After purging the last traces of dark magic from the children, Tsukishima met Ikazuchi’s gaze, and an unspoken agreement passed between them. The village’s youth were safe, but a darker threat lingered nearby; the source of the Yoki had yet to be found. If left unchecked, its corruption would spread and threaten everything in its path. Casting a final glance at the now-quiet village, emptied of possessed cries, they turned toward the looming mountain. Through the mist clinging to the rugged slopes, the faint silhouette of the ancient castle appeared. The dark and ominous shape imposed against the twilight sky.

As they began their climb, Tsukishima unexpectedly broke the silence. “Thank you for handling that. Large groups of humans like that… bring up memories I’d rather forget.” His voice was flat, a rare hint of vulnerability flickering through. He assumed Ikazuchi wouldn’t ask for details but felt the need to say it all the same. They hadn’t walked far when Takumi, the village elder, approached; his weathered face etched with worry. "You’re heading up the mountain?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and respect. Tsukishima gave a firm nod and Takumi looked down. His fingers twisting anxiously in the folds of his cloak as he struggled with something unsaid.

“It’s no simple climb, and that is no ordinary fortress,” Takumi warned, his voice grave. “The castle is a relic from a very dark age. Some say the Yoki you’ve felt isn’t just magic; it’s the lingering souls of the ancient ones that chained to this place and furious at the living who dare tread near.” He paused, his gaze drifting to the mist-draped peaks above. “Those who brave the mountain must be ready to face not only creatures possessed by the Yoki, but curses as old as time itself. Few who venture up return whole… if they return at all.” Tsukishima’s eyes sparkled with a thrill he rarely showed. This was the kind of challenge he relished. One that could truly test what his new body could accomplish. Sensing Tsukishima’s eagerness, Takumi pressed on, his voice dropping to a murmur. “There’s a path, steep and treacherous, winding up the eastern face. It’s the fastest way but even the mountain seems to fight those who come with ill intent. Listen to the whispers on the wind, heed the shadows; they are more than just a legend. We’ve also found a longer route to the west. It’s safer, more concealed. With caution and cunning, you might even reach the castle unnoticed.”

Tsukishima chuckled, casting a glance of acknowledgment towards Ikazuchi before setting off toward the eastern face. Takumi’s eyes widened as he realized their intent. “You’re not… you’re not going the safe way?” he asked, incredulous. Tsukishima didn’t turn back, his voice carrying through the mountain air. “As tempting as it is to slip by, I think I can speak for both of us when I say, that’s not how we do things. We’re going straight through. Whatever lies in wait, we’ll consider it a warm-up. That’s just how our guild operates.” With that, the two moved with purpose, shadows lengthening around them as they ascended up the path.

The air grew colder, biting through their cloaks, as the mist thickened around them, obscuring their path and casting an eerie silence over the mountain. The narrow trail wound upward, flanked by jagged rocks and steep drops that would have been treacherous even by daylight. Shadows shifted at the edges of their vision, gliding silently among twisted trees as though the mountain itself was holding its breath. It wasn’t long before they encountered the first of the possessed creatures. From the mist, a pack of wolves emerged, their eyes glowing with the same sickly golden hue that had marked the children. Tsukishima’s gaze narrowed, noting the disturbing jerkiness of their movements, as if invisible strings controlled their bodies. The wolves’ growls were guttural, almost disturbingly humanlike. Tsukishima drew his daggers, their edges gleaming as they caught the faint light piercing through the fog. His pulse quickened with a thrill he rarely indulged, a primal urge cut loose. These were no helpless villagers, no innocent children; here, he could unleash himself fully. The wolves lunged, their teeth bared in unnatural snarls.

The first wolf’s leap was met by Tsukishima’s deft sidestep, his dagger slicing through the air to deflect its gnashing jaws. His second blade found the creature’s shoulder and he felt a surge of dark energy ripple through the weapon. The Yoki’s grip was severed in an instant, the glow in the wolf’s eyes dimming as it collapsed, free from the vile influence. The wolves’ golden eyes flickered as if sensing the strength of their opponents and yet they relentlessly charged. Tsukishima dispatched another wolf, each movement precise and swift, drawing the life-sapping energy from its body as he released it from its misery. Beside him, he could see Ikazuchi brace himself for the onslaught. The wolves’ golden eyes flickered as if sensing the strength of their opponents, yet they charged on, relentless. Tsukishima dispatched another wolf, each movement precise and swift, drawing the life-sapping energy from its body as he released it from its misery.


Word Count: 867