The past timeline
Date: 1st July year xxx
Time: 7:45 pm
Location: sandy streets
Scene: inside the carriage

"We've told you what we know," Konosa said, his voice tinged with empathy. "And Ishoya also told you things back when we first met you. This is all common knowledge. Maybe Kage, being a mage, can help you regain all your memories."

"So, where do we meet him anyway?" Amash asked, breaking the momentary silence that followed.

"Oh... yeah... good question," Remeshi replied, his mind racing with the implications of his newfound identity and the mysteries that lay ahead.

As the cart rumbled along the winding road, carrying them towards their next destination, the team fell into a thoughtful silence. The landscape passed by in a blur, the setting sun casting long shadows across the fields and forests.

Recalling Kage didn't pain him much anymore, or perhaps his mind had grown numb to this kind of torment. The memories lingered like an old scar-present but no longer aching. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the carriage holder reined in the horses and brought the cart to a halt.

"Sir," he called out loudly, his voice breaking the serene silence of dusk as he dismounted from the horse. "We should stop here for a while."

The friends exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and relief. They stepped down from the cart, feeling the cool night breeze cascade through their hair, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth. The air was crisp and clean, a stark contrast to the polluted atmosphere of the cities they had left behind.

Miyazono's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight before her. "What is this place? Where are we?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder. The surrounding nature glowed with an ethereal light, even under the blanket of night. Tall, ancient trees stood proud and untouched, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. As a spring Descendant, she felt a deep connection to this place; it was a rare sanctuary where nature thrived, a stark reminder of what was being lost in the modern world where beautiful trees were being felled at an alarming rate.

The carriage holder smiled warmly as he began unloading their luggage. "This is the town they call 'Light of Fruits'," he explained, his voice tinged with a hint of pride. He set down the last of their bags and clapped his hands together, as if to dust them off. "This town is also known as a resort for traveling sword masters and trainees."

"Cool. Alright. So where do we stay?" Konosa asked the carriage holder, a hint of impatience in his voice. The man, without missing a beat, swiftly climbed back onto his horse.

"That's for you to decide, trainees!" he called out cheerfully, his voice echoing through the tranquil night as he spurred the horse into a gallop, quickly disappearing down the road.

Konosa stood there, completely dumbfounded, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. "What?!" he exclaimed, his jaw dropping dramatically, nearly hitting the ground in a comical fashion. "He just left us here!" His voice echoed through the forest, startling a flock of birds into the air, their wings flapping noisily as they dispersed into the night sky.

The friends were left standing amidst their scattered luggage, the sudden silence punctuated only by the chirping of crickets, which seemed to taunt them in the stillness. Konosa's face was a picture of exaggerated shock, his eyes wide and his mouth still agape.

Miyazono tried to stifle a laugh as she looked around at their surroundings. "Well, this is certainly an adventure," she said, her voice tinged with amusement.

Ryoto shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. "Guess we'll have to find our own way," he said, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. "Come on, let's see if we can find an inn or something."

The group gathered their belongings, the comical tension easing into a sense of camaraderie as they began to explore the town. The lantern-lit streets beckoned them forward, each step bringing them closer to uncovering the hidden gems of the Light of Fruits. As they walked, the absurdity of their situation turned into laughter, and the once daunting task of finding a place to stay became just another part of their grand adventure.

Every step down the beautiful, lantern-lit streets revealed more of the town's eerie silence. At first glance, the picturesque town seemed welcoming, but as the friends walked on, they noticed that all the doors were shut tightly, and the windows were boarded up. They could hear the distinct sound of doors closing swiftly and decisively as they passed, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

Konosa's frustration grew with each passing minute. "What is going on?" he burst out, his voice tinged with irritation. "Is it just me, or does it seem like they're shutting the doors on us?"

The friends nodded in agreement. It was clear that the townsfolk were actively avoiding them. Just then, Miyazono's keen eyes spotted a still-open fruit shop a little further down the road.

"Let's ask there," she suggested, pointing toward the shop. Without hesitation, they jogged towards it.

As they approached, the shop's owner caught sight of them and immediately began to panic. He frantically tried to shut the door, but Konosa, moving with surprising speed, dashed forward and slid inside just before the door could close completely.

The shop owner stumbled backward in fear, his face pale and eyes wide. The shop owner was a portly man, his large belly straining against the fabric of his white apron, which was stained with patches of grease and fruit juice. His clothes were simple and worn, a faded blue shirt peeking out from beneath the apron and dark trousers that had seen better days. His hands were rough and calloused, evidence of years spent working in the shop.

His face told a story of its own. Sunken eyes, shadowed with fatigue and worry, peered out from under bushy eyebrows. His cheeks were puffy, and his skin had a pallor to it, as if he hadn't seen much sunlight. A few wisps of gray hair clung to his balding head, and a short, scruffy beard covered his chin. He had the look of a man who had weathered many storms but was still standing, albeit with a weary expression etched permanently on his face.

"Wait, we just want to ask some questions!" Konosa exclaimed, trying to calm the man.

The rest of the friends quickly ducked and slipped in through the half-open shutter, crowding into the small, dimly lit shop. The smell of ripe fruits mixed with the musty scent of old wood, creating an odd but not unpleasant aroma.

"Please, we don't mean any harm," Miyazono said gently, her voice soothing. "We're just trying to find a place to stay for the night. Why is everyone shutting their doors on us?"

The owner, still trembling slightly, looked from one friend to the next. "You shouldn't be here," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "This town is not safe for outsiders, especially not at night."

Ryoto stepped forward, his expression serious. "What do you mean? What's going on in this town?"

The owner glanced nervously towards the door and windows before speaking again. "There are things that come out at night," he said, his voice shaking. "Strange, dangerous creatures. The townsfolk shut themselves in to stay safe. You need to leave before it gets any darker."

The gravity of the situation began to sink in as the friends exchanged worried glances. They had stumbled into something far more perilous than they had anticipated. Yet, amidst the fear, there was also a spark of determination. They had come too far to turn back now.

Konosa nodded resolutely. "Thank you for the warning," he said, his voice firm. "But we need to stay here as instructed. It doesn't matter what this danger is, we will keep ourselves safe so please help us."

The shop owner hesitated, then sighed. "If you're determined to stay, head to the old temple at the edge of town," he said. "It's said to hold the key to protecting against the creatures. Although that rumor holds no good anymore. Anyway, the priest there will let you stay."

The friends bowed together to the shop owner, their movements synchronized as they expressed their gratitude. Ducking back through the half-open shutter, they stepped into the cool night air. The owner bowed slightly in return, his sunken eyes following their retreating figures as they faded into the darkness. With a heavy sigh, he murmured to himself, "They are young. They shouldn't be here."

Unaware that they were sword master trainees, the man was resigned to the fact that this secluded town rarely received advance notice of visitors, let alone trainees.

Meanwhile, the friends moved purposefully towards the edge of town, following the shop owner's instructions. "If the direction is so simple, then maybe we can tell where it is at a glance," Remeni mused, her eyes scanning the dimly lit path ahead.

Oya, who had been silent for a while, tugged gently on Ryoto's sleeve. "Listen," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Ryoto tried to turn his head to look at her, but she squeezed his sleeve tighter, signaling him not to.

"Don't look, just keep walking, but listen," she continued, her tone urgent. "The bushes around us have this weird glow to them. It seems like we are being watched."

Ryoto felt a shiver run down his spine as he processed her words. They had left the bustling marketplace behind, and now only dark bushes and towering trees surrounded them. The eerie silence of the night was broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves.

Ryoto nodded slightly, acknowledging Oya's warning. He swallowed hard, trying to suppress the rising sense of unease. Inside, he prayed for no sudden scares and simply for a place to rest. Oya stayed close to him, her presence a small comfort amidst the growing tension. She discreetly relayed her observations to the rest of the group, her whispers carried through the night air like a secret wind.

The friends finally arrived at the edge of the town, where the dilapidated temple loomed before them. The structure, despite its crumbling facade, seemed surprisingly sturdy, as though it had withstood countless trials over the years. The ancient stone walls were covered in creeping vines and moss, their once-grand arches now sagging and eroded by time.

Before they could even think of entering, a sudden rush of movement startled them. They turned in unison, their hearts pounding with fear and anticipation. What they saw was enough to freeze their blood.

Emerging from the shadows was a horrendous green, slimy creature. Its body was grotesquely bulbous, covered in a slick, oozing mucus that glistened in the dim light. It had two long, spindly arms and legs, each ending in clawed appendages. The creature wore nothing but a tattered brown skirt made of what looked like overripe strawberries, clinging to its bloated form. Its eyes were beady and malevolent, and its gaping mouth revealed sharp, jagged teeth, dripping with a foul, greenish drool.

As the friends watched in horror, more of these abominations began to emerge from the shadows—some larger, some smaller, some towering, others hunched. Each one was a nightmarish variation of the first, but all shared the same disturbing characteristics.

Konosa’s grip tightened around his sword’s hilt, his knuckles white with tension. "What on earth is all this?" he snarled, his voice edged with determination. The rest of the team quickly followed suit, drawing their weapons and preparing for battle.

Before they could make a move, one of the monsters lunged towards Ryoto with surprising speed. Ryoto barely had time to react as the creature’s weight bore down on him, pinning him to the ground. He struggled, trying to push the slimy, drooling beast away, but its mass was overwhelming. The green gooey drool dripped perilously close to his forehead.

Suddenly, a glint of metal shot through the air. A sword whizzed past Ryoto and struck the monster with such force and precision that it was sent flying, pinned against a nearby tree with a resounding thud. Ryoto sighed in relief as he scrambled to sit up.

"What was that? What are these things?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of confusion and fear.

"Mutants," came a calm, authoritative female voice from the shadows. "At least, that's what we call them."

More swords whirred through the air, each one finding its mark and piercing the creatures one by one. With every thrust, the mutants disintegrated instantly, vanishing into nothingness as the metal sliced through their grotesque forms.

As the last of the mutants disappeared, the female figure stepped into view. She was dressed in practical, battle-worn attire, her eyes sharp and focused. Her presence was commanding, and her movements exuded confidence and grace.

"Hey. I’m Vinanna," she introduced herself, her voice steady and reassuring amidst the chaos.

The friends exchanged relieved glances, their tension easing as the immediate threat was neutralized.

As Ryoto stood up, brushing off the dirt from his clothes, he introduced himself. "Hey, I'm Ryoto. Avon Ryoto Hanamae."

The moment the name left his lips, Vinanna's eyes widened in shock. Her demeanor shifted instantly; she dropped to one knee and bowed her head low to the ground, a gesture of profound respect. "Th-the prince?" she stammered, her voice quivering with awe and apprehension.

"Mm-hm," Ryoto confirmed with a nod. "You can stand up now."

Vinanna rose slowly, her movements hesitant. Despite her attempt to regain composure, her nervousness was palpable, her hands trembling slightly. She had clearly been caught off guard by the revelation.

"I thought you were—" she began, but Ryoto cut her off before she could finish her thought.

"Yes, I know what everyone thought," he said, his tone cutting through the silence with a hint of resignation. It was clear that the assumption of his death had been widespread. Konosa observed the scene quietly, noting the irony. There was a time when Ryoto, known then as Remeshi, had despised being treated with such deference. He had preferred that everyone stood tall, not bowing before him. Yet here he was, now as Ryoto, allowing Vinanna's bow without objection. Konosa found it somewhat curious, feeling a strange sense of acceptance in Ryoto's demeanor.

"Anyway," Ryoto continued, trying to shift the focus, "we are swordmasters, and we are here to rest for the night."

Vinanna’s expression cleared as recognition dawned on her. "Oh? Oh! You’re the team that was scheduled to arrive today," she said, her voice brightening with realization. "Sensei Fujima’s team, right? We couldn’t ignore the request even if we wanted to. It’s Sensei Fujima, after all. Follow me."

She gestured toward the temple gates, her earlier nervousness now replaced by a sense of duty. The friends followed her inside, their footsteps echoing softly on the ancient stone floors.

As they walked, Remeni leaned over to Miyazono, whispering with a touch of incredulity, "Is Sensei a celebrity or something? The man is popular everywhere."

Miyazono stifled a laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She cleared her throat before responding. "Seems like it. Must be quite the figure in the swordmaster community."

The team moved through the grand, crumbling hallways of the temple, their senses absorbing the faded beauty of the ancient structure. The walls, adorned with intricate carvings and faded murals, whispered stories of long-forgotten times. The air was cool and filled with the musty scent of old parchment and stone.

Vinanna led them through a series of winding corridors, her demeanor more composed now as she guided them toward their accommodations. The sense of reverence in the air was palpable, mingling with the anticipation of rest and safety.

Vinanna led them through the dimly lit temple until they reached a large, dusty metal door at the end of a narrow hallway. The door, ancient and imposing, bore the marks of time—its surface tarnished and rough, with patches of rust creeping along the edges.

"This is where you can rest," Vinanna said, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet corridor. "My father will be back tomorrow morning. You can meet him then." She turned to leave, her footsteps soft against the stone floor.

The group bowed to her in unison, their expressions filled with gratitude. Vinanna returned the gesture with a respectful bow before disappearing down the hallway, leaving them alone in front of the heavy door.

Konosa stepped forward, placing his hands on the door’s cold surface. With a determined push, he began to open it. The door groaned in protest, emitting a long, grating creak that echoed through the temple’s corridors. The sound was harsh and jarring, scraping against their ears. Konosa winced, squeezing one eye shut as if that might lessen the piercing noise.

"Ugh, wow," he muttered, rubbing his ear with his free hand. "That was some creak."

As they stepped into the room, the door swung shut behind them with a resounding thud that echoed through the chamber. The sudden noise made them all flinch, and Konosa was the first to voice his discomfort.

"My ears will burst," Konosa grumbled, rubbing the side of his head as if trying to soothe the ringing in his ears.

Ryoto offered him a reassuring smile. "Come on, it’s just one night," he said, his tone light in an attempt to ease the tension that had settled over them. As he spoke, his gaze swept across the room, taking in their sparse surroundings.

The room was simple, almost austere. There were five mattresses laid out on the stone floor, each one thin and worn from years of use. The mattresses were spaced evenly apart, providing just enough room for each of them to sleep. In the center of the room, beneath a large window, sat a small kotatsu—a low wooden table with a quilt draped over it, designed to keep those seated around it warm during colder nights.

The large window behind the kotatsu was a source of dim, silvery light, allowing the pale glow of the moon to filter into the room. It illuminated the dust particles hanging in the air, giving the space an ethereal quality. The walls were bare, made of rough-hewn stone that had stood the test of time. The only other piece of furniture was a small wooden shelf in the corner, holding a few unlit candles and a box of matches.

Ryoto moved toward the kotatsu, running his fingers over the smooth wooden surface. The room was humble, but it offered what they needed most: a place to rest and recuperate.

Konosa let out a long sigh, finally resigning himself to the situation. He crossed the room and dropped onto one of the mattresses with a heavy thud, his body sinking into the thin padding. "I guess," he muttered, though there was a hint of gratitude in his voice. The weariness of their journey had caught up with him, and the mattress, no matter how thin, was a welcome sight.

The others followed suit, each claiming a mattress and settling in for the night. The room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of fabric as they made themselves comfortable. The kotatsu, though unheated, offered a small comfort in its presence, a reminder of the warmth they would soon find in sleep.

The group had barely laid their heads down when exhaustion claimed them, pulling each one into a deep, dreamless slumber. The room was enveloped in silence, the only sounds being their steady, rhythmic breathing. The night outside was still, with the moon casting a pale light through the window, filling the room with an eerie glow.

Suddenly, a sharp knock on the door pierced the silence, jolting Ryoto awake. His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked a few times to clear the fog of sleep. Still disoriented, he instinctively glanced toward the window. His breath caught in his throat as he noticed a shadowy figure hovering just outside, its hands pressed flat against the glass. The sight sent a shiver down his spine, and he sat up with a start, his heart racing.

"Uhm...who are you?" Ryoto's voice was shaky, but he forced the words out, hoping for some kind of response. But the figure remained silent, continuing to knock on the glass with a persistent, rhythmic tapping. Something about it felt off, a wrongness that made Ryoto’s skin crawl.

He hesitated, unsure of what to do. It didn’t feel right to open the window, not with that strange figure outside. Maybe if he just ignored it, it would go away. With that thought, he started to lie back down, trying to shake off the unease that had settled over him.

But before he could even rest his head on the pillow, a loud hiss filled the room, sharp and menacing. The sound sent a shockwave of fear through him, and the entire group jerked awake, their hearts pounding in their chests.

"What? What happened?" Konosa asked groggily, fumbling to his feet as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. He looked around, his eyes still unfocused.

Ryoto shook his head, trying to steady his breath. He didn’t need to say anything—his wide eyes and trembling hand pointed straight at the window, where the figure was still there, its presence more ominous than before.

"Who is that?" Remeni muttered, her voice low and cautious as she slowly approached the window. Her hand hovered near the latch, hesitant but curious, as if drawn to the mystery of what or who was on the other side.

Before she could touch it, the glass exploded with a deafening crash. The window shattered into a million shards, showering the room in glistening fragments. Instinctively, they all ducked, covering their heads as the pieces rained down on them. The sound of breaking glass reverberated in their ears, and for a moment, the room was nothing but chaos.

Oya peeked through her fingers, her heart pounding in her chest. The figure that had been outside was now standing in the room, towering over them. It was massive, its form hulking and grotesque. The creature was hunched, yet it still stood impossibly tall, its elongated arms almost reaching the floor. Its skin was a sickly, mottled green, covered in patches of slime that dripped onto the floor. The creature’s face was twisted into a snarl, its drool pooling on the ground below it. It looked at them with a feral intensity, its eyes glinting with malice.

Miyazono, always quick to react, unsheathed her sword in one fluid motion, rising to her feet in a defensive stance. "I don't know what that is, but it doesn't seem friendly," she said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides.

"Well, of course," Konosa replied with a forced calmness, pulling out his own sword. The adrenaline rushing through him pushed the remnants of sleep away, and he squared off against the creature, ready for a fight.

Ryoto, still crouched within his sheets, felt a wave of panic rise as he stared at the creature. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, its grotesque form and snarling mouth sending a chill down his spine. Without thinking, he grabbed his mattress and, with a burst of adrenaline, tossed it at the creature. The beast snarled in response, ripping the mattress apart with ease, its powerful claws tearing through the fabric like it was paper.

Seeing the mattress disintegrate in the creature’s grasp, Ryoto scrambled to his feet and dashed to his friends' side. He moved with such speed that he almost stumbled into Miyazono, his breathing ragged as he tried to regain his composure.

The creature growled, its eyes narrowing as it prepared to lunge at them. But before it could make a move, an arrow whistled through the air, piercing straight through the creature’s chest. The beast let out a roar of pain, its voice a guttural howl that shook the walls of the temple. The group watched in stunned silence as the creature's body began to dissolve, turning into dust speckles that shimmered in the air before being carried away by the wind through the open window.

They all turned toward the door, which slowly creaked open. Standing there, silhouetted in the dim light, was Vinanna. She held a bow in one hand, a bag of arrows slung over her shoulder. Her eyes were sharp, focused, as if she had expected this all along.

The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension as Vinanna stood in the doorway, still holding her bow. Her expression, once calm, now held a trace of weariness that hadn’t been there before. Miyazono, sensing the weight of something unspoken, took a step closer to her. "Vinanna-san," she began, her voice laced with concern, "what is going on with your town?"

Vinanna sighed deeply, the kind of sigh that carried the burden of years of suffering. She approached the group, her eyes shadowed with a pain that hadn’t been visible before. "As you must have guessed by now," she said, her voice low, "these creatures can enter houses or any place on their own command, even with everything locked up."

Konosa glanced at the shards of broken glass scattered across the floor, remnants of the earlier attack. "We can very well see that," he remarked dryly, though his tone was edged with unease rather than sarcasm.

Oya, ever the compassionate one, stepped forward, her eyes filled with concern. "Please, tell us everything going on with your town," she urged, her voice soft but insistent.

Vinanna hesitated for a moment before nodding. She walked over to one of the mattresses, carefully avoiding the glass shards, and sat down. The others immediately understood that this was not just a story but a confession that had been a long time coming. They gathered around her, sitting in a circle, their attention fixed on the young woman in front of them. She exhaled slowly, bracing herself for the tale she was about to tell.

"It’s going to be a long story," Vinanna warned, her eyes flicking over each of them as if seeking their silent permission to proceed.

They all nodded in unison, exchanging quick glances before turning back to her, signaling that they were ready to listen, no matter how long it took.

"It started ten years ago," Vinanna began, her voice taking on a faraway quality as if she were looking into the past. "I was six at the time."

As she spoke, the present blurred with the past, her words painting a vivid picture of the town as it had once been. Back then, the town had been a sanctuary, a place where sword master trainees could find peace and respite from their grueling training. The townspeople had been warm and welcoming, offering food and hospitality to all who came through. The streets had been filled with laughter and camaraderie, the air thick with the scent of fresh fruit and the sound of friendly chatter. Trainees would often stop to talk with the townsfolk, sharing stories of their battles and training, forming bonds that were as strong as the steel they wielded.

But then, everything changed.

Vinanna’s voice grew softer as she continued, her eyes darkening with the memory of it. "An unfortunate incident... My father, who was the head of the church, the temple of the town, went on a trip. When he came back, he had caught a dangerous flu."

The room seemed to grow colder as she spoke, the warmth of the past dissipating like smoke in the wind. "He was kept in his chambers for a long while," she continued, her voice steady, though laced with sorrow. "Somehow, things started getting strange after that. Every day, something bad happened. Fruits would turn rotten out of the blue, children went missing from the farms... Older citizens suddenly died, and the doctors refused to check them."

As Vinanna spoke, the past seemed to come alive, her words weaving a tapestry of fear and confusion. The townspeople, once so full of life, had begun to withdraw, their faces etched with worry and suspicion. They whispered among themselves, casting fearful glances at the temple, where Vinanna’s father lay ill. The once vibrant town had become a place of dread, where shadows lingered in every corner, and every rustle of leaves or creak of a door was met with a shiver of fear.

Vinanna’s voice broke through the haze of memory, bringing them back to the present. "Everyone blamed my father’s health for it," she said, a hint of bitterness creeping into her tone. "They said that because he became ill, everything went down to hell."

Miyazono shifted closer to her, a sympathetic expression on her face. She reached out and gently patted Vinanna’s back, offering comfort without words. Vinanna managed a small, sad smile in return, her eyes crinkling slightly as she did.

"And then," Vinanna continued, her voice growing quieter, "the church... this temple... was completely destroyed, suddenly. My father and I were out at the hospital at the time. When we came back, we saw the broken place." Her voice trembled slightly as she relived the moment. "Our wealth, our home, our lives... this place was everything to us, but it was ruined."

She paused, her gaze distant as if she were seeing the destruction all over again. "We managed to rebuild it somehow, brick by brick, and it still looks destroyed... but at least it stays."

Oya glanced around the room, taking in the rough, uneven walls, the cracked ceiling, the broken pieces of wood scattered on the floor. It was clear that they had tried to rebuild the place themselves, without the help of anyone else, and the effort showed in the worn, battered state of the temple. Despite their best efforts, the scars of the past were still visible, a reminder of what had been lost.

"Then the reason came to light," Vinanna said, her voice gaining a sharper edge. "It was these creatures. People stopped believing in the good and simply lived in fear. They stopped interacting because they couldn’t tell who was a monster and who was not."

Konosa frowned, confusion etched on his face. "What?" he asked, unable to comprehend the full weight of her words.

Vinanna looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of anger and sadness. "Yeah," she replied, her voice steady. "There was an incident where an outsider came here to buy some cheap fruits, but he turned out to be a mutant in disguise. Since then, the town has been completely closed off to outsiders."

The group sat in stunned silence, the horror of it sinking in. Remeni, her voice shaky, asked the question that had been on all their minds. "Oh god... how come the sword master quarters don’t know about this?"

Vinanna sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Well... this isn’t news. We are a faraway town. No one knows much about us except a few trainers who send their trainees here."

The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, a thick cloud of despair that seemed to settle over them. Oya, ever the optimist, looked at Vinanna with a determined expression. "How do we save this place?" she asked, her voice firm with resolve.

Vinanna shook her head, a hopeless look in her eyes. "I don’t know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I tried killing their pack to scare them off, but they don’t stop coming. And I don’t even know where their hideout is."

The room was thick with a tense quiet, each member of the group deep in thought. The encounter with the creature had rattled them, but now their focus shifted to finding answers. Ryoto was the first to break the silence, his voice soft but determined. "So these creatures... They must have some weakness, right?"

Vinanna, who had been silently contemplating, nodded in his direction. "Well, they disappear as soon as a sword or anything metal goes through them," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.

Ryoto glanced around at his friends, a plan beginning to form in his mind. "I was just thinking," he started, his voice filled with a cautious optimism, "it would be nice if we could help her. And this town."

Konosa, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement. "We’re thinking the same, boy. We’re sword masters, after all. But how do we keep those things away? After we leave tomorrow night, Vinanna wouldn’t be able to defend all by herself," he whispered, his voice low so as not to alarm Vinanna.

Ryoto returned his nod, then looked back at Vinanna, his eyes searching hers. "There must be a reason why they came here. Do they talk?" he asked, hoping for some clue that might lead them to a solution.

Vinanna shook her head. "No. I’ve never heard them talk. They can definitely shapeshift, though," she mentioned, her tone laced with the bitterness of someone who had seen too much.

Miyazono, who had been quietly pondering, suddenly spoke up. "I’ve heard about them. These green mutants, I mean," she said, her voice thoughtful as she searched her memory. The group turned their attention to her, watching as she pressed a hand to her forehead, deep in thought. After a few moments, her eyes lit up, and she straightened, a determined look crossing her face. She slammed her right fist into her open left palm, a sign that something had clicked in her mind. "Got it!"

"What? What is it?" Remeni asked, leaning forward eagerly, her curiosity piqued.

"I remember where I read about them!" Miyazono exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement. She cleared her throat, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "Back when Ayeta and I were still meeting each other on the demon land," she began, her tone more serious now. The mention of Ayeta’s name caused Ryoto to let out a quiet sigh, a flicker of pain crossing his face. It had been so long since they had seen each other, and Ayeta still hadn’t returned. But he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on Miyazono’s words.

"There was a book," Miyazono continued, her voice steady as she recalled the details. "Something like the Book of Sins."

Vinanna’s eyes widened in shock. "A book... of sins?" she repeated, disbelief evident in her voice.

"Yeah. Why?" Miyazono asked, raising an eyebrow at Vinanna’s reaction.

Vinanna stood up, her expression a mixture of surprise and urgency. "We have a Book of Sins here in the temple," she revealed, her voice trembling slightly.

"What?" Miyazono asked, her tone mirroring the shock of the group.

"Yes," Vinanna confirmed, her voice steadying as she spoke. "My father used to read it to me when I was a child. It had many legends in it, and each legend represented a sin."

Without wasting another moment, Vinanna motioned for them to follow her. "It's in the library. Follow me," she instructed, already moving towards the door.

The group hurriedly gathered their belongings and trailed after her. They left the room together, the air still tinged with the recent events, and ventured down the same dusty, creaky corridor. The walls seemed to close in around them, the narrow passageway filled with the weight of anticipation. As they reached the end of the hall, they found themselves facing a winding staircase that spiraled upwards, the wood creaking ominously underfoot as they ascended. The steps were old and worn, each one groaning under their weight, as if threatening to give way at any moment.

Finally, they arrived at a large, imposing door. Vinanna hesitated for a second, then pushed it open, the hinges emitting a long, screeching creak that echoed through the stairwell. The door opened to reveal a vast, dusty hall, filled with rows upon rows of shelves that stretched to the ceiling. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and must, a testament to the many years the library had stood untouched.

The room was a scene of organized chaos, with books everywhere—on shelves, on desks, and strewn across the floor in haphazard piles. Yellowed, brittle papers were scattered about, some lying forgotten in corners, others barely clinging to their bindings. Chairs and tables, long abandoned, were coated in a thick layer of dust, their once polished surfaces now dull and worn. The dim light filtering through the grimy windows cast eerie shadows, making the room feel like a forgotten relic of the past.

Vinanna led them further into the room, her eyes scanning the shelves with a familiarity that spoke of years spent in this very place. The group followed closely behind, their eyes wide as they took in the sheer volume of knowledge stored within these walls.

Vinanna moved with quiet determination, her steps leading her to a small, almost hidden door nestled between two towering shelves. The door looked ancient, its wooden surface darkened by years of neglect. What stood out most was the massive, rusty lock hanging from it—a golden yellow that had long since lost its luster, now a dull, faded remnant of what it once was. The size of the lock seemed out of proportion with the modest door, giving it an ominous appearance, as if guarding something of great importance.

Without hesitation, Vinanna knelt down beside the door and began to pry up one of the dusty floor tiles. The friends watched in silence, their curiosity piqued. Beneath the tile, a small compartment was revealed, containing a keyring with several old, weathered keys. The metal of the keys was tarnished, but they still seemed functional. Vinanna retrieved the keyring, carefully placing the tile back into position as if sealing away a secret. She then stood up, brushing the dust from her frock, her movements precise and unhurried.

With an air of familiarity, she selected a key from the ring and inserted it into the lock. The key turned with a creak, the sound of old mechanisms reluctantly giving way. The lock clicked open, and Vinanna removed it, pushing the door ajar. The friends instinctively knew to wait outside, the small door and the space beyond it feeling too personal, too sacred for them to intrude.

A few moments later, Vinanna emerged, cradling a small, intricately carved wooden box in her hands. The box was old but well-maintained, its surface polished to a soft sheen, with ornate designs etched into the wood. She returned to the group, a thoughtful expression on her face as she carried the box over to one of the dust-covered chairs and sat down. The friends gathered around her, standing close, their attention fully on the box that seemed to hold the answers they sought.

Vinanna placed the box on the table and slowly opened the lid, setting it aside with a reverence that suggested the contents were more than just old papers and trinkets. As she spoke, her voice was filled with a mix of realization and regret. "This box holds pictures of similar incidents, along with the Book of Sins. I don’t know why it didn’t click to me sooner, but it all makes sense now. These creatures... they seem like an incarnation of some sin," she explained, her gaze fixed on the box as if seeing it anew.

Remeni, standing behind Vinanna, gently placed her hands on the young woman’s shoulders, offering silent support. Miyazono and Oya rested their hands on the desk, leaning in to get a closer look, while Ryoto and Konosa leaned forward, eager to see what secrets the box might reveal.

Vinanna carefully lifted out a few old pieces of parchment, the papers yellowed with age and brittle to the touch. Each piece was adorned with dark ink sketches, crudely drawn with the thick strokes of a feather quill. The drawings depicted a series of gruesome scenes—a woman being slaughtered in different horrific ways in seven separate illustrations. The brutality of the images made the friends wince, the ink almost too vivid against the decaying paper, as if the torment captured there refused to fade with time.

Setting the pictures aside, Vinanna reached deeper into the box and pulled out a small, thick book bound in dark leather. The cover, though worn, bore the title in bold, engraved letters: "The Book of Sins." Vinanna hesitated for a moment, then opened the book, her fingers flipping through the fragile pages until she came across something that caught her eye.

"Slimy green creatures terrorize the world for the sins committed. The sin of... negligence," Vinanna read aloud, her voice slow and deliberate as she processed the words.

Konosa furrowed his brow, his confusion mirrored by the others. "What? Is that even a sin? I’ve never heard of that," he pondered aloud, voicing what they were all thinking.

Oya leaned closer, peering into the book with a puzzled expression. "Yeah, that’s not on the list of the seven deadly sins. What do you mean, the sin of negligence?" she asked, turning her questioning gaze to Vinanna.

Vinanna shook her head slightly, her own confusion evident as she continued reading. "I don’t know. It says that the king had died. But no one ever wept for him. He shall come back to gain his vengeance... apparently," she trailed off, the words hanging heavily in the air.

Ryoto’s mind raced as he tried to piece it all together. "The green mutants are his revenge? What kind of revenge?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Vinanna sighed, her eyes drifting over the pages as she pieced together the story. "He was a council head of the older sword master councils. He saved our town from being destroyed in war, dying himself in the process. But he was never properly mourned, and no one paid attention to his death because he wasn’t a very well-known member. The wraith of his neglected spirit caused the birth of these mutants from his lingering magic," she explained, her tone filled with a quiet sorrow.

Oya’s eyes narrowed as she tried to make sense of it all. "But why are they here after so long? What could have triggered them now?" she asked, her voice laced with urgency.

Vinanna looked up at them, her face pale as the realization dawned on her. "Something must have triggered it... Maybe a descendant of one of the townspeople that man saved," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper as she swallowed hard, the weight of her words pressing down on the group.

The room fell silent, the friends exchanging worried glances. The implications of Vinanna’s words were clear—the town’s current plight was tied to an ancient sin, a neglect so profound that it had summoned these creatures from the depths of the past. The question now was whether they could find a way to stop them before the town was consumed by the consequences of a forgotten history.

Ryoto's voice broke the heavy silence that had settled over the room, his tone urgent as he asked, "How do we deal with them, Vinanna? There has to be a way to stop these creatures for good."

Vinanna, still clutching the old book of sins, glanced at him with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "There are some swords... ancient swords that were buried in the temple long ago. If those swords are placed back in their rightful locations, then the magic sustaining the mutants should dissipate, banishing them for good."

Remeni, standing close to Vinanna, furrowed her brow in confusion. "Isn't this the temple?" she asked, gesturing around the dusty, decaying space they were in.

Vinanna nodded, her expression troubled. "Yes, this is the temple. But after it was destroyed, we rebuilt it, piece by piece. The original burial sites of the swords were lost in the process. I have no idea where they were buried originally, and I'm not sure if we can find them again."

Konosa, who had been pacing the floor, stopped and turned to face Vinanna. His voice was firm as he asked, "Isn't there some way to locate them? There should be something in that book, some clue, anything."

Vinanna's eyes returned to the book in her hands, her fingers trembling slightly as she flipped through the fragile pages. "The book does mention something... It says that if the original owners of the swords, or their direct descendants, appear, their aura will naturally guide them to the swords. But... finding a direct descendant of those owners... it's a near-impossible task," she said, her voice tinged with hopelessness.

Ryoto, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him, asked the obvious question. "Direct descendants? Who were these owners?"

The night outside was pitch black, and the memory of the recent mutant attack still clung to their minds. Inside the library, the only light came from the dim lantern Vinanna had placed on the table, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls. The friends squinted as they tried to make out the faded writing on the pages of the book, the letters barely legible in the dim light.

Vinanna read aloud from the book, her voice barely above a whisper. "One of the owners was named Arineth. He wielded a sword meant to eradicate the sin of gluttony."

"And the others?" Konosa asked, his voice edged with anticipation.

Vinanna turned the page, her eyes scanning the yellowed parchment. But as she reached the end, her expression fell. "There’s nothing else written here. No names, no further details... it just ends."

The room was thick with disappointment as Vinanna sighed and gently closed the book, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. The silence was broken by Konosa, who moved to sit across from Vinanna, determination etched on his face.

"No. Don’t lose hope yet," Konosa said, his voice steady and filled with conviction.

Vinanna looked at him, her curiosity piqued. "Hm? What do you mean?"

Konosa hesitated for a moment, then spoke, his words carrying an unexpected revelation. "Arineth... that was my father’s council name."

The words hung in the air, their significance slowly dawning on the group. Vinanna’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Seriously?"

Konosa nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah. When he worked as a sword master, that’s what he was called. Arineth was his name during his time in the council."

Vinanna's face lit up with a mixture of shock and joy, her earlier hopelessness giving way to renewed energy. "Oh god... that's incredible news! If you’re Arineth’s direct descendant, then you might be able to locate the sword!"

Konosa shrugged lightly, though a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. "If my father was involved, then it stands to reason that the other council members from that time might be involved too."

Vinanna nodded, quickly rising from her seat, her earlier despair replaced with a new sense of purpose. "Oh, true! We have the council registers here in the temple. They should have records of everyone who served during that time. What year was your father in?"

Konosa thought for a moment, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall the exact time. "It was around twenty, maybe twenty-two years ago. I’m not sure of the exact year, but if I see the register’s title, I’ll be able to tell."

Vinanna didn’t waste another second. She hurried over to one of the large, dusty shelves, her fingers running over the spines of countless old books and records, searching for the one that might hold the key to their salvation. The others watched with bated breath, the tension in the room thick as they waited, hoping that this revelation could lead them to the swords, and with them, a way to save the town from the horrors that had plagued it for far too long.

“Yeah! Wait, wait!” Konosa suddenly called out, grabbing Vinanna by the shoulders before she could move any further. The urgency in his voice made her stop in her tracks, and she turned to look at him in surprise.

“What is it?” she asked, confused as Konosa gently pulled her back toward a particular shelf they had passed by.

“This is the one,” he said with certainty, his eyes locked on a specific book nestled among the dusty old volumes. He let go of her and carefully pulled the book out by its spine, wiping away the thin layer of dust that had gathered on its cover. As he read the title aloud, his voice was filled with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. “Treasure Council Mylikil.”

Vinanna blinked, slightly taken aback by his confidence. “This is the one? Are you sure?”

Konosa handed her the book, nodding firmly. “Mm-hm. Why? Something wrong?”

Vinanna studied the title for a moment, then looked back at him, her expression growing more serious. “Konosa-san, you’re a Wave Descendant, right?”

“That’s right,” Konosa replied, leaning casually against the shelf beside him. “Why? What’s up?”

Vinanna stepped closer, placing the book against his chest. “If that’s true, then something doesn’t add up,” she said, her voice laced with doubt.

Konosa tilted his head, frowning slightly. “I’m sorry, what do you mean?”

Vinanna’s gaze didn’t waver as she explained, “This council, the Treasure Council Mylikil, held members from the three Defense Pillars. Your species, the Wave Descendants, appeared in the current era. It’s a fairly new species. There’s no way your father could have been part of this council—”

“Whoa, whoa, Vinanna,” Konosa interrupted, holding up his hands defensively. “My father isn’t a Wave Descendant. He’s a Water Descendant.”

Vinanna’s eyes narrowed. “Descendants themselves are a new species, Konosa-san. If this is some kind of prank, it’s not very funny,” she said, turning to walk away, clearly frustrated.

Before she could take another step, Konosa grabbed the book again, pulling it toward him—and with it, Vinanna. She stumbled forward, bumping into his chest, and immediately shot him an annoyed glare. “Hey!”

Konosa looked down at her, his voice calm but firm. “I’m not stupid, Vinanna. I’m telling you, this is the one. I remember the title like it was yesterday.” His eyes were earnest, almost pleading for her to believe him.

Ryoto, who had been observing the exchange silently, stepped forward, his voice steady as he supported Konosa. “He wouldn’t lie about something like this. Not about his family.”

Vinanna looked between them, her frustration slowly giving way to uncertainty. Konosa, meanwhile, had already yanked the book away from her, causing her to stumble back slightly. She quickly steadied herself, but the doubt in her eyes was clear.

Konosa settled himself into a nearby chair, flipping through the pages of the book with a focus that left no room for doubt. “Honey, I might be a lot of things,” he began, his voice dripping with a mix of humor and seriousness, “but I’m not someone who would lie about my family history. Drill that into your head.” He continued flipping through the pages until his eyes suddenly widened in shock.

“What is it, Senpai?” Ryoto asked, leaning in closer from behind Konosa to get a look at the page.

Konosa’s voice was almost a whisper as he read the names listed under the council members. “Sekigo, Piertese, Althaea, Namarie, Xylara, Takana...” Each name rolled off his tongue with a sense of disbelief and recognition. Ryoto’s eyes widened as well, the names echoing in his mind.

The room fell into a stunned silence, the weight of the discovery settling in. These were not just any names—they were the names of their parents. The realization hit them like a tidal wave. Their entire team had been involved in this ancient council, as if fate had led them to this very moment. It was a relief, but also oddly convenient, as if their paths had been orchestrated by some unseen force. Konosa felt a flicker of doubt creep into his mind, wondering if this was all just a coincidence, but he quickly shook the thought away.

Konosa looked up at Vinanna, his eyes filled with a newfound resolve. “It’s your lucky day, Vinanna,” he said with a small, reassuring smile.

Oya, who had been silent until now, spoke up, her voice soft but firm. “Sekigo Senma is my father.”

Ryoto followed, his tone equally resolute. “Piertese is my father.” Vinanna nodded in understanding. She knew this already, given Ryoto’s status as the Argon Prince, but hearing it confirmed still sent a shiver down her spine.

Konosa, who had been flipping through the book, closed it with a decisive thud. “Althaea is my mother. That was her name in the council.”

Remeni, her voice filled with quiet pride, added, “Namarie is my mother.”

Miyazono, who had been lost in thought, finally spoke, her voice tinged with a mixture of pride and sadness. “Xylara is my mom... and Takana is... Ayeta’s father.”

For a moment, Vinanna stood in a daze, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. Then, as the reality of their situation sank in, she let out a joyful laugh, the tension in the room breaking like a dam. “Maybe this is fate!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. “You all coming here, wanting to help, and now all roads lead back to you!” Unable to contain her joy, she pulled the girls into a big, warm hug, her heart swelling with hope.

Konosa, however, remained focused on the task at hand. “We can find the swords connected to us, but there’s still one missing,” he pointed out, referring to the sword that belonged to Takana.

Miyazono’s expression grew somber as she slowly released Vinanna from the hug. “Ayeta is also a part of the team... but right now, he’s not here.”

Konosa stood up, stretching his arms overhead, his joints popping with the movement. The tension in his muscles slowly unwound, and he let out a contented sigh. "Let's get this over with. Tomorrow, I want to sleep without creatures bursting into our room through the window."

Oya chuckled at his words, a light smile crossing his face. "Yeah, that sounds like a good plan," he agreed. The friends began to disperse from the library, each heading in a different direction within the temple, their footsteps echoing faintly against the ancient stone walls. As they left, Vinanna remained behind, watching their retreating figures with a mix of hope and concern. Their positivity was infectious, but a nagging worry gnawed at her. How would they ever find the seventh sword?

Once outside the library, the team regrouped in the temple's grand main hall. The air here was still, heavy with the weight of history and the lingering presence of something ancient and powerful. Konosa, ever the one to break the silence, whistled a soft tune as he leaned against one of the stone pillars.

"So, how are we supposed to be pulled to these swords again?" Konosa asked, his tone light, but with an undercurrent of seriousness. He glanced around at the vast expanse of the temple, its shadowed corners and hidden nooks.

"The aura, Senpai," Ryoto replied, his voice steady. "We need to search for an aura that resonates with us. Something that feels... familiar."

Konosa frowned, the idea clearly not sitting well with him. "This place is huge," he said, pouting slightly. "How far do you expect us to search? And for how long? We could be here all night."

Oya stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "How about we try to focus on the sin that each sword is meant to eradicate? Maybe if we think about the sin, it will help guide us to where the sword is hidden."

Miyazono nodded in agreement, though her expression remained cautious. "That could work, but it’s going to be a long process. Still, it’s probably our best shot."

The friends exchanged determined looks and then nodded in unison. They found a spot in the hall, clearing away some of the dust and debris to sit in a circle on the cold stone floor. The atmosphere grew quiet as they closed their eyes, each sinking deep into thought. The challenge was immense, especially for Konosa, who bore the additional burden of needing to find not just one, but two swords.

Time passed slowly, the minutes dragging by as they delved deeper into their minds. The air seemed to grow thicker, the weight of their task pressing down on them like a heavy cloak. An hour slipped away, unnoticed by the group as they remained in their meditative state, searching, reaching for the essence of the sins their swords were meant to combat.

Suddenly, a sharp intake of breath broke the silence. Miyazono's eyes snapped open, wide and alert. She shot up to her feet with an energy that startled the others, who quickly looked up at her. "I found it," she announced, her voice clear and confident. "The Sword of Envy."

Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and took off at a run, the map of the temple clear in her mind, the aura guiding her like a beacon. Her heart pounded in her chest, not from exertion, but from the thrill of discovery.

As Miyazono left the circle, her footsteps echoing faintly as she disappeared into the labyrinthine corridors of the temple, the remaining friends didn’t falter in their focus. They remained seated, eyes closed, their breathing steady as they delved deeper into their thoughts, searching for the resonances that would guide them to the remaining swords. Despite the quiet determination, questions swirled within their minds. How could descendant species, only recently discovered in this era, be tied to an ancient council that seemed to date back countless generations? The mystery gnawed at them, but they pushed it aside, knowing that such questions would have to wait.

Saving the town came first. This place, once a sanctuary for sword master trainees, had become a nightmare, overrun by the mutant creatures that prowled the streets. The thought of restoring the town to its former peace and allowing future generations to rest here safely gave them a renewed sense of purpose.

Suddenly, Oya’s eyes snapped open. She sat up with a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. The aura had led her to the Sword of Pride, a blade pulsing with an energy that called out to her in the stillness of the night. Without a word, she rose from the circle and disappeared into the shadows of the temple, her movements quick and determined. The circle grew smaller, leaving only three.

As the hours wore on, the night seemed to stretch endlessly, the silence of the temple punctuated only by the distant sounds of the creatures outside. The remaining trio kept their focus, determined not to let their minds wander. The weight of the task hung heavily over them, but they persevered, understanding the gravity of what they were doing. Finally, Remeni’s eyes fluttered open. A sense of satisfaction washed over her as she whispered, “Found you.” She had located the Sword of Sloth, a blade that resonated with a lethargic, almost hypnotic pull. Rising from the circle, she hurried toward the sword’s location, leaving only Konosa and Ryoto behind.

The challenge that remained was particularly daunting for them. Konosa had to locate two swords—the Sword of Gluttony and the Sword of Greed—both representing sins with deeply entrenched energies. Meanwhile, Ryoto’s task was equally formidable. He had to find the Sword of Wrath, a blade fueled by intense, uncontrollable fury. Additionally, he had to make an attempt to locate the Sword of Lust, the final blade that had belonged to Takana. This last sword was an enigma, its connection to Takana adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already overwhelming task.

Standing at the far end of the room, Vinanna observed the two with a mixture of awe and concern. Her heart pounded as she watched them, the silence of the room broken only by their steady breathing and the distant sounds of the night outside. How were they able to find these swords so quickly? The revelation of their parents' involvement in the ancient council had shaken them to their core, yet here they were, channeling their focus with remarkable clarity. It was impressive, but it also left her with a lingering sense of unease. The questions that plagued her mind refused to be silenced, but she knew that now was not the time to voice them.

The town was what mattered. Her town. The place she had sworn to protect. If they could succeed in finding the swords, the mutants would be driven away, and the townspeople could finally live without fear. She could only hope that Konosa and Ryoto would find the strength to complete their task, just as the others had done before them.

Vinanna remained still, her eyes on the two remaining in the circle, silently willing them to succeed.

Konosa felt the world spinning around him as he sat with his eyes closed, struggling to maintain his focus. The humid air inside the temple, thick and oppressive, made it even harder for him to concentrate. His head pounded, and a wave of dizziness washed over him, threatening to break his resolve. Despite his best efforts to stay calm and composed for the sake of his team, the weight of the task was beginning to take its toll. He could feel his determination slipping away, his mind teetering on the edge of giving up.

Just as he was about to surrender and open his eyes, a voice echoed in his mind, clear and gentle, yet commanding an undeniable authority.

"Come here, child. This has been waiting for you. Greed is growing heavy on the world. You must stop it."

The voice’s words reverberated through his consciousness, cutting through the fog of exhaustion and doubt. As the voice faded, a sudden image formed in his mind—a map, vivid and precise, marking the location of the Sword of Greed. The clarity of the vision startled him, and his eyes flew open, his breath coming in short, rapid gasps. The dizziness clung to him, but he pushed past it, driven by the urgency of the voice.

Without a moment's hesitation, Konosa sprang to his feet and began to run. He had to find the Sword of Greed first before seeking out the Sword of Gluttony. His footsteps echoed through the empty halls as he sprinted in the direction the map had shown him, leaving Ryoto as the last one remaining in the circle.

In Ryoto's Mind

Ryoto wandered through a dark abyss, an endless void stretching out before him in every direction. The darkness was suffocating, far more oppressive than the red-tinted world of his headspace where he usually conversed with his sword, Etoile. There was no sense of direction, no landmarks to guide him—just an infinite expanse of black.

He sighed, his frustration mounting with each step. The silence was deafening, and the darkness seemed to press in on him, amplifying the ache in his head that had been steadily growing. The pain was sharp, shooting through his skull like a bolt of lightning. He winced, muttering to himself as he rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate the discomfort.

"Why does my head always ache like this when I'm in my own head?" he grumbled, shaking his head as if to dislodge the pain.

As he continued to walk, a familiar female voice broke through the silence, bringing a semblance of comfort to the eerie surroundings.

"Master, why are we in your aura?"

Ryoto halted, his eyes widening in surprise. "Etoile? You can come here as well?"

The voice of his sword echoed around him, though the figure of Etoile was nowhere to be seen. "Well, you can hear me, but I can't exactly enter your aura space. It's a long story, one I’ll tell you sometime later."

"Mm-hm," Ryoto mumbled, not entirely reassured. "Well, since you're here, any idea where I can find the Sword of Wrath?"

"No, Master. This is all new information to me too."

Ryoto scoffed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You’re so useless. Stop talking to me."

Etoile hmphed indignantly, falling silent as Ryoto continued his trek through the void. The darkness seemed to stretch on forever, but Ryoto pressed forward, refusing to give in to the despair that threatened to overwhelm him.

After what felt like an eternity, a faint light appeared in the distance, piercing through the darkness like a beacon. Ryoto quickened his pace, his heart racing as he jogged toward the light. As he drew closer, the light grew brighter, until it was nearly blinding. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, peeking through his fingers to get a better look.

There, bathed in the radiant glow, was a sword—its blade shimmering with an ethereal light that cut through the black void.

Then he heard it —a soothing voice that came from the walls of the void.

"Come here, child. This has been waiting for you. Wrath is growing heavy on this world. You must stop it."

The voice was neither male nor female, its tone calm yet imbued with a sense of urgency. Ryoto nodded, though there was no one to see his response. He felt a strange sense of peace wash over him, the clarity of his purpose returning in full force. The darkness around him began to blur and fade, the void collapsing into itself as the real world came back into focus.

Ryoto opened his eyes, gasping for breath as if he had been holding it the entire time. His head still throbbed, the dizziness making him sway slightly as he rose to his feet. He glanced around the room, noting that he was the last one left. The others had already gone off in search of their swords.

Vinanna stood off to the side, watching him with concern etched on her face. When their eyes met, she gave him a small nod, silently conveying her support. Ryoto nodded back, steeling himself for the task ahead. He had found the Sword of Wrath, and now it was time to retrieve it.

Without another word, he turned and left the room, heading in the direction the voice had shown him.