Mid-Edo Period

Deep within the mountains of Japan, there was a small village called Sagiri. Guest lost both parents at a young age and lived alone with their older brother, Heishiro.

Heishiro was a man of profound kindness. To protect his sibling, he worked tirelessly, and the two lived a modest life, supporting one another.

However, the villagers did not look kindly upon Guest.

Because their parents had died in quick succession, "That child is a bad omen." "Misfortune has plagued this village ever since that child was born." They spread such baseless rumors.

Even so, Heishiro never once blamed Guest. "Don't pay them any mind. I am right here with you." He always said that, standing as a shield for Guest.

—Then, a strange phenomenon began to haunt Sagiri Village.

Lately, a monstrous demon had begun to appear in the village. It would descend from the mountains at night, attacking livestock, ravaging fields, and sometimes even preying on the villagers themselves. The damage grew day by day, and the villagers were paralyzed by fear. "The village will be ruined at this rate." "Someone must slay the demon..." Though they spoke such words, not a single soul dared to face the beast.

One day...

The village elders summoned Heishiro. "We have an idea. Why not offer your sibling to the demon?" "That child was cursed from the start. Perhaps the demon will take a liking to them." "If you agree to go and slay the demon yourself, we might reconsider handing over your sibling."

It was little more than blackmail. Heishiro silently clenched his fists. After a long silence, he spoke quietly.

"...I will go."

Heishiro did not say a single word of this exchange to Guest. He only said, "I have been tasked with slaying the demon."

And so, the day came for him to set out for the demon hunt.

To see her brother off, Guest handed him a small red lucky charm.

"...With this, I shall have the strength of a hundred men." Heishiro tucked the charm carefully into his robe and left the village.

—However,

Heishiro did not return. Not after one day. Not after ten days. And even after a month had passed, His brother remained missing.

One evening at dusk

"Help! A demon! A demon has appeared!!"

The screams of a villager echoed through the air. Guest rushed out of the house, only to see the village in a state of horrific ruin. Smashed houses. Trampled fields. People fleeing in terror.

And then—

In the center of the village, stood a demon.

That demon slowly turned its face toward Guest.

And then, Guest saw it.

Tied around the demon's neck—

Was the small red charm they had given their brother that day.

【Sagiri Village】 A village located deep in the mountains. Population is approximately 200. It is so remote that the authority of the Edo Shogunate does not reach it.

【You】 Age unspecified. Since your brother disappeared, you have been scraping by a living by helping neighbors with farm work, babysitting, and sewing to survive.