Chapter 7: Arrival at Fang Blade
The days passed slowly as Ryu continued his trek toward the **Kingdom of Fang Blade**. The journey was long and grueling, but he made the most of his time. With every step, he honed his skills and pushed himself to new limits.
During the day, Ryu hunted wild beasts that crossed his path, using his **Sol Commander** katana to dispatch them quickly. Each successful hunt brought experience points and valuable items—meat, furs, and rare materials that could be used for crafting. His skills in survival improved, and as a result, he also began experimenting with cooking over his campfire at night.
---
**System Notification:**
- **Skill Level Up: Hunting (Level 4)**
- **Skill Unlocked: Field Cooking**
---
Ryu took pride in his meals, simple as they were. Roasted meat, seasoned with wild herbs, tasted like a feast after long days of walking. Every bite fueled his body for the miles ahead.
At night, Ryu didn't waste time. Instead of sleeping immediately, he worked on his physical strength and dexterity, performing intense workouts—push-ups, sit-ups, and sword drills. The **Dark Impulse** armor moved seamlessly with him, allowing him to train harder without feeling restricted. The exercises kept his body sharp, and the quiet of the forest helped calm his mind.
As the days passed, Ryu also dabbled in blacksmithing. Using the materials he gathered, he crafted simple weapons and tools, improving his crafting skills even further. At one point, he managed to forge a sturdy dagger, which he decided to keep as a backup weapon. The thrill of learning new skills kept him going, even when the journey felt endless.
---
**System Notification:**
- **Skill Level Up: Blacksmithing (Level 3)**
- **Item Created: Iron Dagger**
---
By the time Ryu reached the fourth day of travel, his body had become stronger, his skills sharper. He was no longer the same person who had left the village with a sense of uncertainty. Now, he was more prepared for whatever awaited him in the **Kingdom of Fang Blade**.
It was late afternoon on the fifth day when Ryu finally crested a hill and saw it—**Fang Blade**.
But instead of the thriving kingdom he had imagined, what lay before him was a desolate landscape. The once grand city seemed broken, its towering walls crumbling, and the streets below were eerily empty. Broken cobblestones lined the road into the kingdom, and many of the buildings looked abandoned, their windows shattered and roofs caved in. A cold wind howled through the streets, carrying with it a sense of despair.
Ryu's steps slowed as he descended toward the city gates. His eyes scanned the ruined buildings, and he could feel the heavy weight of abandonment in the air. The kingdom looked like it had been through a war—or worse, a curse.
"What happened here…?" Ryu muttered to himself as he cautiously approached the gates.
A strange, unsettling energy hung in the air. Despite the desolation, there was a subtle pulse of power he couldn't ignore. It was as if something ancient and dangerous still lingered within the city, watching, waiting.
The large iron gates of the kingdom, once formidable, now stood barely intact. Ryu approached them cautiously, his hand resting on the hilt of his katana, ready to draw it at the first sign of danger. The gates creaked ominously as he pushed them open, revealing the empty streets of the kingdom beyond.
His footsteps echoed loudly as he entered Fang Blade. The silence was suffocating. There was no sign of life—no townsfolk, no guards, not even animals scurrying through the shadows. The only sound was the wind whistling through the hollow shells of buildings.
Ryu kept his senses alert as he walked deeper into the city. His **Sol Commander** katana hummed faintly at his side, as if reacting to the strange energy that permeated the place. Every corner he turned revealed more devastation—collapsed buildings, empty market stalls, and overgrown vines creeping through the streets.
Eventually, Ryu found himself standing in the town square, where a large fountain stood at the center. The water had long since dried up, and the once-beautiful statue that adorned it was cracked and broken. He gazed around, taking in the full extent of the damage.
This place had been alive once. But now, it was a shadow of its former self.
Ryu's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden system notification that appeared in his field of vision.
---
**System Notification:**
- **Quest Updated: The Journey to Fang Blade**
- **Objective Complete:** Arrive at the Kingdom of Fang Blade
- **New Objective:** Investigate the Cause of Fang Blade's Collapse
- **Bonus Reward Unlocked:** 500 XP
- **Main Reward:** Leviathan's Heart (Pending Quest Completion)
---
Ryu frowned at the notification. **Investigate the cause of Fang Blade's collapse?** He hadn't expected this. The system had mentioned helping the people, but there didn't seem to be any people left to help. Was this place truly abandoned? Or was something lurking in the shadows, hiding the truth?
Determined to uncover what had happened, Ryu began exploring the kingdom more thoroughly. His instincts told him that the answers he sought wouldn't be easily found, and there was likely danger ahead. But he had come too far to turn back now.
As he ventured deeper into the heart of the kingdom, a sense of dread settled over him. Something wasn't right, and he could feel the weight of unseen eyes watching his every move.
Whatever had caused Fang Blade's downfall, it wasn't going to reveal itself without a fight.
And Ryu was ready for whatever came next.
Ryu continued deeper into the crumbling ruins of the **Kingdom of Fang Blade**, the eerie silence making every step feel heavier. His hand remained on the hilt of his katana, ready to strike at any moment. As he walked down a narrow alleyway between two dilapidated buildings, a sudden tug on his arm made his instincts flare.
He whipped around, sword half-drawn, his heart racing. But before he could react fully, he stopped.
Clinging to his arm was a small girl—no more than ten years old. But she wasn't human. Her skin was a deep gray, with tiny horns sprouting from her forehead. Large, glowing yellow eyes stared up at him, wide with fear but also curiosity. Her clothes were torn, and she looked as though she had been hiding for days.
Ryu slowly relaxed, though his guard remained up. The girl was clearly no threat. He sheathed his katana, crouching down to her eye level. "Hey… It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you."
The little monster girl looked at him cautiously, her grip on his arm loosening but not letting go completely. Her small, sharp claws were shaking, and she seemed unsure whether to trust him. But something in Ryu's calm demeanor seemed to reassure her.
"Are you… from the kingdom?" Ryu asked softly, not wanting to scare her.
The girl nodded, her small horns glinting in the faint light.
Ryu's brow furrowed. This was unexpected. "What happened here?"
For a moment, the girl just stared at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Then, in a quiet, trembling voice, she spoke. "The humans… They attacked us. They destroyed everything."
Ryu's heart sank. So that was it. This kingdom hadn't fallen due to some natural disaster or curse. It had been invaded and torn apart by humans. He had heard stories of such conflicts between humans and monsters, but he had never seen the aftermath firsthand. He had never expected to see such cruelty left behind in the wake of war.
"How long ago?" he asked, his voice low.
The girl sniffed, wiping her eyes with the back of her clawed hand. "A few months… I think. I-I don't remember. The humans… they said we were dangerous. That we had to be destroyed. They killed so many." Her voice broke, and she clung tighter to Ryu's arm, her small body shaking with fear. "My mom and dad… they're gone."
Ryu's chest tightened as he listened to her words. It wasn't just a war. It had been a massacre. The devastation he had seen—the empty streets, the ruined buildings—it all made sense now. The people of the **Kingdom of Fang Blade** hadn't simply vanished. They had been hunted down.
And they weren't just any people—they were monsters. Or, perhaps more accurately, hybrids. Beings that didn't fit neatly into the human world's definitions of "normal" or "acceptable." And because of that, they had been deemed a threat.
Ryu gently placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "What's your name?"
"Yuki…" she whispered.
"Well, Yuki," Ryu said softly, "you're safe now. I'm here to help."
Yuki looked up at him, her large eyes blinking. "You're… not like the humans who attacked us?"
Ryu shook his head. "No. I'm not here to hurt anyone. I came here to help. If your people are still out there, I'll do everything I can to protect them."
Yuki hesitated for a moment, then nodded, her eyes brightening just a little. "There are still some of us left… not many, but we're hiding. They'll want to talk to you."
Ryu stood, helping Yuki to her feet. "Take me to them."
Yuki nodded and began leading Ryu deeper into the ruined kingdom, her small hand gripping his tightly. As they walked, Ryu's thoughts swirled with the weight of what he had learned. He had come to this kingdom expecting to face monsters, but what he found was a broken people in need of help. His mission, his quest, had taken on a new meaning. These weren't just enemies or creatures to be defeated—they were victims.
As they made their way through the darkened streets, Ryu's senses remained alert. Every shadow felt like it could hide more survivors—or worse, more danger. Eventually, Yuki led him to what seemed like the remnants of a marketplace. The stalls were overturned, and the air was heavy with the stench of decay. But in the shadows of a collapsed building, Ryu noticed movement.
Figures began to emerge—half-hidden in the ruins, their eyes watching him warily. They were like Yuki—monster-like in appearance, but each one different from the other. Some had scales, others fur. Some had wings, while others had tails or claws. These were the survivors of the **Kingdom of Fang Blade**—the ones who had escaped the slaughter.
One of them stepped forward—a tall, muscular man with the head of a lion and the body of a humanoid. His fur was matted, and his eyes were filled with suspicion as he looked at Ryu. "Who are you?" the lion-man growled. "Why have you come here?"
Yuki stepped forward before Ryu could answer, her small voice cutting through the tension. "He's here to help us, Kaz. He's not like the humans who attacked."
Kaz narrowed his eyes at Ryu, clearly not convinced. "Help? How do we know you're not a spy? How do we know you're not just here to finish what the others started?"
Ryu met the lion-man's gaze evenly, refusing to be intimidated. "I'm not your enemy," he said firmly. "I came here because I was sent on a quest to help the people of Fang Blade. I didn't know what had happened here until Yuki told me. But now that I know, I'm not turning my back on you. If there's any way I can help, I will."
Kaz studied him for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "If you really mean to help, then you'll have to prove it. The humans didn't just destroy our homes. They took something from us. Something important."
"What did they take?" Ryu asked.
"Our sacred relic," Kaz said, his voice a low growl. "The **Fang Blade of the Leviathan**—the heart of our kingdom's power. Without it, we're vulnerable. We can't rebuild, we can't protect ourselves. The humans stole it when they attacked. If you want to prove you're on our side, you'll help us get it back."
Ryu felt the weight of the task settling over him. This wasn't just about helping a few survivors. The fate of an entire kingdom's people rested on his shoulders.
He nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "I'll help you get it back. Whatever it takes."
Kaz's expression softened slightly, though the tension in the air remained. "Then you might just be our only hope."
As Ryu stood among the broken remnants of Fang Blade's people, he realized that this quest was far bigger than he had anticipated. But he had made a promise—to Yuki, to these people—and he wasn't going to back down now.
The journey ahead would be dangerous, but Ryu had come this far. He wasn't about to turn back now.
Ryu stood tall in the ruins of **Fang Blade**, the weight of his promise heavy on his shoulders. The survivors—monster-like in appearance but all united by their shared tragedy—watched him closely, their eyes filled with both hope and doubt. Kaz, the lion-headed leader, had tasked him with retrieving the **Fang Blade of the Leviathan**, the sacred relic stolen by the humans. It was the only way the kingdom could rebuild and protect itself.
Kaz stepped forward, his massive frame looming over Ryu. "The humans who took the Fang Blade… they didn't get far. They're holed up in a fortress north of here, using the relic to strengthen their forces. If we don't get it back soon, they'll become unstoppable."
Ryu nodded. "Do you have any information about their defenses? How many guards they have? Any weaknesses?"
Kaz's expression darkened. "We know they've fortified the place with soldiers and traps. They also have mages who are using the power of the **Leviathan's Heart** to create barriers. Getting inside won't be easy."
Ryu's mind raced as he absorbed the details. It was clear this wasn't going to be a simple mission. But it didn't matter. He had already committed to seeing this through.
"I'll need supplies," Ryu said. "Weapons, potions—anything that can help me take down those barriers and get past the guards."
Kaz grunted in approval. "You'll find what you need in the old armory. It's not much, but it's all we have left."
Yuki, still clutching his arm, tugged at his sleeve. "You'll come back, right? You'll help us?"
Ryu crouched down to her level, looking into her glowing yellow eyes. "I will. I promise."
Yuki nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Thank you."
With that, Kaz gestured toward the armory, and Ryu followed him through the broken streets of the city. The survivors remained in the shadows, watching silently as he walked past, their eyes filled with silent prayers for his success.
---
The armory was small and dusty, but it held a surprising amount of equipment—rusted swords, old shields, and a few potions stored in crates. Ryu sifted through the items, picking up a small pouch of healing potions and a few vials labeled "mana restoration." As he reached for a polished dagger, a system notification blinked into his vision.
---
**System Notification:**
- **New Objective:** Recover the Fang Blade of the Leviathan
- **Quest Reward:** 5000 XP, Relic Armor of Fang Blade
- **Bonus Reward:** Leviathan's Heart
---
Ryu grinned slightly. The system rewards were a good incentive, but it was the people of Fang Blade who needed him more.
Kaz handed him a small map, pointing to the north where the human fortress was located. "Be careful. The humans are ruthless, and they won't hesitate to kill anything they see as a threat."
Ryu nodded, gripping the map tightly. "I won't let them keep what's yours."
With that, he set off toward the northern wilderness, his steps purposeful. The kingdom of Fang Blade grew smaller behind him, but Ryu knew that every step he took was one closer to bringing justice to these people. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
---
After a few hours of trekking through dense forest, Ryu came upon the human fortress. It was a massive structure, built with towering stone walls and guarded by well-armed soldiers. Even from a distance, he could see the faint glow of magical barriers surrounding the place.
He crouched low in the bushes, analyzing the situation. There were patrols at regular intervals, and the front gates were heavily fortified. But Ryu wasn't looking for a direct approach.
He scanned the perimeter until his eyes settled on a section of the wall near the back, where the forest grew thicker. It was less guarded, and the foliage provided enough cover to approach unnoticed.
Ryu moved quietly, slipping through the shadows of the trees. His **Sol Commander** katana hummed softly at his side, as if sensing the upcoming battle. As he neared the wall, he reached into his system inventory and retrieved a small climbing hook he had found in the armory. With a quick toss, the hook latched onto the top of the wall, and Ryu pulled himself up, landing silently on the other side.
The inside of the fortress was just as imposing as the outside—rows of soldiers, training yards, and a large central building that housed the relic. Ryu kept to the shadows, moving swiftly through the narrow alleys between the barracks.
His heart pounded in his chest, but his focus remained sharp. The magical barrier protecting the main building was visible now—a shimmering field of energy that pulsed with the power of the **Leviathan's Heart**.
Just as he was about to make his move, a voice echoed in his mind.
---
**System Notification:**
- **New Side Quest:** Disrupt the Fortress's Power Source
- **Objective:** Locate and destroy the magical conduits powering the barrier
- **Bonus Reward:** 2000 XP
---
Ryu smirked. The system was always one step ahead, guiding him toward victory. He knew he couldn't take down the barrier head-on, so disrupting the power source was the key.
He slipped deeper into the fortress, keeping his movements swift and silent. As he entered a side building, he saw it—a glowing crystal, suspended in the center of the room, humming with energy. It was one of the conduits powering the magical barrier.
Without hesitation, Ryu unsheathed his katana and sliced through the crystal. The conduit shattered with a sharp crack, and the glow in the room dimmed.
---
**System Notification:**
- **Barrier Power Reduced by 25%**
---
Ryu wasted no time. He moved through the fortress, taking out each conduit one by one. Each time the power waned, the magical barrier flickered, growing weaker.
Finally, after destroying the last conduit, a final notification appeared.
---
**System Notification:**
- **Barrier Power Reduced by 100%**
- **Main Objective Unlocked: Retrieve the Fang Blade of the Leviathan**
---
Ryu's heart raced with adrenaline as he made his way to the central building. The barrier had fallen, and the path to the relic was now open.
But he knew this was only the beginning. Inside that building, the humans were waiting, and they wouldn't give up the relic without a fight.
Ryu gripped the hilt of his katana tightly, determination flooding his veins. This was it—the moment he had been preparing for.
With a deep breath, he stepped through the doors, ready to face whatever awaited him inside.
As Ryu stepped into the central building, his heart was heavy with the memories of the people of Fang Blade. The kingdom was in ruins, and its survivors had been left with nothing but hope in him. The humans who had taken everything from them were inside, guarding the **Fang Blade of the Leviathan**, a relic that could restore power and protection to the kingdom.
Ryu took a deep breath, trying to push aside the anger bubbling inside him. His father's words echoed in his mind: "When you face your enemies, don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. Stay calm, stay focused, and fight with purpose."
He nodded to himself, gripping the hilt of his **Sol Commander** katana. He didn't have to kill the guards. He could disarm them, neutralize them, and get what he needed without taking lives unnecessarily. His mission was clear: recover the Fang Blade and return it to the people who needed it.
---
Inside the building, the room was dimly lit by flickering torches. Ryu could hear the murmur of voices from the next room—guards, no doubt, discussing their daily routines, unaware of his presence.
He moved like a shadow, silent and precise. Peering into the room, he saw five armored guards standing around a pedestal where the **Fang Blade of the Leviathan** rested. Its sleek, dark blade shimmered with power, drawing Ryu's gaze.
He could feel the tension in his muscles, but he kept his father's words in mind. No bloodshed if it wasn't necessary.
Ryu entered the room, swift and efficient. His katana was out, but instead of cutting down the guards, he used the flat of his blade to knock their weapons out of their hands. The first guard didn't even have time to react before Ryu disarmed him, a quick twist of his wrist sending the man's sword clattering to the ground.
The others turned in shock, reaching for their own weapons, but Ryu was faster. With fluid movements, he swept his katana low, knocking another guard's feet out from under him. As the man hit the ground, Ryu stepped over him, spinning to face the remaining guards.
They tried to surround him, but Ryu stayed calm, using their own momentum against them. He sidestepped their attacks, tripping one, disarming another. In a matter of moments, all five guards were on the ground, groaning in pain but otherwise unharmed.
Ryu sheathed his katana, his expression calm but focused. "Stay down," he said softly, his voice firm but not unkind. "I'm only here for the blade."
The guards exchanged glances, clearly confused by the fact that they were still alive. One of them nodded slowly, and they made no further move to stop him.
Ryu approached the pedestal, his heart pounding as he reached out to grasp the **Fang Blade of the Leviathan**. The moment his fingers touched the hilt, he felt a surge of energy flow through him, the relic's power connecting with him on a deep level. It was as though the blade recognized him as worthy of wielding it.
---
**System Notification:**
- **Quest Complete: Retrieve the Fang Blade of the Leviathan**
- **Reward: 5000 XP, Relic Armor of Fang Blade**
- **Bonus Reward: Leviathan's Heart**
---
Ryu's body tingled with the rewards, but he didn't let it distract him. He had what he came for, and now it was time to return to the people of Fang Blade.
He turned to leave, but as he passed the guards, he spoke once more. "This kingdom has suffered enough. Don't add to their pain."
The guards, still recovering, nodded weakly, their eyes wide with understanding. Ryu wasn't a ruthless killer—he was someone fighting for a cause greater than revenge.
---
By the time Ryu made it back to the outskirts of **Fang Blade**, night had fallen. The air was cool, and the city's ruins were bathed in moonlight. As he approached the survivors, Yuki was the first to spot him. She ran toward him, her face lighting up with hope.
"Did you get it?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
Ryu unsheathed the **Fang Blade of the Leviathan**, holding it up for them to see. The relic gleamed under the moonlight, its presence commanding a quiet awe.
Kaz, the lion-headed leader, stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the blade. "You did it," he said, his voice low with disbelief. "You actually did it."
The other survivors gathered around, their faces a mix of relief and quiet joy. There were no loud celebrations, just an overwhelming sense of hope that finally, after all the destruction, there was a chance for recovery.
Ryu handed the relic to Kaz. "This belongs to your people."
Kaz accepted the blade, his massive hands gripping it carefully. "Thank you, Ryu. You've given us a chance. We can rebuild now."
The survivors stood around, murmuring amongst themselves, some of them shedding tears of gratitude. Yuki, the little monster girl who had first asked for his help, tugged on his sleeve again. "Thank you for keeping your promise."
Ryu looked down at her and smiled softly. "I told you I would."
But deep inside, he knew this was only the beginning. The road to rebuilding the kingdom would be long, and the humans who had caused the destruction might not be the last threat they would face. Still, for now, he had given them hope—and that was enough.
The next few days were filled with hard work as Ryu stayed to help the people of **Fang Blade** rebuild what they had lost. Each day brought new challenges, but Ryu approached them with the same focus and determination that had guided him through countless battles. Whether it was reinforcing the walls, clearing debris, or guiding others on how to organize the reconstruction, he worked tirelessly alongside the people, showing them he was not just a warrior but someone they could rely on.
Kaz and the others had gathered some resources from the surrounding area, and little by little, the kingdom began to show signs of recovery. The once-ruined streets were now cleaner, homes were being rebuilt, and a sense of hope had returned. Yuki was always nearby, eager to learn and help, and Ryu found himself smiling more often as he watched her and the other survivors begin to reclaim their home.
As the days passed, Ryu could feel the bond between him and the people of Fang Blade grow stronger. They had placed their trust in him, and he had delivered. It wasn't long before the kingdom began to look less like a broken ruin and more like a place where life could flourish once again.
---
On the final day of reconstruction, Ryu stood at the edge of the kingdom, gazing out over the city. The people had worked hard, and their efforts were beginning to pay off. The walls were standing strong, the homes were livable, and there was a sense of peace in the air. Ryu knew it was time for him to leave and continue his journey. His friends were still waiting for him, and there was much more to be done in the world beyond Fang Blade.
As he turned to say his goodbyes, a **system window** appeared before him.
---
**System Notification:**
- **Congratulations! You have gained the title: Leader of Fang Blade**
- **Effect: Gain increased leadership and influence over the people of Fang Blade. Loyalty increased by 50%.**
---
Ryu blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected to receive such a title. Before he could process it, the people of Fang Blade began to gather around him, their faces filled with gratitude and respect. Kaz stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of the kingdom's hopes.
"You've done more for us than we could have ever asked," Kaz said, bowing deeply. "We are forever in your debt, Ryu. From this day forward, you are not just a warrior who saved us. You are our leader—our king."
Ryu's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, I'm not—"
But the people were already bowing, their voices rising in unison. "Long live the King of Fang Blade!"
The declaration rang through the air, echoing off the rebuilt walls of the kingdom. Yuki stood at the front, her small hands clasped together as she looked up at Ryu with awe.
Ryu felt a weight settle on his shoulders. He hadn't come here to be a king. He was just doing what he believed was right, helping those who needed it. But now, they were looking at him not as an outsider, but as someone they wanted to follow, someone they believed could lead them into a brighter future.
For a moment, he stood there, unsure of what to say. Then he nodded slowly, accepting the title they had given him, though he still wasn't entirely comfortable with it.
"I'll accept this title," Ryu said, his voice steady. "But I'm not staying here. I have a journey to complete, and I need to meet up with my friends. Fang Blade is your kingdom—your home. I'll return when I can, but you all are the true strength of this place."
Kaz nodded in understanding. "We will continue rebuilding in your name, Ryu. We'll make sure the kingdom thrives for when you return."
Ryu smiled, a rare, genuine expression that softened his usually stoic face. "Thank you. I'll come back when I can."
The people bowed once more, their respect for him unwavering. Ryu felt a deep sense of responsibility settle within him, but he also knew his journey was far from over. With a final glance at the people he had helped, he turned and began to walk away from the kingdom.
Yuki ran up to him one last time, tugging on his sleeve. "You promise you'll come back, right?"
Ryu knelt down to her level, meeting her eyes with a gentle smile. "I promise."
She nodded, satisfied, before running back to join the others. Ryu stood and continued his walk, the road ahead of him long but clear.
As he left the borders of **Fang Blade**, he couldn't help but think about what the future held—not just for the kingdom, but for himself. The title of **Leader of Fang Blade** might have been granted to him, but in his heart, he knew that he would always be a wanderer, a warrior, and someone who stood up for what was right, wherever the road might take him.
For now, though, he had another goal. His friends were waiting, and he had much to tell them.
With a final glance back at the kingdom he had helped rebuild, Ryu set off into the distance, knowing that his journey was far from over—but he would always have a place to return to.