"THE LEGEND OF NANAHOSHI"
Ten thousand years ago, the world teetered on the edge of annihilation. A great war raged between the human realm and the Dark World, leaving civilizations in ruins and only a few thousand survivors clinging to life.
When evil threatened to overwhelm everything, the Supreme Deity intervened, seeking to restore balance to the cosmos. At the brink of mankind's extinction, a lone figure rose against the darkness.
She faced the Dark Empress herself and, with unmatched power, sealed her away. Then, she took the Fruit of Life and planted it in the world, breathing vitality back into the lands scarred by war. Slowly, with the remaining survivors, she rebuilt peace.
When the world finally healed, she vanished quietly, leaving only her legend behind. The people remembered her as a goddess, a savior, a symbol of justice. She became known as Nanahoshi—the Daughter of the Supreme Goddess Narayani, the Divine Witch of Justice.
Her story would echo through the ages, whispered wherever hope was needed, a shining reminder that even in the darkest times, a single soul could change the world.
PRESENT DAY
The rain fell relentlessly over the city and highway. A happy family of four—Giulia Vale (mother), Arthur Vale (father), Diluc Vale (elder son), and Bella Vale (infant daughter)—was returning from a wedding reception.
"Look, Momma, how cute she looks when she sleeps," Diluc said, glancing at his baby sister.
Giulia smiled. "That's right, baby. And you are the big brother of little Bella, so remember to always protect your sister."
"I will! I'll be strong and make sure to protect not only Bella but also you and Father," Diluc replied proudly.
Giulia looked at Arthur, who seemed worried. "What happened, babe?" she asked.
"Something doesn't feel right," Arthur replied. "I know this is heavy rainfall, but there's no light on the highway, no traffic—not a single other vehicle. This highway is always full of cars."
"Now that you mention it, I noticed the same thing," Giulia said. "But it's okay—we're not that far from the city."
Suddenly, Arthur's eyes widened. A figure stood in the middle of the road. It looked made of black smoke, with glowing dark blue eyes, staring straight at them.
The figure laughed, tossing a gray projectile. "Die!" it shouted.
The projectile struck the car, flipping it upside down at high speed. Glass shattered and metal bent violently. Diluc crawled out of the window, clutching crying Bella in his arms. Thankfully, she was unharmed, though he was cut by shards of glass.
"Son, are you okay?" Arthur shouted from inside the wrecked car.
"Father! I'll call for help! Let me just find your phone!" Diluc replied in panic.
"Diluc, it's—" Giulia began, but he interrupted.
"Mother! I'm here. Everything will be fine!"
Footsteps echoed as the figure advanced toward them.
"Diluc! Run! Protect yourself! Protect Bella!" Arthur shouted.
"Father! Mother!" Diluc yelled back.
"Baby, just run! We trust everything to you…" Giulia said, tears streaming down her face.
The figure summoned another projectile. Diluc started running, holding Bella tightly. The attack slammed into the car, blasting it to pieces. He didn't look back, only ran, driven by the need to keep Bella safe.