[23]

In the early morning, Toshizou casually left the inn, looking to chat with the locals. The streets were just waking up, and he blended in seamlessly with the villagers, exchanging easy nods and greetings.

As he meandered through the cobblestone streets, Toshizou engaged in casual banter, sharing laughs and comments with the early risers. It was all laid-back and friendly, his approach giving off a vibe of genuine curiosity. No one suspected that behind these everyday conversations, Toshizou was quietly fishing for nuggets of information.

His goal was to pick up on the threads of Kyoroch's past and see if there were any hints about the corrupted danger beasts. The talks were easy and light, a clever disguise for his discreet inquiries. The villagers, completely unaware of the detective work happening beneath the surface, unwittingly contributed to Toshizou's mission.

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Dante stood amidst the towering shelves of the library, the scent of aged books filling the air. Celica, surrounded by tomes and scrolls, was immersed in her research. As he approached, she looked up, a mix of surprise and relief crossing her face.

"Dante! You're back," Celica exclaimed, momentarily abandoning her study. They exchanged pleasantries, and Dante, sensing an air of urgency, inquired about Celica's quest for knowledge.

Celica's eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "I think I might have stumbled upon something crucial," she began. "There's an ancient Teigu, a relic of immense power, capable of ensnaring its victims with parasitic worms. These creatures burrow into the host, facilitating a process of gradual but rapid mind control."

Dante's eyes widened as he absorbed the gravity of Celica's revelation. The library's quiet ambiance seemed to intensify as he struggled to comprehend the implications. "Mind control?" he echoed, disbelief evident in his voice.

Celica nodded solemnly. "Yes, it's a sinister ability. The Teigu is said to enthrall its targets, turning them into mere vessels for its will. The parasitic worms act as conduits, infiltrating the host's body and mind, binding them to the wielder's command."

Dante, grappling with the implications, paced a few steps, his mind racing. "But how is that related to the corrupted danger beasts?" he asked, trying to connect the dots.

"That's the part I'm still piecing together," Celica admitted. "The correlation between this Teigu and the corrupted wildlife is intriguing. If we can understand the connection, it might lead us to the source of the corruption."

Dante's bewilderment lingered, his thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty. The prospect of facing adversaries controlled by such a potent Teigu filled him with a sense of urgency and dread.

"We need to find more information about this Teigu and its potential wielder," Celica insisted, determination in her eyes. "It could be the key to unraveling the mystery behind the corruption."

Dante, though still grappling with the enormity of the revelation, nodded in agreement.

The two resumed their exploration of the ancient texts, delving into the depths of the library in pursuit of clues that could unveil the secrets of the parasitic Teigu and its ominous influence on the world around them.

----------

As Dante ventured further into the woods, the serenity of the forest belied the dangers that lay in wait. Unbeknownst to him, Toshizou, a seasoned swordsman with the skills of a shadow, had been silently tracking his every move. The forest seemed to come alive with the subtle sounds of leaves rustling and branches shifting.

Suddenly, a faint snapping sound disrupted the tranquil atmosphere, catching Dante's attention. His senses heightened, he turned toward the source of the disturbance. Out of the shadows emerged Toshizou, his presence felt before his figure materialized.

With a sly grin, Toshizou remarked, "Didn't think I'd let you wander into the woods without a little surprise, did you?"

Dante, a bit taken aback, tightened his grip on his wooden katana. "Surprise, huh? What are you up to, old man?"

Toshizou drew his own wooden blade with a flourish. "Just keeping you on your toes, kid. You never know what might be lurking in these woods."

The spar began, a dance between mentor and apprentice. Toshizou's movements were fluid and precise, a testament to his years of experience. Dante, relatively new to the world of swordsmanship, found himself facing attacks that were swift and unpredictable.

During the spar, Toshizou's voice cut through the rhythmic clashing of wooden blades. "You're quick, but you hesitate. The unexpected doesn't wait for you to make up your mind."

Dante, focusing on each move, replied with determination, "I'm still learning, old man. Give me a break."

Toshizou chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "No breaks in the real world, kid. You've got to be ready for anything."

The spar continued, the forest floor beneath them a canvas of swirling leaves and shadows. Toshizou's strikes were calculated, designed to test Dante's reflexes and awareness. Dante, adapting to the unexpected, met each challenge with a mix of skill and instinct.

As the spar unfolded, Toshizou offered occasional words of advice. "Watch your surroundings. The forest has a rhythm, and if you listen closely, it can give you a hint."

Dante, absorbing the lessons amidst the clash of wooden blades even though it sounded like that made no sense, grinned, "I'll remember that when I'm not dodging your attacks."

Toshizou's laughter echoed through the woods. "You've got spirit, kid. Just remember, a true swordsman is one with the flow of battle."

The spar concluded, both combatants catching their breath. The forest, having witnessed the dance between mentor and student, resumed its quietude. Toshizou, with a satisfied nod, regarded Dante. "Not bad for a rookie. Keep practicing, and you might survive out here."

Dante, still processing the unexpected training session, smirked, "Survival is the name of the game, isn't it?"

Toshizou clapped him on the shoulder. "Exactly. Now, let's see if we can find what we came here for."

Ah, yes. To see whether or not there were any more of those corrupted danger beasts.

As Dante and Toshizou split up, each threading their way through the dense forest, the air hung heavy with the murkiness of the swampy terrain. Dante's confidence wavered as the foliage closed in around him, and the once-familiar landmarks blurred into a disorienting labyrinth.

In a secluded area, the ominous silence was shattered by a guttural noise, a twisted mimicry of a frog's ribbit. Dante instinctively turned toward the sound, only to lock eyes with an enormous, corrupted frog. Its dark green form blended with the swampy surroundings, red spots marring its back like stains of corruption. Sinister black eyes fixed on Dante, creeping him out.

The battle erupted with the frog's monstrous tongue shooting out, aiming to ensnare Dante like an unsuspecting insect. Swift on his feet, Dante dodged the initial assault, his wooden katana drawn and resonating with a vibrant blue energy. The forest became a battleground of frenetic movement and echoing ribbits.

The corrupted Kaiser Frog moved with a deceptive agility, its attacks a deadly dance in the swampy clearing. Dante, showing a combination of agility and swordsmanship, weaved through the assaults, countering with well-timed strikes. The air reverberated with the clash of wood against corrupted flesh, the battle unfolding in a chaotic symphony.

As the fight progressed, Dante's movements became a blur of blue energy, each strike a testament to his determination. However, the Kaiser Frog, tainted by unnatural corruption, responded with erratic and aggressive attacks. The battle reached a fever pitch, the swampy terrain complicating Dante's movements.

In a moment of calculated desperation, Dante spotted an opening. With a swift maneuver, he managed to evade the frog's attack and leap onto its back. Gripping his wooden katana tightly, he rained down powerful blows on the creature's head, the blue energy resonating with each impact.

The Kaiser Frog, now wounded and weakened, thrashed in a futile attempt to dislodge Dante. The swamp echoed with the sounds of splashing water and the creature's pained ribbits. Dante, fueled by determination, continued his assault until the corrupted danger beast teetered on the edge of defeat.

However, victory came at a cost. Unbeknownst to Dante, the swampy water beneath the frog's thrashing body released toxic spores into the air. As the adrenaline waned, Dante inadvertently inhaled the poisonous spores, and the effects of the poison took hold, quickly coursing through his body and taking effect. Despite his triumph, exhaustion and poison left him unable to go on.

Collapsed on the swampy ground, the last thing Dante did was drop his wooden katana into his inventory, the once-vibrant blue energy having dimmed until it was no longer visible. The forest, having witnessed the clash of combat, settled into an uneasy silence. In the distance, Toshizou, drawn by the commotion, eventually arrived to find Dante on the brink of unconsciousness.

----------

Dante slowly stirred from his slumber, his senses gradually returning. The room was dimly lit, and the faint smell of old books lingered in the air. As he opened his eyes, he found himself in the back of the library, lying on a simple bed. The events of the battle with the Kaiser Frog flooded back, and he gingerly sat up, feeling the soreness and aches that clung to his body.

The creaking of the bed caught Toshizou's attention, and the seasoned warrior entered the room. His eyes widened in surprise as he observed Dante rising, a testament to the swift recovery that defied expectations. Concern etched Toshizou's features, lines of worry on his weathered face.

"Toshizou," Dante greeted, offering a faint smile as if to reassure his companion. "I'm tougher than I look. Just a bit banged up."

Toshizou grunted, a mixture of skepticism and acknowledgment. "Stubborn as ever, I see. But don't push yourself too hard, kid."

With a nod, they decided to seek out Celica, who had been diligently examining the giant frog's body. The hallway outside the room was narrow, lined with shelves containing ancient scrolls and dusty tomes. Dante walked with a noticeable stiffness, each step a reminder of the recent battle.

As they approached the room, the low hum of conversation became audible. Pushing open the door, they found Celica hunched over a table covered in alchemical tools and dissecting equipment. The giant frog's body lay sprawled out, its unnatural stillness a stark contrast to the vibrant, teeming life of the forest beyond.

Celica glanced up from her work, her gaze fixing on Dante. A mix of relief and frustration flashed across her face. "You really should be resting," she scolded, directing her reproachful gaze toward Toshizou, who simply raised his hands in surrender.

Dante, however, couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward Celica. "Thanks for patching me up," he said, his tone sincere.

Celica sighed, her stern expression softening. "You're welcome. But next time, try not to get yourself into such dire situations."

As Dante turned his attention to the giant frog's body, he marveled at its sheer size. Toshizou, standing beside him, spoke up, "That creature is known as a Kaiser Frog. Nasty things, especially when corrupted."

Dante furrowed his brow. "Corrupted... and there are more out there. We need to find the source."

Celica, engrossed in her examination, interrupted, "I haven't found conclusive evidence yet, but I'll keep working on it. The parasitic creature I retrieved from the frog is unlike anything I've seen before."

Dante nodded, a determination flickering in his eyes. "We can't let this corruption spread. We need to put an end to it."

Toshizou, placing a hand on Dante's shoulder, spoke with a seasoned wisdom. "Indeed. But rushing headlong into danger won't help anyone. We need information, a plan."

Dante reluctantly nodded, realizing the importance of strategic action. "I know, you're right. We can't charge in blindly."

Celica, catching the nuance of the conversation, interjected, "And you, Dante, should focus on recovery for now. The effects of the frog's poison still linger. We can't afford to have you collapsing in the midst of our investigation."

Dante, though eager to press forward, recognized the wisdom in Celica's words. "Alright, alright. I'll rest, but once I'm back on my feet, we tackle this head-on."

With a nod of agreement, Celica returned to her examination, while Toshizou guided Dante back to the room where he had rested. The weight of the impending task hung in the air, but for now, the group knew that patience and preparation were key.

----------

As Dante settled back into the bed, he couldn't help but feel the lingering pain from the recent battle. His mind, restless and eager, drifted towards the events that unfolded in the forest. With a sigh, he decided to check his belongings, hoping to find some semblance of normalcy.

Reaching into his inventory, he retrieved his wooden katana. However, as the weapon materialized in his hand, a frown creased Dante's brow. The once sturdy blade now bore a large, winding crack that spread from the base to the middle. It seemed to be struggling to hold on, the integrity of the wooden weapon compromised.

Staring at the damaged katana, Dante couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. The weapon had served him well, and its current state mirrored the toll the recent battle had taken on him. He sighed, realizing that the fight had not only left scars on his body but had also claimed a piece of his most trusted companion.

Withdrawn in contemplation, Dante pondered the challenges that lay ahead. Alone in the room, he reflected on the recent events, his mind a swirl of thoughts and unanswered questions.