The Breaker Clan's guest estate was built like a fortress but dressed like a palace. Polished stone floors reflected the soft light of lanterns carved from essence crystals, and tall windows opened to views of distant training peaks. Everything about it screamed precision, order, and power.
And still, somehow, Zach made it feel… normal.
He stood just past the entryway, arms crossed, that same stoic expression plastered on his face. But I caught the flicker in his eyes when he saw us—just enough to betray how much this moment mattered.
"Y'all took your time," he muttered.
Amir was the first to reply. "Yeah, yeah, relax, Mr. Successor. We had to make sure we didn't outshine your little ceremony."
Zach didn't even blink. "Outshine me? I hope you brought sunglasses then."
Then He finally cracked a smile. "Come in."
We stepped inside. Nel paused for a second, admiring the architecture before whispering, "Not bad at all."
"You want the grand tour or just food?" Zach asked, already walking deeper into the estate.
"Food," Deya said flatly, brushing snow from her shoulders. "I've walked through enough ancestral halls for a lifetime."
The guest dining area was warm, lined with smooth stone benches and wood inlays. A long table had already been set—simple, but elegant. It wasn't a celebration yet, not officially, but the air buzzed with the weight of what tomorrow would mean.
"You nervous?" I asked him quietly as we sat down, the others talking over each other with jokes and travel stories.
Zach didn't answer right away. He stared forward, like he was trying to see past the moment.
"No," he finally said. "But I feel… ready. Like something's about to shift. And I want all of us prepared when it does."
I nodded.
This wasn't just a title.
This was a declaration to the world.
The Breakers had chosen their next leader. And we were his team