Legacy of Hero: Rise of Kairon

The sky over HeroCity was slowly waking, painted in golden hues. After intense days, Ryan Valeborn finally returned to the apartment where he had grown up. As he opened the door, a sweet and familiar voice greeted him:

— "Ryan! My son!" said Emily Valeborn, his mother, opening her arms for a tight hug.

— "Hi, Mom…" Ryan smiled. "I missed you."

— "So, how was the Stormbreak mansion? You were there for three days and didn't even call!" she teased.

— "It was great… I learned a lot. But, Mom, listen…" Ryan's voice turned firm. "Pack your bags."

— "What?" Emily frowned. "Why?"

— "Because we're not living here anymore. My paycheck cleared two days ago and… yesterday, Ethan, Ryu and I went house-hunting. I bought one. A real home for you. And I bought... cars too."

Tears filled Emily's eyes.

— "You won't need to wake up at dawn or clean houses anymore. Now… now it's your time to rest, Mom."

She cried. Hard. And Ryan hugged her, his heart full and light.

— "You always gave your best. I'm just giving it back."

Outside, the sound of moving trucks echoed. A loud and playful voice called out:

— "Come on, Ryan! Time to change the world — or at least change addresses!"

— "Is that… Darius Valtier?" Emily blinked, in disbelief.

— "It is, Mom. He kind of… offered to help."

As they carried their bags down, Ryan took one last look at the old apartment. Memories flashed: him running around with a toy red cape, yelling "I'll be a hero!"

A tear fell.

Darius stepped up.

— "Ms. Valeborn… your son has a heart of gold. And hey, he's got great taste too. You're going to love the new place."

🚙 The Valeborn Mansion

The car drove through an upscale neighborhood, stopping in front of a tech mansion with surveillance towers, smart home systems, and lush gardens.

Emily stood frozen.

— "This… all of this is ours?"

— "Yes." Ryan smiled. "This is your new home, Mom."

She burst into tears again, hugging him like it was the last time.

— "Thank you so much, my son. Thank you…"

Darius, still as lively as ever, saluted:

— "Now you've got a proper home! And sorry, I gotta dash — there's a new OVA of SaintsGodBreak today, and if I miss the live premiere, Rose will mock me for a week."

— "Has he always been like that?" Emily asked, watching him leave.

— "Always, Mom. And… he's the best sensei we've ever had."

🌟 A New Life Begins

Emily had only ever known hardship… so seeing spa rooms, sports fields, indoor cinema, robotic butlers, and a luxury car garage left her speechless.

— "How much did all of this cost, Ryan?"

— "12 million HeroCoins."

— "What?! And you still have money?"

— "This didn't even spend half my salary, Mom."

— "My son… you really are a hero."

Emily smiled but added thoughtfully:

— "I can't quit the Jayson household just yet… they treat me with respect. If I leave suddenly, it might seem ungrateful. But… I promise I'll step down when the time is right."

Ryan respected her decision. He knew her dignity was worth more than any mansion.

🌀 Late-Night Calls and New Promises

In his room, Ryan laid down. His phone buzzed with dozens of messages from Annie. Heart warm, he called her. Her blushing face lit up the screen.

— "Missing me already, Yan?"

— "You have no idea…"

Their conversation stretched into the night.

🏠 The Nox House – "Like the Old Days"

Meanwhile, Ryu Nox dragged his feet home, exhausted.

— "RYU NOX!" his mother, Aida, shouted upon seeing him.

— "I'll clean my room, Mom!" he called back with a guilty grin.

Later, with everything in order, Ryu flopped onto the couch and turned on his favorite series. When the door opened, he looked up at his father:

— "I thought you were staying out… Mom was worried."

Kelvin Nox sighed, removing his dark mission cloak.

— "Had a mission in Asia. Son… want to train with me tomorrow?"

Ryu's eyes lit up.

— "Like old times?"

— "Like old times." Kelvin smiled gently. "But for now, bed. We start early."

— "Good night, Dad!"

🔺 Renegate HQ – The New Order

In the darkness of a hidden base, Kai Hayashi studied astral maps. Hant appeared on a holographic screen.

— "What do you want now, Kai?"

— "They're growing… emotionally, spiritually. We must cut them down before they bloom."

— "How?"

— "Go to Africa. To Ukundara. Steal the K'Wuru."

Hant's eyes widened.

— "You really want the Ancestral Aura Relic?"

— "Yes. The key to defeating them lies there. And with it… we will break them."

End of Chapter 70