Bone Weaver

Learning the Craft

The heat of the forge pressed against Hikaru's skin as he stood beside Tetsuya, watching carefully as the blacksmith demonstrated the art of weapon crafting.

Tetsuya picked up a chunk of raw steel, placing it into the roaring flames.

"First step—heat the metal. You can't shape something if it's not ready to bend."

Hikaru nodded, eyes fixed on the glowing metal.

Once it was red-hot, Tetsuya pulled it out with tongs and set it onto the anvil.

He handed Hikaru a heavy hammer.

"Your turn."

Hikaru hesitated, then took the hammer with both hands.

Tetsuya smirked. "Don't be scared. Metal's tough, but it listens when you hit it right."

Hikaru exhaled, then swung the hammer down.

CLANG!

Sparks flew.

Tetsuya nodded. "Good. Again."

Hikaru continued striking, each hit more precise than the last.

For the first time, he understood—this wasn't just smithing.

It was art.

Then—

A sudden, bloodcurdling scream shattered the moment.

Bone Weaver Arrives

A figure walked through the village streets, his movements eerily slow.

His body was wrapped in old, tattered cloth, covering everything except his piercing, hollow eyes.

His fingers twitched, his breath raspy.

A villager, noticing him, stepped forward cautiously.

"Sir? Are you alright?"

The figure stopped.

For a moment—there was silence.

Then—

The stranger's arms cracked.

His bones shifted beneath his skin.

A long, jagged spike of bone tore out from his wrist.

Before the villager could react—

SLASH!

The bone blade pierced straight through his chest.

The villager gasped, blood spilling from his mouth.

The attacker tilted his head, watching as the life drained from the man's eyes.

Then, with a slow, deliberate motion—he ripped the bone blade free.

The villager collapsed.

Dead.

The stranger exhaled, his voice a raspy whisper.

"…Too fragile."

Hikaru and Tetsuya React

Inside the forge, Hikaru and Tetsuya froze as the screams echoed from outside.

They exchanged a quick glance before rushing out.

The moment they stepped onto the street—

They saw him.

A tall, gaunt figure, his body partially exposed, revealing protruding bone spikes emerging from his arms and shoulders.

He stood over the lifeless body of a villager, his expression emotionless.

The air around him was heavy with death.

Tetsuya's fists clenched. "Who the hell…?"

Hikaru felt his stomach twist.

Something about this man was wrong.

The figure slowly turned toward them, his hollow eyes locking onto Hikaru.

Then, in a quiet, chilling voice—

He spoke.

"Do you want to be next?"