Ryuken The Dragon's Blade

As we walked along the forest path, I couldn't help but ask, "So, what exactly are we looking for?"

"We're searching for a tree," she replied casually. "The Cedar."

"A tree?" I blinked. "We came all the way to Kyoto for that?"

She didn't answer, so I followed her silently. The path was dusty, and the forest ahead was thick, almost unnaturally so. The air smelled of damp earth, and sunlight barely broke through the leaves above. Then, without warning, we came to a clearing—and there it was.

The Cedar.

My breath caught in my throat. The tree was massive—no, calling it massive didn't do it justice. It was colossal, towering so high that its peak disappeared into the clouds. Its bark was rough and ancient, as though it had existed since the dawn of time.

"It's huge," I muttered, stepping closer. I placed my hand on its bark, needing to confirm it was real. "How did we miss something this big when we walked in?"

"It hides itself," she said matter-of-factly. "To keep ordinary people from finding it."

"Then why are we here?" I asked.

She pulled something out of her pocket—a small, ornate key.

"To open the way."

I tilted my head. "A key? What are you planning to do with that?"

Ignoring me, she pressed the key into a barely visible crack in the tree's center. A soft click echoed, and suddenly, the tree began to split apart.

I stumbled back as the ancient wood groaned and creaked, revealing a dark, endless void inside.

"What's going on?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"This is the gateway," she said, stepping forward. "The path to the Kaizu Realm."

Golden light poured out from the darkness, forming a glowing trail that stretched into the void. She turned to me and smiled.

"Now, we run," she said.

"Run? Why?"

"Because the path won't hold if we walk. Come on!"

Before I could protest, she grabbed my hand and pulled me forward. We ran together, the golden light pulsing beneath our feet as if it were alive.

"Have you ever thought about asking to visit other realms? Like the realm of vampires or werewolves?" I asked aloud.

"We can't be sure if those realms even exist," she replied with a smile.

"We'll never know unless we try," I said.

"This key is very important for our realm. I have it now because I needed to bring you back. Once our mission is complete, I'll return it," she explained.

"It's a shame you couldn't take a detour, knowing it might be your first and last," I remarked.

"Well, if I did, you may not be alive right now right?"

She was right. If she hadn't arrived in time, I would have faced a sealed fate.

¶

"We're here," she said, her voice filled with excitement.

As we entered, a bright light lit up our surroundings. It revealed a whole new world. This place was clearly not like Japan.

"Welcome to the realm of the Kaizu," she announced.

Everything, from the air we breathed to the land beneath our feet, was different. It felt like I had stepped into another dimension and I felt a sense of belonging.

"So, what do you think?" she asked eagerly.

"I must say, it's wonderful," I replied, unable to hide my awe.

"You must be the Ryuu," a deep voice spoke from behind us.

I turned to see a man who was more muscular than anyone I had seen in Japan.

"Please do not be afraid. My name is Izuta Daitomu. I am the keeper of the gate," he said with a voice that commanded attention. He carried a massive axe on his shoulder, adding to his intimidating presence.

Izuta was tall, with jet-black hair and a strong personality.

"Don't worry, not everyone is like Izuta. He's an exception," Thalia reassured me as if she could read my thoughts.

"Oh, my size? Don't let it bother you. I just grew too much, that's all," Izuta chuckled, making light of his stature.

Thalia gave me a look that said, "Ignore him."

"Shall we proceed, Izuta?" Thalia asked, eager to move forward.

"Alright, alright," he replied, opening the gate.

Izuta touched the pure white gate to unlock it. We stepped through to the other side.

"Remember, do your best to save the world," Izuta called out to me.

"I will," I responded with determination.

¶

"So, where do we go now?" I asked, turning to Thalia.

"First, we need to find you a change of clothes. You can't walk around in a dirty school uniform, can you?" Thalia replied.

"Alright, let's go then."

"I'm curious to see what kind of clothes this realm has," I said, excitement bubbling within me.

We entered a bustling market filled with a variety of goods, including a clothing store. Thalia told me to choose whatever I liked.

"Um, Thalia, I don't have any money," I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it," she reassured me with a smile.

"But what about my uniform?" I asked, concerned about keeping things balanced.

"Remember the balance," Thalia reminded me, holding up a pencil like a scale. "I doubt a uniform will cause much trouble."

With her words in mind, I entered the clothing store and came out wearing a garment similar to Thalia's, but mine was a vibrant red. It perfectly complemented my hair.

"You look amazing! So cute!" Thalia exclaimed, her eyes filled with admiration.

"Can we continue now?" I asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"Of course. But first, we need to get your Technique," Thalia told me, gesturing toward the door as we prepared to leave.

"Technique?" I asked, curious.

"Yes, here we call our abilities Techniques, and everyone has one. The man we encountered in the Human realm had the Rubber Technique," Thalia explained.

"Oh, yes, I remember," I interjected.

"So, what is Izuta's Technique?"

"He has the Gate Technique. It's a special ability that made him the gatekeeper," Thalia replied.

When we arrived at the shop, I noticed it wasn't very large, but it housed many orbs. Thalia approached the shopkeeper and requested a Technique orb.

"I would like a Technique orb, please," she asked, and the shopkeeper handed her one. Thalia then gave the orb to me and instructed, "Now, pour your Tàh into it."

"But how do I do that?" I asked.

"Focus your energy. The ball will shine a specific color. White for wind, blue for water, red for fire, yellow for lightning, and black for special techniques.

Special techniques are not elemental but still powerful. For example, Red with the Rubber Technique."

"Yes," I confirmed.

"And Izuta's Gate Technique is also a special technique," she added.

"Alright," I replied, determined to give it a try.

I focused my energy on my hands. I felt a tingling as brown energy entered the ball. The ball rose up and then returned to its normal milky color. What? I tried again, but the same thing happened. Again and again.

"What does this mean?" I asked, puzzled.

"It means you don't have a technique," she informed me.

"But you said everyone has one," I protested.

"I did. I'm surprised," she admitted.

"We should go to the Elders. They might know something," she suggested.

"The Elders?" I questioned.

"Yes, they are the leaders of our kingdom," she explained, her gaze wandering as if she spotted someone she knew.

"Let's go," Thalia gestured, and we boarded a carriage.

"Where are we going?" I inquired.

"To the central district where the Elders live," Thalia replied.

¶

We began venturing into a deeper part of the city until we got to the central district.

The sight took me aback. It felt like a different city altogether.

Thalia spoke with the guards, who granted us entry into the main building. Inside, we encountered a man with short spiky hair. He wore blue clothing that looked like academic regalia but without a hat.

"Hey Thalia, what's up?" the man greeted.

"Good morning, Captain Dai. It's a pleasure to meet you," Thalia responded. She placed her hand over her chest. The gesture seemed like a salute or a formal greeting. He must be a person of high rank, judging by her behavior. I wanted to greet him as well, but I knew better than to act without understanding the customs of this realm.

"What brings you here? Ah! She must be the one blessed with the powers of Ryuu," he exclaimed, pointing at me. "Well done," he added with emphasis.

It was clear that he knew of my existence. I couldn't help but wonder who this person was.

"We were hoping to meet with the Elders," Thalia spoke with strong determination in her voice.

"Alright, we will discuss it later. Farewell for now, Ryuu.

We will speak soon," he added before departing.

"Who was that?" I inquired.

"That man is Captain Dai, the leader of the Water Faction and the one who told me to find you." Thalia replied.

"In that case, I must speak to him as well. If this man knows where to find me, then he also knows about my parents."

We entered the inner chambers, where the Elders were said to reside. Upon entering, I saw a curtain-like material covering half of the room. Thalia immediately knelt.

"I have brought the Ryuu as requested," she announced.

"Good, and she is the one accompanying you?" a voice responded.

"Yes," Thalia confirmed.

"What kind of technique does she have?" the voice inquired.

"At the moment, she does not have any technique," Thalia replied.

"Hmm..." I heard a woman's voice murmur thoughtfully.

"A Ryuu without a technique? Hahahaha!" she burst into laughter.

"Calm down, Elder Sijeni. Ryuu, could you please excuse us for a moment?" the voice requested. So, I left them to their discussion. Even from outside the door, I could hear snippets of their conversation.

"Are you certain that she is the Ryuu?" the same woman's voice questioned.

"If we made a mistake, this could disrupt the balance," another man said.

"The tool led me to her, and even if she isn't the Ryuu, she has lived in the human realm for a significant amount of time, and—"

"Ryuu, we asked you to leave!" How did they know I was there? I hadn't meant to eavesdrop; I was leaving. I made my way out.