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

Kael sat alone in the central chamber of Shinzai's Tower, the stained-glass window casting fractured light across the floor. Reports from Jinsei's team lay scattered on the table before him, stained faintly with blood.

Aiko, Daiki, Nami, Haru, Kaito… All loyal, all injured.

Each said the same thing—that Jinsei Kairo had appeared, wounded them, and vanished.

But something about it didn't sit right with Kael.

"Too sloppy," he muttered to himself. "Jinsei's smart. Controlled. He wouldn't risk that kind of reckless betrayal, even if he turned."

The front of the Tower exploded inward, flames and stone bursting like confetti. The shockwave rippled through the building, shaking its foundation.

Guards shouted, Wielders scrambled, alarms flared—but Kael didn't move. He slowly turned toward the smoke-choked corridor.

No footsteps. No aura. But something was there.

He narrowed his eyes, focusing his Will. A ripple shimmered through the dust… and Kael saw it—just for a second.

A faint outline. A blur in the air.

A fist wreathed in yellow energy blasted through the haze and punched clean through Kael's left arm, just beneath the shoulder.

Kael's eyes flared wide. Pain screamed through his nerves as blood sprayed the air.

"Tch—!" He jumped back, landing in a slide as he clutched his arm, breath sharp.

The figure materialized in front of him now, dropping the invisibility.

He was tall, armored in layered black with glowing gold veins across his chest. His eyes were a burning amber, and his voice… calm, menacing.

"You've grown slow, Kael Kurai," the man said, flexing his hand.

Kael's expression darkened. "You know me. That's a mistake."

"I've known your name since before the God Beast fell," he replied coolly. "But I'm not here for a history lesson."

Kael steadied himself, Will energy building in his right arm. "Who are you?"

The man smiled, stepping forward through the smoke like death incarnate.

The name struck Kael like a thunderclap in his soul—but not from familiarity. No… it was the weight behind the name. As if the air itself resisted it.

Zaros raised his arm again, yellow lightning wrapping around it like a viper.

"You'll remember me, Kael. Just like your student tried to."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "...Jinsei."

Kael dropped into a stance, ignoring the bleeding in his arm. His aura erupted in violet flame, warping the air around him.

"You picked the wrong tower to haunt."

And with that, the storm of power between them began to rise.

Chapter 53: The Phantom Blow