A Warrior's Resolve

As the deafening cheers of the Colosseum began to fade, Jun approached Sho, his expression filled with pride. He placed a firm hand on Sho's shoulder, his eyes reflecting admiration.

"You've become powerful, Sho. Good work," Jun said, his voice carrying both relief and respect. "I'm so happy that our clan won this Clan War. You've brought great honor to the Light Clan."

Sho, still catching his breath, smiled faintly. "I really enjoyed this battle," he admitted. "But I still want to be stronger… I have to keep improving. There's still so much I don't know."

Jun studied him for a moment before nodding. "Come with me, Sho. I need to talk to you about something important."

Sho frowned slightly but followed as Jun led him away from the Colosseum, toward a quieter area near the castle's gardens.

Kyoko and Kuki, sensing the seriousness in Jun's tone, didn't question it.

"We'll meet tomorrow, Sho," Kyoko said with a soft smile.

Kuki gave Sho a thumbs-up. "Don't be late, champion."

Sho managed a small chuckle before focusing on Jun, who had now stopped near a stone bench beneath a lantern-lit tree.

Jun let out a long sigh before speaking. "Sho, do you know about the Elite Servants?"

Sho raised an eyebrow. "I've heard of them…. Aren't they a secretive group?"

Jun's gaze darkened. "They're not just any group, Sho. They are assassins… ones who deal with matters the world isn't supposed to know about."

Sho's heart skipped a beat. Something about the way Jun was speaking felt personal.

"And… what does that have to do with me?" Sho asked, his voice quieter now.

Jun hesitated for a moment before saying, "Sho… it's about your parents."

Sho felt a chill run through his body. His parents? He had never known much about them. He only knew they had left when he was too young to remember.

"What about them?" Sho pressed, his voice more urgent now.

Jun closed his eyes for a moment, as if gathering the strength to say it. "Your parents… they didn't abandon you, Sho. They were taken from you."

Sho's breath hitched. "What…?"

Jun looked directly into his eyes. "Your parents were killed, Sho. And the ones responsible… were the Elite Servants."

Silence.

Sho felt the world around him blur. Killed? His parents… were dead?

His body stiffened as if someone had driven a blade through his chest.

"No…" he whispered, shaking his head. "That can't be right. My parents… they left. They wouldn't just… they wouldn't just die!"

Jun watched as Sho's fists trembled, his breath uneven.

"I wish I could tell you otherwise, Sho. But this is the truth. Your mother's name was Lavender. Your father's name was Ray. They were strong warriors… and they were targeted."

Sho's vision blurred with a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, confusion.

His parents were killed—not because of an accident, not because they were weak, but because they were hunted.

And he had spent his whole life not knowing.

Sho clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. "Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner?"

Jun sighed. "Because we weren't sure if you were ready. You were still growing… but now, after this battle, I know you are strong enough to handle the truth."

Sho exhaled sharply, trying to calm himself. His mind was spinning. The emotions crashing inside him were like an unstoppable storm.

"I will find out why they were killed," Sho finally said, his voice filled with a quiet determination. "I will find those responsible… and I will get justice."

Jun gave him a knowing look. "Justice is different from revenge, Sho. Don't let anger consume you. Strength should be used to protect, not destroy."

Sho didn't respond immediately, but his mind was set. He would find out the truth—no matter what.

Jun suddenly smiled again, patting Sho's back. "Enough of this heavy talk. Today is a special day. You won the Clan War! There's going to be a huge celebration at our castle. Come on, let's enjoy the victory!"

Sho hesitated, still lost in thought. But he knew Jun was right. Tonight, he would celebrate. Tomorrow, his journey would begin.

The Light Clan's grand castle was illuminated with lanterns and filled with laughter, music, and the sound of victory. Warriors, clan elders, and members gathered to celebrate their triumph.

Sho entered the grand hall, where a lavish feast awaited. Long tables were lined with food—roasted meats, fresh fruits, and the finest drinks. The aroma filled the air, making Sho realize how hungry he was after the exhausting battles.

As he stepped inside, a familiar voice called out.

"Congrats, Sho!"

Sho turned to see Quinn, 

Sho forced a smile. "Thanks, Quinn."

Quinn grinned, playfully punching Sho's arm. "You really put on a show today. I've never seen a battle like that. You not only fought Mon, but you faced something that wasn't even human. And you still won."

Sho chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "It wasn't just me… Reverse helped a lot."

Quinn smirked. "Still, not just anyone can use a power like that. You're different, Sho. And today, you proved it."

Sho's heart warmed at the words. To be acknowledged—not just as a fighter, but as someone who had truly grown—meant everything.

The celebration continued, with clan elders stepping forward to acknowledge Sho's achievements.

One of the elder warriors raised his glass. "To Sho Hikari! The hero of the Light Clan!"

The entire hall erupted in cheers. "To Sho!"

Sho looked around at the people celebrating him—the people of his clan, his friends, his mentors.

For the first time in a long time, he felt at home.

But deep inside, he knew—this was only the beginning.

His parents had been taken from him. The Elite Servants were still out there.

Tonight, he would celebrate.

But tomorrow—his path would continue.