Part 1: Fate
The Dygn team, along with Marin, finally reached the town of Logpost.
The town itself resembled an old London style, with its aged buildings and structured streets that carried a sense of history within them. Although the place looked calm at first glance, most of the people in Logpost were not ordinary residents. They were travelers and adventurers, constantly moving from one place to another, making the town feel more like a temporary stop than a permanent home.
"We have to stay in Logpost for 3 days," Marin said.
"Why do we have to?" Haruto asked.
"Because there is a myth among the people of Logpost that during a full moon, a werewolf appears," Marin explained.
"Only during full moon nights."
"So for that reason, people stay inside their houses on those nights."
"And the full moon is coming in 3 days."
"So after that, we can leave," Marin said.
"Is that true?" Haruto asked.
"I don't know, but it's quite popular among the people here," Marin replied.
"So we shouldn't rush too early."
Everyone agreed with her decision.
Using the money they had, they rented a hotel for three days. They took four separate rooms, one for each person, and each room cost 13 Reo and 50 Peny. Marin paid for her own room without hesitation.
After settling in, it was finally time to rest for a while.
Leo decided to go out and walk through the streets of Logpost. It had been a long time since he had seen proper buildings and a structured town. Haruto went along with him.
Meanwhile, Ryuk and Marin went to a nearby forest for sword training.
They began their regular practice, striking tree logs repeatedly to improve the efficiency and precision of their sword movements. Their training focused purely on how effectively they could use their swords, refining every swing.
As Ryuk observed Marin, he noticed something specific in the way she moved. Her technique was refined, stylish, and precise.
He quickly realized that it was none other than the Demon Swordstyle.
There were six major types of swordstyles.
1. North Swordstyle
In this swordstyle, people rely heavily on their sword forms. They draw out the inner power of the sword and depend on it more than any other style.
2. South Swordstyle
In this swordstyle, people combine both rituals and sword techniques. Their sword skills often contain ritual-based techniques within them.
3. East Swordstyle
In this swordstyle, people use dual swords and fight using both arms simultaneously.
4. West Swordstyle
In this swordstyle, people use only one arm, focusing on controlling their power on the sword with high precision.
5. Demon Swordstyle
In this swordstyle, people rely on specific techniques and swinging methods for offense. It is a highly skill-based swordstyle.
6. Beast Swordstyle
In this swordstyle, there are no rules or forms. People rely purely on raw power and rapid, unpredictable movements, similar to a wild beast.
"Yeah," Marin said, "what is yours?"
"Mine is North Swordstyle," Ryuk replied.
Ryuk then showcased several of his ice-type sword techniques. His control over the sword was evident, and it was clear that he had nearly mastered the North Swordstyle.
His sword's name was Hailmaker.
"What is yours?" Ryuk asked.
"Mine is Ashbringer," Marin replied.
"How many forms have you reached?" Ryuk asked.
"Second form," Marin answered. "And you?"
"I'm in the Ancestor Sword Form," Ryuk said.
Marin was visibly impressed.
"Oh, really? That means you are stronger than me," she said.
"I can't say that. I just unlocked it a few days ago," Ryuk replied.
"I have to learn more and more," Marin thought to herself.
She immediately pushed herself into more intense training.
During that training, she ended up hurting her hands.
Ryuk noticed it and quietly wrapped a bandage around her hand.
"You have to be careful," Ryuk said.
He looked at her face and noticed the disappointment in her expression.
"Let's train together," Ryuk said.
He then held her arm and guided her movements as they continued training together.
At the same time, Haruto and Leo were walking through the streets of Logpost.
They looked around, observing the surroundings and the people passing by.
Leo suddenly felt hungry.
Haruto bought some cream bread for both of them for 3 Reo and 12 Peny. It was sweet and sugary, and Leo seemed to enjoy it very much.
Then Haruto bought spicy meatballs for 6 Reo and 25 Peny. He liked them as well.
They continued exploring, trying different foods from Logpost and observing the environment.
Haruto noticed that there were very few actual residents in Logpost. Most of the people present were adventurers or travelers.
While they were exploring, something suddenly caught their attention.
They saw a man gripping an old man by the neck.
Leo immediately pulled Haruto behind a wall, hiding from sight.
"Haruto, usually I don't fear anyone," Leo said.
"But this time, this person is different."
"I can sense his power."
"It is immense."
Haruto carefully looked at the man.
He quickly realized that it was the same person he had seen before.
On the man's neck, there was a symbol—a tattoo.
It looked familiar to Haruto, but he could not remember where he had seen it before.
The tattoo depicted a human skull resting on a pillow, covered with a spider web.
The man tightened his grip and asked,
"Where is the key of that gate?!"
Haruto suddenly remembered something.
He recalled the moment when he had first seen that man.
The man had been standing in front of a mountain, and within that mountain, there was a massive gate.
Haruto began connecting the pieces.
"Key means to open a gate," Haruto thought.
"So it must be for that gate."
Meanwhile, the man tightened his grip even more.
The old man began to choke, struggling to breathe, and eventually started spitting blood.
Without hesitation, the tattooed man killed him.
Then he left the place.
Haruto and Leo quickly approached the old man.
Haruto asked, "What is that man's name?"
The old man, barely alive, managed to speak one word.
"Eiji…"
And then he died.
Haruto stood there in silence.
"Eiji… hmm," he thought.
"I see."
"That man wants to open that mountain gate."
"But what is beyond it?"
"Something that could help us?"
"Because I don't know why, but…"
"That tattoo feels familiar to me."
Haruto's expression turned serious.
"So I think it's time to hunt him down."
"And open that gate within these 3 days."