Blades of the Crimson Dawn

In the first chapter: The family sword

From the story "Blades of the Crimson Dawn", our journey begins with the protagonist Ryoma Kazehaya, an eighteen-year-old young man, who grows up in a small mountain village called Kaizen, surrounded by fields and dense trees. The people of Kaizen live in peace, far from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, where there is a deep respect for the customs and traditions passed down through generations, especially the respect for the legendary swords that symbolize courage and will.

Ryoma was a simple and humble boy, working in agriculture with his family and occasionally training in martial arts under his father. He dreamed of a peaceful life, but he always felt like something was missing, like a part of himself was incomplete. He heard stories about his great ancestors, especially his great-grandfather, Kazehaya the Elder, who was a brave samurai and great leader during an ancient war. His family had since inherited a sword believed to hold hidden power, known as the Crimson Dawn Sword.

The Sword Granted

One bright day, as Ryoma came of age, his father decided it was time to give him the family sword. He gathered the entire family and some of the villagers for a small ceremony inside an ancient temple, where the sword was respectfully preserved. Ryoma stood before the sword, feeling a mixture of awe and excitement, as his father delivered profound words about courage, loyalty, and protecting the village.

His father told him: "Ryoma, carrying this sword is not just an honor, it is a vow. A vow that requires you to protect those you love and defend your village until your last breath. This sword is not like any other sword, it is our legacy and our protector. Use it wisely."

Then he handed him the sword with slightly trembling hands, and Ryoma felt the weight of the sword as he held it. The weight wasn't just physical; it was a mental burden full of emotions and expectations.

Training Begins

After the ceremony, Ryoma began his training with the sword, eager to discover its power. He would wake up at dawn and go to a deserted field away from the eyes of people, where he could practice freely. He tried to adapt to the sword and discover its balance and rhythm, and at first, he did not know how to control it, but there was an inner feeling that pushed him to continue training, as if the sword itself was guiding his steps.

As the days passed, Ryoma felt something unusual; the sword was responding to him in a way he did not expect. When he focused on his sword and took a deep breath, the sword would glow a faint crimson color, as if something was pulsing inside it. It was not an ordinary flash, but rather a living spirit interacting with it.

Encounter with the "Crimson Dawn"

One night, while Ryoma was training alone under the moonlight, he suddenly felt a cold breeze blowing around him, and he sensed a strange presence. When he raised his head, he saw a transparent entity glowing crimson in front of him, standing a few steps away from him. The entity looked like an ancient samurai warrior, covered in traditional armor, and its eyes glowed a calm red.

The entity spoke in a deep voice: "Ryoma Kazehaya... We've been waiting for you for a long time."

Ryoma was confused and frightened, but he remained silent as he looked at this strange entity.

The entity said: "I am the Crimson Dawn, the spirit that protects this sword. I have been asleep for centuries, but you have awakened me. This sword is not just a weapon, but a gateway to a power you cannot imagine, a power you need to protect your land."

Ryoma felt confused, and asked the entity: "What do you want from me? And why me?"

"Because you carry the great Kazehaya legacy in your blood," Crimson Dawn replied. "But beware, there are dark forces seeking to take the sword and use it for evil purposes. You must prepare for what is coming, your enemies are approaching."

Warning of an Impending Attack

Ryoma was terrified by the spirit's words, but he also began to comprehend his great responsibility. He tried to ask the spirit more questions, but the entity quickly disappeared, leaving him in the darkness with a faint flash of its sword.

The next morning, Ryoma woke up to the sounds of whispers and warnings from the villagers. There were those who had noticed strangers around the village's borders, people dressed in dark clothes who seemed to be sneaking around unnoticed. Ryoma knew in his heart that these might be the shadows that Crimson Dawn had spoken of.

He returned to his father to tell him what he had seen and ask for his advice, but his father looked at him with a firm look and said to him, "Ryoma, there is no escape from facing your destiny. This sword is the last bulwark against the forces of evil, and you are now its bearer. I promise you that I will be by your side but remember... there are some battles that must be fought alone."

The first chapter ends with Ryoma preparing to face his destiny, as he embarks on a long journey to discover himself, his abilities, and protect his village from the threat of the Shadows.