Blood Stone (English version)

Chapter 1: A Saxon Girl

In modern Japan, there stands an ordinary two-story house. From the outside, it appears normal, but once you step inside, a world filled with ancient relics unfolds—masks, talismans, swords, armor, paintings, and countless antiques adorn every corner.

On the second floor, in his room, our hero, Rekishi, is deep in slumber. The alarm on his smartphone blares, startling him awake as he falls off the bed, hitting his forehead on a stone.

“Ouch! Damn it…!” he mutters while pressing his forehead. “What a terrible way to start the day…” He shuffles to the bathroom to check his injury, relieved to find only a slight redness on his forehead. “I hope this redness fades before I head to school…”

As Rekishi walks through his house, he passes by walls adorned with old paintings and statues of various sizes, surrounded by countless antiques. “What on earth does my dad need all this junk for? Is this place a museum or something?” he mutters as he enters the kitchen to grab a quick breakfast. After finishing, he hops in the shower, gets dressed, and prepares to head to school.

The weather outside is beautiful, with bright sunshine illuminating the calm day. Upon arriving at his bustling school, he is greeted by his two best friends, Shunji and Hibiki.

“Hey, Rekishi!” Shunji calls out energetically.

“Good morning, Rekishi!” Hibiki adds with a smile.

“Good morning, guys,” Rekishi replies, his usual tired expression evident.

“Why do you always look so gloomy and worn out? Come on, Rekishi, cheer up!” Shunji nudges him playfully.

“But I am cheerful…” Rekishi mumbles, though his tone lacks conviction.

Hibiki, with concern in her eyes, interjects, “I hate to bring this up, but… have you heard from your dad? He still hasn’t returned from his trip, has he? Any updates on your mom?”

Rekishi sighs. “No, he hasn’t come back, and I don’t think he will anytime soon. He won’t stop searching for her, only returning when he has something important to do at the museum or university. Otherwise, he’s off on his archaeological digs.”

“That’s a shame, Rekishi. I hope he comes back soon,” Hibiki replies sympathetically.

“Well, let’s not dwell on sad topics! Come on, let’s head to class,” Shunji suggests, trying to lighten the mood.

As Rekishi takes his seat in class, his mind drifts back to the past, revealing the events that changed everything. His parents are prominent archaeologists in Japan, working in museums, teaching at universities, and conducting research on ancient artifacts.

“When I was ten, everything changed during a trip with them,” Rekishi recalls. “While we were at an archaeological site, a loud noise erupted, and a blinding light appeared nearby. My mom grabbed me and threw me toward my dad, but she was hit by the light and vanished.”

Since that day, his mother has been missing. The police and various experts searched for her but found no clues. “Ever since then, my dad has been chasing every lead he can find about her disappearance. He believes she was transported to another world.”

Rekishi feels weary from his father’s obsession. “I can’t move on from losing her, but I’m still alive, and I have to keep going.” Lost in thought, he finds himself back home.

Once inside, he grabs a quick snack and hops into the shower again. While relaxing and even singing in the bath, the lights suddenly go out.

“Not again…! What the hell is going on?” Rekishi storms out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around his waist, angry. “I can’t even take a shower in peace anymore!” He stomps down the hallway, only for a strange, warped hole to open up before him.

“What the…?” Startled, he falls onto his backside, staring wide-eyed at the hole. From within, sounds of battle echo—clashing swords, shouting, and the chaotic noise of war.

Suddenly, a girl bursts forth from the hole, her bright orange hair flowing as she wears armor adorned with animal parts and wields a sword. A man clings to her, trying to kill her as she struggles to escape.

“You can’t go in there, you filthy wretch! You don’t belong here!” he shouts, lunging at her, but she deftly dodges, striking him with her sword before he is sucked back into the hole. As the hole closes, the lights flicker back on.

Rekishi and the girl stand facing each other, both in shock.

After a few seconds of silence, the girl rises and turns to face him, her sword raised defiantly. With a fierce gaze, she interrogates him.

“Are you my enemy? Where am I? How do I get back home? Answer me, or I will sever your head from your shoulders with this sword!”

Rekishi raises his hands in surrender. “Wait, wait! I’m not your enemy! I don’t even know what’s going on! My name is Rekishi. I live in Japan, and this is my house! I don’t know how you got here or how to help you return. I don’t even know your name!”

The girl hesitates for a moment before responding with determination. “My name is Ashild. I am the daughter of the Saxon king. Now that you know who I am, I ask you to take me back to my kingdom!”

Rekishi bursts into laughter, looking up in disbelief. “No way! If that’s true, we’re going to have a long conversation, Miss Ashild…”

Ashild stands there, staring at him in confusion, unable to comprehend what is happening.