points with his two companions since their levels were not more than 11 apart, making their journey smoother as they didn't have to rely solely on Möbius to engage in battles alone.

    "We're almost there; both of you should transform,"

    Möbius asked his two foxes to take human form. Although beautiful women might attract attention, a large nine-tailed fox would certainly attract much more.

    "Inari, can we really trust Mr. Cosmos to look after the Celestial Fox Village like that?"

    The young man began to wonder if Cosmos himself might be the greatest threat to the celestial fox tribe.

    "Don't worry too much. He can't really do anything just by touching and feeling around. As for fighting, you can trust him. He might not seem competent, but if he were serious, we three couldn’t even handle him right now,"

    Inari told Möbius, who seemed skeptical of Cosmos's abilities.

    Just then,

    A loud explosion sounded from the front of them.

    "Möbius, the explosion came from that village. Wait… there are sounds of fighting too."

    Gumiho quickly identified the source of the sounds due to her sharp senses, prompting the three to hurry toward the village ahead.

    Inside the village, bandits were attacking the main building in the center. There were about 160 bandits, all wearing tattered black and purple clothes, and about 50 people from the village were defending the central building. Although outnumbered, the villagers were dispatching the bandits with ease. Despite seeing their comrades fall like leaves, the bandits refused to retreat; they continued their frenzied assault on the 50 people.

    Möbius, standing at the entrance to the village and not far from the fighting, tried to remain inconspicuous to avoid joining the fray. However, the two strikingly noticeable fox girls caught the bandits' attention, drawing them towards Möbius. Gumiho, sensing they might have to fight, transformed into her nine-tailed fox form immediately, while Inari telepathically relayed crucial information to Möbius.

    (Möbius, the people defending the village have a symbol on their clothing the same as those who disturbed the peace of the Illusion Forest. They are around level 35-40, while the bandits are between level 30-35.)

    Inari, whose senses were as sharp as her daughter's, informed Möbius to help him decide their next move. Meanwhile, Gumiho, as if having encountered her own enemies, was gathering her magical power, waiting for Möbius’s decision.

    (If those defending the city are from the Shield and Sword Federation, we shouldn't show too much of our skills. Just hold off the bandits for now. The large group of bandits is dwindling, and if we can hold them off for a while, they will probably flee soon.)

    Möbius outlined a plan. He pulled out a regular pistol given by Watson to fire randomly, while Gumiho used standard red fire, even reducing her tails to just one. Inari stayed in the background, casting basic power-enhancing spells on Möbius and Gumiho, making them appear like a normal group of adventurers with nothing extraordinary.

    "Well, it's a different kind of pleasure to be able to load bullets manually again."

    Möbius said as he loaded the ordinary pistol with his hands, after having gained the ability to automatically load bullets. He hadn't had to manually load bullets in a long time.

    "How long has it been since I last used basic enhancement spells? Huhu."

    Inari moved her lips as if she were casting a spell, though she didn't actually need to cast any spells. She just waved her hands to deceive onlookers.

    (What a pity, grilling these people like this isn't fun at all.)

    Gumiho, in her one-tailed fox form, complained. The small, ordinary flames didn’t satisfy her at all.

    "Hey, let's retreat!!!"

    A bandit who seemed to be the leader, seeing that the raid was hopeless, ordered all his men to retreat immediately as continuing would only lead to more losses.

    "Phew... finally retreating."

    Möbius, who had received minor injuries from the bandits, sighed in relief, as he too feared losing control. Then, a man, the best-dressed in the group from the Shield and Sword Federation, approached him. This man was very handsome, about 25 years old, with long hair tied back in a ponytail and dressed like a martial artist from a Chinese’s wuxia movie. He carried a valuable-looking sword, contrasting with Möbius, who wore a simple cotton outfit from his first day in the game, making him look like a new player who had just emerged from the Cave of Fate.

    "It’s fine now. Everything is under control now, and welcome to Erisè Village."

    The man spoke to Möbius but couldn't take his eyes off Inari standing behind.

    "My name is Xiao Long, I'm one of the vice leaders of the Shield and Sword Federation, assigned to specifically look after this village. May I ask your name…?"

    The man introduced himself and inquired about the name of the fox girl in human form. Möbius sensed that Xiao Long was intentionally addressing Inari from the start, so he telepathically communicated to Inari.

    (Try to be friendly with him for now.)

    Inari listened to Möbius’s telepathic message without showing any suspicion. Even though the young man hadn’t told her to do so, she had already planned to do so. Xiao Long was the only person whose power she could barely sense, indicating he must be far more powerful than her.

    "Hello, Mr. Xiao Long, my name is Inari. This brother here is Möbius. It's unbelievable to meet a vice leader of a major federation in such a small village; it must be a very important mission, right?"

    Inari said, giving Xiao Long an admiring look. Her cheerful smile made Xiao Long stare in awe, especially since her neckline was particularly deep, which caused his gaze to drop lower as well.

    "It’s no secret, but the details are complex. If you don’t mind, let's have a meal and talk."

    Xiao Long, thinking the beautiful woman in front of him might be interested in his status and appearance, quickly seized the opportunity to build a rapport.

    "Well then, we'll have to trouble you. We've traveled quite far, and having a generous person like Brother Xiao Long help us would be wonderful. Möbius, quickly thank Brother Xiao Long."

    Inari smiled at Xiao Long, who was about to treat them to dinner. Although she told Möbius to thank him, she telepathically communicated the exact opposite.

    (If it ever comes to killing, I want to be the one to take down Xiao Long. His gaze is really disgusting.)

    "Thank you, Brother Xiao Long."

    Möbius had to forced a happy face as if delighted someone was hosting them for a meal, yet inside, he shared Inari's sentiment. They followed Xiao Long to a restaurant, discovering that the village truly lived up to its name as a village of arts. Along the way, both sides of the street were lined with other players engaged in various artistic activities such as painting, sculpting, and carving. The merchandise for sale along the streets was crafted by artisans from the town itself.

    This village was indeed a perfect contradiction: each artist's home was built uniquely yet harmoniously blended with the surrounding homes. One house was shaped like a moon surrounded by others adorned with large star symbols to complement it. Adjacent to it was another house with a rabbit statue.

    It was usually a very peaceful and pleasant village. Shortly, they arrived at a two-story restaurant with sculptures of crossed spoons at the entrance.

    "After you, little sister Inari."

    Xiao Long led the way and opened the door for Inari.

    "Thank you. Are companions allowed in as well? I wouldn’t want to leave the foxes outside."

    Inari, who was still maintaining her gentle smile, asked Xiao Long who was ahead of her, glancing towards Miho before walking past him into the restaurant as invited.

    "Don't worry, there’s nothing this brother, Xiao Long, can’t handle."

    Xiao Long immediately responded, inhaling deeply the scent of Inari as she passed him, then he closed the door right in the face of Gumiho and Möbius, ignoring them instantly.

    (Möbius, once Mother kills him, I want to burn him again.)

    Gumiho, in her fox form, silently judged Xiao Long. Möbius could only offer a dry chuckle as he held the door for Gumiho to enter the restaurant. The interior was a Chinese-style eatery, not particularly luxurious but tastefully decorated. The restaurant owner personally welcomed Xiao Long and led them to a special dining room on the second floor.

    Inside the special dining room, Möbius noticed one more person joining them; an older man, about 70, extravagantly dressed and clearly an artist.

    "Hello, Mr. Picasso, this is Inari, my guest. Miss Inari, this is Mr. Picasso, the head of this village."

    Xiao Long introduced Picasso to Inari. Möbius and Miho, the bland person and fox, were already out of sight of the grand vice-leader of the Shield and Sword Federation. Möbius felt that after Miho roasted Xiao Long's corpse with her power, he would shoot that handsome face with his gun before joining Inari at the table. Meanwhile, Gumiho lay quietly next to Möbius.

    "Hello, Mr. Picasso. This town is truly fascinating. It's clear a lot of thought went into the urban planning."

    Inari engaged Picasso in conversation while Xiao Long ordered a large number of dishes to impress her. As a display of his generosity, he ordered a wide variety of dishes, wanting to ensure the beautiful guest across from him could try everything.

    "It’s inevitable, my dear. This town thrives with the spirit of art, born from numerous artists who seek refuge from chaos to create works they love, in a place where everyone understands them. But alas, those bandits have nearly ruined this place several times."

    Picasso said with a shaky voice. This was the town he had spent almost all his time in this game building, a peaceful town where the villagers could freely exchange their creations with each other.

    "You need not worry, Mr. Picasso. We from the Shield and Sword Federation will ensure the protection of this beautiful town."

    Xiao Long confidently reassured, smiling at Inari before inviting her to continue the conversation.

    "And what brings you to our village, little sister Inari?"

    He asked, his eyes not leaving her, especially drawn to the deep neckline of her kimono. . The beautiful red rose pendant nestled against her ample, creamy white chest made the mother fox appear much sexier than usual.

    "I was hoping to find some beautiful fans and umbrellas. I happened to meet a traveler who recommended I visit this town."

    Inari still acted politely and appropriately towards Xiao Long, even though his gaze looking at her was noticeably repulsive. Fortunately, as the appetizers arrived at the table, she had other things to focus on besides Xiao Long’s gaze. Möbius ate sparingly, saving most for Gumiho who was lying beside him.

    (Hang in there, Miho. Trust me, these appetizers will be left over, and then we can take them back to the hotel and really enjoy ourselves.)

    Möbius relayed a minor plan to the fox girl, who responded by lying down passively like a well-trained fox. Meanwhile, Inari ate slowly at the table, saving room for the heavier dishes to come. At the same time, Xiao Long had started to drink his liquor.

    "You arrived just at the right time, little sister Inari. The Shield and Sword Federation just cleared out those bandits. I guarantee they won't be back for at least 15 days. Feel free to shop as you please."

    A loud-mouthed Xiao Long said words that made Möbius ponder before downing another glass of liquor. Unwilling to let the doubt linger, Möbius telepathically communicated with Inari:

    (Ask more about the bandits, Inari.)

    (Alright, Möbius)

    "Will those bandits come back? They sound quite scary. Where do they come from, Brother Xiao Long?"

    Inari's face showed concern, inquiring about the bandits as Möbius had requested. Her hand poured Xiao Long another cup of liquor.

    "These bandits aren't easily deterred. The Shield and Sword Federation have been dealing with them for a long time. They originated from the merging of two bandit groups based to the west of this village, not too far away. The first group is called Black Bear, about 100 members, led by someone actually named Black Bear. The other group is called Purple Spider, about 80 members, mostly of lower levels but they possess a fort with heavy artillery. Black Bear and Purple Spider are the groups collaborating with the aim to seize this town."

    Xiao Long, who became talkative after just 3-4 shots of liquor, began spilling more detailed information than Möbius had anticipated. But before Inari could extract more information,

    "Excuse me."

    A man dressed similarly but less lavishly than Xiao Long whispered something to Xiao Long, prompting him to stand up.

    "It's really a pity. I have urgent business that just came up today; otherwise, we could have talked longer. Don't worry, little one, Inari, just enjoy your meal. I'll take care of the bill."

    Xiao Long, placing his hands together at chest level to show respect to Picasso and Inari, followed the man who had just arrived.

    "Will you be coming back soon, Mr. Xiao Long? It’s a pity for me too."

    Inari, now standing up like Möbius and Picasso, asked with a slight tilt of her head. The sexy mother fox could really make a surprisingly cute expression.

    "It'll be about 4-5 days. If you're not in a hurry, wait for me, Inari."

    Xiao Long replied with a wink. Inari returned a sweet smile as he was about to leave, but before exiting, Xiao Long turned back to Picasso to say one more thing.

    "Mr. Picasso, as for that matter, it’s the same deals as always."

    After Xiao Long left, the room fell silent, with Picasso, Inari, and Möbius looking at each other. The atmosphere grew increasingly uncomfortable until Picasso eventually broke the silence.

    "Don't worry about me. I and this village aren't involved with the Shield and Sword Federation. Our reliance on them should be proof enough."

    Picasso said slowly and smiled at Inari. If possible, he wouldn’t want the Federation to meddle in his village affairs either.

    (What do you think, Möbius?)

    Inari telepathically sought the young man's opinion, feeling that Picasso could be trusted. Möbius nodded in agreement, confirming his trust as well.

    "Alright, no need to be formal then."

    Inari, who felt more relaxed, started tackling the lavish spread of dishes on the table since she had restrained herself until then.

    Poof!

    The white smoke emerged from the fox lying next to Möbius, and when the smoke cleared, it revealed a beautiful young woman as stunning as Inari.