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 gates of Shinzai opened slowly as the five young Wielders limped through, bloodied and bruised. The afternoon sun cast long shadows behind them, but none dared speak as they made their way through the inner sanctum. Word spread quickly.

Kael stood atop the stairs of the command tower, arms folded, his gaze unreadable as Aiko Suna, Daiki Ren, Nami Hirose, Haru Minamoto, and Kaito Enrai approached.

Their injuries were visible—scorch marks, deep cuts, fractured bones. Nami's left arm was wrapped tightly with soaked gauze, Daiki's shoulder hung dislocated, and Aiko limped with blood still drying along her side.

Kael's voice was low, steady. "Report."

Aiko was the first to step forward, eyes burning—not just from pain, but from confusion and hurt. "It was… Jinsei. He… he stabbed us. One by one."

Kaito flinched, jaw clenched. "I thought he was backing us up, but… he struck from behind. Quick and silent."

Daiki nodded, his voice quieter than usual. "Didn't say a word. Just looked at us with those cold eyes and attacked. Then vanished."

Kael's expression didn't change, but his eyes darkened. He slowly looked over each of them. "Where is he now?"

Haru answered, his wind-scarred cloak fluttering slightly. "He stayed behind. Said some man tried to fight him. But we don't know… if that was true."

A heavy silence fell. Around them, other Wielders who had gathered to listen began whispering among themselves.

"Could Jinsei really have turned?"

"I always thought he was too close to Kael…"

"He's strong… but something about him always seemed… off."

Kael remained still, but inside, his mind was spinning.

Jinsei, his apprentice, his student—someone he'd raised like a little brother. Someone who fought for honor, for others.

Kael knew betrayal. He had lived through it, seen it twist the strongest of souls. But was Jinsei capable of this?

Or was something more sinister at play?

He slowly dismissed the five Wielders to the infirmary. As they limped away, Kael stayed where he was, gazing into the horizon where the mission had taken place.

He closed his eyes, and for the first time in a long while, doubt crept into his heart.

But he also remembered one thing: truth doesn't hide forever.

Chapter 51: A Rift in Trust