Ansel and Andrew arrived in Japan after a long journey. Their minds were filled with anticipation and a hint of unease. The air was crisp. The vibe around them was a blend of serene beauty and an eerie stillness that seemed to whisper secrets.
Before venturing into the forest itself, they were taken to meet Touji Ito, a monk who served at the Rengeji temple near the forest's edge.
Touji was not just any monk. He was the guardian of the forest. The first one who discovered the presence of the goblin that had unsettled the region. His calm demeanor and deep connection to the spiritual world made him a vital ally in their mission.
When Ansel and Andrew arrived, they found Touji Ito seated quietly. His eyes closed in deep meditation.
The ranger, a stoic figure dressed in earth-toned gear, approached them and spoke softly. "Please wait here. Do not disturb Sensei until he finishes his meditation."
With that, the ranger left them alone with the meditating monk. The only sounds they heard around them were the gentle rustling of leaves and distant bird calls. The vibe was thick with a sacred calm, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Andrew, unable to contain his curiosity, broke the silence. "Ansel, goblins often appear in fantasy stories. What does the real goblin look like?"
Ansel smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Goblins are just a myth. Actually, it was Fayfiend, a madness living being that was created by the fallen angels. In here it is called It a goblin."
Andrew raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Then, are you sure that you can get rid of the goblin?"
Ansel's expression hardened with resolve. "Of course, I'm sure that's why I ask you to accompany me. Do you know what things can calm the goblins?"
Andrew frowned, thinking hard. "No, I don't."
Ansel noticed the confusion flickering across Andrew's face. A mischievous idea sparked in his mind. He wanted to scare Andrew just a little, to break the tension that hung thick in the air.
Leaning close, he whispered into Andrew's ear, his voice low and chilling. "Human soul. That's why I invited you. I will sacrifice you for goblins."
The words hit Andrew like a sudden shock. His eyes widened in alarm. Without thinking, he swung his hand, hitting Ansel in a reflexive burst of fear and frustration.
The sharp noise shattered the serene silence. It disturbed the monk who had been deep in meditation nearby. Slowly, the monk opened his eyes and rose, signaling the end of his peaceful trance.
As the monk's meditation came to an end, the vibe seemed to exhale. The next phase of their journey was about to begin.
"Ansel, look what you've done." Andrew exclaimed. He glared at him.
Ansel shot back, his voice tinged with irritation. "You are the one who made chaos, aren't you?"
The monk, calm and composed, spoke softly. A phrase of peaceful acknowledgment. "Amitoufu..."
Both Ansel and Andrew bowed respectfully, despite not being Buddhist followers themselves. Ansel quickly added. "Sorry, we don't mean to bother you."
The monk's gaze softened as he asked. "What brings you here? Do you come to rid the forest of the goblins?"
Ansel stepped forward. His voice was steady but respectful. "Yes, we do. Would you allow us to try?"
The monk shook his head gently. "Thank you for your willingness to help, but you should rest first. It seems you have traveled a long way."
Ansel nodded, grateful for the kindness. "Thank you, sir. We came all the way from the USA. When can we begin?"
The monk smiled faintly and gestured toward the temple. "That is up to you. You can rest here if you have no other place."
Andrew's eyes darted nervously toward the temple, and he immediately declined. "No, thank you. We've got the place to rest."
Although neither Ansel nor Andrew was a Buddhist follower. Andrew had a deep respect and understanding of the monk's way of life.
Over time, he had learned that monks lived with strict discipline and simplicity. Embracing a lifestyle that was both humble and deeply spiritual.
They were vegetarians, abstaining from meat as a practice of compassion and non-violence toward all living beings. Alcohol was forbidden in their community, seen as a distraction from clarity and mindfulness.
Andrew thought about how uncomfortable it would be in a place that didn't belong to him.
The sacred space demanded respect, a quiet reverence that could easily be disrupted by careless behavior. He imagined the serene halls filled with the soft sounds of chanting and meditation. It was a stark contrast to the noisy, chaotic world they had left behind.
This understanding made Andrew more cautious and thoughtful about their actions. He knew that if they were to stay at the temple, they had to honor the customs and the peaceful vibe where the monks cultivated.
It wasn't just about following rules. It was about embracing a mindset of humility and patience. The qualities that might serve them well in the difficult days ahead.
"Well, we are going to leave. We'll come again tomorrow morning." Ansel said.
Then, they bowed slightly to the monk before turning away. The soft rustling of leaves accompanied their footsteps as they left the serene presence of the temple behind, leaving the monk to his quiet vigil.
As they walked, the tension between them began to ease, but Ansel's mind was still heavy with unspoken thoughts. Finally, he stopped and turned to face Andrew. His voice dropped to a more vulnerable tone.
"Andrew ... Actually, I'm here because I don't want to fight the goblin." He began hesitantly.
Andrew blinked in surprise, his brow furrowing. "Then... why are you here?"
"I just want to go far away." Ansel confessed quietly. His voice was barely above a whisper as they walked beneath. The weight of his thoughts pressed heavily on him.
He remembered how unfair it felt, to be expected to defeat the goblin when he wasn't even sure he could. "I'm not sure if I can beat the goblin or not."
Andrew's eyes widened in alarm at Ansel's admission. Panic flickered across his face as he abruptly stopped and grabbed Ansel's arm.
He said firmly, his voice edged with urgency. "Then, don't do it."
Without waiting for a response, Andrew turned sharply and began dragging Ansel back toward the temple. "It's better to talk about your real intention."
Ansel stumbled slightly but caught himself, his heart pounding. He stopped Andrew with a gentle but resolute hand on his shoulder.
His eyes met Andrew's with a mixture of fear and determination. He said. "Andrew, we can't do it."
Andrew hesitated, the tension between them thickening the air. "Do you want to commit suicide?"
Ansel shook his head slowly, a faint sadness in his eyes. Ansel said quickly. "Of course not. Grandpa said that fighting goblins can awaken the power of the Guardian Spirit that I have."
Andrew let out a breath of relief, the tension in his shoulders easing visibly. He said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "That means you're not going to do it alone. At least, you have a companion."
Ansel gave a small, tired squeak. He rubbed the back of his neck. "It's better if we go back to the inn. I'm really exhausted from the journey."
Andrew smiled warmly and pulled Ansel into a gentle embrace. "I think we should explore a bit more first. There are so many interesting things here, places to see. It might help you relax."
Ansel hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."
Together, they set off down the winding path.
The forest nearby was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdsong.
The tension of their mission eased for a while as they allowed themselves to be drawn into the quiet beauty and mystery of the place. For now, the looming threat of the goblin could wait.