_Kaiju

In a world divided into three regions, every child is born with a destined Beastborne—a mystical beast that merges with them at the age of nine. The strength of one’s Beastborne defines their future, granting unique abilities and transformations that shape their destiny.

Kairo Tenma, a young warrior gifted with the Phoenix Beastborne, embarks on his journey to unlock his true potential. Alongside his closest friend, Raizen, he trains to rise through the ranks of the strongest warriors. But fate takes a cruel turn when Raizen betrays him, revealing a shocking past that changes everything.

With revenge burning in his heart and a new ranking system reshaping the world, Kairo must grow stronger, uncover the truth behind his father’s legacy, and face formidable enemies—both human and Beastborne alike.

Epic battles, rivalries, and sacrifices await as Kairo and Raizen walk separate paths, destined to clash once more.

Will Kairo’s Phoenix rise from the ashes, or will Raizen’s thirst for vengeance consume the world?

Beastborne

Chapter 20 – The Path of Betrayal

The wind howled as Kairo, Juno, and Renjiro raced across the barren plains, heading toward the devastated village. Their eyes were sharp, their hearts heavy with unspoken thoughts. The air was tense, weighed down by the memories of betrayal and bloodshed.

Renjiro, who had been quiet for most of the journey, finally broke the silence.

"Kairo… do you think Raizen planned this all along?" His voice was laced with uncertainty.

Kairo clenched his fists, his fiery aura flaring for a brief second before he calmed himself. "I don't know… But if he really wanted revenge for his brother, why now? Why kill my father in cold blood instead of demanding answers?"

Juno sighed. "Maybe it's because someone fed him the truth in a way that shattered him. When a person finds out their loved one was murdered… sometimes all they see is vengeance, not reason."

Kairo remained silent, his mind wandering back to the past.

His father, Haru Tenma, had been a legend—an S-Rank Beastborne warrior who held the respect of the entire region. He was known as the Flame Emperor, not just for his power but for his unwavering belief in peace.

But there was another side to him.

Kairo had once overheard the elders speaking in hushed voices, mentioning a battle years ago where Haru and a group of warriors executed a "dangerous threat" to the village. That threat… was Raizen's older brother, Daizen.

"We had no choice… if we let him live, it would've been the end of us," his father had once whispered to the council.

Now, Kairo wondered—what had Daizen done to deserve death? And who had told Raizen the truth?

The village finally came into view. Houses were burnt to ashes, the streets littered with the wounded. Villagers sobbed over the bodies of their loved ones. The sight made Kairo's blood boil.

A severely injured villager stumbled toward them, clutching his bleeding side. His voice was weak, but urgent.

"The attackers… they went west… chasing after something… a fruit…"

Juno immediately got to work, summoning her serpent's healing mist to help the wounded. "You two go. I'll stay and treat the injured."

Kairo and Renjiro exchanged glances. With a nod, they sprinted westward.

The scent of burning leaves and damp soil filled the air as they ran. After several minutes, they spotted two figures in the distance, standing near an ancient tree with glowing red fruit.

Kairo's instincts screamed at him. Something felt… wrong.

"Hey!" Kairo called out. "Who are you?!"

The two figures turned around slowly.

His once-familiar expression was now cold, unreadable. Lightning crackled faintly around him, and his golden wolf eyes locked onto Kairo's with dangerous intensity.

The other man beside him—a towering figure with dark robes and crimson markings—smirked.

The battle of fate was about to begin.