It is the year 1872. The shogunate has fallen. Railways creep across Japan like iron serpents, and steam carriages roar where horse hooves once echoed. But in the shadows... legends still breathe.
Ajax Nozami, a hot-headed yet pure-hearted 17-year-old ronin with a tattered haori and a will stronger than steel, stands atop a windswept cliff-his worn katana trembling in hand. He's no prodigy. No noble bloodline. Just an orphan who carved his name into bamboo every day for ten years. Whispering one vow: "I will find the sword of Nelazaru Kimmegona."
Now time is in the present day where Ajax has already set off on his mission
"Ugh walking alone is such a hassle if
only I had a group to walk with or maybe
we could ride horses or maybe we could-." Ajax starts before he hears the sound of galloping hooves and clinking chainmail approach fast behind him.
horse drawn carriage appears before him with armed guards
Guard: "Halt! State your name and business."
"Oh Me? The names Ajax." Ajax states bluntly.
The guard eyes Ajax skeptically "Ajax, you
say? What's your business here on the main road so late at night?"
"Why should I tell you?" Ajax says, rolling his eyes.
The guard narrows his eyes, hand on his
sword hilt "Careful young pup, we're just doing our job. There's bandits roaming about, ya know. Can't be too careful. If you've got nothing to hide, just answer the question!"
"I'm just heading into town, that's all. Ajax says scratching the back of his head.
"Heading into town, huh?" says the
guard, eyeing Ajax up and down. "Alone at this hour? Don't you know it's dangerous out here at night? Where are you coming from, anyway?"
"Hmm I really don't know. I never keep
track of that." Ajax says sheepishly scratching his head. The guard raises an eyebrow, now looking even more suspicious "Not sure? You just forget where you're from?" He says with a hint of sarcasm. "You're not exactly exuding trustworthiness, you know. What are you, a wanderer or something?"
"Like I said it's non yah business." Ajax says getting slightly pissed off.
The guard bristles at the response, growing annoyed. "Now, now, there's no need for that kind of attitude. We're just trying to protect the town and its people."He glances at his fellow guards, as if seeking backup. "You'd best watch your tone, boy. We don't tolerate rudeness here."
Ajax grins and slightly unsheathes his sword. "You'd best be on your best behavior yeah?" Ajax says, still grinning.
The guard's eyes widen a bit at the sight of his blade, but he tries to keep a stern composure.
"You threatening us, boy?" he scoffs, hand hovering near his own sword handle. "Don't get cocky just because you've got a piece of steel. There's plenty more of us. You're outnumbered."
"Oh yeah? I like those odds more than you like to see." Ajax growls.
The guard barks with a laugh
"You talk big for a lone wanderer. You think you can take all of us on?"A few other guards chuckle, hands on their weapons. It's clear they think you're being overconfident.
"You're not the first hot headed Ronin-wannabe we've met, and you won't be the last."
"You're right I don't.* Ajax says before running towards the town.
The guards are caught off guard by his sudden dash. They scramble to give chase, cursing under their breaths.
"Get back here!"
The guards charge after Ajax, their heavy armor and clinking chainmail making their steps loud and slow in comparison.
"Ugh great I didn't really think this through man if only I had any determination right now I could wipe the fools with ease" Ajax sighs still legging it towards the town.
A sudden warmth flickers in Ajax's chest — faint, but there.
The guards are closing in. Torchlight glints off steel. But up ahead- A narrow alleyway. A rooftop with loose tiles. A wooden beam perfect for a leap.
Ajax turns a corner and hides behind a haystack
The guards charge past, shouting.
"Where'd he go? I lost him!"
The racket fades as the guards move deeper into town. Ajax takes a moment to catch his breath, his heart hammering in his chest. That was a close call.
The world gradually returns to its nighttime hum-fireflies, cricket chirps, and the distant murmur of tavern commotion.
Ajax eventually ends up walking into a tavern. "Jeez it's rough out here." Ajax sighs before taking a seat.
Clinking tankards, laughter and conversation, and the scent of roasted meat and smoke.
The place is a hub of activity-locals drinking, playing cards, or sharing war stories.
"Give me the lightest drink yah got." Ajax says yawning.
The bartender, scratching at his beard, raises an eyebrow at your request but shrugs, grabbing a clean mug from under the counter.
"The lightest, eh? You're in luck. We got just the thing."
He fills a tankard with a pale amber liquid -a local draft beer. It's not as strong as the others, perfect for a lighter touch.
He sets it in front of you, eyeing you curiously.
"First time here, yeah? Don't recognize your face."
Ajax ends up taking a sip of the drink. "Yeah you could say that I guess. He says.
The bartender leans in, wiping down the counter with a worn rag. "You know... most folks who come through here are either running from something..."
He eyes your half-drawn sword, still dusty from the road. "...or chasing something they can't have."
End of Chapter one