Legacy of Hero: Rise of Kairon

🇺🇸 United States – Temporary Hero Base

The silence was deafening.

Laughter, plans, small victories… all of it had been replaced by a deep, soul-crushing pain.The body of Liv Lang, vice-captain of the Phoenix Guild, rested within a stasis capsule, while the young heroes faced the reality:

They had failed.

Eliara was in the hands of the Renegates.And Liv… would not return.

Of them all, Dante Valtier looked the most broken.

He isolated himself in a corner of the room, head down, fists clenched.His personal promise to the President of the United States — to protect Eliara at all costs — had been shattered.

It was Ryan Valeborn who approached, his aura suppressed, his eyes serene, yet still tinged with sorrow.

"Dante… we have to go. The president is waiting."

"How… how can I face him?" Dante whispered."I made a promise. I failed. I let her walk out that door."

Ryan took a breath.

"I failed too. I didn't notice the trap in time. But… I can still feel her. She's alive, somewhere. I swear it."

Dante gritted his teeth… then nodded in silence.

🏛️ Meeting with the President of the United States

As they entered the grand chamber, the President stood, eyes red from tears.

"…Where is my daughter?"

Dante fell to his knees, speechless. But Ryan stepped forward—calm, firm.

"Mr. President. Eliara was kidnapped by the Renegates. But I swear, on my blood… we'll bring her back."

The President clutched his chest, trembling… but when his eyes met Ryan's, something within him believed.

"Bring my daughter home. Please…"

✈️ En Route to Hero City

Inside the high-tech jet, the mood was heavy.Kane, arms crossed, broke the silence:

"That mercenary… he mentioned a name. Kai. We should return to Hero City and speak to the guild leaders. That name... it's not just anyone."

Ryu nodded.

"Agreed. This just got personal."

Abby and Annie looked at Liv's capsule. Silence.Then Ethan, wrapped in bandages, whispered:

"We'll give her… a hero's funeral."

🏙️ Hero City – Arrival

At the Phoenix Guild's main HQ, Darius Valtier, Inavy Stormbreak, and Kelvin Nox awaited.

When the young heroes stepped out, Inavy rushed to embrace Ethan tightly, relieved.

Ryu ran into Kelvin's arms.Darius approached Ryan… who only looked at him with a broken expression.

Then the container opened.

Darius collapsed to his knees.

"N-No… Liv… no…"

Kelvin closed his eyes.Inavy looked away. The silence was sacred.

🌌 Master and Disciple – Inavy & Ryan

Alone on the guild's rooftop balcony, Ryan stared at the overcast horizon.He heard footsteps.

"Hey, young Ryan," Inavy said gently.

Ryan didn't reply immediately. He just murmured:

"Mr. Inavy…"

"I know how you feel. I've lost people too."

Ryan turned to him, curious.

"Twenty years ago, I lost Ray." Inavy said, gazing at the sky."Three years later… my mother. I swore I'd protect everyone I love.And I failed."

Ryan lowered his head.

"But you know what I did after that?" Inavy continued."I got up. I kept going. Because heroes… true heroes… don't live without loss. They learn to live with it."

He pulled Ryan into a hug — like a mentor, like an older brother.

"Get up, Ryan. Because the world will need you."

From afar, Kane watched, eyes narrowed.

"So... Inavy chose that nerd as his successor? Screw that. I'll carve my own path — and I'll be greater than all of them."

⚰️ Liv Lang's Funeral

The ceremony was simple.Solemn.Heroic.

Dante spoke first, his voice cracking:

"She was more than our vice-captain. She was our friend… and our guide."

Ethan, holding back tears:

"She died protecting me. I won't forget.I'll never hesitate again."

Ryu laid a flower on the casket.

"Thank you… for teaching us that true leadership isn't demanded.It's inspired."

Finally, Ryan stepped forward.

"I swear," he said, eyes locked and unwavering,"This pain will not be in vain.We'll bring Eliara back.And we'll make the world pay for every tear you made us shed."

🌃 Somewhere in Hero City

Atop a skyscraper, Kai Hayashi watched the ceremony broadcast across the news.

His eyes were cold.Cruel.

"Pathetic…" he muttered."Emotions. Promises. Funerals.It'll all burn… once true evil arrives."

Behind him, a living shadow twisted.

Arcanis — the Emissary of Destruction — was preparing in Kairon's dimension.

The true war...was about to begin.

To Be Continued in Chapter 42…