Three days had passed since Kael died.Three days since the God Beast struck him down in the Rift.Three days since Renzo, Jinsei, Maiya, and Ayato brought his body back—lifeless, unmoving.
But Kael had returned.
Not near death. Not barely alive. He had truly died.
And now… he was alive again.
Kael sat in the garden outside their home, the sky quiet above. His breathing was steady, but his mind was racing. The world hadn't waited while he was gone—and neither had his students.
Renzo walked up, his expression calm but excited."You're awake," he said.
Kael nodded. "Feels strange being back. But I'm here."
Renzo hesitated for a moment before speaking."I wanted to tell you something. The Ascension Trials are coming up. You remember them?"
Kael looked up sharply. "The global combat tournament?"
"Yeah. It's back. And… it's different now."
Kael leaned back slightly. "I fought in it twice. Won once. Back then it was only for those fifteen and up."
Renzo nodded. "Not anymore. It's open to all ages now. Skill matters more than age."
From behind, Maiya and Jinsei appeared, having overheard. Maiya was holding Ayato's hand.
"Can we enter, Daddy?" Maiya asked eagerly.
"Yeah!" Jinsei added. "We wanna try!"
Kael gave them both a serious look."Not yet. You're strong—but not ready. Give it a year, maybe more. More training, more discipline. I want you to survive, not just fight."
Maiya lowered her head slightly but nodded. Jinsei didn't argue either. They trusted him.
Kael then turned back to Renzo. "But you… you've already fought beasts. Led a team. Took down monsters. You're experienced."
Renzo straightened, eyes locked with Kael's. "So I can enter?"
Kael nodded. "Yes. You're ready. Just remember—the Trials aren't a game. They're brutal. Dangerous. But they'll forge who you become."
"And you?" Renzo asked. "Are you going to join?"
Kael shook his head. "No. I've already walked that path. This time, it's your turn."
Ayato tugged Kael's sleeve. The four-year-old looked up at him. "You're not going to fight, Daddy?"
Kael smiled softly and crouched down. "Not this time, Ayato. Daddy already had his fights."
He looked at his two children and two students—the next generation.
The Ascension Trials were coming.And Renzo would rise.