◆ A coming-of-age tale of a girl bound by fateYears after the revolution, the newly founded nation of Kikoku—born from the ruins of a fallen dynasty—remains mired in unrest. At the center of that darkness lies Hiseido, a secret organization rooted deep within the imperial capital. From intelligence and purges to assassination, Hiseido carries out countless missions from the shadows. Taken in by this organization, the young girl Takekosen now faces her final trial: to abandon her old name, don the mask, and inherit the title of Hisei. ◆ WorldThe Dagger of Hisei is a visual novel set in an Eastern-inspired fantasy world. The story takes place in Kikoku, a new nation born after the revolution. Though the old dynasty has fallen, its shadow has not yet faded. Deep within Kyojo, power, secret orders, betrayal, and the struggle for survival continue to intertwine in silence. Hidden within that darkness is Hiseido, a secret organization that carries out intelligence, purges, and assassinations while training operatives known as Hisei. Through trial after trial, Takekosen must face her past, her name, and the fate that awaits her. ◆ Chapter OneThis is the first chapter of the long-form story of The Dagger of Hisei. Chapter One follows the beginning of Takekosen’s journey, the secret organization Hiseido, and the fate she is about to inherit. Across approximately 90 minutes of story, you will be introduced to the world of Kikoku, the relationships between its main characters, and the moment Takekosen’s journey truly begins. ◆ Main Characters TakekosenCV: Minamo Aoto The Successor-to-Be An orphan taken in by Hiseido after the revolution. After countless trials, she now stands before her final test: to inherit the name of Hisei. Abandoning her old name and donning the mask that marks her new identity, she begins a journey to discover what she truly believes in. HagunCV: Ryuta Date The Blade in Shadow The strongest assassin supporting Hiseido. Calm, silent, and merciless in his work, he carries out every mission with absolute precision. Feared as the “Demon Blade” after surviving countless deadly battles, he now watches over Takekosen’s awakening as her mentor. DoushuCV: Toshinari Taga The Commander Above All Hisei The leader of Hiseido, standing above all Hisei. Calm and imposing, every word he speaks is measured and deliberate. Outwardly, he protects the order of Kikoku. In truth, what he protects above all else is Hiseido itself. He guides Hagun and Takekosen while judging who is worthy to inherit the title of Hisei. HakuinCV: Sou Katatsuka The Quiet Strength A seasoned Doushi and Hagun’s trusted right hand. With calm judgment and gentle words, he soothes tensions and holds people together. Well versed in the hidden workings of Kyojo, he remains unwavering even in danger. Always at Hagun’s side, he supports him with a quiet strength. EnjiCV: Shiro Yukino The Girl from the Backstreets A mysterious girl encountered in the slums of Kyojo. Her circumstances bear a striking resemblance to Takekosen’s own past. Her presence awakens memories and pain that Takekosen had almost forgotten. And within those sorrowful memories, she becomes a faint glimmer of hope. MankyuCV: Ryo Ishitaki The Old Boss of Tenkyuuban A veteran underboss of Tenkyuuban, living in the shadows of Kyojo. Despite his age, he still leads his companions from a corner of the back alleys. His anger toward the powerful has never faded. With only his remaining pride, he has survived poverty and humiliation to this day. His voice, mixed with laughter and curses, is a portrait of the poor struggling to survive in a turbulent age. ◆ Other Main CastKouchinCV: Takayuki Ito (UMEX) ChouchisoCV: Makoto Shinohara (UMEX) ShikuuCV: Yuka Suzuki (UMEX) Sekishokai (Youth)CV: Alvin Kinoshita ◆ Game FeaturesThe opening chapter of The Dagger of Hisei Chapter One depicts the moment Takekosen takes her first step toward her fate as a Hisei. Fully voiced in Japanese All major characters are voiced to enhance immersion, bringing subtle emotional shifts and tense dialogue to life. Original soundtrack All music was composed specifically for the world of the game, including a theme song that reflects the heart of the story. Estimated playtime: approximately 90 minutes A tightly paced visual novel experience blending Eastern fantasy, political intrigue, and trials of fate. ◆ Story StructureThe Dagger of Hisei will be released as a chapter-based visual novel. Each chapter is designed as its own story experience, while also connecting step by step into a larger long-form narrative. Chapter One depicts the beginning of Takekosen’s journey and the first threads of fate that bind her to Hiseido. ◆ Theme SongTitle: “天翔る” — Soaring Skyward Lyrics & Composition: Ichiko Vocals: Ichiko Artist Name: tamayura ◆ Future ChaptersChapter Two and later chapters are planned to be released as paid DLC. Chapter One marks the beginning of Takekosen’s journey. Her story will continue in future chapters. ◆ Development ApproachThis game is independently developed by a small team. The story will be developed and released chapter by chapter. Each chapter is intended to stand as its own experience, while together forming a complete long-form story. ◆ Use of AssetsThe background images, as well as some illustrations and visual assets, were created and refined with the assistance of AI tools. Final scene direction, composition, and presentation were completed under human supervision and creative direction. If you have concerns about this production method, please take note before purchasing or playing. ◆ StaffJapanese Title Calligraphy: Yuna Matsushita Original Concept: Migeru Script: Tomoko Watanabe Character Design & Artwork: Shiki Hinase BGM: Ichiko Sound Design: Shura Lu UI Design: Hanasakuno Programming & QA: Sontse / Migeru Ending MV Production: Vanana Studio Special Thanks: Kaori Yanagibashi Production: Sword of Dew Studio