The hunt had gone well. As per tradition the young man was sent on his own hunt on his eighteenth birthday to prove he was ready to be his own man. Though you could not really call the hunt a “hunt” it was more of a snatch and grab.

  The young man had been tasked with bringing back a feather from a bronze pheasant. All day he had searched and chased after these birds just for one feather. The village was in a quiet state for a weekday. Too quiet for the man’s own comfort if he had thought so himself. Shops, markets, inns and taverns all closed.

  Returning from a hunt on a day like today normally the village would be bustling but alas a single soul could be found. No lanterns lit the streets. The smell of seared meat that usually hung heavy in the air was noticeably absent. “Strange.”

  Walking home the man was on high alert. No weapons but a small blacksmith’s hammer. Finally he reached his abode and crossed the threshold to his mothers home. “Mother! I got the feather! Come look!” Setting down his bag he was aware of a figure appearing from the shadows. Crooked teeth and looking like a monkey holding his sword against his fathers throat.

  The monkey man cackled at the young man “ Kekeke. Good evening my friend. Lovely night is it not?”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  The young man stood in shock. “What do you want?! Just leave us be! We have no food nor coin to give you!” The monkey man just grinned as he said, “I have food and money. I want nothing of you. It is what the royal family of Japan wants from you. You're a man now right? Time for a manly job!”

  Taken aback, the young man did not know what to respond with. “And if I were to decline?” Another cackle from monkey man. “Then I get to do my favorite pass time.” The monkey man proceeded to slit his fathers throat, dropping him to the ground. “NO! How could you?!” the young man bellowed.

  Now the laughter from the monkey man was purely maniacal. “Well let us see. Do you take me up on my offer or do I have to find your sweet sister hmmm? Of course I wouldn't kill her. The unifier is always looking for fresh concubines.”

  Sweat had started dripping down the young man's back. Not knowing what else to do, the young man reluctantly agreed. “Good. My contact will give you the job in three days. Until then I will hold onto your dear mother and sister. The royal family thanks you for your cooperation!” Like magic, the monkey man, his mother, and his sister vanished leaving the young man alone. His world torn asunder in the blink of an eye. Dropping to his knees, the young man cradled his dead father in his arms as tears streamed down his face.

  Looking to the ceiling he let out a guttural scream of anger. Moments later ba-da-dum* “Welcome to the Combatant Operating System (C.O.S. for short)! A newly awakened contender has been born! Check stats now? Y/N.”