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 study at Shirogiri Manor was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the soft, ambient glow of Kenshiko's holographic form, which flickered intermittently as she shifted through data. The walls of the room, adorned with ancient family artifacts, cast elongated shadows, adding to the atmosphere of tension that hung in the air. At the head of the table, Ash sat, his posture rigid and controlled, exuding a quiet authority. Kaito stood nearby, arms folded, his sharp gaze never leaving Ash, while Kaede lingered in the background, silent but ever watchful.

"It's done," Ash said, his voice calm and unyielding. "Daigo was outmaneuvered. His survival is no longer guaranteed, and now he owes our clan a debt. I won."

Kaito gave a slow, deliberate nod, his expression unreadable as ever. "A necessary victory. But victories are only as strong as what comes next. The future is where true power is forged."

Kenshiko's holographic eyes flickered, the faintest trace of a smile playing on her lips. "Then we focus on the future," she said, her voice smooth but edged with anticipation. "The clan requires more than just victory. It needs strength—loyalty bound by skill. It's time to select the inner circle."

Ash's gaze hardened, the weight of the next step settling on his shoulders. He leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers tapping the surface of the table with a measured rhythm. "Agreed," he replied. "We need new blood. Not just soldiers who follow orders, but individuals who can be shaped into something more. Something that transcends mere loyalty."

Kaito stepped forward, his face a mask of quiet determination. "I'll oversee the construction of a new dojo," he said, his voice firm. "If we are bringing in new members, they must be trained properly. Discipline first. Loyalty follows." His words were a promise, one that underscored his unyielding belief that strength came from rigor and focus.

Ash's eyes drifted momentarily to Kaede, who stood near the corner of the room, her posture impeccable but her gaze never wavering from Ash. Her attention was sharp, absorbing every word. "You'll train alongside them," Ash said, his tone taking on a more direct edge. "Daily sparring, no exceptions. Learn their weaknesses, and teach them their limits."

Kaede's eyes flickered with curiosity, but she remained silent, nodding once in acknowledgment. There was an intensity to her presence—calm, but undeniably dangerous. Kaito, observing, seemed satisfied by Ash's directive. The new blood would have to prove themselves under Kaede's watchful eye, a test of both endurance and skill.

Kenshiko's voice cut through the air again, a note of excitement threading through her words. "I will provide a new martial arts system—one that's optimized for adaptability, survival, and lethality. Traditional forms will only serve as a foundation. We will build something stronger. Something that evolves with the times." The hologram of Kenshiko flickered once more as her image solidified. Her expertise was unmatched, and her desire to push the limits of tradition was undeniable.

Ash exhaled deeply, his gaze unwavering as he processed the weight of the next phase. "Then it's settled," he said, the finality of his tone leaving little room for argument. "We don't just expand—we evolve. We reshape the Shirogiri Clan from the ground up. From this point forward, the clan takes its next step. And we make sure no one can stand in our way."

The room fell into a tense, determined silence. The decisions were made. The plans set into motion. What came next was not merely the continuation of a legacy—it was a revolution in the making.

For the first time in years, Ash allowed himself to feel the slightest stir of satisfaction. The future of the Shirogiri Clan had begun, and it would not be stopped.

NEW BLOOD - Oni-Brigade