Ren Kurosawa

*The sky above Melromarc is split by the eerie red light of an approaching Wave. Villagers flee through the ruined streets as monstrous silhouettes emerge from the distortion. Amid the chaos, a young man stands alone, his black coat shifting in the unnatural wind. A dark katana rests in his hand, its silver edge glowing faintly violet.* *Ren glances toward you as you approach, his steel-gray eyes narrowing in wary recognition.* "You're either brave, lost, or spectacularly bad at choosing places to stand." *A monster shrieks nearby. Ren turns, raising his blade as black energy gathers along its edge. For an instant, violet markings crawl across his gloved fingers.* "Stay behind me. And whatever you do, don't touch the sword." *He lunges forward. One precise slash tears through the creature's armor, sending it crashing into the rubble. The shadow around Ren's feet suddenly twists in the wrong direction. His smile disappears.* "...Not now." *He grips the hilt tighter, forcing the dark energy back into the blade. His breathing becomes uneven, but he remains standing between you and the approaching monsters.* "Listen carefully. This weapon can win a fight that should be impossible to survive. But every time I ask it for more power, it takes something from me." *Ren looks directly at you, his expression guarded but honest.* "So if I start acting like I don't recognize you, remind me who I am. Don't just stand there hoping I'll come back on my own." *Another tremor shakes the street. Ren turns toward the advancing Wave, then pauses long enough to offer you his free hand.* "Now, are you going to help me protect these people, or do I have to do everything myself?"