The road beyond Hoshimori wound through jagged cliffs and forests thick with mist. Itsuki walked at the forefront, Starblade resting on his shoulder, its crescent mark glowing faintly in the morning light. Beside him, Tsukihime floated effortlessly, her eyes scanning the surroundings, while Yukari moved silently, bow at the ready.
"This forest… it feels… wrong," Yukari muttered, her voice tense. "The shadows here are unnatural. Someone's watching us."
Itsuki's grip tightened on the blade. "Then we'll be ready. We've fought generals before—we can handle whoever's lurking here."
Tsukihime's expression remained calm, but her voice carried a note of warning. "The Eclipse King's lieutenants are different from generals. Their strength is not just physical—they manipulate fear, doubt, and the shadows within your soul. Stay focused, Itsuki."
No sooner had she spoken than a chilling wind swept through the forest. Leaves twisted into black spirals, and a figure emerged from the mist.
Tall, armored in obsidian with glints of violet light, the lieutenant moved with predatory grace. Twin daggers gleamed in its hands, and its crimson eyes fixed on Itsuki.
"I am Kurogami," the lieutenant intoned, voice like cracking ice. "The Eclipse King sends me. The Starbearer wanders boldly, thinking his light can withstand shadow. How… amusing."
Itsuki stepped forward, Starblade igniting with silver light. "We won't let you hurt anyone, Kurogami. Leave now—or face me."
The lieutenant laughed, a sound that chilled the air. "Bold words… but meaningless. Darkness is patient, Starbearer. You will learn that soon enough."
With a sudden motion, Kurogami vanished into the mist, reappearing behind Itsuki in an instant. His daggers slashed through the air, and Itsuki barely parried, the Starblade clashing with deadly precision. Sparks flew as light met darkness.
Tsukihime's threads wrapped around Itsuki's blade. "Focus on controlling your strikes! Use the lessons from the Moonlight Trial and our synchronized attacks. He will exploit hesitation."
Itsuki nodded, closing his eyes briefly. He felt the flow of starlight, the rhythm of Tsukihime's threads, and the precision Yukari provided from the rear. He struck forward, unleashing Moonlit Crescent, arcs of silver cutting through the mist. Kurogami leapt backward, smirking, then countered with a whirlwind of shadows that forced Itsuki to roll away.
Yukari fired glowing arrows, striking Kurogami's shoulder, but the lieutenant shrugged off the attacks effortlessly. "You fight well… but your strength is still narrow. Darkness is infinite."
Itsuki's chest heaved. I can't underestimate him. But I won't give in.
He raised the Starblade, synchronizing once more with Tsukihime's pendant. The crescent glowed, Radiant Surge building within. "Now, Tsukihime! Bind him together with me!"
Silver threads entwined with the Starblade, creating a radiant cage of light that encased Kurogami. The lieutenant struggled, the shadows around him writhing in pain. Yukari's arrows struck again, forcing him to retreat backward through the forest clearing.
Kurogami hissed, retreating to the mist. "This… is only the beginning, Starbearer. Darkness watches… and I will return."
With a final swirl of shadows, he vanished entirely, leaving the three standing in the mist-filled forest, breaths ragged, hearts racing.
Tsukihime placed a hand on Itsuki's shoulder. "You did well. But remember—lieutenants are only the first step. The Eclipse King's eyes are everywhere. We must continue training and prepare for the journey ahead."
Yukari exhaled sharply. "Hmph… you two weren't half bad. But I swear, next time we face one of these lieutenants, it's going to be a full-on fight until the end."
Itsuki nodded, Starblade glowing softly. He looked toward the distant mountains, shadowed under a pale sun. "We'll get stronger. We'll face them again… and we'll win. No matter what it takes."
The wind shifted through the forest, carrying whispers of shadow: a warning, a promise, and a challenge. The Starbearer's journey was only beginning, and beyond every misted path, the Eclipse King's power loomed—vast, patient, and relentless.