Ep. 25: Ai's tragic childhood sacrifice and betrayal by villagers and Sentaro Shibata revealed

25

Ai's backstory reveals she was destined as a harvest sacrifice at seven years old. Abandoned in the mountains, her parents and Sentaro Shibata, her older cousin and sole friend, sheltered her there. Sentaro smuggled supplies, and over six years, romantic feelings developed between them. However, villagers discovered Ai and buried her and her parents alive as punishment, forcing Sentaro to assist. This betrayal birthed Ai's grudge, causing a heartbroken Sentaro to leave the village. The narrative also establishes that Ai previously saved three companions from dire fates, creating a debt they owe her for her intervention.