Silence weighed like a funeral shroud. Ethan was still on his knees, his father's bloodied body resting in his arms. His eyes were empty, drowned in an indescribable pain.
Ryan, tears streaming down his face and voice trembling, slowly approached:
— Hey, man… we need to get through this. I know the pain you're feeling… because it's mine too.
Ethan didn't answer. He only rose slowly, his fingers tightening around the Chaos Blade.
— This will stay with me, he murmured, voice breaking. Without looking at anyone, he walked away.
The medical team rushed to the young heroes, closing wounds, stabilizing breath. One healer tried to approach Ethan, but he shoved him violently aside, refusing any help. His steps were steady, but his soul dragged by the shadow of loss, leading him back home.
Ryan and Ryu exchanged worried glances.
— He's not okay, Ryan… Ryu said heavily.
Meanwhile, Darius, unmoving until then, collapsed to his knees. The unbeatable warrior, the feared master, now just a man in tears.
— Inavy… his voice cracked, broken by sobs. My best friend…
Kelvin stepped closer, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
— He was our friend, he said gravely. We'll honor his death.
Together, they watched as the medics carried Inavy's body away. And the whole world watched.
Days later, Ryan stood before the new generation: Ryu, Abby, Annie, Dante, and Kane. His body was still wrapped in bandages, but determination burned in his eyes. From afar, Zen observed silently, arms crossed.
— Just yesterday… Ryu whispered, voice low, he and Master Darius were joking around.
Abby, her eyes brimming, added:
— He seemed so happy… and the next day, to die like this. Life is unfair.
Ryan's voice then rang out, firm despite the pain within:
— We need to grow stronger. Today wasn't just the day Inavy died. It was the day we all came within a hair of death. And I don't want to lose any of you.— It doesn't matter if we're Phoenix or Thousand Lights… our enemy is one. Our enemy is Kairon. And we will win.
He raised his fist. One by one, the young heroes joined him.
— WHATEVER IT TAKES! they shouted in unison.
From afar, Darius watched. A small smile slipped through the tears. Kelvin approached and murmured:
— We lost Inavy… but his flame runs through this boy. Ryan is our new pillar. We must shape him.
Darius closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, in Ryan's silhouette he saw the reflection of a younger Inavy. A tear slid down his cheek.
Meanwhile, Ethan arrived home. Rose rushed to him, hugging him tightly, tears flooding her eyes.
— Thank goodness, my son! she cried, suffocated by emotion.
But Ethan fell to his knees before her.
— Mom… Dad…
Rose held him close, stroking his hair.
— I know… I know. He fought to the very end, even if it cost his life. Your father always said: "The greatest proof of love is to sacrifice yourself for what you love." And that's what he did… for us.
Ethan hugged her tightly, feeling the weight of those words etching into his soul. Later, in his room, memories of his father cut through his mind like blades. Depression suffocated him.
Two days passed. It was the day of the funeral.
Ethan still refused to leave his room. At the door stood Ryan and Ryu.
— Hey man, you need to go, Ryu pleaded. Please, come out.
— I won't, man, Ethan replied coldly.
— This isn't the hero I know. Where's that badass Ethan, huh? Come on, get out of there! Ryu pressed.
— Easy for you to say… Ethan muttered, sinking deeper.
— Damn… I just wanted to help. We've been friends since we were kids. Ryu lowered his head.
Ethan sighed.
— Maybe being a hero isn't for me.
Then Ryan spoke, firm, though pain lingered in his eyes:
— Ethan… it's me, Ryan. Just listen.
He took a deep breath.
— Two days ago I told you: your pain is my pain. I don't know how I'd be if I lost my mother… but at least honor your father. Get out of this room and honor the man who saved this world.— Your father taught me that scars make us stronger. That loss is part of being a hero. And in the end… in the process of saving everyone… he chose to give his life. So get back up. And honor the LEGACY that isn't just Ray Stormbreak's anymore, but also Inavy Stormbreak's.
Each word struck Ethan like a blade. Finally, he opened the door, eyes wet. He looked at his friends, hugged them tightly, and whispered:
— Thank you, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you. I'll go to my father's funeral. Ryan, Ryu… thank you.
On the news, the Renegates were shown captured — all except Hant, still on the run.
Then came the funeral. Inavy's coffin rested beside those of Ray, Mary, Julius, and Tiana — symbols of the entire Stormbreak lineage.
Heroes from every corner of the world attended. Saddie cried innocently, not understanding her father's absence. Rose was supported by Diana.
And in the final moment, Ethan held the coffin until the very last second. Before the entire world, he vowed with a trembling but firm voice:
— I swear… I will carry his legacy. And I will end Kairon. Whatever it takes!
Silence was broken by applause and tears. The entire planet mourned the loss of Inavy Stormbreak.
End of Chapter
[End of Chapter 92]