Nato7

After a cataclysm called The Fracture, the world is split into zones, each ruled by different elemental beasts and corrupted heroes from an old war. Kids born after The Fracture awaken "Wills"-unique power traits shaped by their desires and trauma. An elite academy trains them to fight rogue Wielders and hunt corrupted relics from the past.

Shadowborn: Rise of the Last Will

Ryuu's blade screamed against Kael's reinforced armguards as sparks flew like wildfire. Neither of them held back now—not their punches, not their rage, not even their pain.

They moved like thunder and lightning—furious, raw, explosive.

Kael slammed Ryuu into a cracked training pillar.

Ryuu rebounded, using the impact to spin midair and kick Kael square in the jaw, sending him skidding across the yard.

Kael (spitting blood):"Hah… you've gotten stronger."

Ryuu (panting):"You brought it out of me. So stop talking and finish this."

Their eyes burned with pride, rivalry, and something deeper—an unspoken brotherhood forged through battle.

And just as they clashed again—fists drawn, energy flaring—

A controlled surge of pressure rippled through the training field, forcing both Kael and Ryuu back, mid-attack. A blur of movement—Kaede Mizuno stood between them, Will energy flaring just enough to demand obedience.

Behind him, Tetsu, Eri, and Hana had just arrived—drawn by the seismic energy spikes shaking the academy ground.

Tetsu (eyes wide):"Yo! What the hell are you two doing?!"

Eri (alarmed, rushing to Kael):"Kael, you're still healing from Veyron! Are you insane?!"

Hana (grabbing Ryuu's arm):"Ryuu… why? What is this!?"

But neither Kael nor Ryuu answered.

Both stood silent, bruised and bloodied, chests heaving—staring only at each other.

Kael (quietly):"…We're not done."

Ryuu (nodding):"Not yet."

Without another word, the two turned and walked in opposite directions, leaving their friends stunned.

Eri (to Kaede):"Sensei… what was that?"

Kaede let out a breath, arms crossed, eyes thoughtful.

Kaede (calmly):"That… was a rival's duel."

Kaede:"Sometimes, warriors clash not out of hate… but to understand each other better. For them, fists are how they talk. And right now… they're finally starting to speak the same language."

Everyone remained quiet as the wind blew gently through the trees.

Tetsu (smirking):"…Still, they could've warned us. I almost thought Kael turned evil for a second."

Eri (softly, watching Kael walk away):"He's not evil… just tired of holding everything in."

Hana (whispering):"And Ryuu's tired of being left behind."

Back under the starlight, the two rivals limped away—separately, but somehow… closer than ever.

Chapter 62: The Fire Between Rivals