Chapter 5: Dojo in the woods.

In the heart of the fungal forest, a quaint dojo emerges, constructed entirely of weathered wood adorned with intricate carvings that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The structure exudes an ancient charm, the aroma of damp earth mingling with the woody scent. Shafts of dappled light filter through the dense fungal canopy, casting a serene glow upon the dojo's polished wooden floors, inviting practitioners to seek enlightenment amidst the mystical ambiance.

At the heart of the inside space lies a central meditation area, surrounded by mushrooms for practitioners to find their inner peace and focus. The floor, adorned with intricate mushroom patterns, enhances the natural connection to the forest.

In the corners, shelves hold various scrolls and artifacts, chronicling the teachings and history of the dojo. Delicate fungal tapestries hang from the walls, depicting scenes of balance and unity between nature and martial arts. An herbal apothecary corner displays a wide array of medicinal fungi, offering remedies and tonics to aid in the well-being of practitioners.

Together, the fungus beings as practitioners engage in a delicate dance, fostering a serene environment where martial arts, meditation, and nature intertwine, promoting a balanced and enlightened way of life.

Upon entering the dojo the ambiance breaks from the elaborate dance of blades to silence. She must be a real celebrity to cause this kind of commotion. K'oija the midwife is greeted with all due formalities by the head practitioner. K'oija begins to spin the tail of their adventures and daily commotions of the forest to the practitioner "...we have a nasty swarm of Hexa Acutalatus heading west of storm-cavern" While placing me on the ground. "This morning I found this young one in high alert wandering out and about in the caverned-woods, I found him around the outside of helmsmouth cave, while clearing the area of this seasons lumina coleoptera I still have a lot of work to do before the migrational shift this next few solar rotations. His timing is far too early for Them to come get him, we'll be needing to send a message out to them in the meantime. The dark winds of the forest have been growing over our limits this year, so, I won't be able to do so. We need all the bodies we can back on the northern line. I will need two of your best students… This infantile mushroom gatherer will be yours to take care of for the next autumn solstice when I can return. Do as you must with em for now. When I can move accommodations around for you, I'll need you next. I'm heading out, this un-ending war breathes to heavily to soon." K'oija turns around waving to the headmaster of the dojo. Who in turn points to two students and waves them out. "I will see you soon master K'oija. May the mycelium never deceive you."

I...if possible…would like a slower life.

"This will be your new home until you get proper footing in the clan." To my surprise all the fighting spins back up to normal.

The head practitioner, known as Master Shikan, looks to me, he embodies a serene yet powerful presence within the wooden dojo. With a graceful demeanor and an expression weathered by years of discipline and wisdom, he exudes a deep understanding of both martial arts and the symbiotic relationship with the fungal forest.

Adorned in traditional attire, a blend of earthy tones and natural fibers, Master Shikan possesses an air of humility and grace that captivates those who enter the dojo. Their eyes, reflecting the wisdom of ages, hold a gentle spark, brimming with kindness and understanding.

Looking around the dojo I could tell their teachings emphasize harmony with nature, encouraging practitioners to find balance within themselves and the world around them. With a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations, Master Shikan imparts ancient martial arts techniques and philosophical insights, nurturing the growth and enlightenment of each individual within the dojo. They epitomize the essence of wisdom, compassion, and mastery, embodying the soul of the dojo in the heart of the fungal forest.

Without much thought Master Shikan, who introduced himself to me also doubted I might understand him it seems. Going through a similar situation as before, I also nod my head in understanding. As he trails off to the apothecary table I begin to wonder: What does it take to even progress to master? Do I even have the time to. It sounds so complicated here. Even if I began to wonder how one gets a title like grandmaster or even just master, I know I'm a far ways off from it but I hope that I'm not just a gatherer my whole existence knowing there could be fun in this fantasy world. I wonder if I'll ever get magic. It's crazy to think I might one day try casting a fireball out of my hand, I wonder if I can bypass some of the hard work with the system, I wonder if they can take on magic casters. Starting with no magic power, this species must have a low affinity for magic. I'll probably have to do a lot of mental training in the future. I wonder if this place has some kind of long distance communication magic. Maybe they're at the level of… 

As I begin to come back from my introspective thoughts I begin to realize I'm catching more and more gazes the more I stand still, never have I ever been this still in my whole life it was like time was wrapping around me and I almost lost myself to being as still as mushroom could be, almost falling into a lul, slumbering almost. It must be like how a fish sleeps while still moving. Everything was making more sense to me. I'm not sure if there looks where because of my height but, I knew at the very least it was because I was the only one not training.

These fungal beings sure do love moving a lot, such a contrast to my old world. I wonder why they keep looking at me. It's like they don't have eyes but somehow I can feel it like a color or temperature. Something in their body language tells me they have forward facing eyes but somehow they have no faces. These creatures except the headmaster have no face on them, just long stems sprouting out of their shoulders eventually forming into a rusty light orange on their caps, the gills and everything in place where you would expect to see as a mushroom would grow. The headmaster's face now made sense to me. It wasn't moving, it was a mask on his face biologically grown. The eeriness of it reaked out into my mind. Never have I seen a creature grow such a good replica of the face before. I know I didn't get a good look at the glimmer cap K'oija's face but it was definitely more of a subdued look. That eeriness of stillness is so unnerving.