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

Four years had passed since Kael Kurai struck down the God Beast in the Rift.

The world had changed—but so had those who would inherit it.

Within the city of Shinzai, now rebuilt and flourishing under Kael's leadership, the next generation of Wielders trained harder than ever. Their battles were no longer against simple corrupted remnants, but against time itself—racing to be strong enough before the next great threat emerged.

The courtyard was alive with movement. Five young Wielders clashed in practice matches, each wearing the emblem of Shinzai Academy on their backs. In the center of it all stood Renzo, now sixteen, taller, sharper, his Will aura layered like a vortex of crimson and silver.

Ayato, now eight, watched nearby, mimicking his older brother's stance with a wooden practice blade, his small hands steady despite his age.

"Focus on your breathing, Ayato," Renzo said, his voice calm but commanding. "Power comes after control."

"Yes, Renzo-sensei!" Ayato replied with a grin, clearly proud of the title.

Behind Ayato stood two other eight-year-olds: Kiyomi Takashi, the daughter of Ryuu and Liora, and Haruki Akiyama, the son of Tetsu and Eri. Both were already registered First Wielders—gifted, energetic, and fiercely determined.

To them, Renzo wasn't just a teacher. He was their standard. The one who had beaten Reika Mizuno in the Celestial Combat Crown. The one Kael entrusted when he wasn't present. The one they all aimed to catch up to.

Across the courtyard, Kael stood with his arms folded, watching silently. His long dark coat fluttered in the wind, and beside him stood Reika Mizuno and Maiya.

Maiya, now ten and a confident Second Wielder, adjusted the crimson ribbon in her hair as she practiced her Will shaping. Reika, at twelve, stood tall and composed, her growth as a combatant unmatched for her age. Her last spar with Renzo ended in a draw—and she was determined to do better next time.

Kael's gaze shifted toward Jinsei, who was preparing to depart. Now twelve years old and a registered Third Wielder, he had grown into a calm, analytical fighter with a fierce loyalty to his team—and to Kael, who was more like a big brother than a teacher.

"Are you sure you're ready for this mission?" Kael asked him, kneeling to adjust the strap on Jinsei's weapon sheath.

"I am," Jinsei replied with a steady voice. "Five First Wielders are coming with me. We'll move in pairs. I've mapped the terrain and memorized the beast patterns."

Kael smiled faintly, proud but cautious. "This isn't just training. These are live Essence Beasts. Wild zone. You'll have to lead. Not just fight."

Jinsei nodded. "I'll bring everyone back. No losses."

Behind him stood the five First Wielders:– Aiko Suna, a speed-type flame wielder with quick reflexes.– Daiki Ren, a brute-force earth user with a heart of gold.– Nami Hirose, a water Will manipulator known for her healing precision.– Haru Minamoto, a wind scouter with sharp senses.– Kaito Enrai, a lightning Wielder with erratic control but unmatched raw power.

Each of them looked to Jinsei not just as their peer—but their captain.

Renzo walked over and placed a hand on Jinsei's shoulder. "Trust your instincts. And remember what I taught you—power is useless if it costs your team."

Jinsei gave a small grin. "I listened more than you think."

Kael raised a hand, forming a glyph in the air. The portal pulsed open, humming with blue light.

"Go," Kael said. "And come back stronger."

Jinsei turned toward the portal. His five teammates followed him, determination in their eyes.

As the light swallowed them, Kael whispered under his breath:"Let the next generation rise…"

Chapter 47: The Next Step