THE CITY OF BLOOD

As Ken journeyed through the Hagen Kingdom, he found himself traveling alongside a merchant carriage. Hired as an escort, Ken was enjoying a short nap when a cheerful voice interrupted his rest.

"Hi, young man!" a woman's voice chirped.

Ken opened his eyes to see a middle-aged woman with a warm smile and pointy ears. "What's your name, boy? And where are you heading?" she asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

Ken rubbed the sleep from his face and replied, "I'm heading to Asura, the City of Blood."

"Ooh, brave one, aren't you?" the woman remarked, a hint of amusement in her tone. "And why there, of all places?"

"I need experience, and it's the best place to get it," Ken said, his eyes firm with resolve.

The woman chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Are you that desperate to grow stronger? You remind me of someone—my daughter, Jully. She's just as serious about strength as you are." Ken noticed her pointed ears then, a clear indication of her elven heritage.

Ken smiled slightly. "You must be proud. She sounds like a cheerful person."

"I am," she replied warmly. "I'm blessed to have her."

Their casual conversation was suddenly interrupted by a loud BANG. A group of bandits had ambushed the carriage, weapons drawn and malicious intent in their eyes.

Ken stood up lazily, stretching his arms with a smirk. "Well, well, well… looks like I'll be giving some lessons today."

Without another word, he dashed toward the nearest bandit, his speed a blur. His fist connected with the man's jaw, shattering it in an instant. The other bandits froze in terror, but it was already too late for them. Ken cut through them like a hurricane, his attacks brutal and swift. Each strike was a message: cross me, and pay with your life. The remaining bandits barely had time to scream before they, too, were mercilessly cut down.

After the massacre, Ken walked back to the carriage, wiping the blood from his hands as if it were nothing. He looked at the woman with a calm smile, as if the chaos that had just unfolded were no more troublesome than swatting a fly.

"May I know your name, ma'am?" Ken asked politely, his tone completely contrasting the violence he had just unleashed.

The woman blinked, taken aback by his politeness, especially after witnessing his deadly prowess. "I'm Margate Florencia," she replied, still slightly shocked. "And you, boy? What's your name?"

"Ken," he answered simply.

"Your family name?" she asked, but Ken just shook his head.

"I don't have one."

Margate's face softened. "I'm sorry if I offended you."

Ken waved it off, unfazed, and the two continued their conversation until the carriage came to a stop in front of an eerie, dark forest. The driver turned to Ken and said, "This is the closest I'll take you to the City of Blood."

Ken nodded, thanking the driver. Turning back to Margate, he gave her a polite nod. "It's time for me to go. Take care, ma'am."

"Good luck, Ken," she said, watching as he walked toward the ominous forest. "What an interesting boy. If only I had that kind of energy in my younger days…"

As the carriage moved away, disappearing into the distance, an eerie pressure seemed to settle over the land, following Ken's every step as he ventured deeper into the shadow of the City of Blood. Something dark awaited him in Asura, and it had been watching him long before he arrived.