Chapter Text
In a small, quiet village, there is a legend passed down from generation to generation. The villagers believe that the shrine in the center of their village is guarded by a magical fox. However, the fox is no ordinary guardian. He was imprisoned there, serving punishment for his past sins.
The legend began in a long time ago, when a wandering monk known for his kindness arrived in a dense forest. The monk often traveled to help others and spread the teachings of wisdom. One day, as he was about to rest in the shade of a tree, a fox suddenly appeared from the bushes. The fox spoke in a sorrowful tone, begging the monk for help in finding his lost cubs in the forest. Out of pity, the monk agreed to help.
For hours, the monk searched for traces of the fox's cubs. However, all he found was a deepening and desolate forest. There was no sign of the fox cubs, not even another animal in sight. Even so, the monk did not give up. He kept walking, hoping to find a clue. However, when he turned around, he noticed something strange — the fox that had asked for his help earlier was gone.
The monk shouted for the fox, but only silence answered. Feeling worried, he decided to return to the place where he first met the fox. However, every time he tried to return, he always came back to the same place — a forest area that was unfamiliar to him. Her heart began to be filled with confusion and anxiety.
Suddenly, the sound of laughter echoed through the trees. From the shadows, a long-haired man with a dazzling face emerged. His face was so beautiful that it almost looked unreal. The man walked over with a grin on his face.
“Who are you? Are you lost here too?” asked the monk politely.
However, the man didn't answer. Instead, he laughed loudly and mocked.
Once satisfied, he said in a mocking tone, “You really are a fool. It's easy to be deceived, just like your friends before you.”
“What do you mean?” the monk asked in surprise.
“Come with me. I'll show you something,” said the man as he walked ahead of the monk.
Although hesitant, the monk followed the man. After walking for a while, they came to an open area. There, lay several corpses in clothes similar to the monk's. The view startled him.
“What have you done to them?” asked the monk in a shocked tone.
“Me? I didn't kill them. They gave their lives to me on their own. I only offered to live here with me, but it seems they were punished for breaking their own rules,” the man replied with a satisfied laugh.
“You must have done something to them!” retorted the monk sternly.
“Me? Not at all,” the man jokingly replied. “I just did this,” he added with a snap of his fingers.
The monk prepared for what might happen, but nothing did. The man frowned, then burst out laughing. “This is interesting! Apparently you're not an easy match.”
The monk began to pray, asking for protection and strength to face the creature in front of him.
“A pray will not work against me. You've been in my trap from the start,” the man said with a sly smile. Suddenly, however, he choked. His face twisted in panic, and
he felt an excruciating pain in his chest. He fell to his knees, clutching his chest. “What are you doing to me? Stop it!” he cried out in pain.
The monk continued to pray. Slowly, the man's body began to change. His long hair shortened, his beautiful face turned into a snout. In an instant, the man had turned into a fox. The fox lay weak, whimpering in pain.
“This is your punishment,” said the monk in a stern voice. “You have committed a great sin. You must serve the villagers and guard their temple. You thought yourself a holy creature, but your actions were worse than human. Your arrogance was the first sin you committed. You do not deserve to live, but I am giving you one last chance. Use it wisely. I'm sure you'll learn from your mistakes someday.”
The fox whimpered one last time before its body turned into a flash of light. The light streaked towards the village temple, where it was confined. Since then, the temple has become a center of worship for the villagers. They believe that the guardian fox not only protects them, but also redeems his sins.
This legend continues to be told from generation to generation, becoming an integral part of the history of the village where Seungkwan was born.