Nato7

The story picks up six years after Kael Renji, the hero who defeated the infamous Kurojin Tsukiro, secured peace in the world. Now 24, Kael is a symbol of hope and power, having built a thriving city where new Wielders can train and grow. However, this peaceful world is far from perfect. A new generation of young Wielders is emerging, born from the previous heroes and their legacy, but the challenges they face are unlike anything before.

Renzo, an 11-year-old prodigy, is Kael's apprentice, skipping primary school to become a 1st Wielder, and is ready to face the intense trials of their new system of Wielders. The next generation—composed of the children of Kael, Hana, Ryuu, Tetsu, and the others—is inheriting their parents' power and skills, but with new threats looming, they must adapt to a world that demands not just strength but wisdom.

The world has evolved since the Fracture, with new, unpredictable dangers arising. A new system for the Wielders is in place, one that tests them on a deeper level, requiring not only raw power but a mastery of complex, elemental Wills. The trials ahead are brutal, and the children of the past heroes must face not just battles, but their own inner struggles, as the weight of their parents' legacies pushes them to their limits.

As Kael leads this new generation into an era of challenges, they will have to confront dark forces, both external and internal. From monstrous beasts to internal betrayals, these young Wielders must fight for their place in a world where the line between hero and villain has become more blurred than ever. And while Kael watches over them as their leader, he must also grapple with

Shadowborn: Legacy of the Next Will

The portal closed behind them with a hum, sealing the Rift of Lost Souls. The sky above was calm, painted in the orange hues of a setting sun. The group stood silently for a moment, the weight of the journey settling on their tired shoulders.

Renzo wiped at the blood trailing down his cheek from the long scratch beneath his eye. It stung, but he forced a crooked smile when he saw Jinsei and Maiya looking at him with worried eyes.

"I'm fine, I promise," he said, placing a hand on Jinsei's head and ruffling his hair. "Just a scratch. Not gonna die on you."

Maiya frowned, her six-year-old eyes wide and teary. "But your face…"

"It's nothing, really." Renzo gave her a gentle grin. "You should see the beast."

Ayato, only four, peeked out from behind Hana's leg, clutching a small toy Kael had carved for him before the battle. His eyes scanned the group, then locked onto the small glowing vial in Renzo's hand.

"Is that… for Daddy?" he asked in a soft, hopeful voice.

Hana knelt down beside her son, holding him close. "Yes, Ayato. We're going to bring Daddy back."

Inside Kael's home, the room had been prepared just as Hana remembered—the same place where he had once brought her and Tetsu back with the elixir. His body rested in silence, peaceful, but pale.

Ryuu and Tetsu stood behind Renzo as he stepped forward, carefully uncorking the vial. The liquid inside shimmered like the night sky—stars swirling within it.

"Ready?" Renzo asked quietly, glancing back at everyone.

Renzo knelt beside Kael and gently poured the Cleansing Elixir into his mouth. The effect was almost instant.

A glow spread from Kael's chest, pulsing through his veins like lightning. His body arched, a gasp tearing from his lips as air filled his lungs. His eyes flew open—burning silver and gold—before dimming back to his normal gaze.

Kael blinked slowly, then sat up with a groan. "...What… happened?"

Hana burst into tears and threw her arms around him. "You're alive! Kael—you're really back!"

Kael held her tightly, his voice hoarse. "I thought I was gone…"

"You were," Tetsu said with a grin. "But these little monsters brought you back."

Kael looked past them, and saw Maiya, Ayato, Jinsei, and Renzo standing in the doorway. His expression softened immediately.

"Daddy!!" Maiya cried, running to him, flinging her arms around his neck. Ayato followed right behind, hugging his father with all his tiny strength.

Jinsei and Renzo stood back, smiling quietly. Kael looked up at them, eyes misty.

Renzo gave him a lopsided grin. "We weren't gonna let you go out like that, Master."

Kael opened his arms, and both boys finally rushed in, crashing into him with full force.

"I'm proud of you," Kael said, his voice cracking. "All of you. You saved me."

As everyone gathered around, the warmth in the room grew brighter than ever.

Chapter 40: The Return of the Shadowborn