"Soil degradation..." Sangonomiya Kokomi fell silent for a moment before looking up at the two and explaining, "Soil degradation has existed on Watatsumi Island for hundreds of years. Since Watatsumi Island originated from Enkanomiya, the power of Enkanomiya also affects the soil here. As a result, soil degradation occurs, making the land of Watatsumi Island extremely barren, and crops can no longer grow properly."
"We rely on the Watatsumi Goryou Matsuri, using the power of the great god to reverse the soil degradation on Watatsumi Island," Kokomi sighed. "But for some reason, this year's soil degradation is particularly severe. We must hold the Watatsumi Goryou Matsuri as soon as possible. Otherwise, even with the Shogunate's food supply, we won't be able to sustain normal life."
"What is Enkanomiya?" Lumine asked.
"Our ancestors on Watatsumi Island actually lived underground, in what is now beneath the Sangonomiya Shrine. We call it Enkanomiya. In the past, the great god of Watatsumi took pity on us for not being able to see the sunlight and brought us up from Enkanomiya," Kokomi explained.
"In Enkanomiya, there is a type of coral called the Bloodbranch Coral, which contains the power of the great god and can reverse soil degradation," Kokomi continued.
"But recently, Enkanomiya seems to have undergone some strange changes. The power inside seems to have become chaotic," Kokomi frowned. "We haven't encountered this situation in hundreds of years. This time, many of the people we sent down suffered unexpected disasters."
"Although Enkanomiya is a gathering place for Vishaps, where Hydro and Electro elements are most concentrated, according to one soldier who escaped, they encountered a strange Pyro element?" Kokomi sighed. "When this Pyro element erupts, it can instantly consume ordinary people. Even those with Pyro Visions can be infected by that strange power and turn into mindless monsters that only attack."
"Monsters? That's so dangerous!" Paimon exclaimed.
"Yes, we've never seen anything like this before. It's not even recorded in the ancient books passed down through generations," Kokomi nodded.
"Some of the soldiers who escaped were infected by this power. While recovering from their injuries, they suddenly turned into monsters," Kokomi said. "But their strength wasn't too high, not comparable to that of Vision bearers. So after killing them, we burned their bodies to completely eliminate the threat."
"Oh my! That's terrifying," Paimon said, frightened.
"Since then, we haven't dared to send anyone else in," Kokomi said. "But if we can't obtain the Bloodbranch Coral, the land of Watatsumi Island will become uninhabitable. That would be no different from destroying Watatsumi Island."
"Truly, misfortunes never come singly," Kokomi shook her head and sighed.
"Ah... I'm sorry for complaining in front of you," Kokomi felt it might not be appropriate to vent in front of outsiders.
"By the way, if you two aren't in a hurry to leave, please allow me to host you," Kokomi offered.
"Hehe, then we'll trouble you, Miss Kokomi," Paimon smiled eagerly at the prospect of food.
Lumine also nodded. They had been traveling for a long time and hadn't eaten yet.
"Please wait a moment. I'll make the arrangements," Kokomi said before turning to leave.
"Paimon, what if we go down and take a look? That power that corrupts people... it sounds a lot like the Abyss," Lumine said, looking at Paimon. She still needed to investigate the Abyss, and this power that turns people into monsters seems very similar.
"But it's so dangerous," Paimon worried. "After hearing what Miss Kokomi said, I'm a bit scared."
"We'll just take a look from a distance and see what's going on. If it really is the Abyss, we don't need to be afraid," Lumine said.
"Well... alright then," Paimon, though scared, wouldn't let Lumine go alone, so she nodded. "Let's wait for Miss Kokomi to come back and tell her about it."
"Alright," Lumine nodded.
After a while, Kokomi returned, having made the arrangements.
"Miss Kokomi, we'd like to ask you for a favor," Lumine said.
"What is it?" Kokomi asked, slightly surprised.
"About Enkanomiya... we'd like to go in and take a look. Is that possible?" Lumine asked.
"Um..." Kokomi hesitated for a moment. "But it's too dangerous right now."
"We'll just take a look. If there's any danger, we'll leave immediately," Lumine said.
"That's right! Lumine is very strong. As a traveler who's journeyed through many nations, she's even fought dragons and gods," Paimon nodded.
"I see," Kokomi thought for a moment. "Alright, but please be careful."
"Great! Thank you, Miss Kokomi," Paimon said happily.
"You're welcome. Miss Lumine, since you're going to Enkanomiya, I'd like to entrust you with a task," Kokomi said. "Could you keep an eye out for the Bloodbranch Coral? If the situation allows, please bring back a piece."
"Of course, if it's too dangerous, please leave Enkanomiya immediately," Kokomi added.
"Alright, we'll do our best," Lumine nodded.
"Thank you so much, Lumine, Paimon," Kokomi said with gratitude. If they could really bring back the Bloodbranch Coral, the soil degradation crisis on Watatsumi Island could be resolved.
"When do you plan to go to Enkanomiya?" Kokomi asked. "I'll provide you with a map of Enkanomiya and open the passage for you."
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance. Lumine said, "We plan to return to Inazuma first and inform Akio about the situation on Watatsumi Island. After that, we'll come back and prepare properly."
"That's a good idea. The situation in Enkanomiya is critical. Being well-prepared will greatly reduce the danger," Kokomi nodded. "If you need anything, please let us know. We'll do our best to help you."
"Alright," Lumine nodded.
"Then, please follow me," Kokomi said, as she had already prepared a feast.
"Watatsumi Island is currently short on supplies, so the hospitality may be lacking. Please forgive us," Kokomi said.
"It's fine!" Paimon waved her hand. For her, good food was important, but having something to eat was good enough.
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