Legacy of Hero: Rise of Kairon

The stands roared. Giant screens broadcasted the emotions of millions.But for Ryan Valeborn, everything felt quiet now.He walked slowly to his seat, still catching his breath, body marked by the battle against Ethan… but his heart?Light as air.

Before he could sit down, a figure with golden hair and a white cloak approached with a radiant smile.

— "Young Ryan, what a match you put on. That was awesome, huh?"

Ryan blinked in surprise. It was Lorien Valtier.

— "Sir Lorien… thank you," — Ryan replied, bowing slightly.

Lorien placed a hand on Ryan's shoulder.

— "Even if you don't win this Draft… the world saw that someone like you can still be a hero. And you know what? There's nothing more heroic than a so-called 'aura-less' kid becoming a symbol of courage."

Ryan was speechless, his eyes glistening.

— "You're not just wanted by guilds, Ryan. You're already in the Top 10 future pillars of humanity."Lorien locked eyes with him.— "You carry the will of my sensei, Ray Stormbreak… and also his son, Inavy. Keep working hard… and reach the top."

Ryan nodded, deeply moved.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the moment.

— "RYAN! Bro, what a fight!" — Ryu Nox, bandaged and grinning, jogged over.— "You finally proved you're more than a nerd. Put that jerk Kane in his place!"

Ryan laughed awkwardly.

— "Thanks, Ryu."

— "But now… now it's Ethan versus that monster."The three turned toward the screen.

🎥 FLASHBACK ON SCREEN

Draft — Decades Ago

Darius Valtier vs Inavy Stormbreak.The arena was on fire — literally.Lightning and blades, crimson thunder clashing with golden light.

Up in the VIP lounge:

— "That win was pure luck." — Darius grumbled.

— "Like Kelvin says… not luck. Experience." — Inavy quipped, triggering laughter.

🌐 LIVE — A GLOBAL EVENT

The hashtag #FinalOfTheFinals exploded across all platforms.HeroX, TikHero, YouTube HeroLeague... everyone was watching.

The arena lights went out.

🎶 A live band began playing an orchestral theme — deep drums and epic choirs. The crowd was hypnotized.Tension thickened.

The host, now in a sleek dark suit with silver stripes, raised the mic with dramatic flair:

— "Ladies and Gentlemen, the moment has come! The CLIMAX of the Draft!"

— "He needs no introduction! Son of the greatest living hero! Grandson of Ray Stormbreak! THE EMBODIMENT OF LIGHTNING… ETHAAAAN STOOOORMBREAK!"

💥 Crimson lightning slashed across the digital sky. The crowd exploded in cheers.

🧪 SOMEWHERE ELSE...

A dark room. Glowing monitors. Circuit boards and tower schematics scattered across a desk.

Hant watched the match on his phone, disgusted.

— "Why do they scream for someone who's not even a hero yet? Just because of the name? Why do they worship these fakes?" — he spat.— "It's all a performance. A vanity circus."

He returned to his plans: the sketch of a military tower glowed under a lamp.

🔥 BACK TO THE ARENA

The announcer pressed on:

— "And facing him… THE MONSTER! LAST YEAR'S CHAMPION! SON OF TWO OF THE ASSOCIATION'S PILLARS! THE FLAME ITSELF… DAAANTE VALTIEEEEEER!"

🔥 A pillar of fire erupted.From within it emerged Dante — stoic, katana on his back, an aura of sheer dominance.

Ethan blinked.

— "Hot entrance…"

— "I've been waiting for you, Stormbreak," — Dante replied, cold and confident.

— "Didn't know I had famous fans… especially vice-captains."

— "Let's see if you fight as well as you talk."

— "You're gonna be impressed."

👀 IN THE STANDS

Ryan glanced at Ryu.

— "Was he always this… terrifying?"

— "That guy doesn't even laugh at my jokes, man. When he fights… it's like there's a monster inside. His aura… it's bigger than Lorien's."

— "But Lorien's aura is immeasurable, according to the databook…"

— "Exactly… and Dante's still a teenager."

Annie, also watching:

— "Ethan's special. I've seen it. He adapts. Instinctively. Even when he fought you and Yan, he changed his style mid-battle."

— "I felt it too," — Ryu added. — "But Dante… he's a different tier."

🎴 IN THE VIP BALCONY

Diana Flamesoul sat beside Inavy.

— "What did you teach your son, sensei?"

— "The same thing I taught you," — she replied with a smirk.

— "To be precise, right?"

— "Exactly. But… I hope he controls it. He can get impulsive… like his father."

Inavy laughed.

— "You say that like it's a bad thing…"

They shared a knowing chuckle.

⚔️ CENTER OF THE ARENA

Ethan unsheathed Raijin and Arashi, the twin daggers once wielded by Ray Stormbreak.

Dante drew his scarlet katana, the blade radiating heat.His stance — flawless. Like a warrior bred from birth.

They stared each other down.Silence fell.

The arena held its breath.

END OF CHAPTER 26Next up: "Clash of Legacies — Ethan vs Dante: The Final Showdown!"