Age: 4.5Setting: Velduin, approaching winter's peakTime: Night of the black sun's appearance
They say when a weapon has a soul, it can love you back.
That night…I learned what it means when it doesn't.
Niris Reveals Herself
She didn't speak at first.
I was alone in the frost, gripping her hilt, the wind howling like memory itself.
Then she flickered.
Not in the blade.
But in front of me.
A figure of shadow and ember.
Long white hair. Eyes like coals soaked in regret. Pale skin, runed arms, and scars too old to fade.
"This is what I looked like," she whispered, "the day you chose me."
"Chose you how?"
"You were dying. Bleeding out. You reached for a weapon."
"And you were it?"
"No."
"Then what?"
"I was the curse that turned into your sword."
"Why did I pick you?"
"Because you wanted revenge more than salvation."
First Ability Unlock: Echoflare Pulse
While she spoke, something bloomed in my chest.
A pressure. Like pain remembering itself.
"You're awakening," Niris whispered. "Your Core Class is activating."
Then a blast of red-white energy exploded outward from me.
Trees snapped.Snow evaporated.A stone pillar crumbled nearby.
Kael, Aelira, Ravian — they all ran to me.
But the worst part?
Aelira got too close.
Near-Death Moment
I couldn't control it.
The second wave hit.
Aelira screamed — knocked back 10 feet into the snow, bleeding from the nose and arms.
"STOP!" I yelled.
The magic stopped.
So did my heart.
I ran to her — she was breathing, but unconscious.
"I didn't mean to—"
"We know," Kael said. His voice was low. Controlled. Dangerous."But next time… you won't get to say that."
The Rift Begins
She woke up later.
Didn't speak to me.
Didn't look at me.
And when I reached out — she flinched.
I broke something.
And even if she forgave me later…It wouldn't be the same.
Ravian's Warning
Ravian returned from town with a scroll marked in crimson wax.
He read it once, didn't say a word, and burned it in the fire.
"What was it?" I asked.
"Capital business."
"What kind?"
"The kind that leaves blood on doorsteps."
He looked me in the eyes.
"You're not the only one whose class is awakening."
Final Scene – The Hunt Begins
Far south, across the salt plains, a hooded figure stood in front of a dark mirror.
Inside it: a faint outline of Sakamoto's face, glowing red.
"The curse has reawakened," the figure said.
"Then let the Bladesisters hunt."
Seven shadows stepped forward, each holding a different weapon: fan, whip, sword, claws, chains, mirror, and ink.
"Bring me the vessel," the voice said."Dead… or breathing guilt."