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 fires in Shinzai had long been put out, but the smoke of sorrow still clung to the hearts of its people.

In the aftermath of Kael's disappearance—his death, as many believed—a heavy silence blanketed the great city. Shinzai, once vibrant with hope under its strongest Ryūun, now stood dim and hollow. The Willstones across the central plaza dimmed for the first time in a decade.

Inside the Great Hall, the core of Shinzai's leadership stood together… but they were fractured.

Maiya Kurai, only ten years old, stared blankly at the empty Ryūun throne. Her long dark hair, so much like Hana's, was tied back by a crimson ribbon Kael had once given her.

Beside her, Ayato Kurai, her eight-year-old brother, sat cross-legged with his fists clenched, small veins of violet Will energy twitching in his hands—uncontrolled, angry.

Across the room stood Renzo Tsukami—now sixteen. The boy prodigy. Not by blood, but Kael's legacy ran through him like fire in his veins. He had taken the Kurai name once, but cast it off at thirteen to forge his own identity, choosing instead to honor Kael's teachings through action, not blood.

His fists were tight. His jaw locked.

He didn't want to believe Kael was gone. But… Kael's presence—his Will—was truly gone.

The next generation stood behind them:Kiyomi Takashi (8), clutching her father Ryuu's leg, her voice too quiet to be heard.Reika Mizuno (12), trembling but silent, her calm demeanor cracking only slightly.Haruki Akiyama (8), whose fiery spirit had dulled since the news. He stood protectively beside Maiya, his eyes never leaving hers.

And at the center of the council circle, the former pillars of Shinzai's strength:

Ryuu Takashi, fists clenched so tightly blood dripped from his palms.

Kaede Mizuno, arms folded, face unreadable—like a storm held behind glass.

Tetsu Akiyama, staring at the cracked floor with shoulders sagged.

Eri, holding Haruki's hand, her usual fire gone dim.

Hana Yume, her eyes red, but tears long dried—her voice absent since the news came.

"He's gone… and Shinzai still breathes. But it won't for long—not without a leader."

Tetsu nodded slowly. "The city's guard is shaken. Patrols are hesitating. The people are scared."

"We need a new Ryūun," Eri said quietly. "Kael would have wanted us to move forward. To protect what he built."

She looked up, shaking her head softly. "I'll protect our children. I'll guard his memory. But I won't take his place."

Reika reached for her father's hand.

Kaede exhaled. "…Then it falls to me."

Ryuu didn't speak. He only gave a slow, reluctant nod.

Kaede stepped forward, placing one hand on the cracked floor beneath the Ryūun's seat.

"I don't claim to be stronger than Kael. No one ever will be. But I stood beside him when this city was nothing but ash. I'll stand again now—for the future he believed in."

Golden light shimmered across the chamber as the Willstone embedded in the Ryūun's throne glowed faintly… then brightly, as if recognizing Kaede's vow.

"Until Kael Kurai returns—or until the next worthy Ryūun rises—I will lead Shinzai."

And with that, the children of heroes looked on…

As Kaede Mizuno became the new Ryūun of Shinzai.

Chapter 58: The Burden of Flame