Weeks passed quickly. Ever since the ambush, Kael's name spread like fire across the campus.
"He's different."
"No one can touch him."
"Better stay on his side."
One by one, more students came to him. Some were fighters, some were just kids tired of being bullied. In the end, they all stood behind Kael.
What began with just him and Renz slowly grew into something bigger. A brotherhood. A gang.
Renz looked at him one afternoon. "Bro… look around you. They all follow you now."
Kael stayed calm, but deep inside, he knew it was true. Leadership had found him, even if he didn't ask for it.
But in the middle of all the fights, another change was happening. Lyra had stayed close, seeing both Kael's strength and his quiet heart. Day by day, her walls fell.
Until finally, under the pale moonlight, she whispered, "Kael… I like you. I want to stay by your side."
For the first time since his rebirth, Kael felt peace stronger than any victory in battle. He looked at her, and with a small, rare smile, he answered, "Then stay. I won't let you go."
That night, everything shifted.
The next morning, Kael stood before his gang members. His voice was steady. "I'm leaving. From now on, Renz will lead you."
Shocked voices rose, but Kael silenced them with a glance. He placed a hand on Renz's shoulder. "You're ready. You know what to do. They need you more than they need me."
Renz's eyes widened. "But… bro—"
Kael shook his head. "I've fought enough. This time, I choose a different path." He glanced at Lyra waiting nearby, her eyes shining with trust.
The gang bowed their heads in respect. Even if they didn't understand, they knew they had to obey.
One month passed.
Kael walked the school grounds with Lyra at his side, quiet and away from trouble. And in the distance, Renz now stood in front of the gang, stronger, sharper, and no longer the scared boy from before.
The brotherhood lived on—carrying Kael's shadow, but under Renz's name.