First, they started falling downwards, then started going upwards. "This is making me dizzy! I have motion sickness!" Sam cried. "It's lightwork haha!" Ela exclaimed. "Looks like you both are enjoying yourselves." Ronin laughed. "You think I'm enjoying this? I'm on the verge of puking!" Sam cried. Ela and Ronin laughed at him when suddenly, the surrounding turned ren. "Red? Someone is sending a signal. Something must have happened in this reality. His is a signal. The questions are, what happened and when did it happen?" Ronin stated. "Something bad? What do you mean?" Ela asked. "While travelling between worlds, different surrounding colors appear due to signals. Every day, a signal is sent to active portals. This signal is responsible for the change in colors of the surroundings. These signals make sure that everything's under order. Blue means everything's okay. Yellow means support is needed for different tasks and finally red means, disaster, or war. These colors will not disappear until another signal is sent or if the creator uses this portal again. Sadly, this portal has not been active since I last travelled. So, I don't know when this signal was sent. Could be an hour ago, could be years ago, could be even centuries." Ronin explained. "What could've happened?" Ela asked. "I seriously have no idea at this point. We'll only find out after reaching the other side." Ronin replied. Suddenly, an opening appeared out of the blue from which, a bright light shunned. "Hold hands!" Ronin commanded.
The three opened their eyes just to find themselves falling to the ground. "Typical portals!" Ronin giggled. "this is no time to laugh! Save us, Ronin! We're falling! We'll die." Sam shouted. "Stop shouting Sam! But he's not wrong, do something!" Ela gasped. "Don't worry. Nothing will happen. The Scared wind will protect us." Ronin exclaimed. "What?" Sam shouted. "You'll see for yourself." Ronin replied as he closed his eyes and laid in the air. As soon as they nearly hit the ground, a tornado formed around them, breaking their speed and landing them on the ground safely. "The sacred wind, got it." Ela said. "Wind, water, fire, earth, and lightning. These are the main elements. Everything in this world is controlled by these. Other elements like steel, lava, ice etc. are by products of these elements only. People travel through portals from different worlds for multiple reasons like trading etc. This world is the main world, which has the trading hub, providing with all the facilities. Every world, including ours, is connected to this world, though magic didn't really develop in the human world, so portals haven't been activated there." Ronin explained. They found themselves in a huge grass field. "Even if the human world's portal activates, they still don't have anything to trade here. Even the crops are harvested using magic, thereby increasing the quantity and quality." Ronin exclaimed as he looked proud. "Ronin, you'll have plenty of time to explain all of this later on. We need to do what we came here for first. You can feel it, right?" Grid interrupted. "Yeah, I can." Ronin replied. "Um, context please? What are you both talking about?" Ela asked. "I can sense it. My Katana. I feel a lot closer to it. Now I can sense it's complete presence." Ronin explained. "I don't understand. How were you able to sense it from a completely different reality to begin with?" Sam asked. "It's hard to put in words. It just happens. My weapons, especially my Katanas, are connected spiritually. Maybe that's why I can use them to sense the others." Ronin explained. "Hold on a second, The Katana isn't the only thing that we're sensing right now, right Ronin?" Grid giggled. "Shit! An army is coming towards us! We don't have portal travel permits!" Ronin gasped. "We need permits to even use portals!?" Sam asked confusingly. "Isn't that obvious? We need passports to travel to different countries. These are different worlds we're talking about. Obviously, we will require permits. Though, an entire army for just that doesn't seem right. Oh wait, the portal, it opened so far away from the town, and it's not registered to begin with. Got it." Ronin explained. "The town is nearby; we can reach it before the army reaches us. Let's head for the gates. Though, we'll have to go through checkpoints." Grid suggested. "We'll see what we can do later. Let's go for now." Ronin replied.
"There's a gate." Ela pointed towards a big red gate with multiple guards covering the entire area. "It's definitely the entrance." Sam stated. There were huge walls surrounding the whole town. "Wait, the walls weren't so big at my time. There's sure has been development in the town." Ronin exclaimed. "What's with that line though?" Sam asked. There was a big line of visitors waiting at the entrance who were going through security checks.
"Without permits, there is no energy. If you don't have any, don't bother showing up." One of the guards shouted. "Alright, when it's our turn, let me do the talking. If he doesn't listen, I'll just compel him." Ronin said as they joined the line. "I don't think that'll be needed. They won't stop you from entering, right?" Sam asked. "We'll see. Precautions are necessary." Ronin replied. During the checking, someone was caught with a gun. The guard snatched it from his hands and shot him on the spot. "NO WEAPONS ALLOWED IN THE TOWN. IF I FIND ANYONE ELSE CARRYING ANY KIND OF WEAPONS, YOU'LL GO THROUGH THE SAME THING. THROW THEM RIGHT NOW OR END UP DEAD." The guard shouted as he grabbed the body and threw him aside. "What!? How dare he do that with a visitor!? Carrying a weapon is allowed under certain circumstances. Why the fuck would he kill him!?" Ronin grunted. His anger was taking over. "Hey Ron, look over there. I think the permits are being made there. Let's get one." Sam said pointing towards a booth next to the gate. "Permits can't be made like this! They are specially created by the realm travel agency, present in every world. Merchants are given permits after severe security checks. They're just making money out of this by creating fake ones! I didn't expect corruption to take over in my absence." Ronin said in anger. "Did you think the rules will stay the same after so many years? Things have changed." Grid sighed. "This is a travelers' hub. Rules don't really change here." Someone from behind stated. "I didn't notice him until he spoke. How was he able to hide his presence up until now?" Ronin thought. They turned back and saw a person in a hoodie and a mask, covering his face. "Hey, do I know you? You seem really familiar." Ronin asked. "No sir. I don't think so." He replied. "I see. How do you know about this? About rules not changing ever?" Ronin asked. "I'm a regular traveler, sir. I am just always on point about such things." He exclaimed.
Now it was Ronin's turn. He was in his usual outfit, with the Katana visible. "You're deaf? Moron? I said, NO FUCKIN WEAPONS IN MY TOWN!" The guard shouted, swinging his axe at Ronin. He was really fast, but Ronin dodged the axe with ease. He then slashed it into multiple pieces with his Katana. The guards were stunned. "How dare you!" He shouted. Ronin looked him dead in the eyes with the intent to kill him. His eye color turned blood red. "You-you think you can oppose me!? A noble guard!? I'll kill you!" He shouted. He backed up, took out an even bigger axe and swung it towards Sam. Before Ronin could stop him, the stranger from before travelled at light speed, shattered the axe with his bare hands, and kicked the guard straight into the gate, breaking them open. Ronin and the others were shocked to witness such enormous speed and strength. The other guards circled him. "You're up for a bad time kid! How dare you kick a noble guard!? That's treason, you son of a bitch. You'll be executed!" A guard shouted. "Oh, you're so full of yourself. Committing murder of innocent visitors and bribery in the name of permits, that also on duty is fuckin treason. What will become of you when the board gets to know about this? I ain't letting that slide buddy. You wanna stop me? Better man up and fight!" The stranger exclaimed. The guards pounced at him all together with their axes and swords. Within seconds, he teleported behind one of them, knocking him out with just a little chop on the neck. "Oh, it's fun. Haven't done this in a while! Come on, show me what you got! Who's next?" The guy exclaimed. "What's happening? He's a maniac, beating all those guards at the same time. This is the perfect opportunity for us to enter. Let's go!" Ela suggested. "Wait, I need to talk to him. I think I know him. If it's who I think he is, then we're up for some fun." Ronin exclaimed. "So, what do you wanna do? Stand here and wait for him to come and talk to you? Why would he even do that? He doesn't even know you to begin with!" Sam asked. "Oh, don't worry. He will come to us. Look, he's done with those guards. There you go, he's coming." Ronin exclaimed. The guy knocked every guard down. He saw Ronin and rushed towards him. "You were so col back there! Stopped him and scared him with just a simple death stare!" The guy exclaimed. "Same goes for you buddy. Kicked their asses with ease. You're well trained. What's your name?" Ronin asked. "The name's Tadao, Tadao Seki. And you are?" He asked. "Ronin, my name's Ronin." He replied. "Wait, I've heard that somewhere!" he stated. "I'm the one behind the overall plan to create this hub. I'm one of the creators actually." Ronin explained. "Yeah, no shit. Then that makes me the owner of the nether world!" Tadao taunted. "Um, I'm not joking." Ronin claimed. "Even I'm not joking! No, seriously, who are you?" Tadao asked. "I just told you, I'm the creator and the president of the hub, well, the ex-president of the hub. I'm Ronin, also known with different names like, Silent Assassin, or Lost Assassin. Well, you get the pitch." Ronin explained. Tadao saw the seriousness in Ronin's else. "The deep red eyes, the scary aura, you aren't joking. I can't believe myself right now. I'm standing in front of a legend right now!" Tadao jumped in excitement as his eyes shined. "I'm also pleased to meet a warrior like you. Tadao Seki, was it? Like from the Seki Lineage?" Ronin asked. "Yes, I'm the current head of the Seki lineage. Tadao Seki." He explained. "Wow, the leader at such a small age? You're too young to be the head. If I'm not wrong, you must be the great grandson of Sano Seki, right?" Ronin asked. "Yes sir." He replied with enthusiasm. "I still don't get how you're the head right now. Where are your father or brothers? Is everything alright?" Ronin asked. Tadao's expression suddenly changed. "They passed away protecting my mother and me from those nether monsters. Sadly, they weren't gifted with the family's powers. I was still a newborn when this happened. I was blessed with the powers, and so was my grandfather. Though, he declined to take on the responsibility of the leader. He claimed that sitting on the head chair again would be the end for him and the family. I can understand how hard it is for him, losing his son and grandson at the same time. You should talk to him, Ronin-sama." Tadao explained. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Tadao. You're a strong warrior who deserves my respect. Please feel free to address me with my name. I would love to have a chat with your grandfather but before that, I have a couple of questions. Please provide me with some answers." Ronin exclaimed. "yes, Ronin-san. I'll be delighted to be of help. Let's go to our mansion. You should stay there." Tadao exclaimed. "You don't have to worry about the hospitality Tadao. I don't wanna disturb your family with my presence. We'll take a hotel." Ronin replied. "No sir, I insist. Please let us take care of you and be of your help once more." Tadao insisted. "Alright, thank you for your kindness." Ronin replied.
As they walked through the town, Sam and Ela were quite shocked and impressed with the hub. A hub of technology working on the concept of magic. There were magical elevators, magical transportations, magical vehicles etc. Each and everything was based on the concept of magic. Products were produced right in front of the consumers using magic. Shoes were made within seconds in bulk, something that takes days to create in the human world. In the middle of the complexes, there were huge portals connecting different worlds together. Each portal was guarded with high security. Suddenly. Ronin noticed the army heading towards them. "Good evening travelers, I would like to know where you came from. The portal you opened was not verified. What's your reason to appear here?" The officer asked. "We've come from the world of humans. We had to open the portal for travelling purpose. I'm here to look for something that belongs to me." Ronin replied. "Interesting. I would like to know what you've been looking for! What is your name, traveler?" The officer asked. "My name's Ronin. I'm looking for my weapons." Ronin said. The officer and his men burst into laughter. "Ronin, as in the silent assassin? You think we're a bunch of morons?" He asked while laughing. "I hate to prove myself again and again." Ronin murmured. "What did you say?" The officer asked. "Stop it at once, Rehm. You can't dishonor my friend like that! He is Ronin." Tadao grunted. "Being the head of your family, doesn't give you the right to order my around, Tadao. Your grandfather is still very well alive, and I'll take orders only from him. I don't take orders from you so back off, kid." The officer exclaimed. "And for you, Mr. Ronin. You're under arrest for trespassing a completely different realm for selfish purposes!" The officer replied. "You can't do that Rehm! Are you out of your mind!? I won't let you do that!" Tadao interfered. "Enough! Shut it, both of you. You're starting to give me a headache." Ronin grunted. "You're a real brat, Ronin wannabe." Rehm taunted. "Alright, bring it on." Ronin gasped as he took out his Katana and took a stance. "Let's decide who's going where, Rehm." Ronin said. "No one will interfere. This is my prey. I'll handle him on my own!" Rehm growled. He summoned his sword from thin air. He was a total of thirteen feet in size, with a sword of around seven feet. He swung it at Ronin. His speed was surprisingly really fast, in comparison to the sword's weight and his size. Ronin was able to dodge it easily, and said, "It takes a lot of strength just to wield something as big as this, let alone swinging it with such accuracy, speed and precision. Though, I'm still not impressed. Thought that army general was better than this." Ronin taunted him. Rehm grunted and started swinging his sword, with each swing getting faster and faster. "His adaption rate is quite high. It's admirable." Ronin thought. Rehm growled as he kept on swinging though not a single swing hit Ronin. "You must have trained a lot, your whole life to master the art of this weapon. It's a death metal weapon, no shit it's so powerful. Holding such a huge amount of magic that makes it stronger with every swing. The wielder is well trained. He's power stacked. I'm impressed with his performance." Grid complimented. "Yeah, that's true. The only thing he lacks is patience. And also, his pride has taken over his mind. If he work on these two factors, he'll become a warrior, than many can only dream about. I'm sure many still look up to him, though I'll be shattering their dreams today." Ronin claimed as he giggled. He kept on dodging the attacks as if it was child's play. He ended up reaching the town's wall behind him when Rehm shouted, "Looks like you have nowhere to go! I'll kill you!" He laughed. "I'm impressed, Rehm. Though, you're still lacking behind." Ronin stated, blocking his sword with his Katana with one hand. "First, you're way too overconfident in your skills and powers. Yes, they must be well trained, but this much overconfident may just be the reason of your death. Just wielding a death metal won't make you the strongest." Roni explained. Rehm growled and used mental magic to increase the weight of the sword, though it didn't budge him at all. He pushed him behind with ease, teleporting to the city square. Rehm cluelessly rushed behind him. "Second, you don't use your weapon the way it should be used. Even though you may have high accuracy; you're skills aren't well built." Ronin explained. Rehm pounced towards Ronin but got kicked back instead. "Third and the most important, you lack patience. You're letting words get to you. You're an impatient warrior, which will one day result in your loss, like today." Ronin explained. He put his Katana back into the sheath. Rehm pounced at him again, but Ronin broke his arm, and his ribs with some consecutive punches. He the appeared right in front of him and shattered him sword into minute pieces with just a punch. Rehm was shocked and confused. "How did I lose to a kid?" he thought. His will to fight back shattered with his sword. Ronin looked him straight in the eyes with a very calm gaze. Rehm understood what he got himself into. He noticed Ronin's eyes, the kindness within them. "People thought you were gone forever. The curse didn't work. We had no hopes of you returning. But here you are." Rehm gasped. "It's a curse, not a miracle. I did take a lot of births after I went away from this city, but didn't return. This time, I was born as a normal human, who helped people for nothing. The day I got my memories back; all I could think about is getting my weapons back. Today, I remember what being Ronin is really about. It's about helping the needy. Just some changed within yourself, and you'll become a man that people can happily call their protector. The ways can change, Rehm. You can change." Ronin explained. Rehm had tears in his eyes. He thanked Ronin for knocking sense into him. "I don't know when I became like this. I joined the army for the sole purpose of helping those in need and I didn't know I needed the help, until today. Thank you, Ronin-san." He exclaimed.
Ronin healed Rehm's body and stood him up. "Let's go guys. My house awaits!" Tadao exclaimed. "I'll be taking my leave now, Rehm. I hope this lesson plays a major role in shaping you the right way. Keep my words in your mind at all times. Good luck for the future." Ronin said as they left for Tadao's house.
"The Seki Mansion." Ronin read the nameplate outside.