🌌 [Scene 1 – Kairon's Domain]
Hant slowly awakens. His body still bears the scars of battle. But when he opens his eyes, he sees no blood, no ruins. Instead, he finds himself in a space with no ground, no ceiling—only an ocean of stars. Galaxies swirl around him like rivers of light, distant planets glimmer like lonely candles in the infinite void.
Hant takes a deep breath, confused:— Where… where am I?
A deep voice echoes through the emptiness, heavy with authority.Kai appears before him, arms crossed, gaze cold.— You are in Kairon's Domain.
Hant's eyes widen.— But… I was killed by the Valeborn?
Kai steps forward, the glow of the constellations reflecting in his eyes.— No. You were rescued by Kairon.
Hant's heart races.— Then… we lost?
Kai nods, devoid of emotion.— Yes. The Renegates fell, one by one. But Kairon achieved an unprecedented feat: he killed Inavy Stormbreak.
Hant stumbles back, disbelief written across his face.— What…? Impossible! No one… no one could defeat that man!
Kai slowly raises his hand, imperial aura radiating like waves of golden fire.— It's true. But it was an attack on the master's very essence. Kairon is gravely wounded… and he will not return for five years.
Silence. Only the distant echo of galaxies. Then Kai steps closer, his presence becoming crushing.— Hant… today I present to you your true destiny.
He places his hand on Hant's shoulder. Instantly, chains of cosmic energy spread through his body, burning and rebuilding every fiber, every atom. The blood of Kairon begins to flow in his veins.
Kai declares, firm as a divine decree:— I name you Herald of Kairon. Take pride, Hant.
Space trembles. Hant's scream echoes into infinity, his body enveloped by the black crown of cosmic darkness.The new Herald was born.
⚰️ [Scene 2 – Funeral of Inavy Stormbreak | Earth]
The Earth wept.
Thousands gathered at the heart of the city. Heroes from every guild, civilians, world leaders. Flags at half-mast. The coffin, draped with the Stormbreak Guild's emblem, rested at the center of the plaza, surrounded by white flowers glowing under the setting sun.
With every step, silence reigned. This was not merely the funeral of a man. It was the farewell to a pillar, Hero No.1, the flame that had guarded humanity for decades.
The speeches began.
Lorien Valtier, voice deep:— Today, we do not only bury a warrior. We bury a legend who gave his all… down to his final spark.
Darius Valtier, holding back tears:— Inavy was my rival and my brother. If humanity stands tall today, it's because he never faltered.
Kelvin Nox, more serious than ever:— I always admired him. Always wanted to reach him… but I realize Inavy never ran alone. He dragged us all forward with his light.
One by one, heroes spoke. Diana, Rose, Ryu… until Ethan, his voice trembling.— Father… I promise. I won't falter. I won't sleep through battles. The flame you left… will burn within me.
Ryan remained silent, fists clenched. The weight in his chest was unbearable.
Then a screen lit up.— Is this recording? Oh, good! — Inavy's smiling face appeared.
A shiver ran through the crowd. The video began.
— How do I say this… if you're watching, it means I've already been dragged off. Hahaha… well, I didn't want it to end like this. But here we go.
He smiled, joked, but emotion tinged his voice.— I know many must be wondering… who will be the new pillar, the new Hero No.1. I choose… two brothers, not by blood, but by soul: Kelvin Nox and Darius Valtier.
The crowd erupted in restrained applause. Kelvin and Darius bowed their heads, moved.
— And now, Ethan… no staying up late playing games, got it? — Inavy laughed, and Ethan, among the crowd, smiled shyly through tears.
Inavy paused. His smile faded.— Damn… I won't see my princess Saddie graduate, or find a boyfriend. Saddie… no sweets overboard, okay?
The crowd cried openly. Saddie, in Rose's arms, sobbed uncontrollably.
Then Inavy faced the camera, his gaze serious, almost prophetic.— Hey, kid… my flame has gone out. Now it's your turn. The new pillar… is you, young R—
Rose's voice rang out in the background:— Inavy, dinner's ready!
He smiled, breaking the tension.— Sorry, folks. But… I see a future of peace. Closer than you think. And kid… show them what you're made of. Your moment is now. The New Pillar!
The video ended.
Ryan collapsed to his knees, tears streaming. From afar, Kane watched, eyes burning with envy."That nerd… he thinks a prophecy will make him No.1? No way. Only over my dead body."
🌹 [Scene 3 – Life Goes On]
Some time later, the ceremony dispersed. But in the hearts of the young, the weight remained.
Eliara Myne ran toward Ethan.— Ethan! Are you okay? I… I'm so sorry about your father…
Ethan forced a smile, eyes red.— Don't worry, Ely. I have amazing people by my side. I'll be fine.
She pouted, hugging him tightly.— I'm moving here. I want to be your safe harbor.
Ethan blushed but returned the hug.— Thank you.
From afar, Ryan watched. Annie approached.— Hey, Yan.
He smiled faintly.— Hey… Annie.
— Since that incident, you've been distant… avoiding me?
Ryan lowered his gaze.— It's not that. I've just… been thinking about what would happen if I lost you. The Reversum tells me I need to become stronger. I almost lost you. And I lost the one I admired most. I don't want to lose anyone else… especially you.
Annie hugged him, tears in her eyes.— Thank you, Yan. If it weren't for you, I'd already be dead.
— I only protected the one I love.
At that moment, Kane appeared, interrupting.— Annie… lend me Ryan for a bit.
— What do you want, Jayson? — Annie retorted.
— Just a talk. In private.
Ryan sighed.— Fine, let's go.
They walked away until they were alone. Kane glared at him, furious.— Hey, you damn nerd… don't play dumb with me.
Ryan looked at him, confused.— What are you talking about?
— You think I didn't notice? The crying, Inavy's video… he was talking about you. You're the so-called "new pillar."
Ryan stayed silent.
Kane stepped closer, their faces inches apart.— Prove it. Tonight. At the park where we grew up. Eight o'clock.
Ryan took a deep breath.— Deal.
And so, under the weight of loss and the shadow of new rivalries, destiny prepared for the next battle.
End of Chapter 92