Chinju Forest.
After successfully forming their three-person team, they returned to the miko's location.
"It seems you've all found your partners. Perfect timing, as the Test of Courage is about to begin. Now, I'll announce the items you need to find in the first round: Raiden Shogun Mini Cakes, along with some Dumpling Milk."
(Spy-Think cupcakes with Raiden Shogun face on top)
"Mini cakes?"
Paimon's eyes immediately lit up with stars.
The miko turned to Yuna. "These mini cakes have been generously sponsored by Inazuma's renowned Chef Yuna. Whoever finds them gets to keep them."
If Lady Guuji hadn't forbidden it, the miko would have joined the Test of Courage herself. Not because she wanted to test her courage—she knew she wasn't particularly brave—but primarily for Chef Yuna's delicacies.
Being called "Chef Yuna, the Renowned Chef God" to her face made Yuna blush. This title had been bestowed upon her by Yae Miko herself, for conquering the Electro Archon with her culinary skills alone.
"There's more than one cake," the miko continued. "The more you find, the better your score. Directional signs will guide you along the way, but there will be forks in the path. Various eerie occurrences may arise. If you can't endure, you may withdraw at any time!"
"Oh, by the way, many teams are participating in this event, and several have already set off. If you're ready... please begin!"
Paimon: "Let's go! We can't let anyone get ahead of us!"
Paimon was bursting with enthusiasm, her confidence radiating as she practically vibrated with anticipation.
After all, they were hunting for food, and not just any food—Chef Yuna's cooking.
Besides, Paimon had tasted these mini cakes countless times and absolutely adored them.
It had been ages since she'd last enjoyed one of Yuna's mini cakes.
The trio descended the stone steps. To set the mood, Yuna began telling ghost stories.
Her tales were nothing like the local Teyvat legends. Drawing inspiration from Inazuma and incorporating elements from Earthly folklore, they were far more terrifying and gripping.
Before long, Paimon's earlier arrogance had crumbled into nervous jitters. She clung to Yuna's shoulder, her small head darting around, scanning the trees for any sudden, disembodied faces.
"Waaah, Yuna! Stop telling stories! I'm too scared to even look at the trees now!"
Paimon squeezed between Yuna and Lumine, clutching their hands. "I-it'll be okay, right? If something jumps out, we'll... um... teach it a lesson!"
The little one waved her tiny fists, cheering herself up.
The group arrived at a fork in the road.
Directional signs pointed in several different directions. After a brief discussion, they decided to let Paimon choose.
Paimon twitched her little nose, sniffing the air for a while.
Soon, a confident grin spread across her face. Closing her eyes, she turned her head following the sound, searching for the source of the scent.
Yuna watched as Paimon sniffed and sniffed, then suddenly planted a peck on her cheek. The little one promptly opened her eyes, her face full of embarrassment, and retreated to Lumine's side.
Yuna: "..."
After all that anticipation, this little one... I can't tell if she genuinely couldn't find it or if she was just doing this on purpose. I hope it's the latter...
In the end, Lumine made the final decision, and they walked toward the path on the right.
It led to a small stream, its waters babbling as they flowed.
This isn't so bad after all, Yuna thought. It doesn't feel that thrilling.
Still no NPCs jumping out? I want to give a bad review.
As if in response, a male voice suddenly came from the end of the path: "So cold... so cold... My death was so tragic. Come down here and keep me company~"
Yuna: "...That's it?!"
These guys weren't even trying to be convincing.
"Lumine, I smell little cakes—and this time, it's real!"
Paimon excitedly darted out, even she could tell the male voice earlier had been faked.
The little sprite flitted up a tree, rummaged around for a moment, and then emerged with a gift box. Lumine and Paimon recognized it instantly—it was the same box Yuna had used to pack their first batch of mini-cakes for Lumine and Yae Miko.
"What do you think, Lumine? Aren't I amazing?!"
Before Lumine could even offer praise, Yuna chimed in:
"Amazing, amazing! Paimon's the best! How did you know there was something hidden there?"
Paimon proudly pointed to her tiny nose. "Heh heh, it's a secret!"
Yuna pulled the little sprite closer, shifted her slightly, and whispered a secret:
"Actually, there are lots of mini-cakes this time! One is especially big—it's the key to winning! Paimon, let's go find it!"
"Lots of them?!" Paimon's breathing quickened. "Lumine, hurry! Let's check the other paths!"
The trio retraced their steps and this time took the left path.
Just one step in, a distinctively recognizable voice called out:
"Hahahaha! Witness the might of this great lord!"
Itto hurled Ushi like a projectile. Ushi, who had likely been stomping in mud moments before being thrown, sent a splattering of mud flying straight into Yuna's face, coating it completely.
"B-Boss!"
Yuna rolled her eyes. With that loud voice, he's really trying to act like an NPC?
He's so bad at trying to be scary. Ushi must feel so hard-done-by having this Boss...Well, with me around, it's not like Ushi's really missing out on anything.
Yuna had expected Itto to chase them after the initial scare, but he vanished completely.
The trio continued down the path, following the direction signs, and soon discovered another small cake made by Yuna under a small tree.
Perhaps "mini cake" was no longer an accurate description. Even the gift box holding the cake was taller than half a person.
"Lumine, look! It's another small cake! We found another one!"
Yuna glanced at the nearby scarecrow and asked, "What's this thing for?"
Paimon shook her head. "Never mind! We've already found two cupcakes, and the second one is so huge! We're definitely going to win this time!"
Paimon compared the two cupcake boxes and gave the larger one to Lumine. "Lumine, one for each of us!"
Yuna feigned sadness. "Aww, so there's none for me?"
"No, no, that's not it!" Paimon protested. "How could we forget you, Yuna? We'll share this smaller cupcake together!"
As the trio chatted, Ei walked by behind them, carrying a stack of cupcakes.
Due to the angle, only Lumine noticed Ei.
Staring at the five cupcakes in Ei's hands, Lumine swallowed hard. How does a God even have time for a Test of Courage?
Lumine turned to Yuna. "Hey, Yuna, how many cupcakes did you prepare in total this time?"
Yuna thought for a moment. "About seven in total, I think. One large and six small."
Lumine glanced back at the five cupcakes in Ei's hands. Hmm, that adds up.
So Ei came here to restock her supply?!
"Um, Paimon, we might not be the ultimate winners after all."
"Huh?"
"Look behind you."