The sun had risen over Shinzai, casting a warm glow on the city. Kael stood at his desk, reviewing some papers before heading to the dojo for his daily training session with Renzo and Jinsei. It had been a busy few days since Renzo's promotion to 3rd Wielder, and Kael couldn't help but feel a growing sense of pride in his young apprentice.
Just as Kael was about to leave, the door to his office opened. His daughter, Maiya, walked in, her small figure standing with determination despite her young age. She was still only five years old, having just started at the academy this year. Her eyes sparkled with the same fire Kael had seen in Renzo and Jinsei when they first joined.
"Daddy, can I join Jinsei and Renzo in your training?" Maiya asked, her voice full of hope.
Kael blinked in surprise. "Maiya, you're still so young. I don't know if you're ready for that kind of training yet. Maybe we should talk to your mother about it."
Maiya nodded, looking up at her father with earnest eyes. "But daddy, I want to be like you. I want to fight and protect people just like you do. Can you teach me?"
Kael was quiet for a moment, his mind weighing the pros and cons. His daughter had inherited his strength, and he saw the same determination in her eyes that he saw in his apprentices. But at five years old, he was unsure if it was the right time.
"Let's talk to your mother about it," Kael said softly. "I want to make sure you're ready for this."
Later that evening, as they sat down for dinner, Maiya brought up the topic again. "Mommy, can daddy train me with Jinsei and Renzo?" she asked, her voice sweet but determined.
Hana looked at Kael, who had been waiting for this conversation. "She asked you the same thing earlier, didn't she?" Hana asked, her tone gentle.
Kael nodded, a small sigh escaping him. "Yeah. She's serious about it, Hana. But she's so young. I don't know if it's the right time yet."
Hana smiled softly, her eyes glancing at Maiya, who was anxiously waiting for an answer. "You're growing up quickly, Maiya. You just started at the academy. But... considering who your daddy is, and the fact that you have his strength inside you... I suppose it's not entirely out of the question. But we'll take it slow, okay?"
Maiya's face lit up with a grin, and she bounced in her seat with excitement. "Thank you, mommy! I won't let you down!"
Kael watched the exchange, feeling a mixture of pride and concern. His little girl was growing up faster than he realized, and he couldn't deny her passion to follow in his footsteps. But he also knew that the life of a Wielder was filled with dangers, and he didn't want to push her into it too soon.
"Alright, but we'll make sure to go at your pace," Kael said softly. "And you'll need to prove that you can handle the training. Deal?"
Maiya nodded enthusiastically. "Deal!"
The next day, Kael gathered Renzo and Jinsei for their usual training session. As they gathered in the dojo, Kael stood before them, looking serious but proud.
"I've got some news," Kael began, his voice carrying authority. "Maiya—my daughter—has asked to join you two in training. After talking it over with Hana, we've decided to let her join, but this will be the last student I accept for the time being."
Renzo and Jinsei exchanged surprised glances. Maiya was younger than them both, but Kael had never made exceptions before. This was unusual.
"Are you sure, Kael?" Ryuu, who had been observing from the side, asked. "She's still young."
"I know," Kael replied, his voice steady. "But she has the same spirit I had when I was her age. If she wants to be trained, then I'll give her the chance. I'll start training her just like I've trained both of you."
Maiya stepped forward, a bit shy but also determined. "I won't let you down, daddy. I'll work hard."
Kael smiled at her, his heart swelling with pride. "I know you will."
The trio of young Wielders—Renzo, Jinsei, and now Maiya—looked at each other with a sense of camaraderie. This would be the beginning of a new chapter, and they were ready to face whatever challenges came their way, together.
Kael turned to them, his expression becoming more serious. "Training starts tomorrow. I expect you all to give it your best effort. There's no going easy on any of you."
Maiya grinned, her small fists clenched in excitement. "I'll keep up with you all! I promise!"
Kael's heart warmed as he watched his daughter's eager face. It had been a long journey for him, from the days of being a young Wielder fighting for survival to now, standing as a leader of the next generation. He could see the future in front of him—Renzo, Jinsei, Maiya—all of them ready to carve their own paths, guided by the lessons of the past.
And Kael would be there, every step of the way, watching over them as their mentor, their protector... and their father.
The next generation was beginning.