Soon, they arrived at Rengeji Temple, a place steeped in history and quiet reverence. Touji led Ansel through winding corridors. It brimmed with the ancient wooden beams and flickering lanterns, until they reached a hidden door. With a soft creak, Touji opened it, revealing a secret room tucked away from the main temple halls.
The room was dimly lit. The shadows danced on the walls. Its narrow and twisting layout gave it an almost mysterious, labyrinthine feel.
Despite the darkness, Ansel didn't feel any threat or bad deed behind. Instead, he felt a peculiar comfort. A sense that this hidden space held secrets and stories waiting to be uncovered.
"Touji, what place is this? Why did you bring me to this place?" Ansel asked. His curiosity tinged with a hint of unease as he looked around the dimly lit corridor.
Touji's expression remained calm and serious as he reached into his robe and pulled out a black cloth. He instructed firmly. "Close your eyes!!"
Ansel hesitated for a moment but trusted Touji. He took the cloth and tied it gently over his eyes. He plunged himself into complete darkness. Nothing he was able to see.
The silence around him deepened. He realized this room was indeed a secret. Where no one was allowed to enter freely. Though the vibe felt heavy with ancient mystery.
"Hold my hand," Touji said softly.
Ansel reached out and grasped Touji's hand firmly. The warmth of Touji's grip was reassuring as they began to walk.
Ansel couldn't see anything. Thus, he had to rely entirely on Touji's guidance. The footsteps echoed faintly in the long, narrow corridor they traversed.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly. All the way Ansel wanted to ask what kind of place he led to. However, something was stuck in his lips. As it banned him from uttering something, even just for one word. Half an hour passed, or so it felt, before they finally stopped.
"Alright, you can open your eyes now." Touji said quietly.
Ansel carefully untied the black cloth, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. He found himself in a very enclosed room, completely devoid of sunlight. The walls were dark and unadorned. It gave the space a solemn, almost sacred vibe.
In front of him stood a sword, unlike any he had ever seen. Its blade was a deep, glossy black that seemed to absorb the faint light around it.
Yet it shimmered with an otherworldly glow. The sword's presence was commanding, almost alive. As if it held secrets and power beyond mortal understanding.
Ansel's breath caught in his throat. He felt the weight of the moment, sensing that this sword was more than just a weapon. It was a key, perhaps, to the mysteries that no one dared to unravel.
"This is for you." Touji said. His voice was calm but carrying a weight of significance as he extended the sword toward Ansel.
Ansel's eyes widened in surprise and delight. He exclaimed, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Really?"
He carefully took the sword into his hands, feeling its unexpected weight and balance. The craftsmanship was exquisite, unlike any weapon he had ever held.
Curious, Ansel gave the sword a tentative swing. To his amazement, the blade seemed to respond to his movements. It deformed and shrank smoothly until it resembled a small, sharp blade.
His fingers traced the hilt, and he noticed a small button embedded there. Intrigued but cautious, he hesitated to press it, unsure of what might happen.
"What is the button for?" Ansel asked. His voice was tinged with both curiosity and caution.
Touji gently took the sword back from Ansel's hands. He pressed the button. Instantly, the sword transformed. Its length extended and then forked into two sharp prongs, almost like a trident. The transformation was seamless and
mesmerizing.
Touji handed the sword back to Ansel with a small smile. "What do you think? Do you like it?"
Ansel's face lit up with admiration. "Of course! This sword is incredible. It's unlike anything I've ever seen."
Ansel looked down at the sword in his hands. He felt a newfound sense of responsibility and determination. It was too precious.
To his confusion, a question lingered in his mind. Why Touji showed him something that no one was ever allowed to see. Yet he didn't dare to presume whether Touji would give the sword to him. "Wait... why are you giving me this sword?"
Touji's expression grew serious. "Because you will need it. The path ahead is dangerous, and this sword is more than just a weapon. It's a tool, a protector, and a symbol. It will help you face what's to come."
He paused for a moment when he saw that Ansel was stunned.
"This is also for thanks, for destroying the monsters that appear in the Aokigahara Forest." He said solemnly as he handed the sword to Ansel. His voice carried a deep respect and gratitude, acknowledging the dangers Ansel had faced and the courage he had shown.
Ansel shook his head modestly, his tone humble. He said, his eyes downcast as if trying to diminish the importance of the gift. "Actually it's not necessary. I already have a sword anyway."
Touji smiled gently but remained firm. "But I think you'd better guard this sword. We can't possibly keep this sword forever. While guarding the sword we felt restless. We were afraid that someday a bad person would take it.
Thus, please take care of this sword."
Ansel's smile grew broader, warmth flooding his chest. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, overwhelmed by the weight of the trust and honor being placed upon him. In that moment, he felt incredibly lucky, not just for the gift itself, but for the faith others had in him.
Ansel held the sword close, feeling its power resonate through his hands. The responsibility was immense, but so was his determination.
He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing he had two precious swords.