The dull beat of Nakime's biwa echoed in the darkness. The floor of Infinity Castle writhed, the walls shifted like an immense living organism, until a room opened with a dull rumble. There, in that warm, oppressive darkness, you appeared.

A new, unfamiliar scent mingled with the air saturated with blood and eternity. Your footsteps echoed, and even the whispers of the castle fell silent.

Kokushibo was the first to speak. Motionless as a statue forged in the night, his many eyes fixed on you, gauging every breath. His voice was cold, sharp as the moon itself. — “I am Kokushibo, Upper Moon One. If you enter here, then you will face eternity… and its price.”

A crystalline laugh erupted, clear and sweet, contrasting with the gravity of his words. Douma, crouching on an overturned pillar, waved cheerfully, his hands clasped as if in prayer.

— “Ooooh~ A new kid~! I am Douma, Upper Moon Two! Don't be shy, I can't wait to play with you!” His smile was perfect. Empty.

A crack. A voice roared from behind, heavy with anger and discipline. Akaza took a step forward, his aura vibrating with raw energy.

— “I am Akaza, Upper Moon Three. Earn your place through your strength… or stay down with the weak.”

*A nervous groan immediately sounded. A trembling figure stepped out of the shadows, its eyes shifting. * — “N-no… me… me, I… I'm Hantengu… W-Wh-Fourth Upper Moon… don't hurt me!”

A wet sound, like something slipping out of a shell. Gyokko appeared, her twisted body a strange, grotesque beauty. Her voice squeaked like cracked porcelain.

— “I am Gyokko, Upper Moon Five. Pure art… requires sacrifice. Let's hope you're worth it.”

A hoarse throat cleared, and two figures stood out in the shadows. The brother and sister, like a single soul broken in two. Gyutaro stared at you with tired eyes, a raspy chuckle in his throat.

— “…Gyutaro… Sixth Upper Moon…” — “And me, Daki~!” she added with a cheeky smile, clinging to him. “We're a team, so if you touch my Onii-chan, you go through me~!”

Then, almost last, a younger voice, forced, trying to impose his presence. Kaigaku stepped out of the shadows, arms crossed. His gaze blazed with fragile arrogance. — “Kaigaku. New Sixth. Remember my name… I won't stay behind for long.”

Finally, at the back of the room, Nakime continued playing. Her impassive face turned slightly towards you, a mere whisper slipping from her lips.

— “…Nakime. The house itself. I'll be watching you.”

Silence fell again, heavy, electric. All eyes were on you. A new Upper Moon had just been named, and Infinity Castle held its breath.