The sun sliced through golden clouds above Zeta Arena as Ray Stormbreak descended from the stands — firm steps, calm eyes, and that quiet smile only a master could wear when witnessing the result of years of effort.
Before him stood his son, Inavy Stormbreak, still catching his breath after the Speed Test. Cameras, drones, and the roaring crowd still echoed with the record-breaking performance that had just rewritten history.
Ray placed a steady hand on his son's shoulder, his voice rough yet warm, like distant thunder.
"Hey, kid. You're doing great. Honestly… unbelievable. Breaking records, creating new ones. Inavy… I'm proud of you, my boy."
Inavy looked up, sweat still dripping down his chin. For a brief moment, he didn't see the legendary hero — only the father who believed in him when no one else did.A faint, grateful smile crossed his face.
"I'm just doing what you taught me, Dad. One step at a time… until I reach the top."
Ray let out a short, satisfied laugh. Then he turned, walking toward Darius Valtier and Rose Eldara, who were hydrating near the edge of the track.
"Darius Valtier," Ray said, folding his arms. "The youngest of the Valtier line… and yet, what I'm seeing is impressive. You remind me of your brother — but there's something else in you. Raw potential."
Darius, still panting, grinned arrogantly."Hah… always good to hear that from a living legend, sir. But I'll warn you — I'm going to surpass you one day."
Ray only smiled, neither confirming nor denying.
Then he turned to Rose."And you, Eldara… balance, precision, control. You have the poise of a tactician. All of you — you're doing incredible."
The three young heroes exchanged awkward glances. Praise like that, coming directly from the Thunder of Kairon, was rare.But Ray knew. He saw it — the seeds of a future he had spent decades planting. A future where names like Ryan Valeborn, Ethan Stormbreak, and Ryu Nox would one day shine as heroes of a new era.
Then, suddenly — the lights of the arena flickered.
The announcer's voice boomed through the sound system, powerful and commanding:
"Ladies and gentlemen… it's time for The War of Minds!
In a world of power and aura… too many forget that it's the mind that decides who wins!"
The arena fell silent.
A giant hologram shimmered in the center, golden letters burning in the air:
TEST 3 — BATTLE IQ"Wars aren't won by muscle — they're won by decisions."
The audience erupted in applause as the announcer continued:
"This test separates warriors from strategists.Each participant will enter a tactical simulation — real-time variables, combat units, civilians, sieges, infiltrations.Points will be awarded for efficiency, innovation, reaction time, and emotional control!"
The ground shifted beneath their feet. Platforms rose, spheres of light spun through the air, and soon, each competitor was guided into transparent simulation pods.
Above, the leaders of the Great Guilds gathered on a floating golden platform — like gods watching from their thrones.
Diana Flamesoul of the Phoenix Guild — graceful, analytical, sharp-eyed.Hayate Nami of Vortex — calm, leaning back with the confidence of a man who ruled the wind.Lion Thorne of Titan — a mountain of muscle and pure focus.Rudius Eldara of Leviathan — cold, silent, with eyes that mirrored Rose's.And finally, Lorien Valtier of Thousand Lights — smug, radiant, his arms crossed in superiority.
Diana's gaze lingered on Inavy."That Stormbreak kid… he's not just fast. Does he have tactical instinct too?"
Lorien studied the holographic data forming before him.(Ray-sensei… what exactly are you building?)
Rudius, eyes fixed on the panel showing his sister's progress, murmured,"Rose… you've grown. Exactly how an Eldara should."
Hayate smirked and nudged Lorien."That kid, Darius — your protégé, right? He's the real deal."
Lion laughed, pounding a fist against the table."If he keeps this up, I'm offering him a spot in Titan! Hahaha!"
The pods sealed shut.
Blue light filled the arena — and one by one, the heroes plunged into their simulations.
Inside the Simulation — Virtual Warzone
Inavy opened his eyes to a field of devastation.Ruined buildings, fallen drones, holographic civilians crying for help.A timer floated in front of him:
Mission: Rescue and ExtractionTime Limit: 10 Minutes
He took a deep breath.Even here… he could feel the wind.
He mapped the battlefield in seconds.Three possible routes. Two obvious traps.One risky underground path — but effective.
"Beta Squad, frontal push. Delta, create a diversion. I'll handle the left flank."
The simulated voices confirmed.Inavy activated a holographic emitter — creating illusions of his squad advancing on the right to lure enemy fire.
Meanwhile, he slipped through the left flank, neutralizing drones, disabling mines with surgical precision, moving like a shadow guided by instinct.
Elsewhere, Darius calculated every move like a chess master.He built barricades, redirected enemy flows, reacting with cold logic and perfect timing.Rose, in another field, led her team with empathy — shielding allies, healing, deceiving foes, her mind a calm storm.
Ten minutes later, the global leaderboard lit up with scores in real time.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
1st — Inavy Stormbreak — 97 / 1002nd — Darius Valtier — 94 / 1003rd — Rose Eldara — 91 / 1004th — Hayle Sentra — 87 / 1005th — Leon Brakk — 82 / 100
The crowd erupted.The names shone across holographic banners. The world was watching.
The Guild Leaders' Balcony
Diana leaned back with a satisfied smile."I already know who I want."
Lorien said nothing. His voice was low, thoughtful."Darius… little brother. You've grown, haven't you?"
Down in the crowd, Ray folded his arms, a faint smirk on his lips."They're all surpassing what I imagined.This… is only the beginning."
After the Test — Behind the Scenes
Hours later, the atmosphere had calmed.The competitors were free to rest.
Walking down the metallic hallway, Inavy reviewed every move in his mind, reflecting on what he could've done better.Then — a voice echoed from the shadows, cold and sharp.
"For a rookie, you're far ahead of the curve… Inavy Stormbreak."
He turned.
Standing there, dressed in a black uniform with a sword slung across his back, was Kelvin Nox, vice-captain of the Guild of a Thousand Lights — the Black Swordsman himself.
Kelvin's eyes were like tempered steel — calm, heavy, and impossibly sharp.A presence that made the air hum.
Inavy smiled faintly."Still just warming up. Because I've been waiting for you, Kelvin."
Kelvin tilted his head slightly."Oh? Hmph. We'll see about that… in the finals."
He turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing through the corridor until only silence remained.
Inavy exhaled, his smile deepening."I can't wait."
The Call of the Climax
Suddenly, the arena lights flared back to life.
The host appeared again, standing atop a holographic stage, his voice booming like thunder:
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… THE TIME HAS COME!THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR IN THIS 10TH NATIONAL HERO DRAFT!"
The crowd went wild.Lights blazed. Drones soared. Flags waved. The entire world was watching.TV networks. Livestreams. Commentators. All eyes fixed on the arena.
"TWO WARRIORS!TWO AURAS DESTINED TO CLASH!ONE DESTINY TO BE WRITTEN TONIGHT!"
Across the web, hashtags exploded:
#10thAnniversaryOfHeroesDraft#TeamStormbreak
#TeamDarius
treamer shouted over the feed,"This is it! The real show begins now! Inavy Stormbreak is about to set this draft on fire!"
The crowd's roar thundered through the night.
Inavy looked up at the holographic sky above the arena.Highlights of his journey flashed — the speed test, the strategy battle, his unyielding focus.
He clenched his fists.The wind stirred.His hair fluttered.And the world seemed to fall silent.
Then, softly, he whispered to himself:
"The moment's here… Let's go, Inavy. Break your limits."
From the stands, Ray watched with misty eyes.Darius and Rose stood beside him, smiling with pride.
The drums began to thunder.Lights converged at the center of the arena.
The duel that would mark a generation —was about to begin.