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

At the younger girl’s declaration, Maya barely held back a laugh. “In that case, I shall humor you. Practitioner of the Shindō Munen-ryū, Maya Shidou, prepare yourself.” Maya received Suzuran’s overhead strike with an underhand cut of her own. Their swords separated then reunited with each other another seven times in rapid succession, enough for some sparks to be caught flying off of their clashing blades. “I see you have gotten faster.” 


“Yeah, sorry, wasn’t in top shape last time,” Suzuran joked. “I was pretty hungry after all.” [… Dammit, she’s too skilled! I can’t figure out if she has an opening in her defense!] 


“With these superb sword skills, why did you choose to help that traitor over there?” 


“She’s my friend! I swing my sword to help my friends and she was in need of help! I have no other reason.” 


“So you are a fool,” Maya concluded. 


The Martial Maiden’s Deception — Second Half (IV)