Yoshi grabbed two swords, tossing one to Joseph across the training ground. Joseph caught it mid-air with ease, his eyes sharp and focused. Yoshi’s smile widened as Joseph began to move, the sword a natural extension of his arm. With fluid grace, Joseph executed intricate techniques, the blade slicing through the air with precision. Each swing reflected the light, highlighting his impressive finesse as he seamlessly transitioned between strikes, his mastery evident in every movement."It seems you're quite good with a sword," Yoshi remarked, clearly impressed."Yeah! You could say that," Joseph replied with a boastful grin. "All thanks to the skills I've acquired from my variants, even though my powers are sealed at the moment." He paused before continuing with pride, "Some of my variants were samurai, ninjas, expert swordsmen, swordsmiths, marksmen, craftsmen, and masters in their own right. They could single-handedly conquer nations with just their sword skills. Some could cut throu

As their journey began, Joseph inquired where they were heading, to which Yoshi responded that they were en route to the city of Hakodate. From there, they would travel to other cities and regions in need of aid, allying with local warriors to restore their lands to their former glory.“It’s a three-day ride, so we must remain vigilant,” Yoshi explained. “Monsters and supernaturals are rampaging through territories, weakening their defenses.”Yoshi went on to explain that some had reported these creatures possessing powerful relics and treasures, which was unusual unless they were being manipulated. “Although not all of these creatures can be easily controlled,” Yoshi added. “If they are being influenced, it's likely the renegades are behind it. These relics, in their possession, could be crafted into dangerous artifacts. While most relics are powerful on their own, when reforged into something unique, they become far more dangerous.”“How did such relics end up in the possession of o

With a swift, precise motion, Joseph and Hirotsugu broke free from their intense sword clash, each standing at opposite ends, their expressions fierce. Hirotsugu, unaware of the slight cut on his left arm, felt a surge of confusion wash over him. How had a mere human managed to land a blow after such an intense struggle? He could hardly believe it. “Impossible! He’s not supposed to be able to do that,” he thought, frustration brewing within him. “I mustn’t let my guard down. He’s hiding something.”Joseph’s gaze swept across the battlefield, landing on the lifeless bodies of his fallen comrades, slaughtered mercilessly. A wave of rage surged through him as he processed the betrayal he had witnessed. It stunned him to see how quickly those who had once fought alongside Himari turned against their own for the sake of survival. He turned his head slightly towards Himari, who was visibly injured, her voice barely a whisper.“Himari,” Joseph called, his heart tightening at the sight of her

As Joseph continued his fierce battle with the monstrous creature, the beast retaliated with devastating force, tossing him aside like a ragdoll. The impact sent him crashing into the ground with brutal force, but just before the monster could stomp on him with its massive foot, Joseph rolled out of the way, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow.Meanwhile, Yoshi, observing the battle from a distance, sensed the overwhelming power radiating from the creature. He noticed Lyra preparing a powerful magical attack aimed at the beast and heard her telepathic communication with Joseph. She explained the source of the monster’s immense strength—it had absorbed a treasure lodged in its chest, fueling its devastating abilities. Lyra needed Joseph to create an opening, and he was more than willing to oblige.Understanding the situation, Joseph surged forward with renewed determination. He charged at the monster, which responded with a deafening roar. The shockwave from its roar was so powerful th

After six grueling days of travel, Yoshi, Lyra, Joseph, and their companions finally reached the outskirts of Tottori. They observed the once-thriving city from a safe vantage point, now draped in an ominous darkness. Shadowy monsters roamed the streets, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. The citizens, under heavy guard, toiled in despair, their faces hollow and gaunt. Joseph's voice shook as he whispered, "This is horrific. We have to help them." Lyra's gaze hardened. "We can’t go in blindly. We need a solid plan." Yoshi nodded, his face set in grim determination. "First, we scout the area. If we find any weaknesses in their defenses or patterns in their patrols, we might have a better chance." As they watched, they noticed that the monsters moved in coordinated patterns, as if controlled by a single entity. At the center of the city loomed a larger, menacing figure whose dark aura pulsed outward, controlling the others. It was an E-rank creature, a significant threat c