Chapter 1 – A Black Swordsman in Another World

Darkness. Nothing but a black void.

In the center of that nothingness, a large, imposing man floated — his body scarred, his mind silent. He wore a pitch-black armor, and on his back rested an enormous sword, clearly not made for any ordinary human. A patch of white hair peeked through the side of his head, and one of his eyes remained shut.

His body was covered in scars. Not a single clean spot remained. His left hand was a metallic prosthetic, and his belt carried strange knives.

His name was Guts — the one who slayed apostles, who fought armies alone, and who stood against the God Hand.

Guts: "Where the hell am I?"

He muttered calmly — until he felt a hand touch him.

???: "S... Save... me... Me… Guts..."

A whisper. A woman's voice. He turned, surprised — but instead of answers, found himself standing in a strange new world.

He was now in a city — a place unlike anything he'd seen. Instead of horses, massive lizards pulled carriages. The air buzzed with magic, the streets oddly clean. Strange creatures roamed freely.

Guts: "Is this an Apostle's illusion...? No… Where are Puck? Isidro? Casca?"

He stayed calm and started walking through the streets, observing. The people here looked peaceful... too peaceful.

What he didn't notice were the shocked expressions of the locals, all staring at him.

A giant man, clad in dark armor, with a three-meter-long sword on his back and a cold, worn-out look.

Guts: "I should stay sharp... this could be a trap."

Suddenly, a shout. A child lay in the street, clutching his leg in pain. A wild carriage rushed toward him, out of control.

Without hesitation, Guts dashed forward. With one arm, he grabbed the child. With the other, he stopped the massive lizard pulling the carriage dead in its tracks.

Guts: "That was close, kiddo."

The crowd stood in awe.

Citizen 1: "H-He stopped the whole carriage with one hand!?"Citizen 2: "He's huge... Maybe a mercenary?"

Applause broke out. Guts scratched the back of his head, annoyed.

Guts: "Tch. Too much attention."

He set the child down and turned to leave.

Guts: "Be more careful, kid."

But just as he stepped away, several knights blocked his path.

Knight 1: "Hey! Who are you?"

Guts: "..."

Knight 2: "You don't look human. What are you, freak?"

Guts sighed. He wasn't in the mood for this.

Knight 1: "What? You think that big sword makes you special?"

Guts smirked, eyes narrowing.

Guts: "I was born with a bigger one than yours."

The knight's face turned red with rage.

Knight 1: "You son of a—!"

He lunged, spear in hand — but Guts moved in a flash, smashing the knight's helmet with his iron fist and sending him flying.

Knight 2: "Bastard! You'll—!"

??? "Enough."

A calm voice cut through the tension.

A red-haired man in white stepped forward. The knights instantly straightened and saluted.

Knights (together): "Sir Reinhard!"

To be continued... Arc 1 continues tomorrow with Chapters 2 to 6. Stay tuned.