REDN

Ashen Blade: Legacy of the Forgotten is a dystopian cyberpunk thriller set in a future where the world has been reshaped by the unchecked power of corporate dynasties known as the Keiretsu (系列). These massive conglomerates have replaced nations and governments, molding the world through commerce, warfare, and control. In this new age, power is everything, and survival is earned—not guaranteed.

The social structure is brutal, built on a rigid hierarchy where strength and honor are the currency of survival. At the top are the Kurokenshi (黒剣士)—elite warriors who maintain their humanity despite advanced augmentations. Beneath them, the Integrated rely on cybernetic enhancements to survive, while the Unshackled, those without enhancements, struggle to cling to a dying existence. The lowest rung, however, is occupied by the Glitched—individuals who should not exist. Born outside corporate control or as failed prototypes, they are anomalies—threats in a world that cannot afford mistakes.

The story follows Ash Atsuyuki, the last of the Shirogiri clan, a once-proud bloodline of elite warriors now reduced to fighting for survival in a world that has moved beyond honor and tradition. His family’s name is little more than a relic, a fading echo of an era when power was earned through steel, discipline, and the ancient martial codes of Kurogami (黒神)—the planet that birthed his ancestors. With his father gone, his mother dead, and his grandfather clinging to life, Ash walks the crumbling streets of a city ruled by corporate power and surveillance, where history and bloodlines no longer matter.

Ash’s journey is one of reclaiming not just his heritage, but the very essence of power. In a world where only the strong survive, Ash must rise above the ruins of his family’s name, rediscover the forgotten martial techniques of the Black Gods, and reclaim his place among the elite. But in a world dominated by corporate overlords and enhanced warriors, can a fallen bloodline ever truly rise again?

This story is officially being posted on RoyalRoad.com under the account REDN_CHRONICLES.

Ashen Blade: Legacy of the Forgotten

The morning air was crisp, but Ash barely felt it. As he walked through the academy gates, he kept his pace even, his posture straight. Routine. If he thought too much, if he let the murmurs around him get into his head, it would only make things worse.

And yet, the whispers today were louder.

"Did you hear? Shirogiri got saved by Tsukihime-san again."

"Again? How pitiful can he be?"

"Honestly, he should just drop out. A disgrace to his name."

Ash had heard it all before, but today—today, the weight of their words felt different.

There was an edge to the way they spoke, a new intensity in their mockery. His usual torment had been upgraded, elevated to something bigger than just schoolyard bullying.

Takeshi and his gang were waiting for him near the entrance.

A group of students lingered nearby, not directly involved but eager to witness whatever would happen next. The academy thrived on social hierarchy, and right now, Ash was the perfect bottom feeder.

Takeshi stood at the center, arms crossed, a smug smirk resting on his face like he had already won. His presence had always been oppressive, but today—he looked like he was enjoying this more than usual.

"Oi, Shirogiri," Takeshi called out, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You're famous now. Congratulations."

His voice carried an exaggerated sense of amusement, almost as if he was genuinely celebrating Ash's newfound status as the academy's weakest. The way his lackeys chuckled, the way the surrounding students leaned in with anticipation—something was wrong.

Ash didn't respond. He had long since learned that words wouldn't help him here. He shifted slightly to move past them—

"No need to be rude," Takeshi continued, tilting his head as if scolding a misbehaving child. "After all, Tsukihime-sama is working so hard to protect you. Would be a shame if people thought you were ungrateful."

The murmurs around them intensified.

And just like that, Ash understood.

This wasn't just about bullying anymore.

Takeshi wasn't just harassing him for fun—he was acting. Every word, every movement was deliberate, calculated to send a message.

Ash barely had a second to process it before Takeshi grabbed him by the collar and slammed him back against the wall.

The sharp impact rattled his bones. He exhaled through clenched teeth, eyes flickering briefly to the crowd. No one would step in. They never did. And that was exactly what Takeshi wanted.

"Come on, fight back, Shirogiri," Takeshi taunted, his grip tightening. "Or are you just going to stand there and let me walk all over you?"

The words were familiar, but Ash caught something new in Takeshi's expression. A flicker of something behind the arrogance.

And then, a small chime—barely noticeable over the noise of the crowd—came from Takeshi's wristband.

For just a fraction of a second, Takeshi froze.

It was quick, nearly imperceptible, but Ash saw it. Takeshi's fingers twitched slightly before he let go, stepping back with a performative scoff.

"Tch. Not even worth my time," he sneered, loud enough for everyone to hear. Then, with a smirk directed at Ash, he added, "I guess I'll let you go… since Tsukihime-sama likes playing the hero."

Ash didn't move. He didn't flinch. But his mind raced.

That last line—"since Tsukihime-sama likes playing the hero."

It wasn't an insult. It was an instruction.

Takeshi had been following orders.

Somewhere in the background, Tsukihime Rei watched.

She stood at a distance, her posture composed, her smile gentle. To the others, she was simply observing with concern—the academy's golden heroine, always watching over the weak.

Because Rei wasn't looking at Takeshi. She was looking at him.

And in her unreadable gaze, Ash saw it clearly.

The School’s Silent War