(Chapter unfolds:26)
Night fell, and a peculiar silence blanketed the entire village. Outside, a cold wind began to howl. Samara's mother set the meal she had prepared on the table.
As they ate, Haru's gaze drifted back to the portrait. Noticing this, the woman began to speak softly.
"Satoshi... he was not just a warrior on this land. His protection resides in every stone of this village. That Zek you faced today is but a tiny fragment of the darkness he once suppressed."
She looked directly at Jinso.
"It was no accident that Morikara came to you. But remember if you cannot control that sword, it will turn you into nothing but a shadow."
Suddenly, the wind outside picked up speed, and the hanging beads began to chime violently. Samara leapt to her feet, her expression completely transformed.
"They have come again," she whispered.
"Who?" Jinso asked.
"The other slaves of the Zek's master!"
Hearing this, Haru stopped eating. He stroked his Edge Sword, and the Spirit Wind particles within it began to stir. Jinso also stood up, gripping his Morikara.
"This time, he won't be hiding!" Jinso declared.
They stepped outside, ready for whatever was coming. Ignoring his burn, Jinso gripped Morikara tightly and unsheathed it. The blade shimmered under the moonlight. As his hand touched it, his inner rage flowed into the steel, and the sword began to glow intensely.
Haru drew his Edge Sword as well. Sensing the presence of the Zek, the particles within his blade began to vibrate rapidly. Through the thick veil of mist in the distance, the Zeks were advancing toward them.
Just before closing the doors, Samara shouted out to them:
"Be careful!!! Their movements will be brutal. They will even attack your very mind."
The woman pulled Samara inside and bolted the door.
"This is your chance to begin your next stage," Haru said, tightening his grip on his sword.
"Morikara... finally, a way to feed your hunger!" Jinso said with a smirk, stroking the glowing blade.