The battlefield, once a hellish landscape of bloodshed, now lay still, the echoes of war fading into the distant horizon. The storm of violence had finally passed, leaving only the sounds of crickets, the faint rustle of the wind, and the quiet breaths of the wounded.
Iffah didn't move from Hakan's side, her eyes never leaving his face as he lay there, finally stable, though still gravely weak. The healing was far from complete, but it was enough for now. His heartbeat was steady, and the faintest of smiles touched his lips when he saw her, a promise in his gaze that spoke louder than any words.
Around them, the Black Dragons were taking stock of their surroundings. Kaede Arashi was the first to stand, her figure defiant despite the weariness clinging to her every movement. Her storm-touched eyes scanned the horizon as she took in the scattered remains of the enemy forces. The battle was over. Vaelzaryon's henchmen—Nyxara, Veal, and Zareth—had been defeated. Their stronghold had crumbled in the wake of the guilds' relentless onslaught.
"Stay alert," Kaede ordered, though her voice lacked the usual sharpness. She was as exhausted as the rest of them, but duty still called. "We're not out of the woods yet."
Victor Steele, his armor battered, limped toward her, his normally steely expression softened with fatigue. "We've lost a lot," he said, his voice rough. "But the worst is behind us."
Dante Cross, leaning heavily on his sword, gave a slow nod. "This time, we didn't just survive. We won." His voice was hoarse but filled with a sense of relief, as if the weight of the last battle had finally begun to lift.
Rina and Torren were already moving among the wounded, making sure that the survivors were seen to, their healing reserves nearly drained. Sylvia stood at the edge of the group, her gaze fixed on Iffah and Hakan, watching the scene unfold with a quiet, knowing look. She'd seen Iffah's devotion to him firsthand, and now, to see him alive again—well, it was enough to make even her hardened heart soften.
Alaric wiped blood from his brow, a grimace forming on his face as he took stock of his own wounds. "We're done here, right?" he siad.
Kaede nodded, though her gaze never left the horizon. "We'll finish the clean-up. Once the enemy is fully routed, we'll head home. The war… it's over. But the aftermath? We'll be dealing with that for a while."
Iffah finally looked up from Hakan's face, her tear-streaked cheeks flushed with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. The battle was over. They had won. The weight of it all finally began to sink in, and she felt the first tremors of exhaustion hit her body.
She had fought for this moment. She had fought for him.
Her gaze lingered on Hakan's hand in hers, his fingers still twitching weakly but firmly gripping hers. His breathing, though shallow, was steady. His pulse, faint but unmistakable, drummed against her fingertips.
"I'm not letting go," she whispered softly to him, as though speaking only to him, her voice filled with a tenderness only he could understand.
And then, finally—Hakan stirred.
Hakan weak , His lips parted, his voice gravelly, hoarse. "You look like hell."
Iffah let out a shaky laugh, her heart leaping in her chest. "I could say the same about you," she replied, her voice thick with emotion. "But at least you're here. You're with me."
His lips twitched, forming a weak but real smile. "Always."
A surge of warmth spread through her chest, and despite the chaos around them, despite the broken battlefield and the endless struggles they still faced, in that moment, she allowed herself to breathe fully for the first time in what felt like forever.
"We're going home," she whispered, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Together."
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its last golden rays across the fields of battle, the war—at least for NOW—was over. But for Iffah and Hakan, the journey ahead would be one of healing, rebuilding, and moving forward—together.
As the rest of the Black Dragons gathered around them, their faces marked by weariness but also by a hard-earned victory, they knew this wasn't the end. It was only the beginning of a new chapter. The world had been saved, but the scars of war remained. It was time to heal—not just their bodies, but their hearts.
And they would do it together.
But the sound of heavy wings cutting through the sky now filled the void. It was unmistakable.
Roars, so loud they shook the very earth, tore through the air like thunder. From above, a shadow loomed. It was no longer the clash of swords or the shouts of dying guild members that filled the silence—it was the thundering presence of dragons.
Massive, winged shapes appeared against the setting sun. The sight was overwhelming. From the center of the battlefield, the guild leaders and heroes could only watch in horror as the creatures circled high above, their scales glimmering in the fading light, their eyes glowing with predatory intent.
Dante, his body still aching from the earlier battles, was the first to react. "We don't have the strength for this," he muttered, his voice strained from exhaustion. His flames were barely a flicker now.
Raiden, standing beside him, narrowed his eyes at the sky. "If we don't, this is the end," he replied grimly, his voice hoarse from the strain of his earlier battle with the Zareth . He too had no reserves left, but it was clear he understood the threat these dragons posed. His hands hovered near the weapons strapped to his side, but even his once-legendary power felt weak in the face of such overwhelming odds.
Sylvia, still recovering from the earlier battle, gave a determined shake of her head. "I don't care how tired we are, we'll fight to the end," she said, her voice raw, but with a fire that would not easily be extinguished. She pulled her staff closer, eyes never leaving the skies.
Kaede Arashi, usually brimming with boundless energy, was now bloodied and bruised. She staggered slightly on her feet as she turned to the others. "I've never seen so many before," she said, her usual confidence fading under the weight of what they faced. "This isn't a fight we can win with brute strength alone."
Iffah's eyes scanned the sky, heart racing. Her grip on her sword tightened, her fingers still trembling from the battle, but she couldn't let fear take over. Not when Hakan was in her arms. "We'll do whatever we can," she said, though the uncertainty in her voice was hard to hide.
Beside her, Hakan, still weak and barely standing, managed to lift his gaze to the sky. His body was battered, his muscles aching from the beating he had endured, but the fire in his eyes still burned with determination. He could feel the weight of his people's hopes on his shoulders, but his resolve had never wavered. Not once.
And then they came. One by one, the dragons broke through the clouds, their massive wings casting shadows over the battlefield. The guild leaders and heroes braced themselves, preparing for an onslaught that they knew they might not survive.
But something was different this time.
As the dragons descended, something strange began to happen. Their massive bodies shimmered as though an unseen force was changing them. Their thick, scaly hides morphed, their claws and teeth retracting as their forms began to shift. One by one, they transformed—still draconic in essence, but humanoid in form.
Iffah gasped. "What are they doing?" she whispered, unable to look away from the scene unfolding before her.
Raiden's eyes narrowed as he looked at the largest of the dragons. "This isn't an attack. They're… transforming. Why?"
Dante clenched his fists, uncertainty in his voice. "This doesn't feel right. They could still attack at any moment."
Sylvia stepped forward, her face pale but unwavering. "I don't like this. We need to stay alert."
Kaede, sweat dripping from her brow, turned to Hakan. "What do we do? This is… ."
Hakan, though barely standing, stepped forward into the open, his hands at his sides. His gaze fixed on the largest of the transformed dragons. It wasn't just a dragon anymore. It stood tall, humanoid in form but still draconic in power, with glowing eyes that seemed to see straight through him.
"Stop. Wait," Hakan's voice rang out, a calm authority that silenced even the mounting tension around them.
The others froze, confusion and disbelief clouding their faces. Iffah's heart raced, her eyes flicking from Hakan to the dragon and back again. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice strained. "Hakan, those things could destroy us in our current condition!"
But Hakan didn't turn back to them. He kept his eyes locked on the dragonic creature before him, unflinching. His face was solemn, but his tone held a quiet certainty that silenced her fears, even if only for a moment.
"I need to see this through," he said softly, his words carrying a weight that neither Iffah nor anyone else could ignore. "Trust me."
He continued forward, each step heavy with both exhaustion and determination. The dragonic figure knelt before him, its massive body lowering to the ground in a gesture that defied every expectation. The sound of its knees hitting the earth was almost deafening.
Then, as if in sync, all the other dragons followed suit. Each one of them lowered its head and kneeled, their enormous forms submitting to Hakan in the most unexpected of ways.
Iffah's breath caught in her throat. "What is this?" she whispered, eyes wide with confusion.
The dragon, its massive form kneeling before Hakan, lifted its head slowly, its glowing eyes locked onto him with a deep reverence. The air around them seemed to still as the dragon's voice reverberated through the battlefield, its tone carrying both weight and authority.
"O human warrior, you have defeated Vaelzaryon, and by the ancient laws of our kind, you have now become the Dragon Monarch."
The dragon's voice dropped slightly, but the power behind it remained. "We, the dragons, now recognize you as our leader. We shall serve you until death, as followers of the Dragon Monarch."
With that, the massive creatures surrounding them all followed suit, each one lowering its head in respect. Their eyes, once fierce and untamed, now glinted with loyalty and submission.
As the dragon's words echoed through the air, Iffah and the others stood in stunned silence, their minds struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. The dragons, their towering forms now kneeling, were no longer the terrifying, untamable beasts they had once thought them to be. Instead, they were vowing allegiance to Hakan, their new monarch.
Iffah took a deep breath, her heart still racing from the events of the war. "Hakan... is this... real?" she whispered, her voice shaking as she took a step closer to him. She couldn't tear her gaze away from the dragons.
Hakan stood tall, despite his battered body, a leader even in this surreal moment. "I didn't seek this, but it seems fate has a plan for me." His voice, though tired, was calm and resolute.
Raiden, still recovering from his injuries, couldn't contain his shock. "The dragons... have served Vaelzaryon for so long. Now they're pledging loyalty to you?"
Dante, though exhausted, nodded slowly. "You've led us to victory, Hakan. If this is the path set before you, then we follow." His eyes flicked to the dragons, a hint of caution in his voice. "But we must be wary."
Kaede, who had remained quiet until now, stepped forward, her expression darkening. Her bruised and bloodied face looked even more intense as she crossed her arms, her golden eyes flashing with doubt. "Wait," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the air. "This might be a trap."
The rest of the group turned to her, their eyes wide with disbelief. "A trap?" Sylvia echoed, her breath shallow as she tried to steady herself. "Kaede, they just pledged their allegiance. Why would they—"
Kaede cut her off, her gaze still fixed on the dragon who had spoken. "They may have sworn loyalty to him now, but we don't know what they're truly capable of. We can't trust them so easily. These dragons have been enemies for far too long. What's to say they won't betray us at the first opportunity?"
Her words struck like a thunderclap, the weight of her doubt hanging heavily in the air. The dragons, still kneeling, remained silent, their eyes unwavering. The tension was thick.
The dragon at the head, the one who had spoken first, raised its massive head and turned its gaze toward Hakan. The fire in its eyes seemed to soften as it looked at the human warrior. "Dragon Monarch," it said, its voice low and respectful, "If you doubt our loyalty, we understand. We are bound by ancient laws, but we know that actions speak louder than words."
The dragon's body shifted slightly, the air around it humming with power. "If it pleases you, we ask for permission to prove our loyalty to you. We will do whatever is required to show our sincerity."
A murmur rippled through the gathered heroes at the dragon's request, the tension palpable.
Iffah's eyes flicked from Hakan to the dragon, the uncertainty still reflected in her gaze. "What does that mean?" she asked quietly, though her grip on Hakan tightened.
Hakan, his gaze never leaving the dragon, took a slow breath, his mind racing. The battle had been hard enough. Now, faced with the prospect of leading not just his people but the dragons as well, he knew the weight of the decision before him.
"I believe," he said, his voice steady but firm, "that you can prove your loyalty. But I will be watching. Any betrayal, any hint of treachery, and you will not stand a chance."
The dragon nodded, its eyes gleaming with recognition and respect. "As you command, Dragon Monarch."
Raiden stepped forward cautiously, still unsure. "If they're truly loyal, then we have no choice but to trust them—for now." He glanced at the other dragons, who all remained still, their postures unyielding.
Dante raised an eyebrow. "It's not just trust. It's a matter of survival. If the dragons decide to fight for us, that's an advantage we can't overlook."
Kaede still looked doubtful, but she said nothing more for the moment. Her sharp eyes never left the dragon in front of them. "We'll see," she muttered under her breath, though her gaze softened when she looked at Hakan. "Just be careful, Hakan."
Hakan nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed on the dragon. "I'll watch carefully, Kaede. I don't intend to let my guard down. But for now, we've won. And we move forward together."
With a final, solemn gesture, the dragons rose to their full height. The leader of the dragons—still towering over them all—lowered its head in deference. "We shall serve you, Dragon Monarch," it declared, the words ringing with ancient power. "Until death, we will follow your command."
And so, with the dragons now under Hakan's command, the battle-worn heroes stood together. The war was over, but a new, uncertain path lay ahead. The dragon's allegiance, though spoken in honor, was still a gamble, one that Hakan and his allies would need to navigate carefully.
The news spread entire japan but count make it outside as the battle had destroyed all communication servers as the head was shizumi . Thus as of now only japan new there protector Hakan -- Dragon Monarch
Three months passed. Shizumi, once shattered, had been carefully and meticulously restored. The dragons used their immense powers to repair the infrastructure, heal the land, and rejuvenate the city's citizens. The sky, once darkened by the devastation, now held the hope of a bright future.
Iffah remained by Hakan's side through it all. Along side of the Silver Valkyries were unable to return to there guild as the air port was destroyed in Shizumis, They chose to stay with there leader and her Husband, supporting them. Together, they faced the challenges of rebuilding not just the city, but a new era. Iffah, too, had witnessed the transformation of Hakan from an underdog, misunderstood and powerless, to the Dragon Monarch, his strength now undeniable.
Four months after the defeat of Vaelzaryon, Shizumi was a vibrant, bustling city once more. But it was different now. This time, the city was protected not just by its people and guilds, but by dragons—real dragons. The city's skyline had changed; towering, sleek structures rose from the ground, with the Black Dragons' headquarters standing proudly at the top of the mountain overlooking Shizumi. It was a fortress, a symbol of power and unyielding authority.
Hakan stood in his new office, the headquarters of the Black Dragons. The exterior of the building was a stark contrast to the humble hideouts of old—an imposing skyscraper with clean, sharp edges and an angular, asymmetrical design. The dark, reflective glass and black steel gleamed under the light, blending into the skyline like a dark sentinel. At night, the building glowed with a muted crimson or icy blue, giving it a modern, yet ominous look.
The entrance to the building was grand, with tempered glass doors that slid open with a hiss as people approached. Inside, the lobby was massive, with polished black marble floors and high ceilings. Dark leather seating and chrome accents gave the space a sleek, sophisticated feel, while a cascading waterfall installation adorned one wall, engraved with the Black Dragons' emblem.
Behind Hakan's desk, which was made of dark, polished wood, was a panoramic window, offering an unmatched view of the city and the surrounding mountains. The command center, below in the building's core, was equipped with cutting-edge technology—workstations glowing with digital information, a 3D holographic map of Shizumi's infrastructure, and mission details constantly updated in real time.
But despite the luxury and technological advancements, it was the people around him that mattered most.
Iffah was by his side, seated in a chair next to his desk. She was gently playing with his hand, her fingers lightly tracing the lines of his palm. She smiled, her voice soft yet steady as she leaned toward him.
"You know," she murmured, "after everything we've been through… it's strange to think this is where we are now. You, the Dragon Monarch. Me, still by your side. And dragons—real dragons—helping us rebuild everything."
Hakan chuckled softly, his eyes still filled with the weight of their mission. He had grown so much in such a short time, from a warrior who had struggled with his place in the world to the one now holding the key to its future.
"It's surreal," he admitted. "But it's real. It's not just a dream anymore. We've built something here—something lasting."
Iffah squeezed his hand gently. "And we'll keep building it. Together."
Her words were a quiet anchor in a world that had shifted dramatically over the past few months. The city was alive again, its energy buzzing with the hum of progress. And the people—citizens, guilds, dragons—were working together for a common purpose.
Hakan turned his gaze toward the window, his eyes scanning the horizon. The city was thriving, but the work wasn't over. With the dragons at their side, and the trust of so many powerful allies, he knew they had only just begun. The future of Shizumi—and the world—was now in their hands.
"I'll make sure Shizumi becomes the beacon of hope it was meant to be," Hakan said, his voice resolute. "No matter what comes next."
Iffah smiled, leaning against him, her voice soft but filled with strength. "I know you will. We all believe in you, Hakan."
Together, they stood there, side by side, watching as Shizumi flourished under the protection of both humans and dragons, knowing the future was theirs to shape. And in this moment, Hakan finally allowed himself to feel the weight of the peace they had fought so hard to achieve.
The world had changed overnight.
For the first time since the battle, Japan had reestablished contact with the outside world.
News spread like wildfire.
Across continents, across seas, across empires that had long turned a blind eye to Shizumi's struggles—the truth could no longer be hidden.
The footage had gone viral.
A single video, captured by two war photographers who had risked their lives to document the battle, was now the most-watched clip in human history.
The world watched in stunned silence as the screen showed it all—
Hakan Raihan standing atop the ruins, bloodied, broken, but unyielding.
The dragons fighting against the warriors of Shizumi.
The sheer devastation, the clash of titans, the fire and fury that had nearly torn the land apart.
And then—the moment that shattered the world.
The Dragon King rising from the ashes.
Hakan, the man they had declared dead four years ago, was alive.
The reactions were immediate. Governments scrambled for answers. Guilds, nations, and alliances that had once forsaken Shizumi were now desperately trying to reach out. Some out of fear. Some out of regret. Others… out of sheer awe.
But amidst the chaos, amidst the frenzied discussions and political upheaval—
The video reached him.
Soren.
The screen flickered to life in the Dragon Prince's private chamber.
At first, he didn't move.
Didn't breathe.
Didn't believe.
His golden eyes, once dulled by grief, widened as the screen replayed the moment again and again. The moment the world changed.
The moment his brother stood amidst the storm, alive.
A sharp inhale.
A trembling hand clenched into a fist.
Flames flickered at his fingertips, mirroring the firestorm raging inside him.
The servants in the estate froze as they felt it. The sheer, raw, untamed power that suddenly radiated from the depths of Soren's being.
His heart pounded in his chest.
Faster.
Louder.
Every fiber of his existence burned with something he hadn't felt in years.
Hope.
The video ended.
Silence.
Then—
A low, shuddering breath escaped his lips.
He moved.
No hesitation. No second thoughts. No doubts.
His coat flared as he strode to the balcony, the wind whipping through his hair. His flames ignited, unfurling like the wings of a phoenix reborn.
One leap.
One burst of fire.
And then—he was gone.
A streak of golden light tore through the sky as Soren, the Dragon Prince, took flight.
He didn't know how long it would take to reach Shizumi.
Didn't care.
All he knew—
His brother was alive.
And nothing—not monsters , not men, not the whole damn world—would keep them apart any longer.
The White Dragons' headquarters stood tall in the heart of Islamabad, an imposing fortress of black stone and silver accents, reflecting the disciplined and terrifying might of its members.
Inside, the air was thick with tension. The main chamber—a vast war room lined with screens, holographic maps, and tactical displays—was already filled with the elite forces of the guild.
They had all been summoned immediately.
At the center of it all, standing like a storm barely contained—
Soren Raihan.
His golden eyes burned like embers, his black flames flickering around him, barely restrained. His arrival had sent shockwaves through the guild. He had not spoken a word since landing. Only one command had echoed through the halls:
"Assemble."
Now, as his forces stood before him—every elite, every leader, every warrior who had sworn their loyalty to him—Soren finally spoke.
"We're leaving."
The words were calm. Controlled. But the weight behind them made the entire room fall silent.
A beat of hesitation. Then—
Arham Khalid, his Vice Commander, stepped forward. His face was grim, but steady.
"Where to?" Arham asked, his voice unwavering.
Soren's jaw tightened. His hands clenched into fists.
"Japan."
Murmurs rippled through the room. Some in confusion. Some in curiosity.
Zara Nishat, the deadly assassin known as Phoenix Rebirth, narrowed her eyes. "Japan? That's… unexpected. Who are we meeting?"
Soren's expression didn't change. His voice remained cold. Unreadable.
"Someone important."
That was all he said.
Dmitri Volkov leaned back, folding his arms. "That's vague, even for you."
Soren didn't react. "You'll know when we get there."
Arham studied him for a moment, but didn't press further. "I'll prepare the plane."
With a single nod, Soren dismissed them. The White Dragons moved with military precision, already preparing for deployment.
But as the room emptied, one figure remained standing.
Hiroshi Kageyama.
The Dragon's Wrath stepped forward, arms crossed. "You're hiding something."
Soren's golden eyes flickered toward him.
Hiroshi exhaled. "You never make moves without a reason. And you never take us somewhere without explaining why."
A pause.
"Who are we really meeting, Soren?"
Soren didn't answer immediately. He turned toward the massive window, overlooking the city below. His black flames crackled at his fingertips, reflecting in the glass.
Hakan.
The name burned in his mind. His brother. His blood. The one he had mourned for four years.
He had thought that part of his life was over. That Hakan was just a memory—a ghost he could never reach.
But now?
Now, he needed to see it with his own eyes.
He needed to know.
Finally, he spoke.
"Trust me, Hiroshi."
Hiroshi held his gaze for a long moment. Then, finally, he nodded.
No more words were needed.
Because soon—
Soren Raihan was going to meet his brother.
The soft hum of the city outside filtered through the office windows, blending with the quiet murmurs of conversation.
Hakan Raihan sat at his desk, leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed. His body still ached, remnants of the battle weighing on him, but his spirit was lighter than it had been in years.
Across from him, Iffah, Sylvia, and Rina were deep in conversation, their laughter occasionally filling the room. It was a rare moment of peace—a stark contrast to the chaos they had endured.
Then—
A knock at the door.
Before anyone could respond, Alaric stepped in, his expression unreadable. His uniform still bore the battle-worn signs of their recent struggle, but his posture was sharp, controlled.
"Hakan," Alaric started, his gaze steady. "I have news."
Something in his tone made the room go silent.
Iffah turned, brows furrowed. Rina and Sylvia exchanged glances.
Hakan straightened slightly. "What is it?"
Alaric took a deep breath. Then—
"You've been officially declared a 7-Star Hero—the Continental. One of the strongest."
Silence.
For a heartbeat, no one moved. No one spoke.
Then—
Rina gasped. Sylvia's eyes widened in disbelief. Iffah's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes shimmering with emotion.
"Wait," Sylvia said, her voice rising. "You mean—?!"
Alaric nodded. "It's official. The Hero Accord just released the ranking update."
And then—the room erupted.
Rina let out a cheer, practically tackling Sylvia into a hug. Iffah was already beside Hakan, gripping his hand tightly, eyes bright with joy.
Hakan just stared at Alaric for a moment. Then—he laughed. A deep, genuine laugh.
"Well," he said, shaking his head, "I guess that means we'll be throwing a party."
Sylvia grinned. "You're damn right we are."
Alaric chuckled. "You better. A Continental Hero deserves a proper celebration."
Iffah turned to Hakan, her grip tightening. "I knew you'd reach the top."
Hakan looked at her, warmth in his gaze. "I didn't do it alone."
And as the joy filled the room, as laughter and celebration replaced the battle-worn exhaustion in their hearts—
For the first time in years, Hakan Raihan felt truly alive.
The night sky was alight with lanterns and floating orbs of energy, a dazzling display that stretched across the grand halls of the Black Dragons' headquarters. The courtyard had been transformed into a lively festival—a celebration worthy of a newly appointed 7-Star Hero.
Hakan Raihan stood in the center, surrounded by the people who had shaped his journey—the Silver Valkyries, his closest comrades, the Guild Leaders, and warriors he had once fought beside. The sheer scale of the gathering was overwhelming, but for once, he allowed himself to revel in it.
The laughter of old friends, the clash of raised mugs, the hum of lively conversations—it all filled the air.
The Bond of the Valkyries and Leaders
Kaede, Iffah, Mira, Liora, Selena, and Aria found themselves at a quieter corner of the courtyard, watching the festivities unfold.
Kaede, her storm-blue eyes sharp as ever, smirked as she took a sip of her drink. "Never thought I'd see a day where all of us—leaders of some of the strongest factions—would be sitting around at a party, just… talking."
Iffah chuckled. "War and battles aside, sometimes we need moments like this."
Mira, ever composed, swirled a shimmering drink in her glass. "Agreed. This is a rare sight—especially considering what we've been through." Her voice softened slightly as she glanced at Aria.
Aria, dressed in a dark, sleeveless tunic, shifted in her seat. The missing arm was a constant reminder of what she had sacrificed. Though healed, she still carried the weight of the battle. "Don't look at me like that," she muttered, her usual confidence still intact despite her loss. "I'm alive, aren't I?"
Liora placed a warm hand on Aria's shoulder. "You are. And stronger than ever."
Selena, the ever-serene one, let out a small, knowing smile. "We've all lost things, in one way or another. But we endure."
They all clinked their glasses together in silent understanding.
In that moment, it wasn't about power, ranks, or war. It was about survival. About sisterhood.
Hakan and the Brotherhood of Warriors
Across the hall, Hakan, Alaric, Dante, Raiden, Victor, Ezekiel, andg—men who had either stood by his side or once clashed with him—sat around a large, circular table, a mix of drinks and food spread before them.
Dante leaned back, arms crossed, a satisfied grin on his face. "A Continental Hero, huh? Doesn't sound as crazy as it would've months ago."
Hakan smirked. "You saying you doubted me?"
Raiden, ever the calm and towering figure, chuckled. "No. I always knew you'd reach this level. The real question is—what now?"
Hakan exhaled, swirling his drink. "For once? I don't know." He glanced at Alaric. "But I do know I won't be walking this road alone."
Victor grinned. "You better not. We've all got too much riding on you now."
Ezekiel, the quietest of the bunch, simply smirked. "One party isn't enough. You'll need more."
Victor, observing them all, finally spoke. "Titles come and go. Strength fades. But the bonds you've built here?" He gestured at the crowd. "That's what lasts."
Hakan raised his glass. "To that, then."
The others raised theirs in return, a silent but powerful promise exchanged between warriors.
The celebrations continued—dancing, Food , stories of old battles, and laughter that hadn't been heard in far too long.
As the night stretched into the early hours of dawn, Hakan found himself standing at the balcony, looking over the city.
Iffah joined him, slipping her hand into his. "It doesn't feel real, does it?"
Hakan exhaled. "No. But I'll take it." He turned to her, a rare, genuine smile crossing his face. "We all will."
And as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, Hakan knew—
This was just the beginning.
The women sat together in a relaxed circle, the warm glow of lanterns illuminating their faces. Iffah, sipping her drink, leaned back slightly, enjoying the rare peace. Selena, Kaede, Mira, Liora, and Aria sat beside her, their conversation flowing naturally.
It was then that Sylvia and Rina exchanged a mischievous glance.
Rina smirked, leaning forward. "Hey, Iffah, you still remember Aria, don't you?"
Iffah raised a brow, intrigued but unsuspecting. "Of course. Why?"
All eyes suddenly flickered to Aria, who blinked in confusion.
Sylvia giggled. "Well… You know, she tried to make a move on Hakan once."
Silence.
Iffah froze mid-sip, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. The atmosphere around her tensed just a little.
Aria, visibly startled, looked between them. "Wait—what?! That's not—"
Kaede, Liora, and Mira all immediately perked up at the juicy revelation, smirks forming on their faces.
Selena, ever composed, merely raised an amused brow. "Oh? This is interesting."
Aria raised her hands defensively. "I—I don't know what they're talking about!"
Sylvia grinned. "Oh, come on. You remember that night, don't you? The way you looked at him, the way you stood so close—"
Rina gasped dramatically, clasping her hands together. "Oh, and the way you touched his hand when both of you reached out for the coffee that one time? How bold!"
Iffah's expression darkened.
Aria's face turned red with panic. "That's not—I mean, okay, maybe I stood close, but that was because—"
Kaede, catching onto the game, smirked. "Hmm… I don't know, Aria. Sounds like you had some intentions."
Mira nodded sagely. "Iffah, are you going to let this slide?"
Liora chuckled, watching Iffah's fingers tighten slightly around her glass. "She is awfully quiet right now."
Aria visibly panicked. "I swear, it was nothing! Hakan's not even my type—!"
Sylvia grinned. "Ohhh, so you thought about it then?"
Rina gasped again. "She admits it!"
Aria groaned, covering her face. "You're twisting my words!"
Meanwhile, Iffah sat completely still, her expression unreadable—except for the telltale twitch of her eyebrow.
The others erupted into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the scene. Even Selena, who rarely indulged in such teasing, couldn't help but chuckle.
Iffah finally spoke, her voice dangerously calm. "Is that so?"
Aria gulped. "Iffah, please—"
Kaede leaned over to whisper in Aria's ear, "Run."
And Aria did just that—springing to her feet and bolting toward the crowd.
Iffah immediately followed, her usual grace replaced with deadly determination.
The rest of the women howled with laughter, watching the chase unfold.
Liora wiped a tear from her eye. "You two are truly evil."
Sylvia and Rina clinked their glasses together, grinning triumphantly. "And we wouldn't have it any other way."
As the celebrations reached their peak, Hakan stood tall on the grand platform, a confident smirk on his face. The air was electric with laughter, joy, and the lingering warmth of camaraderie. The Black Dragons, the Silver Valkyries, and all the allied guilds had gathered to celebrate his rise as a Continental Hero—a 7-Star Legend.
With a glass in hand, he raised it high, his deep voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd.
"Tonight, we stand together—not just as warriors, but as family. Every one of you here, whether we've fought side by side or met on the battlefield, has played a part in this journey. And I promise you—this is just the beginning. Because when the strongest stand together, there's no force in this world that can break us. To all of you, to the bonds we've forged—cheers!"
The roar of approval echoed through the night. Glasses clinked, voices cheered, and for a moment, the world felt at peace.
Then—
A distant thrum.
A rhythmic whirring sound cut through the noise. At first, it was just a hum in the background, easily mistaken for music or distant fireworks. But as seconds passed, the sound intensified—and soon, eyes turned toward the sky.
From the far horizon, a helicopter emerged, its spotlights illuminating the field below.
Some in the crowd exchanged glances, believing it to be a late arrival—perhaps another high-ranking hero or ally who had come to join the celebration.
Others, however, felt a chill run down their spines.
"Did he invite anyone else?" Kaede muttered, crossing her arms.
"Dont know," Raiden Jin said simply, his gaze sharp as he studied the aircraft.
The Black Dragons immediately tensed, their instincts kicking in. Sylvia and Rina, still giggling moments ago, went quiet.
Iffah stood beside Hakan, her golden eyes narrowing. "We should be careful."
The whir of the helicopter grew louder, the machine descending steadily. The emblem on its side was unfamiliar—not from any of the known guilds or hero organizations.
Selena Voss stepped forward. "Must be late arrivals or uninvited guests."
The crowd murmured, some ready to welcome the newcomers, others preparing for something worse.