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 last Essence Beast collapsed with a roar, its blackened body steaming as it dissolved into ash.

Daiki let out a breath and dropped to one knee. "That's the last of them… I think."

Aiko scanned the treeline, her Will aura flaring just in case. "No more signs of movement. We're clear."

Nami moved between the squad members, her hands glowing with soft healing energy. "Hold still," she said gently, mending Kaito's bruised ribs and sealing the gash on Haru's leg. "You all did great."

They regrouped in the clearing, tired but relieved.

A figure walking through the forest mist—calm, composed. His blade gleamed in the sunlight peeking through the canopy.

"Jinsei!" Aiko called out, smiling. "You made it back!"

The others turned, ready to greet him. But something was… off.

His eyes were colder. His posture, wrong. His Will—a darker hue than before.

"Wait," Daiki said slowly. "Something's wrong…"

In a flash, 'Jinsei' blurred forward.

Aiko's eyes widened as pain exploded in her chest—he'd stabbed her clean through.

"What the hell?!" Kaito shouted, drawing his blade, but 'Jinsei' was already behind him. One swift strike to the gut dropped Kaito.

Daiki tried to intercept, but the fake Jinsei twisted through his earth barriers like smoke, impaling him through the shoulder.

Haru roared and fired a lightning barrage, but the clone vanished into smoke—flickering with crimson energy—and reappeared behind him. One final blow sent Haru crashing to the ground.

Only Nami remained conscious, trembling as she knelt beside Aiko. "Why…?" she whispered. "Why would Jinsei—"

But the figure didn't answer. He simply looked at them—expressionless, soulless—and vanished into a spiral of black mist.

Silence fell over the wounded squad.

Daiki coughed and groaned, half-upright. "What… was that…?"

"It was Jinsei," Aiko whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "He… he turned on us…"

None of them had seen through the illusion. None had realized the truth:

That the one who attacked them wasn't Jinsei at all.

That the real Jinsei was still locked in battle deep in the ruins.

And now, broken and confused, they began their painful trek back to Shinzai—with hearts heavy, and a dangerous misunderstanding taking root.

Chapter 49: The Betrayal None Saw Coming