Year 10 – Winter, Blood River Basin
The sky was red again. The Blood River shimmered like molten glass, veins of light flowing through a black horizon. From his balcony at Iron Haven, Ketsuraku watched the rippling surface — it called to him. The river that had birthed him now whispered of war, trade, and endless horizons.
He sat cross-legged within a circle of glowing runes. Each symbol represented one of his astral selves, connected by threads of red code. His three clones already moved through the realms:
• Clone One — brewing potions in the Alchemy Hall of the Mirage.
• Clone Two — hunting beasts and demons across crimson forests, gathering herbs for alchemy and mining rare ores from the Blood River's roots.
• Clone Three — forging weapons in Iron Haven's molten heart.
Now a fourth form began to rise from the runic pool, shimmering like a reflection torn from reality itself. The chamber trembled. His veins burned. The Red Code Dragon circled him, whispering.
"Another division will test the River's patience, Master.""Then the River can test mine," Ketsuraku answered. "I need one more to move beyond creation… to conquest."
The clone's eyes opened — bright crimson with flecks of gold. Its aura was sharp, turbulent, carrying the scent of steel and saltwater.
"Designation?" the clone asked."You are Raider Four," Ketsuraku said. "You'll build our fleet."
Hours later, Raider Four stood at the edge of the Blood River's astral shore. Waves of liquid light lapped against black sand. From within the current, fragments of ancient ships drifted — relics of forgotten gods.
The clone raised its hand, channeling Blood Qi into the water. Runes spiraled outward, binding molten wood and soul-metal into form. Planks fused together, curved into hulls shaped like long fangs. Massive dragon-head prows emerged from the water, their eyes glowing faintly red.
"Let this dock be our oath," the clone whispered. "A haven for those who refuse to kneel."
The dock took shape — rows of bloodwood piers, glowing with runes of travel and reflection. Iron rings suspended the ships above the water, floating as if the River itself carried them on invisible hands.
When the first vessel was complete, it bled light from its sails — crimson fabric woven with Void Qi, shifting like living flame.
Ketsuraku's consciousness flowed into the clone for a moment, seeing through its eyes.
"So it begins," he murmured through the echo. "Trade will turn into raids, and the River will once again taste fear."
Luminous and Rosa arrived soon after, traveling via astral mirrors. Rosa looked at the newly built longships, a predatory smile spreading across her lips."So this is what you've been hiding. A floating warfront?"Luminous studied the sigils carved into the sails. "No. It's a moving empire."
Ketsuraku descended the pier, boots splashing softly in the crimson tide."These ships won't just sail between cities. They'll sail between realms — to raid the Shadow Kingdoms and Demon Empires that prey on us."
Rosa turned to him. "And who'll lead them?"He smiled faintly. "You, of course. The Crimson Veil already rules the shadows. Now you'll rule their seas."
Luminous raised an eyebrow. "And me?"Ketsuraku met her gaze. "You'll handle the profits. Every raid will be traded as shares in the Mirage Exchange. Loot will become currency — conquest will become investment."
Luminous's eyes glimmered with restrained excitement. "You're weaponizing the economy."He smirked. "The Emperor can't ban what's technically business."
The Red Code Dragon unfurled above them, its reflection mirrored in the river.
"The Aeons once ruled through worship," it said. "You rule through trade and blood. The River will carry your name until gods themselves drown in your market."
A surge of light swept across the docks. The ships hummed, resonating with the call of their new master.
[System Update]
Facility Built – Astral Dock (Tier I)
Unlock Feature – Ship Creation & Fleet Management
New Skill Unlocked – Navigation (Blood River Affinity)
Current Fleet: 3 Longships (Crimson Drifter, Veil's Fang, Luminous Tide)
[Skill Progression]
Navigation level 1 – 12% Mastery
Blacksmithing level 1 – 22% Mastery
Alchemy level 1 – 76% Mastery
Hunting & Gathering level 1 – 49% Mastery
Blood Magic level 1 – 52% Mastery
That night, beneath the crimson moon, Ketsuraku stood upon the deck of the Crimson Drifter, the flagship of his new fleet. The sails caught no wind — only the pulse of the River itself.Rosa stood beside him, adjusting her curved dagger.Luminous watched from the pier, her eyes glowing like the reflection of two suns.
"The river moves," Rosa whispered."It always does," Ketsuraku said. "But now, it moves for us."
The Blood River roared as the ships began to drift forward, leaving a trail of light that split the horizon in two — one side glowing gold, the other drenched in red.
[System Update]
Astral Capacity – 4/7
Active Clones: Alchemy (1), Hunting/Gathering (2), Blacksmithing (3), Raiding (4)Fleet Active – 3 Ships Ready for Launch
Next Objective: First Raid: The Shadow Citadel
[Skill Progression]
Navigation level 1 – 17% Mastery
Blood Magic level 1 – 55% Mastery
Nihility Magic level 1 – 39% Mastery