The Champion will first encounter the Forest Kitsune when exploring the
Old Forest while the
Alraune has not been defeated yet, and they must be at least level 2. While travelling through the forest, the Champion will sense that something is off and they ready their weapons, a
Lupine Champion will be able to identify a distinct scent in the wind, and a Champion with the
Hunter background will know that they are in immediate danger. The sound of stretching elastic draws the Champion's attention and they immediately throw themselves forward as an arrow whistles through the air. The Champion faces the direction where the arrow came from, and a man speaks out to them; apologizing, that they won't kill the Champion, but they need to survive and rob them. Hinata states his name and promises that they will repay what they will take from the Champion in equal measure. When asked if they want coin, he states that it doesn't fill the stomach,
they need food, otherwise there will be alternatives. When asked they don't they just hunt game instead, Hinata answers that they don't dare touch strange fruit of the forest and the usual game has grown alarmingly scarce. He cuts the conversation by asking if the Champion will allow them to take what they need, or will the Champion force their hand.