– Inherited Will, Shadow and Leviathan

The arena still pulsed with the echoes of the crowd's roar after Annie's electrifying victory.In the high balcony, where the great names of hero history watched the Draft unfold, Kelvin Nox stood with arms crossed, eyes fixed on the screens, a rare glint of interest in his gaze.

— "That Annie... she's interesting," he said, voice neutral, but sincerely impressed.

Inavy smiled, holding a soda in one hand and Saddie on his lap.

— "She really is. Her powers remind me of Darius."

Darius, munching on a massive bucket of popcorn next to Ron, burst out laughing.

— "Bro, I made Tyrus run. Don't compare me to her, guys. I'm on another level."

Everyone laughed — even Kelvin, though more reserved. Inavy turned to him.

— "Now it's your son's turn, Kelvin. Think he'll beat my nephew Flynn?"

Kelvin smiled calmly.

— "He won't just win… he'll put on a show."

Inavy chuckled.

— "Right. That kid spent more time with Lorien and Darius than with you. It was obvious how he'd turn out."

Lorien adjusted his glasses.

— "He's grown incredibly well. But he still has that mix of Valtier flash and Nox discipline. He's going to shine."

Then the announcer's voice boomed across the stadium:

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! Make some noise for the son of Hero City's #2 ranked hero, the prodigy of Shadows and Seals… it's RYYYYUUUUU NOOOOX!"

The crowd went wild.Ryu entered the arena with a cocky smile, light steps, and confident eyes.His hair swayed as if even the wind recognized him. He raised a hand and winked at the crowd.The cheers only grew louder.

In the balcony, Lorien activated his Seraphim Eyes — for a split second, he saw a younger Kelvin's silhouette overlap with Ryu.

— "That kid… he has Kelvin's face, but a Valtier's attitude," he murmured.

Darius burst out laughing.

— "He's right. Lorien, you're so cringe, man. Your son's more uptight than an elders' council meeting."

— "Can you shut up, Darius?" Lorien snapped, prompting more laughter.

The announcer continued:

"And now… the heir to Poseidon of Hero City! Nephew of Rose Eldara, son of Rudius Eldara — leader of the Leviathan Guild! It's… FLYNN EEEEELDARA!"

Flynn entered like royalty.A royal blue cloak flowing behind him, water dancing at his sides, his gaze steady, his aura refined.The crowd welcomed him like a prince.

In the arena, the two faced off.

— "You know how to make an entrance," said Ryu, adjusting the katana on his back.— "But didn't Ethan warn you? I'm a tough bone to crack."

Flynn smirked.

— "I know you're loud. And that you're going to lose. Here. Now."

The judge raised his arm.

"Prepare… FIGHT!"

Arena – Duel: Shadow vs Leviathan

Flynn moved with grace, conjuring water blades.Ryu dodged effortlessly, striking back with swift martial moves that caught Flynn off guard.

— "You thought I was just a swordsman?" Ryu smirked.— "I hate being underestimated."

A spinning kick shattered Flynn's barrier and sent him flying.

Flynn stood up, wiping blood from his lip.

— "Alright… so you want to play rough."

He snapped his fingers — the Leviathan roared into existence, an ancient god of the ocean.

The beast condensed into a trident, which Flynn spun like a master.His armor formed — shimmering blue scales and a solid water blade.A true knight of the sea.

— "Now feel the wrath of Leviathan!"

Ryu grinned. His eyes flashed violet.

— "You sure you want to go there?"

He drew his katana.

The duel ignited: water blades against shadow steel.Flynn was fluid, elegant, relentless.Ryu was precise, unreadable, like a living shadow.

Flynn began to pressure him.

From the balcony, Kelvin tensed. Inavy bit his lip.

— "He's starting to lose…"

Then Ryu paused.

Flashback:

Lorien, hands behind his back:

— "Ryu, not every fight is won with power. Sometimes, all you need… is nothing."

Null Field: Valtier Void.

Space around Flynn collapsed into blackness for three seconds.

— "What?! My water… it evaporated?!"

Silent Step.

Ryu vanished.

In a blink, he appeared behind Flynn — sword already in motion.

A clean, precise strike.

Flynn collapsed to his knees.

"Winner: RYU NOX!"

In the balcony, Kelvin jumped like a kid.

— "YEEEESSSS!!! THAT'S MY BOOOY!!" he screamed, for the first time ever.

Everyone froze.

Inavy's eyes widened.

— "Kelvin's cure... is being a dad. A rare sight: Kelvin Nox yelling with joy."

Darius fell over laughing, imitating Kelvin in a robot voice:

— "Hmmm… I'm cold and calculating… emotion is for the weak…"

Everyone burst into laughter — even Lorien.

Kelvin, flustered, crossed his arms.

Down in the arena, Ryu looked up at the balcony and winked at his dad.

Kelvin simply smiled — proud inside and out.

[End of Chapter 18]