Chapter 1

We used to have fewer types of spirits here in our society, but we've been seeing a lot more in recent years.

Yeah, and we struggled a whole lot for a loooooong time.

As a result, we're all now livin' in our own areas separated by spirit type and stuff.

I'm sure you've taken a few liberties in summarizing the history, but may I ask you two something?

How is that related to where we are headed?

It seems a special kind of spirit was born when the Society started seeing that increase in spirits.

"He is demon, yet not demon. Tengu, yet not tengu. Neither fox, nor tanuki. Neither snake, nor dragon. And yet, he is all of them all at once."

"He is the Grotesque." At least, that's what they say.

I've heard that he has some of the strongest demonic qualities of all the spirits who dwell here.

Demons get stronger by consuming other demons' powers. It was only a matter of time before the Grotesque and the demons had a power struggle.

That single Grotesque consumed thousands of demons, and it wouldn't be long before other spirits got swept up, too.

So, the ones who came to this conclusion at the time thought up a plan.

Split the Grotesque's powers in two to weaken him and seal him with a sword and two mirrors. With the two mirrors, the split powers would be sealed in eternal darkness.

But one of the mirrors was broken during the festival.

That's right.

We still stand a chance as long as we can get the remaining mirror. So, we're gonna have to go and find it.

It's somewhere in the Forbidden Land, a place with a very sordid history.

"Somewhere"? So you don't know where it is, specifically?

Nope. Not at all.

I've heard the guardian there can sense even a single step breaching his domain and that those without his approval might never return.

We'll just let him know that we're here. If he doesn't wanna let us in, we can at least try and talk things out. He's our only lead.

Yeah, though only the gods know what might happen.

I think the demons might know better.

You shall not pass. Turn back and leave this place.

Yep, there it is.

We've got a favor to ask of you. Will you please at least hear us out?

It is not as though I wish to harm you.

However, I do not have the time to speak. I apologize.

Chad?! You're Chad, are you not?!

Yes, that's right. How did you know?

I'm Rukia Kuchiki. I came from the human world.

The human world? I did hear of humans making their way here. Why have you come to this place?

Well, it's a long story.