At this moment, within the old Soma royal castle stood a five-story Tenshu-kaku. Around it, squads of warriors armed to the teeth held tachi swords and carried spears!
Yet when one looked directly at their faces, it was obvious at a glance... these warriors were not human, but terrifying skeletons!
None of the warriors were human. They were Skeleton Warriors! Undead warriors!
Even stranger, these Skeleton Warriors did not fear sunlight as the legends claimed. They basked in its rays.
Inside the Tenshu-kaku, a beautiful woman knelt on tatami mats at the very top.
An unfurled scroll lay before her. It was covered in writing, but the words were exceedingly evil and terrifying. A single glance could drive someone mad; stare at it too long, and one would surely go insane.
This gorgeously dressed woman, so perfect she hardly seemed human, held a magatama in both hands, her expression constantly shifting.
Just then, footsteps suddenly sounded outside. The young woman tucked the magatama back into her splendid kimono and swiftly put away the scroll.
"Your Highness, Kishimaru requests an audience!"
A forceful voice rang out from beyond the door.
"Come in."
The young woman kneeling on the tatami replied calmly.
At the sound of her voice, a middle-aged warrior entered, with two swords—one long, one short—hanging at his waist.
"Greetings, Lady Takiyasha Hime!"
Upon seeing the young woman on the tatami, the warrior immediately bowed to her.
"Sit and speak. Have you found it?"
The young woman... no... Takiyasha Hime's exquisite features were extremely cold as she calmly questioned the warrior.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
The middle-aged warrior gave his thanks, found a spot, and sat cross-legged. Only then did he look up at the young woman on the tatami. A trace of admiration flashed through his eyes, but he