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

Kaede sat quietly in the corner, arms folded, her gaze unwavering as she surveyed the room. Her expression was unreadable, but her sharp eyes missed nothing. She never interrupted during strategy sessions, preferring to listen, to absorb every word and action before forming her own conclusions. Ash, however, could feel the intensity of her attention, even without looking directly at her. He knew her well enough to sense that she was evaluating the situation—calculating the risks, weighing the possibilities in her own meticulous way.

Kaito, ever the focused leader, shot her a brief, knowing glance before turning his attention back to Ash. His voice was firm, but there was an edge of command in it. "Watch and learn. See how Ash handles this."

Ash nodded, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table as the others continued their work. Hours passed, the quiet hum of tech in the background, until Kenshiko's voice cut through the stillness. "Intel retrieved. Displaying full network structure."

The holographic projections blinked to life, casting a cold, neon glow over the room. Daigo's vast empire unfolded before them—sprawling businesses, intricate supply chains, financial transactions that reached into the very heart of the Keiretsu. Hidden alliances with influential figures inside and outside the organization were clearly marked, revealing a web of power and influence, each strand intertwined in a delicate dance of control.

Red markers flashed across the screen, highlighting vulnerabilities—gaps in Daigo's empire, chinks in the armor just waiting to be exploited. But then, amidst the sea of data, one detail caught Ash's eye. A secondary cluster of activity, seemingly detached from Daigo's immediate operations, flickered with an urgent warning indicator. Kenshiko's voice dropped to a tense whisper. "We've uncovered an assassination plot. Another clan is making a move against Daigo. The attempt will happen soon."

The room fell into heavy silence, the weight of the revelation settling on their shoulders like a storm cloud. Every eye turned to Ash, waiting for his next move.

He leaned forward, his fingers stilling against the table, his expression calculating. "Then we make our move first."

Kaito raised an eyebrow, his voice sharp. "Meaning?"

A slow, confident smirk spread across Ash's lips, his eyes gleaming with a knowing edge. "We tell Daigo."

Kaede's eyes flickered with surprise, but she made no comment, adhering to her father's earlier directive. She would remain silent for now, watching, learning. Kenshiko's holographic form tilted slightly, a slight pause in her voice as she processed the idea. "Informing Daigo would place him in your debt, but it also risks him dismissing you. He may not believe the intel."

Ash nodded, his smirk remaining in place, as if the possibility of failure didn't faze him. "Exactly. If he ignores me, he's a fool who'll soon find himself indebted to me when he survives. If he listens, then he knows I'm a step ahead. Either way, he's being drawn into my orbit. He either owes me, or he realizes that I'm the one playing the game, not him."

Kaito leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, eyes narrowing as he weighed Ash's words. His gaze lingered on Ash for a long moment, measuring him, assessing his intent. Finally, Kaito exhaled slowly and gave a subtle nod of approval.

"Then let's see how Daigo plays his next move," Kaito said, his voice low and calculating.

Ash's smirk deepened, the excitement of the game coursing through his veins. "Exactly."

A RACE AGAINST TIME