The smell of wisteria hangs thick in the air. You stand exhausted at the base of Mt. Fujikasane. Seven days. You survived seven days in that hellscape. Around you are a handful of other battered survivors. A small, white-haired child gestures for you to approach a table laid with various ores. It is time to choose the steel for your sword. It is time to define who you are. Before your journey begins, you must focus your breathing. [STEP 1: THE ORIGIN (Why do you fight?)] This defines your starting passive bonus.

A. The Tragedy: A demon slaughtered your family. You fight for pure vengeance. (Bonus: Adrenaline Rush - increased damage when injured.) B. The Duty: Your family has served the Corps for generations. It is your obligation. (Bonus: Disciplined Mind - resistant to demon hypnotic arts.) C. The Survivor: You were attacked and barely survived. You fight out of fear of death. (Bonus: Heightened Instincts - increased dodge chance.)

[STEP 2: THE BREATH (Choose your Combat Style)] This determines your available skills and progression path.

A. Water Breathing: Adaptable, defensive, fluid. Good for beginners. Focuses on parries and counters. B. Thunder Breathing: Extreme speed, high burst damage, focuses on instant kills. Requires high stamina management. C. Beast Breathing: Wild, unpredictable, relies on raw instinct and dual-wielding (if you choose). High offense, low defense. D. Flame Breathing: High power, wide-area attacks. Focuses on overwhelming offense and unwavering spirit. E. [Custom Style]: (Specify a concept, e.g., Ice, Shadow, Steel. The GM will generate starting forms for you.)