The sound of slowing helicopter blades announced the arrival of a new presence in the city. The wind twisted with elegance as the arena gates opened for a man with short, wild chestnut hair and sun-kissed skin, wearing a leather jacket marked with the gleaming emblem of a lightning bolt crossed by a golden spear.His steps were firm. His gaze, calm and penetrating.
Ron Stormbreak — Inavy's younger brother, Ray Stormbreak's youngest son — had returned.
He entered the private suite reserved for guild leaders. There stood Lorien, Darius, Kelvin, and of course, his brother, Inavy. As he saw him, Inavy's eyes widened for a moment, quickly replaced by a warm smile.
— "Ron? Man… we've missed you so much!" — Inavy exclaimed, rising to his feet.
Ron smiled and pulled his brother into a strong hug.
— "Couldn't miss seeing my nephew in the Draft, could I? How's he doing?"
— "He's first in points. The duel matchups are about to be drawn," Inavy said proudly.
Ron then pulled out a sealed black box, glowing faintly with energy.
— "Brought something for the kid."
Inavy's eyes widened.
— "No way… Is that what I think it is?"
Ron just smiled.
— "Dad's daggers… Raijin and Arashi. May this legacy protect him."
Before they could say more, Lorien turned with a faint smirk.
— "Well, if it isn't the former member of the Thousand Lights Guild. My old student. How are you, Ron Stormbreak?"
— "I'm well, sensei Lorien. Couldn't miss this Draft. Today, Thunder Guild is going for the number one pick — mark my words."
Across the room, Darius scoffed.
— "No chance! Inavy's rookie is going to the Phoenix Guild today. I'm sick of always getting pick 10, 15, 13... Today it's mine!"
Kelvin crossed his arms and simply smiled.
— "Of course the #1 will want the greatest guild of all time. The Thousand Lights Guild."
Lorien laughed, nostalgic:
— "We do have a pact with the Draft, after all."
Inavy chuckled and added:
— "And that's exactly why I never agreed to lead a guild. You all fight like children over a new hero."
Semifinal Draw
The lights dimmed in the auditorium, focusing on the central screen. The names spun in glowing circles until stopping, one by one:
— Ryan Valeborn vs Williem Forst— Abby Fountier vs Annie Halloway— Ryu Nox vs Flynn Eldara— Jerome Frost vs Arnie Johnson
In the corridor, Ryan stared seriously at the name of his opponent.
Williem Forst – Specialist in sensors, presence manipulation, and with absurd media influence.
— "How am I supposed to beat this guy...? And more than that... he's a snake. But maybe… just maybe I can expose the truth about him." — Ryan thought, tense.
— "Yan!" — Annie's soft voice pulled him back.
She approached with a gentle smile.
— "You okay?"
— "Just focused… thinking about how to beat Forst."
— "Don't overthink it. Actually, you've already won. Even without making the final, a kid without aura getting this far? That's already a victory."
He looked at her, grateful. Before he could answer, the intercom called:
— "First match: Ryan Valeborn vs Williem Forst! Please report to the arena!"
Ryan looked at Annie and smiled.
— "I promise I'll win."
— "Then go out there and keep that promise, Yan."
The Arena Erupts in Emotion
The lights spun wildly. The ground shook with the screams of the crowd.
— "And here he is, ladies and gentlemen! The darling of the networks! The man with 90 million followers! WILLIEM FORST!!"
The stadium exploded. Screams, digital confetti, holograms with his face.
Williem waved with a smug smile, like a pop idol.
— "What a joke…" — Ryan thought, entering with steady steps.
And then…
— "GO, MY SON!!" — came his mother's voice from the stands.
But the scream that silenced the stadium came right after.
— "LET'S GO, RYAN!! BREAK YOUR LIMITS!!!"
It was Inavy Stormbreak.
The crowd went silent for a second. Murmurs echoed.
— "Wait... Inavy Stormbreak is cheering for that kid?"— "Who is Ryan Valeborn…?"
Ryan felt his body tremble. A wave surged through his chest. His heart raced. Emotion flooded him.
Then, his eyes began to glow.
A deep blue light — like a living galaxy. The ground around him crackled softly with bursts of energy.
Lorien, with his Seraphim Eyes activated, was stunned.
— "Impossible… His aura… it's awakening now. And… it doesn't obey normal laws. It's tied to emotion!"
Inavy's eyes widened. Deep inside, the voice of Nion echoed:
— "That kid… he has the… Reversum."
Ryan took position in silence as Williem smirked arrogantly.
— "Nice light show. But this is real fighting. Hope you know how to run, loser."
Ryan didn't answer.
He simply raised his fists — eyes glowing like living stars.
A new hero was awakening.
And he was about to break his limits.
[End of Chapter 15]