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 golden flash of Zaros's retreat faded into the ash-filled sky.

Far from the battlefield, beyond the shattered tower, a storm swirled over a distant ridge of black cliffs. Deep within a hidden cavern nestled between the crags, the light of a portal sparked against the stone.

In one arm, he dragged the limp body of Kael—still bloodied, still unmoving. Slung over his shoulder was Jinsei, unconscious and bruised from his defeat at the clone gate guards who had overwhelmed him.

The cavern pulsed faintly with ancient energy. Crystalline formations glowed dimly along the walls, casting a pale blue light across the ground.

Zaros dropped Kael's lifeless form onto a smooth stone pedestal in the center of a secluded chamber. With a flick of his fingers, golden sigils appeared midair—layer upon layer of intricate seals forming a cage of light around the body.

"This room," Zaros muttered to himself, "will preserve what remains… until it's time."

He turned sharply and walked out, sealing the door behind him with a booming hum.

Outside the chamber, Jinsei stirred.

His eyes fluttered open only to find a blade pressed tightly against his throat—Zaros's expression blank above him.

"Good. You're awake," Zaros said, voice calm but firm.

Jinsei's eyes widened. "What… where—?"

"I killed your master," Zaros said without emotion.

Jinsei's breath caught in his throat. "You're lying."

Zaros didn't blink. "He died protecting a world that was too weak to protect him. Noble. But useless."

Rage flared in Jinsei's eyes as he tried to rise—but the pressure of the sword kept him still.

"I didn't bring you here to kill you," Zaros continued. "I brought you here to train you."

"Train me?" Jinsei spat, eyes burning. "Why would I ever—"

"Because," Zaros interrupted, stepping back and letting the blade lower, "one day, we will fight. And I need you to be more than what you are now. I need you to be worthy."

Jinsei stood slowly, fists clenched. "You expect me to become your student?"

"I expect you to survive," Zaros said.

He raised a hand—and with a ripple of his golden Will, five monstrous beasts appeared around the cavern walls.

Each one different. Each one hungry.

Karnax, the Fangborn: A hulking wolf-like beast with crystalized spines and molten saliva dripping from its jaws.

Veltrus, the Spined Serpent: A massive snake with obsidian scales and red glowing runes across its body.

Drayth, the Bone Ape: Towering with four arms and a skull-like face, wrapped in chains that rattled with each breath.

Soruun, the Mirror Djinn: A shifting humanoid made of reflective shards, mimicking movements and distorting attacks.

Umbraeth, the Shadow Golem: A creature formed entirely of living shadow, with no face—only glowing violet eyes.

Zaros pointed at them. "These are your first teachers."

Jinsei backed away slightly, muscles tense, every instinct telling him to run.

Zaros raised his voice. "Try to escape, and the gate guards will break every bone in your body before dragging you back to me."

Zaros turned and walked toward the sealed room, his voice echoing behind him.

"Earn your place, Jinsei. Or die like the rest."

Chapter 57: The Worthy Opponent