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 city pulsed with energy, an electric charge running through the air as thousands of spectators flooded the streets. Towering banners bearing the crests of the competing academies lined the skyline, digital projections displaying the faces of the top contenders in the Inter-School Martial Contest. The event had transcended mere competition—it was a spectacle, a proving ground for warriors, heirs, and engineered combatants.

Nova Helix Academy's delegation arrived in force. Their transport, a sleek hovercraft adorned with the academy's silver insignia, descended onto the central plaza of Titan Coliseum—the largest combat arena in the region. The roar of the crowd reverberated through the air as Ash Atsuyuki stepped onto the tournament grounds, his dark uniform marked with the insignia of Nova Helix.

Kaito walked beside him, scanning the overwhelming scene. "This isn't just a tournament—it's a political battlefield. Corporations, syndicates, and academies are all watching. A single victory here could shift power dynamics."

Ash exhaled slowly, letting his gaze drift across the arena. "Then I'll make sure they don't forget the name Shirogiri."

A massive holo-display flickered to life above the coliseum, broadcasting a live feed to the millions watching worldwide. A sleek, well-dressed announcer took center stage, his voice amplified across the entire city.

"Welcome, warriors and spectators, to the Inter-School Martial Contest! The finest combatants from across the academies have gathered here to prove their skill, their strength, and their legacy!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as the screens showcased the competing schools:

Nova Helix Academy – Known for its tactical combat training and its rising dark horse, Ash Atsuyuki.

Eidolon Institute – A prestigious academy specializing in neural-combat enhancements, featuring Lucien Valmont.

Ares Academy – The powerhouse of cybernetic combatants, represented by Damian Voss.

Onmyo Academy – A school steeped in assassin techniques, sending their most lethal prodigy, Izanami Kuro.

Daichi Dojo – A traditional martial school, producing legendary warriors for generations, represented by Renshiro Takeda

As each academy's name was announced, their representatives stepped forward, their appearances alone igniting waves of speculation and excitement.

When Ash's name was called, the audience reaction was mixed—some cheered, recognizing his rising infamy, while others whispered, questioning if the underworld-linked heir could match the elite fighters standing before him.

He welcomed the doubt. It would make his victories all the more satisfying.

The First Matchups

After the ceremony, the tournament brackets were unveiled, each name appearing in bold digital text above the coliseum.

Ash's first opponent: Renshiro Takeda, the Scion of Daichi Dojo.

A master of traditional swordsmanship, Renshiro was known for his precision and discipline. He had no augmentations, no cybernetic enhancements—only pure, refined skill. A direct contrast to the enhanced warriors Ash had fought before.

Kaito read the matchup and gave a low whistle. "They're testing you right out of the gate. If you can't handle traditional mastery, they'll call you a fraud."

Ash smirked, adjusting his gloves. "Then I'll remind them that tradition alone won't win wars."

As the coliseum prepared for the first match, the energy in the air became palpable.

And Ash was ready to carve his name into history.

THE TOURNAMENT BEGINS