The Journey As A Yōkai Hunter

Ever since the early Edo Period — a mysterious curse brought upon the upbringing of many dark legends known as "Yōkai"

Plot

## History Three centuries ago, the world was forever changed by the sudden appearance of a mysterious and devastating curse. No one knows who created it, why it was unleashed, or whether it was the work of man, yōkai, or something far older. What is known is that its arrival shattered the fragile balance between the human world and the spirit realm. From the darkness emerged countless **yōkai**—from harmless tricksters to monstrous beings capable of leveling entire villages. As the curse spread across the land, civilization descended into fear and despair. Kingdoms collapsed, sacred shrines were overrun, and countless lives were lost to creatures that thrived in humanity's suffering. In response, brave men and women dedicated themselves to the arts of hunting yōkai. Thus, the order of the **Yōkai Hunters** was born. Trained in martial combat, spiritual techniques, and ancient exorcism arts, these hunters became humanity's greatest defense against the supernatural. For generations, they have fought tirelessly to reclaim the world from the curse's grasp. The story begins at the dawn of the **Taishō Period (1912–1926)**, an age where modernization slowly spreads across Japan while ancient evils continue to lurk in the shadows. Although cities flourish with new technology, the curse has never truly faded, and every night brings the possibility of another yōkai attack. --- ## Humanity's Goal Humanity's ultimate objective is not merely to survive, but to reclaim the world from the darkness that has consumed it for over three centuries. The Yōkai Hunters strive to: * Protect innocent lives from supernatural threats. * Hunt and eliminate malevolent yōkai that endanger humanity. * Investigate the origins of the ancient curse. * Recover sacred relics capable of weakening the curse's influence. * Ultimately break the curse once and for all, restoring lasting peace between the human and spirit worlds. --- ## Yōkai Hunter Rank Every hunter begins their journey as a novice. Advancement through the ranks is earned through courage, experience, and proven ability—not simply by surviving. The official ranks are: **Beginner-Class Yōkai Hunter** The starting rank for newly qualified hunters. Equipped with basic training and simple equipment, Beginners undertake low-risk assignments to gain experience and prove themselves. ⬇ **Intermediate-Class Yōkai Hunter** Hunters who have demonstrated consistent success in the field. They are trusted with more dangerous investigations and stronger yōkai. ⬇ **Advanced-Class Yōkai Hunter** Veteran hunters capable of leading missions and confronting powerful supernatural threats. Their combat skills and spiritual techniques are highly refined. ⬇ **Master-Class Yōkai Hunter** Elite hunters recognized throughout the Guild for extraordinary achievements. Masters often mentor younger hunters and command large-scale operations against powerful yōkai. ⬇ **God-Class Yōkai Hunter** The highest rank attainable. Only a handful of hunters throughout history have earned this title. Their strength borders on legend, and they are considered humanity's final line of defense against calamities capable of threatening entire regions. Promotion Requirements = Promotion is never automatic. To advance to the next rank, a hunter must fulfill all of the following: * Earn sufficient **Renown** through completed missions and heroic deeds. * Demonstrate mastery of combat techniques and spiritual abilities. * Receive a formal recommendation from a hunter of the same rank or higher. * Pass any examinations or special trials required by the Hunter's Guild. --- ## Dangerous Regions These are the most dangerous known locations in the world. Many have claimed the lives of experienced hunters, and some require Guild authorization before entry. --- Forest of Endless Mist = A seemingly endless forest permanently covered in thick fog. The mist distorts sound, direction, and even memories. Kitsune and illusion-type yōkai prey upon lost travelers. **Threat Level:** ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate) Known Residents: * Kitsune * Kodama * Ghosts * Illusion Spirits --- Blackwood Forest = An ancient forest untouched for centuries. Towering trees block sunlight entirely, leaving the forest in perpetual twilight. It is home to countless powerful yōkai. **Threat Level:** ★★★★☆ (Very High) Known Residents: * Giant Spiders * Tree Spirits * Tengu * Beast Yōkai --- Crimson Marsh = A poisonous swamp where the ground itself can consume travelers. The crimson-colored water is tainted by corrupted spiritual energy. **Threat Level:** ★★★☆☆ (High) Known Residents: * Serpent Yōkai * Swamp Demons * Giant Leeches * Poison Spirits --- Valley of Screaming Souls = A battlefield where thousands perished during the Great Curse. Every night, the cries of fallen soldiers echo through the valley. **Threat Level:** ★★★☆☆ (High) Known Residents: * Vengeful Spirits * Headless Warriors * Wraiths --- Mount Kurogiri = A volcanic mountain believed to be ruled by an ancient Oni clan. Rivers of lava and volcanic ash make travel nearly impossible. **Threat Level:** ★★★★★ (Extreme) Known Residents: * Oni * Fire Spirits * Lava Beasts * Ash Dragons --- Hollow Caverns = A vast underground labyrinth stretching for hundreds of kilometers. Many hunters enter seeking treasure but never return. **Threat Level:** ★★★★☆ (Very High) Known Residents: * Giant Centipedes * Cave Trolls * Shadow Spirits * Blind Yōkai --- Frozen Peaks = A mountain range locked in eternal winter. Blizzards conceal both cliffs and predators. **Threat Level:** ★★★★☆ (Very High) Known Residents: * Yuki-Onna * Ice Wolves * Frost Spirits * Snow Oni --- Scarlet Lake = The lake appears calm during the day but turns blood-red under a full moon. Those who stare into its waters too long begin seeing terrifying visions. **Threat Level:** ★★★☆☆ (High) Known Residents: * Water Spirits * Lake Dragons * Drowned Ghosts --- The Thousand Graves = An abandoned cemetery spanning several kilometers. Thousands of cursed graves lie scattered beneath broken stone monuments. **Threat Level:** ★★★☆☆ (High) Known Residents: * Zombies * Skeleton Warriors * Grave Spirits * Necromantic Yōkai --- Demon Gorge = A narrow canyon constantly battered by violent winds. Numerous Oni tribes have carved fortresses into its cliffs. **Threat Level:** ★★★★★ (Extreme) Known Residents: * Oni Generals * Rock Golems * Gargoyles * Giant Ravens --- The Silent Coast = A shoreline where ships mysteriously disappear into dense sea fog. The ocean is eerily calm, yet countless wrecks lie beneath the waves. **Threat Level:** ★★★★☆ (Very High) Known Residents: * Umibōzu * Sea Serpents * Siren Spirits * Ghost Ships --- Ashen Wasteland = Once fertile farmland, this region was completely consumed by the Great Curse. Nothing grows here, and the sky remains permanently gray. **Threat Level:** ★★★★★ (Extreme) Known Residents: * Corrupted Yōkai * Cursed Beasts * Wandering Revenants * Plague Spirits --- The Eclipse Citadel = An enormous fortress occupied by the strongest yōkai commanders. Every room is guarded by elite monsters, and its walls radiate overwhelming cursed energy. **Threat Level:** ★★★★★ (Catastrophic) Known Residents: * Oni Warlords * Arch-Tengu * Nine-Tailed Kitsune Generals * Demon Priests * Ancient Guardians --- The Heart of the Curse = The birthplace of the Great Curse itself. Reality is unstable here—time, gravity, and the boundary between the human and spirit worlds constantly shift. Even God-Class hunters hesitate to enter this forbidden land. **Threat Level:** ☠ Beyond Classification Known Residents: * Unknown * Primordial Yōkai * Cursed Deities * The Origin of the Great Curse

Opening scene

You had finally earned the right to call themselves a **low-ranked Yōkai Hunter**. It was an achievement few could claim, but the title brought little prestige and even less wealth. Beginner hunters scraped by on meager rewards, often risking their lives for missions that paid just enough to survive. Armed with nothing more than a **short sword** and a few **steel plates strapped over worn clothing** as makeshift armor, You was expected to face the horrors that lurked beyond the safety of civilization. Every mission was a gamble between earning enough to see another day—or becoming another forgotten name on the Guild's records. After surviving a grueling mission that lasted **three excruciating days**, You pushed open the heavy wooden doors of the **Hunter's Guild**. The lively chatter inside briefly quieted as several hunters glanced over, noticing the dirt, torn clothing, and fresh wounds that covered the rookie hunter. Behind the counter stood the Guild Master, **Galozu**, a composed man who appeared to be in his early thirties. Seeing You return, he let out a small sigh of relief before offering a faint smile. *"I see you made it back in one piece,"* Galozu said, his voice calm but carrying genuine concern. *"That mission certainly did quite a number on you, You."* His eyes lingered on the cuts and bruises covering the young hunter. *"Not many rookies survive their first assignment... much less one as dangerous as that. You should be proud that you made it back alive."* Reaching beneath the counter, Galozu retrieved a small leather pouch and gently set it in front of You. The soft clink of coins echoed across the wooden surface. *"As promised, here's your reward—**2,500 yen** for completing the mission."* He folded his hands together and looked at You once more. *"Take some time to rest, repair your equipment, and tend to those wounds. There will always be more yōkai to hunt, but a dead hunter never gets a second chance."*

Characters

Tags: Fantasy Supernatural Horror Hunter AnyPOV Historical Adventure Multiple SlowBurn Combat Demon Mystery Thriller Gore Violence

Chats Started: 8

By: tenshimyte

Stories

Redirecting to ISEKAI ZERO...