The festival that night passed quickly, but it truly left Chizuki with some beautiful memories.
It had now been over half a year since Chizuki arrived in Teyvat.
"Name: Chizuki
Race: Nekomata
Region: Inazuma
Vision: None
Max HP: 810
Attack: 310+23
Defense: 87
Elemental Mastery: 0
Max Stamina: 120
Status: Juvenile
Details: Omitted."
Focusing solely on upgrading attack power went against the principle of balanced development. So for sustainable growth, Chizuki chose to distribute some points to other stats.
As for the extra twenty stamina points, it was likely due to natural physical improvement over time. Better physique naturally led to increased stamina.
"Why does Higi Village seem so busy lately?" Most of Chizuki's Daily Commissions now appeared in other areas, probably because the system wanted her to explore more unknown regions, requiring her to travel farther.
However, sometimes Chizuki would still visit Higi Village every couple of days to play with the children and relax.
"Kikuka, could you tell me what's happening recently? The atmosphere feels heavier, and people there look quite serious." Chizuki asked one of the children she had previously rescued from a large Hydro Slime, hoping to understand the situation.
"In a few days, we'll have the great storm that only comes every few years. During that time, we can't go out to sea," Kikuka explained methodically. "So before that, the adults need to make all necessary preparations. Not only do we need to stock up on enough food, but we also need weapons for self-defense to prevent those bad Wandering Samurai from stealing our supplies!"
"I think I understand," Chizuki nodded.
Food was indeed very important.
Though she didn't know why, whenever she wandered around Yashiori Island, she would always find different types of food at the same fixed locations every few days. For example, potatoes one time, then radishes the next.
Though completely unscientific, Chizuki still hadn't figured out why this happened.
Thanks to nature's bounty!
"So does this mean Wandering Samurai will appear more frequently during this period?" After some thought, Chizuki reached this conclusion.
"You should be careful too. Don't go playing outside the village during this time." She felt it necessary to give this reminder.
"I'll come check on things here when I have time."
On her way home, Chizuki made a special trip to the seaside.
Compared to before, the waves seemed more turbulent, rising and falling across the sea surface, crashing against the coastal cliffs.
If what Kikuka said was true, judging by how much the waves had already risen, the weather might indeed turn worse if this continued.
After all, Yashiori Island already had more rainy days than sunny ones throughout the year.
"Should I prepare more food?" Chizuki pondered, suddenly struck by the idea of stockpiling. After all, food stored in her system space wouldn't spoil, and it would give her a chance to practice her currently unpalatable cooking skills.
Maybe just make some rice balls. They're simple enough that there's no risk of failure.
As for dishes like dango or street-style hotpot, she was missing some ingredients for those.
Though both were basically foolproof—even if poorly made, the taste wouldn't be affected much.
"No tofu means no miso soup either." Chizuki wanted to expand her recipe repertoire, but with certain ingredients unavailable, there wasn't much room for creativity.
"Maybe I should check out other areas?" She knew this nation consisted of many islands, with Narukami Island at its center, home to the bustling Inazuma City.
"But it doesn't seem like a good time to sail these days." Gazing at the turbulent sea, the thought solidified in her mind. "I'll find a boat to visit other islands when the weather improves."
She felt a growing curiosity about other places.
The impending storm made its presence known—gloomy skies had dominated recent days, with thunder rumbling ominously behind thick clouds, occasionally breaking free with deafening cracks.
"Rain again." Chizuki sighed as droplets began pelting the ground.
She glanced at the red oil-paper umbrella hanging on her wall, a gift from Tang Tang that remained unused.
Someday, she'd take that umbrella out for a proper stroll.
For now, staying dry took priority.
As the wind howled and rain intensified, Chizuki detected movement outside.
"Nobushi." The sight of figures dressed as wandering samurai left no doubt.
"Why are there suddenly so many Nobushi here?" This area wasn't their usual territory—the occasional slime or Hilichurl was normal, but this?
"Could they be heading toward Higi Village?"
The possibility startled her—it seemed all too plausible.
"I wonder if Higi Village is prepared for Nobushi."
After a brief internal debate, Chizuki decided to brave the rain and check on the village.
If trouble arose, she could help.
Her current combat skills could handle two or three Nobushi without issue.
With a better weapon than this Dull Blade, her effectiveness would improve further.
Lightning split the darkened skies as Chizuki sprinted through the downpour.
All four legs propelled her forward through the rain's curtain.
"Splash!"
Muddy puddles splattered her blue-gray fur as she ran, but such concerns were forgotten now.
Chizuki raced against the storm, reaching Higi Village with impressive speed.
However, the first group of Nobushi had already reached the vicinity of Higi Village.
"This doesn't look good." The villagers of Higi had already noticed the situation and were standing ready with their weapons in hand.