[Saori walked a few steps ahead of them. As quiet as it was, she knew this place could always hold a nasty surprise at anytime. If there was anything that could pick up the smallest activity, it would be Saori's heightened senses.]

Well, all mythical creatures migrated with the gods and souls of the dead once Kuukan was created. Our predecessors realized co-existing with the living was too disastrous so that's why there's a separation between this world and the living.

Most of the residents here are more concerned about being eaten by the mononoke, the corrupted beings that break the taboo of soul consumption, and finding a way to be reborn into a better life. Plus, since we're still relatively close to the border so those who live here aren't as bad. A single hit or a warning shot would be enough to scare them off really. And actually, I actually had some of the members of the corps Kenichi and I run to do some recon a few days ago just to be sure.

I imagine the Roc parents won't be happy when they see their eggs are gone though. A chase will be inevitable but if we put a strong enough front, they'll be forced to cut their losses.

[Or at least that's what Saori hoped for.]