Hoshimori awoke to an uneasy dawn. The air carried a faint metallic tang, and the usual hum of morning life was muted, as if the city itself sensed the impending storm.
Itsuki tightened the strap of his Starblade on his back. The crescent on his hand pulsed faintly, a reminder of the night's training with Tsukihime. He had never felt so prepared—or so aware of how little that preparation might be.
Tsukihime stood beside him, her silver hair catching the pale sunlight. "Something stirs," she murmured, her eyes narrowing. "The rift… it grows."
Yukari, scanning the rooftops with her bow raised, added, "I've been watching the horizon for hours. Someone's coming. And they're not like Karasu-no-Oni. Worse. Calculated."
Itsuki swallowed. "How bad are we talking?"
Before anyone could answer, the first shadow struck.
It wasn't a swarm of crows or a single beast—it was a towering figure, moving with unnatural grace. Its black armor shimmered with violet streaks of energy, and twin scythes extended from its arms like night itself made manifest. Its footsteps cracked the stone streets, each one sending tremors through the ground.
The villagers screamed and scattered, seeking shelter wherever they could. Itsuki gripped his Starblade, light flowing through him in waves.
Tsukihime whispered, "That is Shinraku, one of the Eclipse King's generals. He hunts Starbearers personally. His power is unlike anything you have faced."
Yukari's eyes darkened. "We don't have time for hesitation. Protect the villagers, Itsuki! I'll cover you from range!"
Shinraku swung his scythes effortlessly, slicing through empty air where Itsuki had barely dodged. The force of the strike sent him skidding across the plaza, dust and stone erupting around him.
"I— I'm ready for this!" Itsuki shouted, forcing himself to stand. He raised the Starblade and channeled his intent. The crescent mark blazed bright.
With a surge of energy, he unleashed Moonlit Crescent, arcs of starlight cutting through the debris and halting Shinraku's advance momentarily. The general's glowing eyes narrowed, and a dark pulse rippled from his scythes, clashing with the Starblade's light. Sparks of violet and silver scattered through the plaza.
"Good," Tsukihime whispered, stepping forward. Silver threads of moonlight wrapped around Itsuki, reinforcing his strikes. "Now—Starlight Bind. Focus!"
Itsuki's blade glowed, releasing a beam that locked Shinraku in place. The general struggled against the binding, but the Starbearer's will, amplified by Tsukihime's pendant, held firm… just long enough for Yukari to fire a volley of glowing arrows. Each arrow struck with precision, chipping away at the dark armor.
Shinraku roared, shattering the bind, and swung both scythes in a wide arc. Itsuki barely leapt back, rolling across the cobblestones. The force tore through market stalls and lanterns, leaving the city in chaos.
Itsuki's heart pounded. He realized then how fragile his victories had been before. This was different. This was a real threat.
Tsukihime's voice cut through the storm: "Use the Radiant Surge! Trust your intent, Itsuki!"
Closing his eyes, Itsuki focused. Not on fear, not on doubt, but on protecting those who could not fight. His blade blazed, crescent arcs glowing with starlight. He struck forward with everything he had—Radiant Surge.
The blast collided with Shinraku's scythes. Light and shadow erupted in a deafening shockwave, sending both combatants skidding back. When the smoke cleared, Shinraku's armored form was scorched and cracked, though still standing.
"I see," the general hissed, voice like breaking obsidian. "You have grown… Starbearer. But growth alone will not save you."
Itsuki steadied himself, hands trembling but determined. "Then we'll keep growing. Together!"
Tsukihime nodded, threads of silver light spiraling around them. Yukari loosed another volley, eyes blazing with fierce precision. The three moved as one, light, intent, and skill intertwining against the shadow.
But in the sky above, faint tears of darkness began to ripple open—ominous signs that this battle was only the beginning.
Shinraku's cold voice echoed across the city:
> "The Eclipse King watches… and soon, all worlds will bow to his shadow."
Itsuki's grip on the Starblade tightened. He glanced at Tsukihime and Yukari, a silent vow forming in his heart:
We will not fall. Not tonight. Not ever.