Year 800 of the Common Era.

In this year, supernatural cycles brought Earth on a collision course with an alternate dimension and the consequences of such a visit were much more drastic than the times it has happened before. Beginning in Japan, an outpouring of otherdimensional creatures known as «aradama» sparked a silent war between them and humanity that has been ongoing since that century. The only people with the power to oppose these interdimensional creatures are warrior-maidens given the name of «Toji».

Already a millennium has passed since the dawn of the war but the passage of time has done nothing to alleviate the fighting; a status quo has been maintained throughout time. However, this would all change when Japan held the 132nd Annual Swordsmanship Tournament. With that as a stage, a chain reaction of events began rippling throughout the island nation of Japan and these ripples do not merely stop in the archipelago———

Valkyries and Blade Dancers

Ever since dawn broke that morning, Nene had been squealing and running about here and there. Manaka already knew the reason why—her pet was trying to get its master away from specific areas that were full of Yomi’s [aradama]. She also knew that her pet was doing this to prevent its master from confronting Yomi again. The previous night, she had just barely managed to win, forcing a retreat. Manaka immediately assumed that her opponent had gotten a good night’s rest while she barely slept a wink due to going solo; she had to keep her guard up at all times so she wouldn’t be taken by surprise (although this vigilance wasn’t necessary as Nene was on guard duty, something Manaka doesn’t consider). If she was being honest with herself, she didn’t think she can handle another high-paced duel like yesterday. 


“You’re a troublesome pet—always giving me trouble!” 


The Battle of Asamayama — Second Half (VIII)