Chapter 69: West of Kunlun, the Hidden Village of Specters

If it isn't the heroes of the West. How do you fare of late? We may yet have need of your strength, if you are so obliged to lend it.

Welcome, Heroes of the West. We are pleased to welcome you. I trust you have been well? Things have been quiet here. We have spent our days in relative peace. We owe this to you, Heroes of the West. Once again, you have our gratitude.

Glad to hear. If you have any more problems, we're available to help anytime. We came to ask if you've heard any new information about the specters.

New information about the specters? I am not certain there is anything of particular note...

The specters seem to be on the move again. Anything at all would be helpful.

Ah, that reminds me. There was a rumor of a hidden specter village further west of Specter Palace. If you were to find that village, it may lead to further developments.

Further west of Specter Palace... Got it. We'll search for this hidden specter village.

Pray remain vigilant. We pray for your safe return.

Oh, it's everyone! Glad to see you came.

Huh? Weren't you in a rush to return home?

That's awfully cunning of you... What exactly are you searching for?

Ores used for Grasta upgrades.

Grasta...upgrades?!

To put it simply, it's a technique for tempering Grasta to draw out more power from it.

No way! I had no idea that was possible.

You shouldn't underestimate traditional Itoise techniques. I'll go on ahead and look for the ore. I'll be expecting you!

I was waiting for you! The ore around here should be usable for Grasta upgrades.

What kind of rocks are we looking for?

According to my master they're really shiny, so you should know them when you see them.

That's the only clue you have?!

Just try looking for shiny places.

I'll search over there!

Shiny rocks... Can they really be found that easily?

Huh? Could that be what we're looking for?

AAAAAAAHHHH!

This has got to be it! The ore my master was talking about. Who'd have thought we would find them so easily! It's supposed to be a really rare ore!

Ah... Sorry, I got a little excited.

Before I forget... Here, take this.

This ore... Isn't this the one you just found? Do you want to give it to me?

As long as I've got enough to use, it's fine. I want to thank you for helping me search. There's a craftsman at my master's workshop who can do the upgrade. I can show you Itoise's amazing techniques.

That's, that'll be a great help.

Let's hurry on to Itoise!

Agh...this is some blizzard.

It's so cold... It's times like this I wish I had thick body hair like my master's.

Thick body hair?! Just what kind of person is this master?!

My master is a renowned swordsmith. His weapons are a cut above the rest. He saved me with one of his best blades when I was still fretting who to apprentice under...

My master can embed a mysterious power capable of defeating magic in his blades. It's really something...

Huh, is that right? I'm looking forward to meeting him.

Oh, he gets mad if you step on his tail, so be careful!

He's covered in thick hair and has a tail?! I'm having trouble imagining who we're about to meet...

Don't worry. I feel like he's pretty similar to you guys. I'm sure you'll get along great. Once we get through this blizzard, we'll be at Itoise!

Hey, Aldo... There's a child over there!

Aldo, we've got to help that kid!

Right. Everyone, let's do this!

Leave this to me!

Don't worry, you're safe now. That was scary, wasn't it?

Now you've got us to deal with! Let's go!

Are you all right? No injuries?

Yes, I'm fine! Thank you for helping me!

Oh, right. You should come visit my village. You'll be welcome there. We hardly get any visitors, so I'm sure everyone at the village will be really surprised.

A...village? Could that be the hidden specter village we're looking for?

Yes, that's right. You know of it? There's a hidden road just past here. Once you pass through, it's not far. It might be a hidden village, but it's just us living there quietly. We're not trying to be exclusive or anything. We may all be specters, but we're the dependable type. We don't attack humans or anything, so don't worry.

Ahaha... We would never! No one in our village would have the guts to try and eat someone like you.

Oh, apologies for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Tem Tem. Glad to make your acquaintance. I'll be off then. My master will be angry if I'm late!

The hidden specter village... It looks like they're having a festival.

Wait... That's right, you...

I don't remember. But... A festival at a snowy village...

Ah, sorry. We made our way up here after hearing that there was a hidden specter village. But after seeing you, I'm a little concerned...

Never mind, it's nothing.

But who would've thought there was a hidden path here.

I see. We should follow. But what's a hidden path doing here?

I see. Let's go together. We're also looking for a hidden specter village. It would be dangerous to cross this mountain alone.

What do you think this specter village is like? I'm so excited to see it!

Indeed... Then I suppose I'll be traveling with you.