Akira the warrior! Akira the mighty! Akira the brave! What about Ferian? Akira has a legacy I know I can follow, I will be better than even him some day. Growing up I was always a rough kid. I was a natural fighter and would always pick some when I could. Though that’s due to my ambition towards my one goal. My one goal of serving the shogun and being known across the lands. That was it, that was all I ever wanted to do. And that’s just what I went for. I knew being born and raised in Tianziu wasn’t ideal for a soldier, which is why when I was old enough, I said my goodbyes to my family and left for Narahidaka.
 
Arriving at Narahidaka and renting a room for myself was the first step. And the very next day I went to the soldier tryouts. It was a test of my might which I passed with flying colors. And right away I had met two soldiers who I shared a room with. Kenji and (Insert Eamons name here). We had soon become friends which only built me some competition to pass. Though (Eamon name) had always seemed to be less dedicated to the military as I was. After some years of serving I knew I was ready for the next step. To join the shogun's forces, the Vanguards. The Vanguards aren’t a joke. If I am to join them I would have to swear my allegiance to them for as long as I can serve, and so I shall. I was to sever any unnecessary bonds with people who would only hold me back, this includes my love interest Thiana. And though it pains me, my destiny awaits me.
 
The Vanguard trail was as tough as I had imagined. I along with other soldiers trying out had to accompany some current Vanguard’s on a mission where they had to rescue hostages from an oni camp while also slaying them and driving them away from our lands. Kenji also attended the mission with me, though I never quite knew where (Eamons dude again) had gone. As the mission began I was quick to enter the battle with Kenji and fight our way through. I made my way to the hostage room and saved any hostages still alive, but the fight took a turn for the worst. An oni mage had used a powerful fire spell to blow up the camp in an act of desperation. This caused chaos through the battle but in the end I made it out while guiding the hostages. I was deemed worthy to officially join the Vanguards. Kenji on the other hand remained alive but had not qualified to be a Vanguard due to his lack of performance during the battle.
 
Being a vanguard really exposed me to the harsh truth of the world. I really grew to hate the vipers. These evil people are the most sneaky little pricks I know. I just know if I let my guard down at any time they’ll have my head. When I found out they even came for the shogun many times, I felt doubt in my ability to detect those stealth masters. But they don’t ever fight fair, meaning if I ever catch one alone, I’ll kill them on sight. It’s about sending a message.
 
To do that I need to get stronger. I know I will be the best warrior the world has ever seen, though to get there I needed help. Ryuku Ozorn, the Vanguard who I accompanied on his mission, seemed like the perfect mentor for me. He took me under his wing as I trained to be the best I can be. He was like a brother to me. My potential only seemed to get more prominent as I continued to improve my abilities.
 
This went on until a rainy night. The lights across the city shined over the puddles formed by rain. I along with Ryuku were told to eliminate a duo of vipers plotting outside the city. The group only had 2 people so the Shogun assumed we would be more than enough to deal with them. As we arrived at the cave they were hiding in, we entered with caution, our blades drawn. We eventually traveled to the end of the cave where we saw the two men sitting on their chairs, almost like they were waiting for us. That was when they revealed a head on a pike. It was Thiana, the only one who I can say I truly had interest in. Enraged, I charged in for the fight. Though when I am angry I tend to only focus on killing my opponent. After a long battle with the first man, I was enraged and victorious, fuming over his corpse, the fight was less of a challenge than I had thought. This would be incredibly easy for Ryuku to do. These were my last words before Ryuku’s severed head was thrown in my direction. I couldn’t believe it, the man who I thought was unbeatable, was beaten. At that moment I was filled with rage. But the sight of somebody so strong dead on the ground, I froze. What was this I was feeling? That was when I realized it was fear. Fear took over my bones as I dashed towards the exit helplessly. With last words from the mysterious killer “The council watches, warn the others about our name. The council of the vipers will do acts that will forever alter the world.”
As I ran I thought about his words, no such council had existed, at least so I thought. Running through the rain my gut dropped. I had fled from a battle, right after my two friends were killed. I had become what I dreaded most, a coward. At this moment I knew my true flaw. It wasn’t the smoking or the temper, I felt fear. I knew that to become the best, I needed to be brave no matter the situation. I will never flee like that again!
 
I reported everything I knew to Kaido as he took the info to deal with it, though I doubt he will be able to find this mysterious council. As I headed back to my home I thought. I felt unworthy of the title of Vanguard. I would go on a journey, for improvement. But most of all, the destruction of the vipers and their council. Surely my fame and power will skyrocket from performing such a feat. And I won’t rest until it is done.