The Horror Hotel

第18話 such knowledge often comes with a price

Lin Ze and Tang Momo stumbled across a dilapidated stone shrine tucked into the shadows of the Black Wind Mountain.

The air was thick with an eerie stillness, and a faint glow emanated from the base of a forgotten altar.

Resting atop it was a dusty, weathered book bound in blackened leather, its edges frayed with age.

Tang Momo hesitated. “Are we seriously picking up a cursed book in *this* place? Isn’t that, like, asking for trouble?”

Lin Ze, ever the adventurer, waved off her concerns. “Trouble? It’s called *lore*. Besides, books don’t bite. Probably.”

He carefully opened the cover, revealing brittle pages filled with faded ink. The first page began with a strange, rhythmic inscription:

**"The hexagram knows everything in the world, but it is difficult to improve oneself. You think you are in a safe place, but things get chaotic and confusing."**

Tang Momo peered over his shoulder, her expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “Poetic, but ominous. Typical.”

Lin Ze continued reading aloud as the text unfolded:

**“According to legend, crows that gather in temples can become spiritual because they listen to sutras and teachings all day long, predicting good and bad luck. These spiritual crows, known as Crow Pilgrims, are fortune tellers who claim to channel divine wisdom. But beware—such knowledge often comes with a price.”**

Tang Momo snorted. “Yeah, the price of being pecked to death by a flock of angry birds.”

Lin Ze ignored her, turning the page. The inked illustrations depicted a figure clad in ragged robes surrounded by spectral crows. Beneath it, the text elaborated:

**“Crow Pilgrims began as humans who tamed and communicated with crows through fortune sticks and incense. These so-called 'diviners' used their crows to spy on people, mixing truths with lies to deceive and profit. One such pilgrim betrayed his loyal crows, attempting to drive them away. Enraged by his treachery, the crows killed him and took his form, disguising themselves as fortune tellers to mislead humanity further.”**

Tang Momo shivered. “This is starting to sound more like a ghost story than a history lesson.”

Lin Ze flipped to the next section, revealing a list of their abilities:

**“Crow Pilgrims can wield spells of freezing and invisibility, particularly those haunting Little Western Paradise. To defeat them, one must use a will-o’-the-wisp to pierce their essence and absorb it, unlocking their incarnation and secrets.”**

Lin Ze closed the book with a triumphant grin. “There you have it. A manual for dealing with these feathered frauds.”

Tang Momo folded her arms. “Great. Now all we need is a will-o’-the-wisp, some courage, and maybe a miracle. Should I pencil that in for tomorrow?”

Lin Ze patted the book, sliding it into his bag. “Relax, Momo. Every problem has a solution. And I have a feeling this book just gave us more than a fair fighting chance.”

Tang Momo sighed. “Fine. But if we end up cursed—or eaten—I’m blaming you.”

“Noted,” Lin Ze said, already scouting the shrine for clues. “Now let’s figure out where to find one of those wisp things before Bullguard decides he’s hungry again.”