The split happened without ceremony.
No long speeches.
No hesitation.
Just direction.
Sendai Colony — Yuta Okkotsu
Yuta stood at the edge of the entrance barrier.
The air felt warped already—like reality had been stretched too thin.
"…So this is a colony."
He stepped inside.
Somewhere deeper in Japan, the Culling Games had already begun shaping itself into something cruel and structured.
And Yuta had come alone for one reason:
information.
"…I need to understand this fast."
He moved forward.
Calm.
Focused.
And the moment he did—
he was no longer alone in his thoughts.
Zen'in Estate — Kyoto Prefecture
Cold air.
Old stone.
An estate that felt more like a wound than a home.
Takeru and Maki stood at the gates.
Neither spoke for a moment.
Maki exhaled slowly.
"…Still the same place."
Takeru nodded.
"…Confirmed."
They walked in.
Immediately—
a voice echoed from above.
"…Well, well."
Naoya Zen'in leaned against a railing, smiling down at them.
"…Maki. You're still alive?"
His eyes shifted to Takeru.
"…And you brought company."
Maki didn't even look up.
"…Move."
Naoya chuckled.
"…Still rude. I like it."
Takeru stepped forward slightly.
"…We are retrieving Zen'in clan assets."
Naoya tilted his head.
"…Assets?"
A grin.
"…You mean ours?"
Maki's expression darkened.
"…Not yours."
Naoya laughed.
"…Oh, this is going to be fun."
He didn't stop them.
He just watched.
Weapon Vault
Deep underground.
Old seals.
Heavy doors.
Maki placed her hand on the mechanism.
"…Here."
Takeru scanned the structure.
"…Security outdated."
Maki smirked.
"…That's the Zen'in clan for you."
The vault opened.
Inside—
rows of cursed tools.
Weapons that felt like history itself had been sharpened into steel.
Maki stepped in.
Quietly.
"…Finally."
Takeru moved alongside her.
"…Selection optimal."
A pause.
Then—
A voice behind them.
"…You really think it's that easy?"
Both turned.
Ogi Zen'in stood there.
Maki froze.
Just slightly.
Takeru's stance shifted instantly.
"…Hostile presence detected."
Ogi smiled faintly.
"…Daughter of mine."
He looked at Takeru.
"…And whoever you are."
Maki's voice was low.
"…Get out of my way."
Ogi sighed.
"…Still disappointing."
Then—
he moved.
Fast.
Brutal.
Maki reacted—
too late.
Impact.
Takeru stepped in—
but Ogi adjusted mid-motion.
A strike.
Clean.
Heavy.
Everything went white.
Later — Vault Floor
Silence.
Dust.
Broken crates.
Weapons scattered.
Takeru lay still.
Maki beside him.
Unconscious.
Ogi stood above them.
Expression unreadable.
"…Weak."
He turned away.
The vault was quiet again.
Only cursed tools remained watching in silence.
And somewhere far away—
the Culling Games continued to expand.
Unaware.
Uncaring.