The incense had burned out.


    Ash sat in silence, his grandfather''s final words echoing in his mind.


    "Forge your own path."


    The scroll lay before him, untouched. The weight of it was unbearable.


    He had always sought answers. He had trained, fought, killed—all to prove himself worthy of his legacy. And yet, in the moment that mattered most, he hesitated.


    Kenshiko''s voice broke the silence.


    "Would you like me to translate the contents of the scroll?"


    Ash''s eyes flickered to the AI''s projection. The soft glow of its form flickered in the dim light, watching him, waiting.


    Waiting for his decision.


    "Do not let them define you."


    Ash exhaled, reaching forward. His fingers traced the rough edges of the scroll before he slowly, deliberately, unfurled it.


    The Teachings of the Shirogiri


    The ink was old but unbroken, the calligraphy precise—written by the hands of warriors long before him.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    The first words sent a chill through him.


    "Strength is not the end, but the beginning. To wield the blade without purpose is to be no better than a beast."


    His grandfather''s philosophy. The very foundation of the clan.


    But as Ash read further, the words took a darker turn.


    "There exists a final path—one which can only be walked by those who abandon their humanity. This is the art of the Forgotten Shadow."


    Ash''s grip tightened.


    The Forgotten Shadow. He had heard the name whispered before, always in caution, always in fear. It was said to be the ultimate Shirogiri technique, one that had been erased from history.


    Because those who mastered it… never remained human.


    His breath came slower.


    "To walk the path is to relinquish all weakness. Mind, body, and soul must be reforged. Pain will strip away the self. Only those willing to sever their past, their emotions, their very identity—will become the true sword."


    Something in Ash''s chest twisted.


    This wasn''t just about martial skill.


    It was something more. Something irreversible.


    The Choice Before Him


    Kenshiko remained silent as Ash read. The AI knew what this meant.


    Ash''s grandfather had never spoken of this. Never taught it to him. Had he been protecting Ash from it?


    Or had he been waiting for him to decide?


    Ash''s pulse thrummed in his ears.


    To wield this power meant giving up everything.


    His hesitation broke for a moment, and he spoke aloud.


    "What happens if I follow this path?"


    Kenshiko''s golden eyes flickered. It did not hesitate.


    "If you complete the Forgotten Shadow, your humanity will no longer serve as a limitation."


    A pause.


    Then, something unexpected.


    "Your grandfather refused to take the final step. He chose to remain human."


    Ash''s throat tightened.


    His grandfather, the strongest warrior he had ever known, chose to stop.


    Why?


    And now, Ash was faced with the same decision.


    Become something beyond human.


    Or remain himself.


    The air felt too thick to breathe.


    The choice was his.


    For now.


    "Kenshiko, I can''t decide now... we must prepare Grandfather''s funeral."