After a few minutes, they reached Toru’s house. It was a little bigger than the other houses. After knocking on the door, a tall gruff-looking old man appeared. His arms were toned from hammering over the years.

“What is it! I told you, I'm not making a single weapon until I get my grandson back!” He shouted out angrily. “

"Wow, this old man became one of my favorites laying into this guard like nothing." Kana thought to herself.

“Old man, it’s me. I was bringing the brat back for you,” Jokou said and proceeded to tell the old man about what happened.

“Is that so. Thanks for saving my grandson; he is important to me. My name is Yoruga, as a gift for my thanks, you can have one of the weapons in my storeroom. I will show you where it is, what you find there could range from things I made to what I found when I was an adventurer in the past.” He gestured for them to follow him.

“After all, using that makeshift spear you have won’t do. The wood is far too weak for that drake fang on the tip. It will break against a far stronger foe,” Yoruga explained to Kana as he led them to the storeroom in the back.

“Thank you. I guess getting a better weapon would be good for me,” Kana replied, after all, she did need to get a new weapon, something that wouldn't always break after a few hits.

A few seconds later, they appeared in front of a steel door. “Seems like this place is pretty important to be secured with a steel door like this,” said Kana impressed.

“Well, can’t let people get their hands on some of these, they are far too dangerous. Certain people may use them for evil; I couldn’t allow that,” he said gruffly.

“I see,” she replied with a smile.

The old man pulled out a strangely shaped key and inserted it into the door and pushed it open. “There we go, let us move inside, but be careful, these weapons are dangerous. Some are even soul weapons, so they can attack if they do not accept you.”

“What are soul weapons?” Kana asked curiously. ‘

“Well, they are weapons that can resonate with the soul of another. When it feels your soul is the one, they grow a personality, get stronger, and start changing appearances, but they are picky."

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“I see,” Kana said.

“Don't worry, you will see something you will love to hold as a weapon throughout your life,” Yoruga said wisely. Kana smiled and started looking around at all the weapons set on shelves and tables.

“Make sure to choose wisely,” he said and proceeded to lean on the wall and wait for her choice.

"Hmm, I see a black sword with streaks of gold around it, it looks strong. I don’t know why, but I feel that it is not for me."

There were several items in the room. A musket, broadsword, baton, bow, and arrow and many others but she did not see anything special she wanted. As she was thinking of giving up, she stopped in front of a simple and efficient knife. It looked rusty and unused. The old man noticed her staring at it. “That knife is a powerful soul weapon. I have not found anyone to use it because of the rejection, so many years have passed with no owner.”

She reached out to touch it. “Stop!” He shouted, but it was too late. A sudden light lit up the room, blinding not only the people in the room but the villagers and a beam of light pierced the overhanging clouds.

In the gap between the universe …

Max sensed the energy. “She found it far earlier than I thought, was she truly the one?”

“If that's the case, she must have the blood.”

"Interesting looks like this story won’t have a quick ending after all." Max thought to himself.

Back to Wancruna…

“Where am I?” Kana asked.

“You are in my mindscape,” a gentle voice said inside of her mind.

“Who are you?” Kana asked slowly preparing herself for battle.

“I am the knife you touched, no need to be alarmed. I will not hurt you.”

“So, what do you want?” Kana asked.

“To ask you one thing. What side do you align with? Evil, good or neutral?” The voice asked expectantly.

"I have never done real evil, but I haven't done good all the time. I do whatever I want so … neutral is what I would say, but why ask?” Kana asked the voice.

“Good! That is what I was looking for in my choice for a partner. They need to be one who is strong in soul, kind to friends, and evil to enemies. They are not controlled by others.” The voice exclaimed in excitement.

“Then, do you accept me?” Kana asked in excitement.

“Yes, but know that a powerful being has sealed my powers. I can get my power back if you kill with me, the stronger the kill, the more I recover.”

“I see. Well, partner, I look forward to fighting alongside you from now on. What is your name?” Kana asked.

“I have none, so give me one.” The voice said expectantly.

"Uh, I am not good at naming at all. How about Kuroko?” Kana asked.

“Kuroko … Kuroko it is. I think I'm going to love having a name!” Kuroko replied happily.

“Kuroko, I'm glad that you like it, but I will call you Kuko because it is shorter,” Kana replied.

“Okay!” At least she didn't mind.

What is the next move that Kana will make? Will she do something big? Or will she play around in this world to the fullest, then do what is needed? Who knows except her Kuroko?