Kelvin Nox returned home after Inavy's funeral. The grief still lingered in his eyes, heavy and sharp as a blade. He entered his room, dropped his cloak on the floor, and stared at the wall where his old weapons still hung.
"Why, you fool…" he muttered.
But instead of collapsing, he clenched his fists and walked to the mansion's courtyard. Alone, he began to train — firm strikes, his every movement wrapped in dark flames, as if he were exorcising sorrow through sheer effort.
That was when Ryu appeared. The boy stood silently for a moment before speaking:"Father… I want to train with you."
Kelvin stopped, surprised, then slowly smiled."Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes still marked by grief.
"I am. After everything that's happened… I want to become stronger. But I want to do it by your side. I can't fall behind Ryan and Ethan."
Kelvin lowered his weapon and walked to his son, resting a hand on his shoulder."You've truly matured, son." For the first time in days, he smiled. "Very well. We'll face this pain together."
Father and son trained under the moonlight. And for the first time in days, both smiled.
At the Stormbreak residence, Ethan entered the room where Inavy's old belongings were kept. His eyes stopped at a black jacket with red accents — one his father had worn in his youth. With trembling hands, Ethan touched it, memories of his father's missions rushing back.
Slowly, he put on the jacket. Then he reached for the Blade of Chaos, resting on its stand. As he gripped it, a reflection in the glass made his silhouette resemble Inavy's.
Rose entered the room. Upon seeing him, silent tears rolled down her cheeks."Ethan… you look just like your father…"
The young man turned, equally overwhelmed, and embraced his mother tightly."Mom… I promise you… none of you will die. From this day forward, I won't fight for myself. I'll fight for Dad's legacy. I'll fight for our family. I'll fight… for the world."
Rose held him closer, whispering:"I know, my son… I know you will."
Meanwhile, Ryan sat alone on the same park bench where he had once reflected after the battle with Kane.
"Hey, Ryan, why aren't you heading home?" Darius asked, walking up.
"I will, sensei… I just needed some time to clear my head."
Darius sat beside him."Then I'll stay with you. Man, this week's been insane: the Renegates spreading chaos, the battle against Kairon, Inavy's death… and yet we're still standing. That's what being a hero means."
Ryan smiled faintly."Yeah. Now it's time to grow stronger."
The two sat in silence, the wind rustling through the trees. Then Darius asked:"So… do you enjoy being a hero?"
Ryan closed his eyes, memories flooding — Liv's death, training under Darius, conversations with Inavy, nearly losing Annie, and now Inavy's final sacrifice. Finally, he answered:"At first, I thought it would be a bed of roses… I never knew this path was full of thorns. And yet… I love it. It's hard, it's painful, but I want to keep walking it."
Darius chuckled."You talk like an old war veteran."
"You think so, sensei?"
Darius grew serious, the wind pressing against his coat as he looked Ryan in the eye.
"Can I give you some advice, kid?"
Ryan answer
" Yes sensei"
"Be legendary, kid.."
The words struck deep in Ryan's heart, bringing tears to his eyes."Thank you, sensei… that means everything."
Darius ruffled his student's hair."Come on. Let's go home."
At the Valeborn mansion, Emily greeted Ryan with a warm embrace."Here's your son, Miss Valeborn," Darius said.
"Thank you, Mr. Valtier…" Emily smiled softly, her eyes misty. "Please, call me Emily."
"And you can call me Darius… Emi-chan." He laughed, and Emily blushed.
They exchanged words of gratitude, and, flustered, Emily invited him out someday. Darius accepted with a smile. Ryan, watching from the side, muttered in jealousy:"What are you two whispering about, Emily Valeborn?"
"Oh, my son, are you jealous?" Emily teased. "Seventeen years without going out with anyone… and your sensei is quite the handsome man — blonde, blue-eyed…"
Later that night, mother and son were alone in the living room. Ryan took a deep breath."Mom… three days ago, on the day Inavy died… I saw Dad."
Emily froze."How…? Ryan, your father died fifteen years ago, shortly after you were born."
"That's what we thought. But he was alive… forced to work on creating that drug that turns people into superhumans. He was being threatened by Hant and Kai."
Emily covered her mouth in shock."My God…"
"We investigated a site in the Central District. We were attacked. And… Dad died, Mom. For real this time. He was killed by his other son, Mason."
"What…?"
"And not just that. He had another family before us. I met my half-brother, Mason Valeborn. He's lost, confused… but I promised to help him. He's my brother, Mom, and I want to bring him here."
Emily trembled, then pulled Ryan into a tight embrace."You may, my son. If that is your wish, I support you. But… knowing Alfred died twice… and lied to me for years… it tears me apart inside."
Ryan held her silently.
Elsewhere, Darius walked alone through rain-soaked streets. Looking to the sky, memories of his youth with Inavy flooded back.
"I'll be the number one hero!" young Inavy used to shout."No way! One Stormbreak at the top is enough, I won't let another take the spotlight!" Darius would laugh."What if we settle this with rock-paper-scissors?" Diana chimed in, laughing, as Rose rolled her eyes.
In the end, Inavy had won, smiling at Darius."Don't worry, man. When I get tired of being number one, I'll pass it on to you."
Now, under the night sky, rain streaming down his face, Darius whispered:"Heh… you kept your word, Inavy. Now I'm the number one."
Herocity glimmered in golden reflections across the puddles. The weight of the heroes' legacy endured.
End of Chapter