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 arena pulsed with energy—gusts of wind tore through the air, stone platforms cracked and floated, and the crowd was silent, drawn into the high-speed ballet between two of the youngest, most skilled warriors they had seen.

Renzo's breath came sharp, his shirt torn in three places. Cuts laced across his arms and shoulders, and one eye was slightly swollen from a glancing blow.

Reika was no better—her rapier had cracked, her left leg limped slightly, and her hair had come undone, fluttering like white strands in a storm.

Reika dashed forward, cloaking herself in a vortex of air, aiming a spinning thrust toward Renzo's chest. Renzo spun low, his momentum circling around her attack—redirecting it, not resisting it.

He surged upward with a Will-powered uppercut, not to harm—but to disarm.

The force shattered the remains of her blade and flung her backward across two platforms.

She skidded hard to a stop—body still, chest heaving.

The announcer hesitated, unsure if she would rise.

Then came the voice:"Reika Mizuno is unable to continue! The winner of the Celestial Combat Crown—Renzo!"

Cheers echoed through the stadium like thunder, but Renzo didn't raise his fist or soak in the glory.

Reika sat up slowly, pain flickering across her face as she tried to stand. But before she could, Renzo extended a hand.

She looked up at him—sweat mixing with blood, frustration clouding her gaze—but also a hint of respect.

"You fought like a storm," Renzo said softly, hand still outstretched.

He pulled her to her feet, steadying her as the crowd continued to cheer—not just for the winner, but for the battle they had both given.

From the stands, Kaede watched quietly, a faint nod of approval on his face. Kael, arms crossed, let a proud smile escape.

Beside them, Maiya grinned wide. "He won!"

Jinsei nodded. "He didn't just win. He earned it."

Ayato cheered, waving his little arms. "Go Renzo!"

On the arena floor, Reika looked at Renzo as they stood together.

"You're strong," she admitted. "Stronger than I thought."

Renzo looked at her, firm but kind. "So are you. That wasn't easy."

They walked off the field together, no rivalry between them—just mutual respect.

Renzo had won.But more than that—he had arrived.

Chapter 45: One Hand Forward