The Path of the Samurai: A LitRPG Adventure (Beneath the Horimono Book 1)

by Honie Jar

  The Path of a Samurai

  A LitRPG Adventure

  Honie Jar

  Luka Petrov

  Chapter One

  Life within the game, Guardian Quest, had become a gradual process easy to accept from the beginning for some, Genkei being one. Since the Event occurred, trapping 50,000 Japanese players inside the world of Guardian Quest and millions worldwide. Genkei constantly played Guardian Quest, and knew every tactic to become an advanced player in the game.

  Being wheelchair-bound, Guardian Quest was Genkei’s way of living life normally. In the game, Genkei could walk on two legs and stand six-feet tall, much taller than his five-foot, three-inch frame, which his stature was halved by spending each day in a wheelchair. Despite this handicap, Genkei worked hard not to be a burden for his family. He was born being able to move all of his extremities, however as time went on and he got older, he became paralyzed from the waist down. His family could barely afford the series of wheelchairs necessary to keep Genkei mobile as he grew out of them. At age sixteen, Genkei vowed to bring honor to his family and to repay the debt that he owed to his two loving parents.

  Genkei was not alone in this journey. His twin sister was the rising and setting sun in his life. She did not suffer the same aliment as he did, instead, she was a strong athlete. In a way, overcompensating for Genkei’s shortcomings. Because of this dichotomy, Genkei revered his sister.

  The Event, oddly enough was a relief for Genkei. The vacuuming energy sent across the world sucked in millions and millions of video game players across the world. The epicenter of the Event seemed to be Japan, as Japan took the hit first before it spread. Over a year had passed since this catastrophe, where Genkei entered the game and he was already over seventeen, yet nothing felt odd to him. As someone who’s real life was nothing more than an assortment of disappointment from a life restrained by his loss of movement, it was to no surprise that Genkei felt little attachment to his real life that had been stolen from him. Now he was situated in a virtual reality that had become real life for him. Yet, his emotions were mixed. He longed for his two loving parents each and every day. They were supportive and catered to Genkei. However, he felt relief that he was no longer a burden to them. Despite missing his parents, it was hard to ignore the happiness accompanied by his transformation form a burden to a warrior. Even as time passed Genkei found himself enjoying the second life that had been given him.

  The sun that beat down on him felt real. The warmth that kissed at his skin and the armor that was on him. Before when he first wore the armor it was heavy but now because of his intensive training, it felt weightless. He was becoming someone worthy to protect his twin sister, Midori. Already hitting level 68, he was not someone who could easily be meddled with when compared to how he was before. He gained a high level very quickly because of his knowledge of Guardian Quest and he was not going to take his second chance for granted. His second chance at life he guarded viciously and trained every waking second because this was his shot at living life to the fullest. His high level did not mean that he wasn’t pursuing more because he was, the training never ended regardless of what level.

  To be someone worthy of protecting others.

  For protecting his twin sister who had given up a life that Genkei had already cast aside.

  He swore to the code of conduct of the Samurai known as Bushido. Genkei fought for justice and acted on the decision of his course of conduct with reason, without wavering. He believed that to die when to die is right, to strike when to strike is right. With these principles, Genkei developed honor, loyalty, and self-control. He swore to only speak the truth and to conduct himself in the highest manner.

  Genkei’s scared place became his training dojo, even now he found himself in a training section on the first floor of the clan he was a part of, Sanjō Genji. The co-founder, Hachiro, of the clan was his usual teacher with teaching him into becoming a better tank although he was a samurai. Genkei looked up to him as the elder had taken him under his wing and even spared time to teach him plenty of mechanics and skills to protect his teammates. Genkei well knew that he was taking the role of the vanguard, regardless if he couldn’t hold a shield he would do his best to serve as a tank.

  Swords clanged against one another, the sound of metal on metal was hard against the ears but for seasoned warriors that was the noise of the battlefield. While Hachiro had a larger longsword when compared to Genkei’s katana they were on the par with one another during training because of the Teacher System which allowed Hachiro to lower his level to the same one of Genkei for as long as this was activated. However, had this been a real battle then this wouldn’t be the case because of their level gap.

  “Block each of my attacks!” Hachiro called out, his voice teetering close to a yell as they battled one another. Switching his weapon from the longsword to the shield, using that to counter Genkei’s katana. The sound of steel and metal made a painful twang, sparks flying as they met. However Genkei was pushed back despite him not being attacked by a weapon. “Don’t let your guard down! You’re supposed to gain the attention of the attacker!”

  Hachiro did not lose breath or seemed to be bothered by the fact that he was throwing out orders as he battled Genkei. The training again was still a breeze for him as he began to bash his shield against Genkei with controlled strength. Enough for Genkei to feel his muscles strain from trying to push his katana back against the shield that crashing against him. He gritted his teeth as he tried to think logically. A frustrating feeling formed in Genkei as he wanted to at least to prove to be difficult. A frown formed on his face as his brows knitted together, he needed more. More power to overcome the prowess that this Guardian tank had over him.

  “Mm!” Genkei grunted as he dodged each attack with amazing speed. However, when Hachiro aimed for one of the pretend members of the team that Genkei was supposed to be protecting, then he was quick to come back to take the brunt of the attack.

  There, he allowed himself to do an assortment of movements and slashes. They were used to attract the attention of his opponent instead of letting them go towards his imagined teammates. In doing so, even Hachiro found himself caught up by the quick movements even if for a moment. With the final clang, there was a pause and suddenly they both breathed out and Hachiro rested his weapons on the floor. A signal that the training had come to a break so that Genkei could learn from a logical aspect rather than continuously taking physical learning.

  “Your left side is still your weakest.” Hachiro pointed out, a small smile stretched across his face as he pointed out the most glaring aspect of his student’s mistakes. That being said, he knew that Genkei was trying his best to not let the blind spot hinder him. “But you’re improving.”

  A hand reached out, patting the younger’s head affectionately. The touch was rough because of the leather gloves that Hachiro wore, but it was a reminder for Genkei that he did a good job. The rest is that he still had some distance to cross before he would be considered as someone more than just a mere child in the eyes of Hachiro. Not that he would ever openly show that a bright smile instead spread across his face. The corners of his mouth drew upward and his teeth were shown in the beginnings of his outgoing grin.

  “I’ve been taking these lessons to heart.” Genkei said with a sense of accomplishment, pride found within him. The grip on his katana’s handle tightened as he looked at the sword that glinted at him. A brief reminder of the world that he had left behind.

  The katana’s metal was dull from the train
ing and Genkei knew that he must have it repaired before he went out. Whether for training or a mission since there was nothing more dangerous than having a dull sword. However, this mental note was brief as he heard Hachiro speak to him in a calm manner. A look of pride on his face before he retracted his hand from the other’s head.

  “I guess it’s good you’re seeing Tadashi-san for the sword lessons.” Hachiro looked at him and for a moment he saw an overlapped image of his former teammate, Tadashi Takai. A samurai who was once part of a famous clan along with him. A nostalgic feeling flowed within him as he saw that Genkei was following the path of a tanking samurai, a commendable effort that even he couldn’t help but praise. Not that he would, instead, taking a more light-hearted approach. “Though he might not look it I guess he has something good going for him... But you like me more, right?” A helpless look was now seen on Genkei’s face now that he was put on the spot of which teacher he favored more. There was a burst of laughter heard from the older than he only meant to tease the younger briefly with no serious or ill intentions.

  Luckily for Genkei, this wouldn’t last too long seeing as there were faint footsteps heard coming down from the flight of stairs. Both of them looked toward the source of the noise and it was none other than Midori, Genkei’s twin sister. She was wearing her traditional Miko outfit and there was a small smile that was on her appearance. The red, silk of the slightly pleated skirt flowed as she took each step. Her skirt tied with a bow and the haori jacket flowed over the skirt made a rustling sound as she descended down the stairs like a goddess. Her hair adorn with red. And white ribbons symbolizing purity was a sharp contrast to the person she was before the Event. In her former life, she became the son that her dad didn’t have because of Genkei’s condition. Midori protected Genkei, and became an exceptional athlete in any sport she played. Now, she wore silk and kept her hair in ribbons, leaving Genkei to protect her. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she noticed that the attention was focused on her there was a faint blush that was forming on the tops of her cheeks.

  “I see you’re cute as always Midori-chan...what is today’s color—ugh.” Hachiro made a groan of pain before he could finish his question about what color of underwear Midori had on. He was a man of crude jokes and questions despite his agreeable attitude.

  The sudden kick was received by him to his middle. An attack able to push past the resilience of metal, the attack belonged to none other than Nagataka, an assassin one of the senior members along with being a co-founder of Sanjō Genji, who had accompanied Midori. Nagataka, despite her child-like appearance, looked at him with a glare. Her gaze was narrowed and only disgust could be reflected from her gaze. co-founder

  “Refrain yourself from acting like that.” Nagataka scolded him in a cold tone that earned her a suppressed chuckle from the twins while Hachiro winced from the pain he felt. Though it was subsiding as soon as it had come. However, the insults that were coming for him would be the never-ending. “Pervert.”

  There was silence but suddenly Midori cleared her throat. Gathering the attention back to her as Genkei looked at his twin with a questioning glance. Though he waited for her to explain why she was interrupting their training session, not that he minded. They were a pair of close siblings who enjoyed their time together.

  “Thank you, Nagataka-san. Hello, H—Hachiro-san!” Midori mumbled, remembering the question for a moment so she tripped over her words briefly before she looked away. Midori looked towards her brother and reached out to grab his hands, a gentle grasp as she looked excited. Her gaze glimmered with hope for her twin. “Shichiro-san is calling you, brother.”

  That alone was confusing, causing him to blink a few times before he could respond. His brows that had smoothed out were back to being knitted together.

  “Eh? For What?” Genkei asked a small bud of hope inside him was hoping it was so he could lead a party or at least do something. Despite how close he was to his sister there wouldn’t be a part of him that wasn’t jealous over the fact his sister was apparently more capable than him since she was often the team leader for the missions given them. Mixed feelings always ended up in him, the smile was permanently on his face seemed more strained than usual and for good reason. He was proud that his sister could be seen as someone as amazing but his own insecurities of things he liked only made him feel less of a person.

  “He said it was something important for you,” Midori answered quickly as her hand squeezed his own to translate that there was more, a look of reassurance was on her gentle features. One could tell that she herself knew exactly why he had kept quiet. Her twin had always been more upbeat than her, the driving force and happiness. A stark contrast to herself who was more on the quieter side and calm.

  However, right now was not the time to sulk regardless of how he felt.

  “Hachiro-san, do you mind if I leave early?” A glance was given to his teacher as he retracted his hand from his sister. A frown was forming on her face but he showed that he was sheathing his katana.

  Placing the blade into the scabbard that had been carefully crafted for his weapon. And the frown that had formed on Midori’s face now melted away to one of relief. The brief exchange wasn’t noticed by either Hachiro or Nagataka luckily enough.

  “Can’t say no to you, eh?” Hachiro said with a laugh at the expression of his excited apprentice. He pressed his hand towards Genkei’s back and pushed him off, waving the other off without a care in the world. “Come back with the news when you’re back.”

  Genkei gave a nod before he wandered off with his sister, Nagataka had gone off ahead to give the siblings time to talk with one another. The disappearance was enough for the twins to relax in each other’s presence as they walked up to the stairs of their clan together. The silence was comfortable, but the question kept rattling his head repeatedly.

  “What do you think he’s calling me for?” Genkei asked quietly, for the first time his outgoing personality had eased out to something of a curiosity. A welcome surprise that was accepted by his sister who looked at him with a smile.

  She was always eager to set aside his worries, that was her existence as the elder twin.

  “Perhaps he sees the hard you’re doing.” She quipped with a broad grin, her hands clasped together as she ran up a few steps of the stairs before twirling towards him.

  She looked down at him with an excitement that was easily reflected in her stare that eased the tension he felt. His shoulders finally slumping down to a relaxed state and he couldn’t help but nod. Finally, letting the topic go till he reached the office.

  “Anyway, how are you doing?” Genkei asked her, knowing he had seen his sister sad since the event of them fighting against the Genius Eirenius, a creature that had never appeared before in Guardian Quest, a monster that only appeared after the Event. Genkei knew that there was tension around when she was around Shichiro.

  Which led him to believe that something must have happened between them yet Shichiro hardly looked bothered. Genkei was her brother; he wanted to protect her from anything that could harm her. And he knew that Shichiro would do nothing that would hurt her on purpose, since their initial meeting he only kept their best interest in mind. He grabbed hold of her arm to cease her from walking and her gaze was adverted- she wasn’t ready yet.

  “I...” She stumbled over her words and she reverted to her shy personality that had mostly shed since they’ve lived here. But whatever happened made her turn back to cope. The worry in him only grew especially when she faced him with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. As if she was forcing herself to appear happy. “I am doing fine.”

  That was hard for him to swallow but he did, there was no other choice. Because he was not the type to push for the truth from her. Instead, he would patiently wait by her side. That was the brother he was. Just like she had when they were younger when he could not support her at all.

  “Don’t push yourself too hard, Midori.” He reminded her as he dragged her u
pstairs. A sigh of relief heard from her but he pretended that he didn’t hear that. Not wanting for her to feel flustered by his desire to fire more questions towards her.

  “You shouldn’t either.” A reply that was meant out of concern but cropped up a series of questions for Genkei as he walked up to the steps of the stairs in silence. Both of them had a lot to think about so they enjoyed the break they gave one another without awkwardness impeding each other.

  But as they stopped in front of the door that led into the office Midori seemed hesitant to enter. Instead, she gave a brief smile and ushered him in silence. Showing she would wait outside until he was ready. Figuring this was best for both of them he opened the door to enter.

  Genkei wondered if he did anything remarkable but he hoped that if he did, this was enough to prove himself. His hand hovered over the handle of his katana, wondering if a samurai was worthy enough to be seen as a leader for a team right now or a mission. However, these worries were placed aside as he entered the clan office that was incidentally Shichiro’s room.

  There, Shichiro looked up from his desk with an exhausted expression before it morphed to one of pleasant blankness since he was never one to properly express himself. Shichiro was a man was more than just his clan leader, to Genkei he was like a big brother who had guided him from the beginning. Since the beginning Genkei knew that this person was someone he wanted to follow, regardless, of what people thought of him. The glasses that were often masked as a villainous trait masked the tiredness that Genkei knew he probably felt. He was one of the hardest working members of the clan even if he was the clan leader. He pushed himself to work outside of the clan to keep the peace between the adventurers and the people of the land.

  “Hey, Genkei. How are you?” Shichiro asked as he moved aside papers to properly see his clan member. A bemused expression on his face as he realized how much this child had grown since the beginning of their new life in this world. “You’ve been doing good?”