White snow fell gently upon the forest, each flake a silent prayer descending through the skeletal branches. The cold wind carved through the trees with a mournful howl, and somewhere in that frozen expanse, a deer ran for its life.

Its hooves pounded against the snow-covered ground, breath coming in desperate clouds of mist. Then, in a single heartbeat, everything stopped.

The deer's blood painted the pristine snow crimson as its severed head tumbled to the ground. Its body collapsed moments later, lifeless, steam rising from the fresh wound.

A boy stood over the kill, a tattered blue cloak draped across his shoulders. He lifted the deer's body with practiced ease, slinging it over his shoulder as snowflakes continued their gentle descent around him. He sighed softly, his breath visible in the frigid air.

"ICHIIIIINOOOOO!"

The shout echoed through the forest. Ichino turned to see Chip sprinting toward him, panic etched across his face like he was running from death itself.

"Ichino, save me!" Chip screamed, genuine terror in his voice.

Behind him, a massive bear gave chase, its roar shaking snow from the surrounding trees.

Without hesitation, Ichino tossed the deer into the air. In the time it took for a snowflake to fall, he had closed the distance between himself and the bear, his twin blades singing through the frozen air.

"Higo Style: Fallen Snowflake."

The bear collapsed in sections before it could even comprehend its death. Ichino turned to face his companion, his voice flat behind his mask.

"Idiot."

Chip pouted, rolling his eyes as he caught his breath. "It's not my fault that thing was giant." He smirked, running a hand through his hair with exaggerated casualness.

"For a hunter, you shouldn't get yourself into this type of trouble," Ichino said, his tone calm and collected as always.

Chip sighed, shaking his head with a chuckle. "My bad. But hey, we've already caught enough for at least another three months." He hefted the larger bags of dead animals over his shoulder while Ichino secured the others.

With a nod, they began their trek back to the village. The snow picked up around them, swirling in increasingly violent patterns.

"Looks like a big storm is coming," Ichino observed through the mask covering his mouth.

"Yeah," Chip agreed, quickening his pace.

They reached the village as the storm intensified. Despite the weather, the settlement remained as joyful and carefree as ever. Chip laughed at the familiar sight of villagers going about their daily lives, undeterred by the harsh climate.

One of the village boys ran up to Ichino, his eyes shining with wonder.

"Hey, Ichino! How was hunting today? Did you catch lots of animals?"

Chip patted the boy's head gently, his smile widening. "Of course we did, little buddy."

The boy's eyes sparkled with joy before he ran off to rejoin his friends.

"You should go back to your mom," Chip called after him, concern coloring his voice. "I bet she's worried."

Ichino made his way to his home, his blades held close as he entered. His mother, Luna, looked up from her work, her face breaking into a warm smile.

"Ichino, my baby! You're finally home!"

She rushed over and embraced him tightly, her short white hair brushing against his face. Looking up at him with motherly affection, she asked, "How was the hunt? Did you catch lots of animals today?"

"It was fine, Mother." Ichino cupped her face gently. "How are you? I didn't get to see you this morning."

Luna's smile held a hint of sadness. "You make me so proud, Ichino. Just like your brother and father."

Ichino's eyes fell slightly. "Thanks, Mother. You're the best thing that ever happened to me."

Luna patted his head affectionately. "You should really take that mask off more often. Oh, before I forget—the Chief was here."

"The Chief?" Ichino's interest piqued.

"Yes. He said he wanted to see you once you got back." Luna's voice carried a note of worry.

"Okay, then I better get going. I'll be back for the village feast."

Ichino quickly departed, leaping from rooftop to rooftop across the village, making his way to the master's hakoino—the Chief's residence.

As he arrived and stepped inside, walking to the main room, a guard bowed his head respectfully.

"Master Ichino, the Chief is waiting for you."

Ichino nodded and opened the door. Inside, an old man with long white hair and an equally long white beard sat near an altar, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom.

"Hehe, if it isn't the Snow Hunter," the Chief said, his voice weathered but amused, a sly smile on his face.

Ichino bowed respectfully. "You wanted to see me, Chief?"

The Chief stood slowly, walking to the window overlooking the village living its peaceful life. His arms folded behind his back, he spoke in a grave tone.

"Ichino, I have something to tell you. A strange beast has been spotted deep in the forest by the other hunters. It doesn't look like any wild beast seen here before."

Ichino's eyes widened as he stepped closer, his voice a mixture of revenge and anger. "What kind of beast? Could it be the same one that—"

"I fear so," the Chief interrupted, his voice low and regretful. He gazed into the snowy sky, his mind drifting back to those dark times. "It could be the same beast that killed your brother Higo all those years ago."

The memory flashed through the Chief's mind—one of the hunters bowing before him, tears streaming down his face. "Chief, we're sorry, but Higo... he stayed behind fighting the beast. We couldn't—" The guard had sobbed, the moment forever seared into memory.

"It's not your fault, Chief," Ichino said kindly, placing his hand on the old man's shoulder. "There was nothing you could do."

The Chief turned to face him. "You must go, Ichino. Kill the beast and finally take revenge for your brother."

Ichino smiled behind his mask and walked toward the entrance alongside the Chief.

"The beast was seen west from here. We don't know its exact location, but it can't have gotten far," the Chief explained.

As they emerged into the village, the Chief added firmly, "I'll send a few more hunters to help you."

"No," Ichino replied. "If anything goes wrong, it's best if only one person dies."

Before the Chief could respond, a commotion erupted at the village entrance.

A group of knights marched through the village streets, and all the adults immediately bowed, forcing others to do the same. At the center of the formation walked a girl with long black hair and crimson eyes, standing around five-foot-ten and wearing a long, stylish coat. A smirk played across her face as she surveyed the bowing villagers.

"Hehe, looks like you all know how to behave. I see. Good," she spoke with dark amusement.

"Princess Lily! I-I didn't know you were coming!" The Chief quickly dropped to his knees, his voice shaking with fear.

The Chief is afraid? Ichino thought, already gripping one of his blades. But the Chief has always been a proud, fearless man. Who exactly is this girl?

A small ball rolled in front of Lily. A young boy ran over to retrieve it, looking up at her innocently. Lily smiled kindly—then kicked the boy away, sending him flying several feet.

"Next time, boy, don't walk in front of me. Got it?" Her voice dripped with malice despite her smile.

Ichino moved to intervene, but the Chief grabbed his leg, signaling him to stay still.

"This village... how do you even live in this cold? And the smell—it's completely disgusting," Lily complained, her face twisting in disgust.

Luna rushed to help the crying boy, wiping his tears with her thumb. "It's okay. The mean lady won't hurt you anymore."

One of Lily's guards grabbed Luna forcefully, pulling her to her feet. "Oi, you should bow in the Princess's presence, not help some brat." His eyes roamed over her body lecherously. "Mmm, maybe we should make an example out of you, haha."

In an instant, Ichino slammed the guard's head into the ground with devastating force.

"Don't touch my mother, you old pervert!"

Lily's eyes twitched with rage. "How dare you kill one of my puppets!"

"I didn't kill him," Ichino exclaimed, his eyes locked with Lily's.

"But you almost did. I may hate these pieces of trash, but they're still mine." Lily poked Ichino's chest, looking up at him with blazing red eyes.

"You and your guards started it by coming here and acting like you're above everyone else," Ichino retorted, poking her forehead and flicking it.

Lily punched his chest lightly, though it still caused him to wince.

Taking a deep breath, Lily stepped back and looked at the Chief with a smirk. "I wanted to come see this piece of shit you call a village. I'm looking for something, so don't get in my way." She glanced back at Ichino. "Bye-bye. I'll make sure to kill you the next time we meet."

Ichino scoffed and walked in the opposite direction. "Ma, I'll be home a little late. I have some business to take care of."

Luna looked at him with a worried expression, already knowing what the Chief had told him. "Be safe, Ichino."

Lily smirked and began walking away, her men following closely behind.

After what felt like hours of tracking through the deepening snow, Ichino caught a glimpse of something moving in the shadows. He quickly drew his blades, every sense on high alert.

From the bushes, a massive bear-like monster lunged at him. Ichino jumped back as the beast roared, shaking the very air around them.

Ichino's eyes widened behind his mask. I've never seen a bear like this. Its fur is red, and it's bigger than any bear I've encountered.

Before he could fully process the thought, the beast attacked again. He barely blocked the strike, managing to kick it in the face. The creature didn't even flinch.

The beast snapped at his leg with massive jaws. Ichino jumped back just in time, his heart pounding.

Damn it. I have to do better. For Higo.

The creature attacked relentlessly. Ichino dodged and slashed its arm. The beast roared in pain—a sound almost human in its agony. Seizing the opportunity, Ichino aimed for its head, but the creature dodged with unnatural, human-like intelligence.

Still, his blade landed a powerful slash across its chest.

The beast collapsed. Ichino panted slightly, watching carefully.

Then blood-red flames erupted from the wound on the beast's chest, shining so brightly they were almost blinding. The creature rose again, its wounds closing before Ichino's eyes.

Impossible.

The beast lunged for his head. Ichino braced for impact, but a saber intercepted the attack, sending the creature flying into the trees.

Lily and her remaining guards stood between Ichino and the monster. She turned back to look at him with a smirk.

"Look at this. The great hunter saved by the princess. It's almost laughable."

"What the hell are you doing here, you witch?" Ichino growled.

Lily's eyes flashed with anger, but she smiled through it. "Haha, that's not how you respond to the person who saved your life. How about: 'Oh great Lily, you saved me. I am forever in your debt'?"

Ichino stood up, dusting snow from his cloak. "Mind your own business."

"This is my business," she responded dismissively.

A dark laugh echoed from where the beast had fallen. Through the settling dust, a figure emerged—a tall woman, around six-foot-nine with long red hair. Her body seemed to be held together by flowing blood itself. She laughed wickedly.

"It's been a while since I got to use this form. Thank you. I'll enjoy ripping you all apart."

Lily's expression hardened. "One of the legendary Unkoi of Destruction. The Third Star of Blood—Sefa Aldemir."

"Haha, I'm so well known! But I don't like it when insects say my name," Sefa said.

In an instant, a powerful blast of blood shot toward Lily's chest. But Ichino pushed her aside, taking the hit himself. Half his arm was severed, and he fell to the ground screaming in pain.

Lily's eyes widened. She ran to his side, kneeling beside him. "Dammit, you idiot! You didn't have to do that!"

Ichino struggled to his feet. "That makes us even."

Lily's hands glowed with an ethereal light, and ice began forming over his wound, sealing it. "What the hell—"

Ichino grabbed his remaining sword, holding it with his good arm while Lily froze the wound. "I don't get what's going on here, and I don't care. You killed my brother, and I won't forgive you for that." He placed one of his blades in his mouth. "All I care about is having your head."

His voice blazed with hatred, his eyes burning with bloodlust.

Sefa smirked, clearly enjoying his rage. "Brother, you say? I do remember killing someone who smelled like you. He was a very kind boy, risked his own life to save all the others. Haha." She conjured massive blood spikes behind her. "I really enjoyed killing him. He even died with a smile. It makes me laugh just thinking about it."

"DAMN YOU!" Ichino dashed forward in pure rage.

Sefa threw several spikes, but Ichino cut them down with inhuman speed. He closed the distance and slashed with the blade in his mouth, cutting her throat. But the wound healed instantly.

Ichino jumped back, breathing heavily.

"You done, idiot? You can't kill it that way," Lily said calmly, her remaining men surrounding Sefa to block her escape.

"What do you mean?" Ichino demanded.

Lily groaned in annoyance. "You don't know what Unkoi are, do you?"

The screams of Lily's men being slaughtered filled the air as Sefa tore through them effortlessly.

Lily dashed at Sefa, her attacks quick and perfectly aimed at weak spots. But Sefa caught her off guard, grabbing her skull and slowly crushing it. Lily screamed in agony.

Sefa's hand suddenly fell off, releasing Lily. Ichino's sword protruded through a nearby tree—he had thrown it with perfect accuracy.

"Don't touch her, you bloody witch!"

Sefa laughed darkly, summoning more blood spikes around her. "You really are one annoying insect. But judging by your bloodlust, you won't stop until I'm dead. So I should probably kill you first."

She rushed toward Ichino. He dodged and countered with a stab to her back, but it passed through harmlessly. Sefa punched him away, sending him crashing into a tree with a thunderous impact.

Lily appeared beside him as he struggled to his feet. "The only way to kill an Unkoi is to slash right through its heart."

Ichino looked confused. "That thing has a heart? It looks like it's made of nothing but blood."

Lily groaned. "YES, dumbass. You really don't know anything about Unkoi, do you?" A spider-like spirit appeared from her back. "Ling."

"Yes, master," the spirit said quietly.

"This is an Unkoi. It's what allows us to use magic," Lily explained.

"Magic?" Ichino looked even more bewildered.

"We don't have time for this! We have to beat Sefa before we're both dead!"

Ichino placed his blade back in his mouth, his eyes burning with determination. His past flashed before him—the laughter and smiles of his brother, the simple times of childhood.

Eight-year-old Ichino running home: "Mommy, mommy! Is big brother home?"

Luna smiling: "Of course, he'll be back soon."

Young Ichino beaming: "Great! He promised to show me his super special move again!"

Then a guard running to Luna, bowing at her feet, crying: "Miss Luna, I'm so sorry, but Higo... a strange beast appeared, and he... he told us to run. He fought it off alone..."

Luna falling to her knees: "No, no, no, no..."

The guard's trembling hand reaching for Higo's blades, giving them to young Ichino: "He said... even if he doesn't make it... get stronger, Ichino."

Ichino snapped back to the present as Sefa dashed toward him. He dodged and slashed her side, but the blade passed through her body like water.

Lily struck from behind, actually doing damage. "The only way to harm an Unkoi is with magic, dumbass!"

Ichino stepped back, watching Lily fight. "Well, how am I supposed to fight it then?"

Lily blocked a strike from Sefa. "Easy. DON'T!"

Sefa grabbed Lily's arm and threw her toward Ichino. "You really shouldn't be having relationship problems mid-fight."

Ichino caught her. Lily's face flushed with anger. "WE ARE NOT IN A RELATIONSHIP, YOU ASSHOLE!"

She summoned a barrage of icy spikes, shooting them at high speed toward Sefa's weak spots. But Sefa casually slapped them all away with tendrils of blood, laughing darkly.

"You surely are an aggressive one. I say, boy, how do you handle such an aggressive partner?"

"I manage," Ichino replied.

Lily turned to him, slightly flushed, but quickly composed herself and faced Sefa again.

"If the only way to harm her is with this magic thing, then can't you give me some magic?" Ichino asked, already placing one of his blades back in his mouth.

Lily sighed. "Yes, I can, but why are you so obsessed with killing this thing?"

"For my brother. This is my fight. The only people who have to get hurt from it are me and her."

Ichino glanced at Lily's men—some were being treated by others, some were already dead.

"Fine. But if you die, that's on you. Got it?"

Lily focused her magic onto Ichino's severed arm, manifesting a new arm of ice over the wound.

"Damn, you gave me a new arm," Ichino said, flexing his new icy fingers.

Lily created an icy bow, pointing it at Sefa. "It'll defrost in thirty minutes, so be quick. I'll cover you."

Sefa clapped her hands together, blood flooding the ground around her. "Are you done? If you are, please come on. I've grown bored, so you better entertain me."

Ichino felt power coursing through his body as he twirled his blade and took a step forward. "Lily, cover me."

"Got it." She launched frozen spikes as Sefa countered with bloody ones.

Ichino dodged through the chaos, but Sefa summoned a monstrous blood beast that charged at him. He slashed in a forward arc, cutting it in half before it could reach him.

Sefa's smirk grew as she formed a blood spear, her eyes wild with bloodlust. "Come at me, boy! Show me how determined you are to kill me!"

Ichino rushed forward faster than before. Lily shot an ice arrow directly into Sefa's arm, but she shook it off and thrust the spear at Ichino.

He moved forward, blades singing through the air.

"Higo Style Final: Goddess of the Snow!"

In a flash of swirling snow and gleaming steel, Ichino struck. His blades traced arcs of light through the air, each movement a prayer, each strike a memory of his brother.

Ichino fell to one knee, breathing heavily. He turned his head to Sefa.

"Burn in hell."

Sefa grinned as her head separated from her body and fell to the ground. "You wish."

Lily's eyes widened. "He did it!"

She turned to her remaining guards. "Everyone, treat anyone who can still breathe!"

The knights immediately began tending to the wounded.

Ichino's head started spinning, and he felt his body shaking as if it were tearing itself apart from the inside. He screamed in pain.

"Damn it... what's happening to me?"

Lily walked up to him, her eyes cold as ice once more. Ichino dropped to his knees, and Lily stood over him, hands on her hips.

"Idiot."

Blood fell from his mouth as he collapsed completely.

Lily sighed and shook her head. "I knew this idiot wouldn't survive it."

Ichino opened his eyes to find himself in a blank space—nothing but endless white in every direction.

Then a slightly teasing voice whispered in his ear: "Took you long enough."

Ichino's eyes widened as he spun around, but his weapons were gone. Sefa stood over him, fully intact.

"You must be surprised, huh, little human?"

Ichino remained on high alert. "What are you doing here? I killed you."

Sefa reached out, caressing his cheek with surprising gentleness. "Yes, you did. And now you're here."

"What the—" Ichino slapped her hand away. "Don't touch me, you witch."

Sefa laughed and crossed her arms. "You must be wondering why you are, no?"

Ichino's eyes narrowed. "Yes. What is this place? Am I dead?"

Sefa took a step closer, standing right in front of him and towering over him. "No, you're just in your mind. This is the place you go when you kill and gain an Unkoi."

"I still don't get this whole Unkoi thing," Ichino admitted.

Sefa patted his head almost affectionately. "You'll learn. Plus, you have me now."

Ichino groaned in annoyance. "Damn you."

Sefa smirked. "Love you too. Looks like time's up. I'm sure your little friend will explain everything."

She took a step back, examining him one final time.

Ichino suddenly felt a wave of pain. "Not again—"

He screamed, and then his eyes snapped open.

He found himself staring up at Lily, who was looking down at him with an annoyed expression. He realized his head was resting on her lap.

"You're finally awake, huh? Took you long enough."

Ichino sat up quickly, then noticed his arm was back. He stared at it with wide eyes. "What the—"

Lily smirked. "It grew back while you were asleep. Sefa must give you the ability to heal yourself."

Ichino stood up and began walking back toward the village without a word.

"And WHERE do you think you're going?" Lily demanded.

"Home."

Lily sighed, then followed him. "Men, follow the idiot."

Her remaining guards fell into step behind them.

sorry it's shorter than normal but don't worry the next chapter will be out soon maybe next week