A full year had passed since the final battle and the founding of the city. Once nothing but a vision in Kael's mind, it had now become a living, breathing beacon of unity. Nestled within the emerald embrace of the mountains and nourished by crystal rivers, the city stood tall—a place where Wielders, scholars, artisans, and survivors worked as one.
They named it Shinzai, meaning "Heart of the World." It was a name Kael chose to reflect not only its central role in the rebuilding of civilization but also its purpose—to become a sanctuary where hope, strength, and compassion could thrive.
The title of Ryuun had taken hold in the hearts of the people, symbolizing guidance through both light and shadow. And Kael, now 19, carried that title with steady purpose. He had grown—not just in strength, but in presence. No longer simply a warrior, he was a leader, a protector, and a symbol of what could be.
But even peace had its surprises.
It was a bright afternoon when it happened. Kael had just finished his daily patrol and was walking through the city's training grounds when a voice rang out with firm confidence.
"You! You're the Ryuun, right? I challenge you!"
Kael stopped mid-step and turned. Standing there was a boy no older than six, fists clenched, eyes blazing with determination. The boy was small, but his stance was steady—shockingly steady for someone his age.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You're serious?"
"I'm not afraid of you," the boy declared. "I've trained every day since the war ended. If I can beat you, that means I'm ready."
Kael chuckled, but not mockingly. There was something about the boy's spirit that reminded him of himself not long ago.
"What's your name?" Kael asked.
The boy crossed his arms proudly. "Renzo."
Kael nodded. "Alright, Renzo. Let's see what you've got."
They stepped into the practice ring. A crowd of curious onlookers gathered, murmuring at the sight of the young challenger. Kael motioned to his guards to stand down, then assumed a relaxed stance. He would test the boy's skills—but carefully.
The match began.
Renzo exploded forward with startling speed, weaving between Kael's legs and aiming quick strikes at his knees and ribs. Kael deflected easily at first, amused by the boy's technique—unrefined, but creative. But then Renzo began chaining his movements with a rhythm Kael didn't expect. His footwork was clean. His instincts sharp. He was fast—not fast for a kid—just fast, period.
Kael's expression shifted. He's using feints. He's watching my foot positioning. This kid's a natural.
With a grin, Kael increased his own speed just slightly, countering Renzo's next strike and sweeping him lightly off his feet. The boy rolled and popped back up without hesitation.
The dance continued for a few more minutes until Kael caught Renzo mid-leap and gently tapped him on the forehead, signaling the end.
"You've got heart," Kael said, catching his breath. "And more than that—you've got talent."
Renzo looked up at him, eyes wide. "So… did I pass?"
Kael smiled. "You did more than that."
That evening, Kael called a council and unveiled a new structure for the future generations of Shinzai.
"We must invest in the young," Kael told them. "Children with no power are just as valuable as those who awaken early. But for those who show exceptional promise, they need a path."
Thus, the Wielder Development Pathway was born:
Primary School: Ages 5–13 (or until readiness is shown). Here, all children would learn the basics: history, combat forms, Will theory, ethics, and discipline.
The Academy: Admission based on merit, not age. Once ready, a student could enter one of the three Wielder levels:
1st Wielders – beginner combatants, typically newly awakened.
2nd Wielders – intermediate fighters, often in teams, developing unique Wills.
3rd Wielders – elite operatives, assigned to missions or leadership roles.
Age no longer mattered—only readiness. And for rare prodigies like Renzo, this meant rising faster than ever before.
Kael stood at the edge of the training grounds that night, watching Renzo practice with older Academy initiates—holding his own, pushing himself harder with every move.
"This city," Kael whispered, "will be built on more than just strength. It'll be built on the fire of the next generation."
And in the heart of Shinzai, that fire had only just begun to burn.