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 morning air buzzed with anticipation.

Across the world, screens lit up, towers broadcasted, and stadiums opened their gates. The Ascension Trials—the legendary global tournament—had returned, reshaped for a new generation. And Renzo stood at its threshold.

Thousands had entered. Only the best would make it through the gauntlet of challenges designed to test mind, body, and spirit. Renzo, calm and sharp-eyed, stood among them—cloaked in silence, his past unknown, his resolve unshakable.

To the crowd, he was a mystery.To Kael and his family… he was one of them.

From the elevated viewing stands, Maiya sat beside Ayato and Jinsei, eyes glued to the giant crystal screens above. Kael stood behind them, arms crossed, his presence silent but solid. Beside him stood Kaede Mizuno—older now, his gaze focused on a small girl among the participants.

Eight-year-old Reika Mizuno adjusted her gloves, her hair tied back in a tight braid. Determined, sharp, and already dangerous, she carried her father's calm and her own fierce ambition. She had trained for this.

Phase One: The Gauntlet Run.

Renzo crouched at the start line. The arena warped ahead—flickering between burning deserts, frozen cliffs, jungle vines, and shadowy ruins. Elemental traps hissed to life. Beasts emerged—summoned illusions, some real, none forgiving.

He dashed forward, weaving through flame pillars and slashing vines. Ice shattered beneath his boots, illusions clawed at his mind, but his focus never broke. He leapt across collapsing platforms, flipped over beast strikes, and slid beneath thunderous roots. He didn't just run—he moved like he was born for this.

Reika wasn't far behind, small but nimble. She rode bursts of wind to jump farther, froze traps mid-trigger, and outsmarted illusions with a grin.

Only a third of the participants made it through.

Phase Two: Mind Lock.

Renzo stepped into a chamber alone. His world dissolved.

A flickering illusion of a burning home surrounded him. Screams echoed—but he didn't flinch. He knew this wasn't real. His family… was Kael, Maiya, Ayato. He clenched his fists and the illusion shattered.

His Will dominated the mental realm.

Elsewhere, Reika faced her trial—a vision of her father, disappointed, turning away from her. She trembled… until she whispered, "I define myself." And broke the lock.

Phase Three: The Weight of Will.

A gravity chamber awaited. Each level crushed down harder. In the center, a glowing core relic pulsed with power.

Renzo entered calmly, took the core, and advanced. The weight grew—bones strained, muscles screamed—but he refused to fall. Inch by inch, step by step, he made it.

Phase Four: The Unity Clash.

Two-on-two battles began. Renzo was paired with a quiet girl named Kiri—a wind manipulator. They moved like a storm: Renzo distracted, Kiri launched, he struck from below while she swept the field with aerial disruption. Their opponents didn't last long.

Reika's duo relied on precision and prediction, overwhelming with counters and controlled bursts.

The final phase loomed: The Celestial Combat Crown.

Only 128 fighters remained. The elite of the elite.

From the stands, Maiya squeezed Ayato's hand. Jinsei clenched his jaw.

Kael watched Renzo as he stood among the chosen.

His student. His little brother.

"He's ready," Kael whispered.

Chapter 42: Trials Begin