Smoke still hung over Herocity like a veil of ruin. Explosions echoed in the distance. Sirens wailed without pause. Evacuated buildings.
The Renegates were rising. And this time, chaos had a name and a face.
📍 North Zone of Herocity – Hidden Renegates Base In a dark hall where the wind howled like the lament of lost souls, Hant walked with a satisfied smile. His eyes locked on a figure standing by a shattered window.
The air around him trembled. The ground cracked beneath his feet. His mere presence was a threat.
— Ready to introduce yourself to the world, Mason Valeborn? — Hant mocked. — Or do you prefer staying just another filthy secret of your father?
The figure turned.
Dark, messy hair like Ryan's, cold green eyes, and a smug smile at the corner of his lips.
— The world... has already forgotten me. Now, I'll return the favor.
Mason Valeborn walked to the center of the room. Around him, stolen magical artifacts, detailed maps of Herocity, and Phoenix Guild dossiers.
But what stood out most was the symbol on his black cloak:
The Renegate seal, a spiral of wind tearing through the sky.
— Are you really going to fight your brother? — Hant teased.
— He's not my brother. He's the reminder that my father chose another family.
I will erase the Valeborn name from the world... from history... from memory.
Mason extended his arm. A stream of air formed, spiraling like a hurricane, until it crystallized on his wrist:
The Crown of the Divine Tempest — a bracelet of condensed wind, trembling with raw power.
— Let the thunder begin... — he whispered, as the ceiling ruptured with a rising gust.
🏛️ Hero Association Meeting — Central Headquarters Main hall. Several prestigious figures were present. Guild leaders. Living legends.
Ron Stormbreak spoke, visibly concerned.
— These pills seem to have... strange effects on humans. At first, they grant a massive power boost. But deep down, they're programmed self-destruction.
Inavy narrowed his eyes. — What do you mean? Explain better, Ron.
Ron, Inavy's younger brother, sighed:
— They... die in the end. It's too much power for unprepared bodies. And there was a redhead... enjoying himself while everything blew up.
Lorien clenched his fist. — A redhead?
— Yes. I tried to fight him... but failed.
Lorien looked at Inavy in silence. They both understood instantly.
— That redhead... was Kai — he murmured.
Inavy remembered Yon's words: Kairon doesn't just want to kill you, Inavy... He wants to destroy all of humanity.
Taking a breath, Inavy stepped forward:
— This isn't just the work of the Renegates or Kai.
They're just puppets... of Kairon's destruction.
Murmurs filled the room.
— Kairon...? — some asked.
— Who is that? — another hero said mockingly. — An alien? Relax, we've got you, Inavy! You beat Tyrus 17 years ago!
Inavy smiled, but his face soon turned serious.
— That's generous of you, but...
I'm not stronger than Kairon.
Everyone fell silent.
Lorien stepped in: — Kairon is the Universal Emperor. The most powerful being in the cosmos. He sees humanity as a biological mistake... a flaw. He's using the Renegates to weaken us. Humans killing humans.
He's a genius… a damn brilliant monster.
Panic spread in the hall.
Inavy stepped forward again:
— Just like Ray did in the past...
If he comes to Earth, I'll give my life to protect everyone. I promise.
Darius, silently, whispered: — Inavy...
🔥 Phoenix Guild HQ – Cafeteria Ryu and Ethan spoke quietly. Seeing Ryan, Ethan joked:
— Dude... you look terrible. Bad night's sleep?
— I slept... just not sure I rested.
Before they could continue, Dante entered the room. His fiery orange hair drew attention. He wore a tight black shirt and looked serious.
— My dad and Uncle Darius said to gather everyone. Strategy Room. Now.
📋 Strategy Room – High-Level Briefing Present:
Lorien Valtier (Association President) Darius Valtier Inavy Stormbreak Kelvin Nox
Young heroes entered next: Ryan Valeborn, Ryu Nox, Ethan Stormbreak, Dante Valtier, Kane Jayson, Abby Fountier, Annie Halloway, and Zen Kagetsune.
Lorien, in his typical playful tone, began:
— Guys… this has never happened before in guild history!
Kelvin grumbled: — Stop with the suspense and just say it.
— Geez, Kelvin, you're so boring.
Darius and Inavy, from the back: — Agreed.
Kelvin snapped: — And why are those two idiots even here?
Darius laughed: — Jealous I'm with Inavy now?
Inavy, laughing: — He doesn't get it… we're inseparable! You may be an idiot, but we're always together.
Darius, shocked: — Idiot?! Who are you calling an idiot, you bastard?!
— A blond, blue-eyed guy, leader of Phoenix Guild… in other words, you! — Inavy teased.
Lorien stepped in, laughing: — Easy, easy! Inavy's right. Darius, you are an idiot… But you're not alone. So am I.
Darius whined comedically: — Only you understand me, big bro!
— Idiots are just the right people in the wrong societies — Lorien concluded, hugging his brother.
Kelvin sighed: "Is this for real?"
The young heroes exchanged glances, stunned.
— These are really the strongest in the world...? — someone muttered.
Lorien refocused:
— Moving on. Today, I'm announcing you all as the new SS+ Rank.
— SS+ Rank?! — Ryan exclaimed.
— Yes. You'll be the pillars of the next generation.
Reactions: Abby, Annie, Ethan, and Ryu celebrated. Ryan was visibly moved. Dante and Kane stayed serious, though Dante let out a small smile.
— Super happy, huh, son? — Lorien teased.
— Just like your mom, Diana — Inavy said. — Trying to hide the joy.
Dante blushed. Ethan, emotional, whispered: — Dad...
Zen commented: — So, does this mean my salary goes up?
Kelvin, laughing: —Yes, ex-merc turned hero.
— I owe you for that, Nox-senpai.
— Senpai...? — Kelvin muttered.
Darius got serious: — You'll be in charge of destroying the Renegates.
Lorien added: — And Zen and Dante will lead the mission. Full confrontation. No holding back. They want war? They'll get war.
Dante hesitated: — What if we fail?
Inavy: — I'll go myself.
Darius: — Me too.
Zen: — So, what do we do? Protect Ryan? He's the main target.
Lorien: — The approach will be aggressive and devastating.
If they want chaos, we'll show them what resistance truly means.
🌇 Rooftop – Ryan & Annie Ryan, alone, stared at the horizon. Annie approached gently.
— Yan... you okay?
— Just remembering the day I told you I wanted to be a hero. Never thought it'd be this hard.
— You said: "Even if I'm not a genius, even if I have to try twice as hard, I won't give up." Those words still inspire me, Yan...
Ryan smiled, surprised. — Really?
She came closer.
— Yes, Yan. And... I love you.
— I love you too, Annie.
They kissed.
From afar, Ryu, Ethan, and Abby watched with mouths agape.
— Knew they were up here making out! — Ryu shouted. — Romance during the apocalypse... classic — Ethan laughed.
⚫ Final Cut — Yon's Punishment Dimension A desert of tortured souls.
Kairon opened a portal. His galaxy-colored cloak fluttered as he walked through the realm of eternal torment.
The cell ahead radiated pain and despair. Living chains bound the creature inside.
— Hello... Tyrus. Been a while, Yon's creature.
Tyrus rose slowly. His eyes burned like embers. His aura distorted time itself.
— What do you want, Kairon...?
— The same thing you do.
Kill the Bearer of Chaos.
Tyrus grinned.
— Heh... Then tell me this... How will it go?
The chains shattered.
Hell went silent.
The most dangerous alliance was born.
🔮 To be continued in Chapter 78 ...