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 flickering firelight danced along the razor-sharp edges of the twin daggers, their polished steel reflecting in Ash's narrowed gaze. The second warrior stood poised, body balanced on the balls of their feet, a predator ready to strike.

"Instinct," the elder intoned, "is the art of survival. It is the voice that speaks before thought, the movement before command. Fail to trust it, and you will not live long enough to learn."

Ash steadied his breath. His body still ached from the first trial, but there was no time to dwell on fatigue. He had no idea how this warrior would attack, no pattern to study, no rhythm to predict.

The warrior became a blur, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. A dagger lashed toward Ash's throat. He barely dodged, feeling the cold kiss of metal graze his skin. Another slash came from below—he leapt back, just in time to avoid a deep cut along his ribs.

No hesitation. No wasted movement.

Ash had fought skilled opponents before, but this was something else. There was no time to think, no openings to plan his counters. Every attack was unpredictable, shifting between rapid slashes and deceptive feints. It was as if his opponent could read his intentions before he even made a move.

A blade flashed toward his stomach. He twisted, stepping inside the warrior's range instead of retreating. The unexpected shift threw them off for a fraction of a second—just long enough for Ash to shove forward, forcing distance between them.

His instincts were screaming at him. Move. React. Feel.

Ash closed his eyes for the briefest moment, shutting out the distractions—the firelight, the crowd, even his own doubt. He let the world slow.

When his opponent lunged again, he moved without thought. His body responded before his mind processed the attack, tilting just enough for the blade to slice through empty air. Another strike—this time, he shifted sideways, letting the warrior's momentum betray them. Their balance wavered.

Ash struck, his fist hammering into his opponent's ribs. The impact sent them stumbling, but they recovered quickly, daggers raised once more.

This time, Ash didn't wait. He advanced, forcing them onto the defensive. He wasn't reacting anymore—he was leading. Each step forward was another second gained, another heartbeat of control seized from his opponent.

The warrior dodged, but they were now on their back foot. Ash pressed the advantage, delivering a sharp kick to their knee, forcing them to the ground. In a final motion, he brought his blade up, stopping just before the warrior's throat.

The warrior met Ash's gaze before nodding and stepping back.

The elder's voice echoed through the hall. "Instinct is passed."

Ash exhaled, his heartbeat still racing. His grip on the blade loosened, his body drenched in sweat. But he had done it.

Then, the final warrior stepped forward, their presence like a void, heavy and cold.

The elder spoke once more. "Now, we test your Lethality."

Ash's fingers curled around his weapon. The hardest test was yet to come.

THE TEST OF INSTINCT