Tatsumi's POV
Life in the village was tough. Everyone worked day and night just to have enough to eat.
My hometown wasn't the kind of place where you could relax—it was freezing cold most of the year, and survival was never guaranteed.
I lost my parents when I was eight, so I had to rely on the kindness of the villagers to get by.
They fed me, gave me a place to sleep, and helped me survive. I wanted to pay them back someday, but as a kid, I didn't really know how.
Things changed when a retired soldier named Seron moved into the village. He seemed like my best chance to get stronger and actually do something useful.
At first, he didn't want to train me, but I kept bugging him until he finally gave in.
For years, he taught me how to fight with a sword, throw a punch, and even do some blacksmithing. It wasn't easy, but I stuck with it.
I wasn't the only one he trained, though. My friend Ieyasu joined in too. He was an orphan like me, so we had a lot in common.
Then there was Sayo, a girl from the village. Her mom had passed away recently, and with no one else to help her, she decided to learn archery to hunt for food.
The three of us trained together, hunted together, and helped out around the village. Things were okay for a while, but over time, everything got worse.
The winters seemed colder, the crops wouldn't grow, and even the animals we hunted started to disappear.
On top of that, taxes kept going up. People were starving, and some even died.
We couldn't just sit around and watch that happen. So the three of us decided to head to the capital. If we could join the imperial army, we'd earn good money and send it back to help everyone.
The village chief gave us his blessing, and we left. At first, it felt like we were on some kind of adventure, but things didn't go as planned.
We got attacked by bandits on the way, and I got separated from Ieyasu and Sayo.
I tried not to panic and told myself we'd meet up again in the capital. So I kept going, even though it was tough traveling alone.
One time, I came across a caravan being attacked by an earth-dragon. I couldn't just ignore it, so I jumped in to help.
After the fight, the caravan people were really grateful, but they warned me about the capital. They said the real monsters there weren't the danger beasts—they were the people.
Even with all the warnings, I didn't turn back. I had a job to do. The village was counting on us.
Finally, after two days of traveling, I made it. The capital was nothing like home. It was huge and full of people wearing all kinds of fancy clothes.
The buildings were massive, and the streets were lined with stalls selling food that smelled amazing.
I wanted to try everything, but I couldn't waste money. I needed to save as much as I could to join the army.
When I got to the recruitment office, I asked to join as a captain. I figured my training with Seron would be enough, but the guy at the desk handed me a form for a foot soldier position. It was the lowest rank, with barely any pay, and I'd be sent far away.
I tried to argue, even offered to show my skills, but he just yelled at me and kicked me out.
I was standing outside, feeling like an idiot, when this blonde woman walked up to me. She had short hair, golden eyes, and… well, let's just say she stood out.
She told me joining the army wasn't just about skill—you needed connections and money too.
When I asked how to get in, she said she'd explain if I treated her to dinner. I was desperate, so I agreed.
At the inn, she ate like a queen, and I spent what little money I had on her. After stuffing herself, she told me the truth—without connections or a bribe, I didn't stand a chance.
Then she said she could help me. If I gave her all my money, she'd use her connections to get me a good spot in the army. It sounded too good to be true, but I was desperate, so I handed over everything I had.
Of course, she never came back.
When the innkeeper told me I'd been scammed, I felt like an idiot. I had no money, no place to stay, and no clue what to do next. I spent the night wandering the streets, cursing that busty blonde con artist.
Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, a fancy carriage stopped in front of me.
A guard stepped out, followed by this beautiful girl. She had a kind smile and offered to let me stay at her house for the night.
I was suspicious at first—I mean, after what happened, who wouldn't be? But the guard and the girl seemed sincere, so I accepted.
Her house was incredible, like something out of a dream. Her family was just as nice. Her dad even promised to help me get a position in the military using his connections.
That night, after a big meal, I went to bed feeling like my luck had finally turned around.
But just as I was drifting off to sleep, I felt it—a sharp, chilling bloodlust. I grabbed my sword and went to the window.
Outside, five shadowy figures stood under the moonlight. Before I could react, they disappeared.
Then the screaming started.
The guards outside the mansion were being slaughtered. The attackers moved like ghosts, striking so fast that the guards didn't stand a chance.
I froze, my grip tightening on my sword. There was no way I could fight them. They weren't just strong—they were monsters.
And they were coming closer.