The entire city pulsed with energy. Flags of the guilds fluttered proudly, lights danced in the sky, and thousands filled the grandstands of the Central Arena. Thunderous artificial booms echoed in perfect rhythm with drums — the Heroes Festival had begun.
A booming voice echoed from the loudspeakers:
Announcer:"Ladies and gentlemen! Today is no ordinary day...Today, we celebrate our guardians, our pillars, those who protect our lives with courage and honor!Prepare yourselves to meet the 10 Most Powerful Heroes of the City!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
10th Place — Rose Eldara
"She's beautiful, strong, the ultimate healer, and the first pick of the Hero Draft, from the Phoenix Guild! Sister of the Leviathan Guild's leader...Presenting: ROSE ELDARA!"
Rose appeared on stage, a soft smile on her lips as petals of light floated gracefully around her. The crowd roared in excitement. Outside the stage, Darius struck a dramatic pose, pretending to faint, making their team laugh.
9th Place — Darius Valtier
"The most charismatic, funniest hero, and—according to social media—the hottest! Third pick of the Draft, brother of the legendary Lorien!DARIUS VALTIER!"
Darius twirled a spear made of radiant light and made a heart with his hands. He shouted:
Darius:"Ayeeee!"
From the stage, Rose rolled her eyes, smiling.
8th Place — Inavy Stormbreak
"Vice-champion of the Draft. He carries the greatest legacy in history, the name of a storm god...With crimson lightning crackling, the last Stormbreak: INAVY STORMBREAK!"
Lightning exploded around the stage as Inavy appeared in a flash of light, his sword strapped to his back, eyes sharp and determined. The ground trembled with his aura.
Darius (loudly):"Inavy, you're the king of dramatic entrances, huh?"
Inavy raised his hand and dryly said:
Inavy:"Shut up."
7th Place — Kelvin Nox
"The hero of shadows, undefeated champion and vice-captain of the Thousand Lights. The name? KELVIN NOX!"
A shadow projected from the stage floor, and from it emerged Kelvin, a cold, slight smile on his lips. He briefly locked eyes with Inavy — a silent respect passing between them. The crowd felt the tension.
6th to 2nd Place — Highlights
6th: LION, the Titan Guild's powerhouse, slammed his fist into the ground, shaking the arena.
5th: NAMI HAYATE appeared with an agile leap, her katana slicing the wind.
4th: RUDIUS ELDARA, the "Poseidon," floated in with a wave of water elevating him on stage.
3rd: DIANA FLAMESOUL arrived in a fiery phoenix blaze, her fierce eyes receiving reverence.
2nd: LORIEN VALTIER glowed with golden light, arms raised — he winked at Diana, who blushed discreetly.
1st Place — Ray Stormbreak
Silence fell. Then, the announcer shouted with all his might:
Announcer:"And finally... the one who transcends generations...The eternal lightning...The symbol of peace...THE PRESIDENT OF THE HEROES ASSOCIATION!RAYYYYYYY STORMBREAK!"
The sky suddenly darkened, real thunder booming. Ray descended from the clouds in a pillar of electricity, his cape billowing. He landed firmly in the center of the stage. The crowd erupted into tears and applause.
Ray's Speech
Ray raised the microphone. All the heroes lined up behind him.
Ray:"Today... I am not here as the strongest. Nor as the president.I am here as a father of generations.As someone who has seen the world fall... and rise again — through the courage of every one of you here."
He took a deep breath and looked at Inavy.
Ray:"I look at you all today... and I see hope.I see Diana's flame, Rose's heart, Darius's light, Hayate's silent strength, Lion's overwhelming power...And in Inavy... something even rarer.It's not just power... it's the courage to carry the impossible burden."
The camera focused on Inavy, his eyes moist, staring at Ray.
Ray:"This new generation...Is why I can smile, even in dark times.The last dance approaches...But as long as you stand... the world still has hope."
The crowd rose in an emotional standing ovation.
[CUT TO]
A dark, cloudy sky in another dimension. A shadow moves.
Dark Voice (Tyrus):"Soon... the time will come...Prepare yourselves, heroes."
Tyrus's eyes gleamed as he observed Ray and Inavy from afar.
End of the Opening Arc "Last Dance"