Catch the Enemy!

Guv'nor, Miss. Are you travelers?

We are. What of it?

Well, it ain't the best time to be visitin'. But yer welcome to make yerself at home here.

Is there some sort of trouble here?

Well, it might be nothin', but... Well, we seen a man with a strange-lookin' katana skulkin' round the outskirts o' town lately.

......

Describe him in more detail, please!

Hunh? Well, I ain't seen 'im myself so I can't tell ya much more 'n' that. But you could try askin' round town. Somebody oughta know somethin'.

Very well. Thank you for your help.

Any time.

It must be him. Bane of mother and country.

You really hate your dad, don't you?

As would anyone in my position. He took everything from me.

Let us quiz the townsfolk. If it is my father, these people are in danger.

A guy with a weird sword? Oh yeah, I've seen him. I deal in weapons myself, so that katana really stood out to me. It had some sort of pattern at the hilt. Three blades, I believe it was.

It's one real mean-looking blade. The kind you don't want to be on the wrong end of, for sure.

Word has it he's going around slaying monster after monster just outside of town. And the whole time he's muttering to himself like he's putting a curse on them or something.

Everyone likes having fewer monsters around, but the chanting is unsettling. It frightens off visitors, too. I hope he doesn't stick around here much longer!

Yeah, I saw him! Real creepy... Out on the Serena Coast. Looked like he was feeding some sort of energy into his sword...

And right then, that curved sword of his started moving all on its own, like it was alive! Now, I don't know you, him or what that was so I won't tell you not to go looking for him, but... It'd definitely be the smart thing to not do.

So, to summarize the townspeople's accounts: an unknown individual was seen chanting and siphoning something from monsters. Then imbuing a katana marked by a pattern of three blades.

If we assume the pattern of three blades is the Three-Edged Epitaph...

Then our mysterious swordsman has the same katana you've been searching for.

Indeed, the chances are very high. This man was sighted along the Serena Coast, yes?

That's right. Hey, do you know what that villager meant when he said this guy fed energy to his sword?

No but I intend to find out as soon as possible. Let's pay a visit to the Serena Coast.

It doesn't look like the swordsman is here. Nor are there any signs as to where he might have gone.

No. The air here is heavy with the lingering hostility of the dead. It is almost overwhelming. There can be no doubt that many a monster was slain at this very spot.

Hmm. I don't feel anything.

It is far easier for witches to pick up on such subtle anomalies.

Oh, I see. Now that you mention it, it would be useful if there was a sword you could read around here.

We're in luck. An old dagger.

Let's see what it has to say.

Hmph. The tenacity you've showed in traversing the length of the coast is impressive. Your essence will prove most nourishing.

Fear not. Death is not the end.

Now, sword, partake of this essence and whet your blade...

Is this all that a single vessel will yield? It is not enough, I must have more. Even if I must hunt down every last monster, I will have what this blade demands...

The monstrous denizens of this place have learned to fear my sword and steer clear. I must return to the West for now.

Did you learn anything?

As I thought, the swordsman in question was the one who killed all the monsters here. As for why, it appears that he seeks to strengthen the witchcraft within his blade.

And then?

I don't know. But if this man truly is my father then we can be sure his intentions are not good. Still, what sort of plan would demand that he seek out such distant lands as these?

Whatever that plan is, we can't turn a blind eye to it.

Naturally. And for myself, it would be meaningless to let him and that sword slip away after all this time. I won't let the scourge of my homeland defile this country too.

I WILL see him struck down by my hand, whatever the cost.

Tsukiha...

Let's go, Aldo. The Serena Coast awaits.

Not yet enough... My blade shall take your essence too...

I think that's him!

It is. There's no mistaking that sorcery!

He slew those monsters in a single blow?!

Hardly a surprise. If he is who he appears to be, then...

So, Father, it really is you.

Tsukiha?

I expected your pursuit someday but not that you would find me so soon.

That's because I have given my all to seeking you out. You will see that I have honed my fencing skills, too, Father.

......

It is. And now I ask that you, enemy of my mother and nation, answer me this...

Why did you betray our homeland? Why did you betray Mother?!

The truth is of no use to you now.

Wrong. I am duty-bound to discover the truth. If it remains lost to obscurity, the souls of my countrymen will never know peace!

Spare yourself, daughter. Nothing is crueler than the truth. You may find yourself regretting that you ever sought it out.

After all that I've been through? Never!

So tell me, Father! Tell me how you could be so...evil!

No, there is no need to expose that...mistake.

No! Wait!

Damn, monsters!

It appears that the stragglers have arrived.

Afterwards, Tsukiha! First, the monsters!

Damn it! I can't let him slip away from me again!

Halt, coward!

My, that was far quicker than I thought possible. You have honed your skills well.

I have no patience for your sick jests. I will not rest until you answer for your atrocities!

That burden is not yours to shoulder.

I entirely disagree. But if you refuse to give me the truth...

I shall read it from that sword of yours, after I have taken it by force!

What sorcery is this?!

What's this?! I can't move!

No! I have followed that katana's trail for years. I will not have it escape my grasp!

But I will, for I cannot allow you to lay a single finger on it. The seal must be kept intact, whatever the cost.

What are you...

I will not be delayed any longer. Having forsaken my country and fled to this land, I have no choice now but to persevere.

Wait, this sorcery...

Forgive me, Tsukiha.

Never! I'll never forgive you! I can't fail now... I... I'm so close!

I don't think he's here anymore.

It doesn't matter. It's enough to know for certain that he's on this continent. Even if I still cannot fathom why he's building his katana's power.

When we next meet, Father, I will not fail to end your life.

The souls of our people will be granted the revenge they have long wished for.

I won't tell you not to go looking for him, but...it'd definitely be smart not to.