I ran. I decided to become a fugitive.
They turned me into something I never wanted to be… a killer. I never had a choice. For as long as I can remember, the Omeraje clan trained me to kill, because I was born with the ability to wield cursed weapons and a combat skill few of my generation possessed.
I could never be a normal child, though I always longed for it. They told me over and over that I would never be like the others, that my special ability was a curse. I carried out every mission without complaint… and little by little, my humanity—what little remained—began to crumble.
Everything collapsed during my last job. The order was clear: assassinate a family in southern Tereval. But before I could execute them… I watched them. I saw the bond they shared, the happiness… that family connection I never had. Children playing like what they were—children.
When did everything go to hell? I don't know. But nothing seemed to make sense anymore. I had become a weapon, a being without remorse. And I never wanted that. Why did I have to kill? Was that my only purpose in life?
That's when I discovered I could choose. I could change the fate that had been forced on me. So I refused to keep being a murderer. I escaped from the Omeraje clan, changed my name, and started a new life. I met a special woman, we fell in love, and we had my little star… my daughter. I lived a blissful dream—until it shattered.
The high ranks of Omeraje found me. They entered my home and, in my absence, kidnapped my wife and my little girl. I fell into despair. My happiness turned into pain. I searched every corner… it was useless. Silence and emptiness filled my nights.
A month later, they contacted me: I had to complete a series of assassinations to get them back.
I eliminated important people in Paradise… I did it for love. But then I found out they had added me to the book of the most wanted criminals. Since then, I've been fighting to stay alive, holding on to the hope of seeing them again.
Until I received that call.
— I just sent you some photos. Kill them, and we'll give you your daughter back.
— What about Mika?
— She… unfortunately, is dead. —Click. The line went dead.
My breath broke. BOOM! My heart pounded like a war drum.
— So… here I am. And I swear I'll kill them. It's the only way I have left to see my family again.
Minao launched himself with overwhelming force, unleashing all the cursed energy in his body. SHHHHH! The air pressure vibrated.
— Cursed Technique… Dance of Death!
CRASH! Multiple swords appeared like phantoms, ripping through the air and fracturing time itself.
Ibaki gathered all his power into a single strike. ZAS! His speed was like lightning tearing through the barrier of light.
They collided like two meteors smashing into each other. BOOOOOOM!! A massive wave of energy erupted from the impact, and a blinding light flooded the prison of mirrors.
— Tsk! —Dakur and Pikur shielded their faces.
When the light faded, Ibaki stood before Minao.
— Estrella… I'm so sorry —he murmured, spitting blood.
In the distance, the waterfall roared again. The prison of mirrors was gone. The breeze was gentle, the sun dim.
— I promise I'll rescue her —Ibaki said, his voice steady but his gaze heavy with sorrow.
— You're strong… but not strong enough to face the Omeraje clan —Minao coughed blood.
Ibaki growled.
— Don't underestimate me.
Now he had a new mission: to face the Omeraje clan for the life of little Estrella.