🌑 Legacy of Hero: Radiant SagaChapter 11 – Shadows and Bonds
[THOUSAND LIGHTS GUILD HQ – MEDICAL ROOM]
Kelvin woke with a slight start.
Soft light filtered through the curtains, and the scent of medicinal herbs lingered in the air. He blinked, confused, staring at the unfamiliar faces around him. Instinctively, he shrank back into the bed like a frightened little animal.
— "W-who are you...?" he murmured, voice trembling.
A man stepped closer — calm footsteps, kind eyes, and a presence as steady as a mountain wall.It was Ray Stormbreak, the legendary veteran.
— "First things first, kiddo…" Ray said with a warm smile.— "What's your name? And how old are you?"
Kelvin hesitated. His throat was dry.But something in that man's voice made him answer.
— "Kelvin... Kelvin Nox. I'm six…"
Ray pointed toward the corner of the room, where a small crib rested. Inside, a baby slept peacefully, wrapped in a blue blanket.
— "Well, look at that! You're a whole year older than my son Inavy," he said playfully.— "That makes you the big brother around here."
Kelvin blinked, unsure how to react.But for the first time, the fear wavered.
[GUILD CORRIDOR – MOMENTS LATER]
Ray found Lorien leaning against the wall, still yawning, hair messy from a restless night.
— "Lorien," Ray called out casually.— "From now on, that kid's under your care. You're going to look after him."
— "Huh?! You've got to be kidding me, Ray-sensei!" Lorien's eyes widened.
— "Teenage dad life, huh?" Kai popped in from nowhere, grinning mischievously.
— "Looks like it's your turn to be responsible, blondie," Diana added, arms crossed, amused by the scene.
— "Shut up, Kai!" Lorien growled.
Ray remained firm.
— "I'm serious, Lorien. He fell asleep in your arms.It's like your aura calmed him."
Lorien looked down. Kelvin was resting, breathing deeply against his chest.
Ray leaned in and whispered softly, only for Lorien to hear:
— "You two are alike. You both watched your mothers die.You understand that pain better than anyone… and that's what this boy needs right now.More than any technique or lesson."
Lorien took a deep breath.The weight of responsibility fell on his shoulders like a sword.But he didn't run.
— "Alright… but only because he's better behaved than Kai."
— "I HEARD THAT!" Kai shouted from down the hall.
[VALTIER MANSION – MAIN ENTRANCE]
Lorien held Kelvin's small hand as they entered.
Darius, five years old, came running down the stairs with a giant lollipop in hand.
— "Hey, bro! Who's that guy?"
Lorien looked at both of them, took a breath, and smiled.
— "He's part of our family now. His name's Kelvin Nox… but you can call him your new brother."
Darius stood in front of Kelvin and extended his sticky, sugar-coated hand.
— "I'm Darius Valtier! I like candy, swords… and running around! Wanna be my friend?"
Kelvin hesitated. His gaze was shy, nervous… but slowly, it lit up.
— "I… I'm Kelvin. Nice to meet you…"
They stared at each other for a second… and then Darius grinned wide — no malice, no demands — just pure sincerity.
Kelvin smiled back.For the first time since the tragedy.
Lorien watched the scene in silence.
Ray… you were right. He needed this.And honestly… so did I.
[TRAINING COURTYARD – SUNSET]
The wind blew gently as Lorien trained the two boys with wooden swords.
Darius attacked like a wild whirlwind — no technique, just enthusiasm.
Kelvin, in contrast, moved as if the sword was part of him.His strikes were fluid, instinctive, silently dangerous.
Lorien furrowed his brow.
— "This kid… already has instinct.He fights like he's done it his whole life…"
Kelvin stopped, planted his feet, and gripped the wooden katana firmly.
— "I… I feel like the sword listens to me," he said with rare seriousness for his age.
Lorien stared at the boy for a long moment… then gave a faint smile.
[BALCONY – NIGHT]
Night had fallen.The starry sky shone above Valtier Mansion.
Lorien stood on the balcony, arms crossed, staring at the constellations.Behind him, Kelvin and Darius slept on the living room sofa, worn out from training.
The silence was peaceful.
He closed his eyes for a moment… and whispered to the wind:
— "Maria Nox… if you're listening…Your son is safe.And I swear I'll protect him."
The imaginary camera pulls back, revealing the peaceful image of the two sleeping boys...A future of light and shadow.But above all,A future built together.
End of Chapter 11.