>>49753901
>>49753839 (OP)
Well this isn't the worst fate i could ask for, it'd be some kind of test like everything has been.
I'd have to make around 4000 dollars and set into motions events I planned on doing over years, but its possible. If I have to go no matter what I'd bargain for a month more.
With the small reserve of cash for myself I'd have to get some basic rare metals and hiking supplies, nothing fancy and I'd have to source most of it second hand. I won't have much time but I'd deepen my faith and gear myself appropriately for bribing, flexing, sweet talking, and dodging the ghosts of Muenzukan. While some religious faith would be vital, reading up on exorcism and rites to pass the spirits would be time consuming.
Then you have the mountain and foothills of the trail, no matter what I don't live in an environment with heavy hills and mountains making it an effort for this alone. All knowledge is theoretical aside from one trip as a kid I took when I hiked up a paved road up a mountain and camped. At best I can learn some basic survival techniques, get a handbook on mountain survival relevant to the area, and do as much as I can to train physically, fortunately I'm not in the worst shape. I can carry some weight a distance and do labor if needed, I can even build If I'm not getting constantly molested by tengu, kappa, or wayward youkai.
I don't plan on combat with any youkai, I can't and don't know how to danmaku. The youkai are hungry, hormonal, and hazardous making them the worst thing to encounter, tengu being one of course. On the mountain there are many more threats, like hotspring vengeful spirits, wolf tengu and birds, even low down ferals, and barely sentient fairies in it for the pranks. You'll have to get protection in some way, no matter what its over for you unless you prepared for this!
Going up means knowing what I'm doing(I don't) and going down means a more thriving ecosystem filled with danger! I can't make it to Kasen, even if I knew some eagle calls I couldn't guarantee it'd be worth the time or cost. I might get lucky calling to Kanako, she would hear the wind on the mountain and might bless me with a breeze to guide me for a strong prayer. My faith that I used to make it through the road will make task difficult and I'll need to be careful if I'm to have favor with anyone.
Going down is the only option isn't it? Through mountain trails, and now the blessings you've incurred and gods you've called now matter the most! Keeping away from rivers(unless I bothered learning engineering and using space on trade items for the kappa) I would keep to any trails I can find for speed while using bells to warn off youkai in the same manner as wild animals. Perhaps the bells themselves can be charmed to ward off evil with favors and blessings you bring or invoke?
The tengu are soldiers and their caste is reputed for bribery in Asian culture, an offer of good rations, money,, and novel strategy games could bribe them! It's reasonable to find an offer to beseech their guidance(away from a barracks). Tengu are among the many shown to be friendly to non-villagers, its possible that they'll take pity on you and rescue you! Wit and material will be vital here, luxury is the name of the game!
Once you run that gauntlet you can say that you're "out of the woods", but you better have brushed up on some common Japanese phrases by now! I would be hard pressed to squeeze even a traveler's phrasebook in, but its a must!
Truly a difficult journey to not end up food nor husband to wild youkai...
