With Shinzai's foundations laid and the Academy framework in place, Kael understood something vital — leadership wasn't about control. It was about wisdom. And wisdom came with experience.
He called a private gathering in the moonlit council hall. Only two seats stood beside his: one for the man who trained him from the shadows, and the other for the one who had stood beside him through war and pain.
Raizen Kurai.Kaede Mizuno.
"I want you both to serve as the Elders of Shinzai," Kael declared, bowing low. "Not above me — but to guide me. To correct me. To carry the weight I alone can't."
Raizen's sharp, old eyes gleamed with pride. "About time you stopped trying to carry everything yourself."
Kaede chuckled. "Didn't I always tell you I was smarter than you?"
Kael smirked. "We'll see who outvotes who in the council meetings."
With that, the Circle of Elders was born.
Within days, Kael and Kaede handpicked instructors from across the zones — scholars, warriors, even a few reformed Wielders. The Academy would be a sanctuary of challenge and growth, not arrogance. Students would learn balance before battle.
Soon after, word of Shinzai began to spread faster than expected. On the 3rd sunrise of the month, six unfamiliar figures arrived at the city gates. Each carried different banners, accents, and a powerful presence.
Kael met them in the stone courtyard, his cloak brushing the ground as he stepped forward.
"You came a long way," Kael said.
A tall woman with ash-gray braids bowed first. "Word of the Ryuun travels farther than you think. We want to help build the future."
Kael studied each of them as they introduced themselves:
Valen Rook – A cunning strategist from the Iron Wastes, known for his use of pressure-point combat and psychic redirection.
Mira Solari – A solar Wielder from the Scorched Coast, able to manipulate heat and light. Optimistic, but sharp.
Daru Venn – A nomad from the Sand Ring Tribes who can commune with elemental spirits, particularly earth and wind.
Aiko Virei – A quiet girl from the Frosthollow Tundra, an ice artist who shapes her Will into living sculptures.
Zeek Arlow – A former rogue Wielder who turned mercenary. He's loud, reckless, but deeply loyal.
Nali Tenro – A prodigy from the Jade Valleys, able to accelerate cell recovery through Willflow.
They bowed before Kael not as servants, but as comrades.
"We don't want to rule," Valen said. "We want to help you raise something that lasts."
Kael nodded, gesturing for them to walk beside him. "Then welcome. You're part of this now."
As they toured the academy's central dome, Kaede appeared at the doors, carrying a small girl in one arm.
"She insisted on seeing what the fuss was about," Kaede said with a soft grin.
The little girl had short, wispy black hair tied into uneven pigtails and her eyes were wide with wonder.
"This," Kaede said, "is my daughter. Reika Mizuno."
Kael smiled gently. "The future herself."
Reika tilted her head. "Are you the strong man Papa talks about?"
"I try to be," Kael replied.
She reached out and poked his forehead with one tiny finger. "You have serious face."
Laughter erupted among the group.
Kael lifted her hand. "Well then, Reika, I'll need your help to keep it from getting too serious."
And just like that, among towering ambitions and divine powers, it was a child's innocent smile that reminded them all why they fought, built, and dreamed.