...
"Hoo—Ha—"
Kanoya darted forward through the fully darkened mountain forest.
Okuriookami followed closely behind her, illuminating the mountain path for Shouka with the lantern hanging from its neck. The little old man's avatar, meanwhile, stood atop the shoulder of his young mistress, shakuhachi in hand.
The White Garment Guanyin Sutra Patch shimmered with golden light, its Sanskrit characters floating and swirling around her. In her hand, The Saintly Virtue Incense Burner emitted a peculiar, radiant glow.
Shouka's petite snow boots crushed the layered snow beneath her, scattering flakes with every step.
The snow that blanketed the mountain forest was still thick, but it couldn't slow her down.
Strengthened by the Outer Lion Seal, the sutra patch, and the incense burner—items that amplified the effects of Buddhist spells—Shouka's physical capabilities were significantly enhanced.
"This isn't working. This won't do."
