The rain had finally stopped.
Clouds still loomed over the city, but light began to pierce through, casting a glow over the cracked streets and buildings that had barely survived the attack. Clean-up crews worked tirelessly, and Essence warriors helped where they could. But something more important was happening downtown.
At the heart of Tokyo, the Global Essence Union HQ building stood tall, banners waving as reporters, drones, and civilians gathered in front of its steps. Dozens of cameras pointed at the golden podium, where the most powerful Essence warrior in the world—President Kensei Gojuro—stood with a stern yet composed expression.
His black and silver coat shimmered under the lights. His hair was slicked back, and his sharp eyes scanned the crowd as the world waited for his words.
A hush fell as he began to speak.
"People of Tokyo, citizens around the world… today, we address not just tragedy, but resilience. Five unknown enemies struck our city—skilled, organized, and deadly. We still do not know their identities or motives. Investigations are underway, and rest assured, we will uncover the truth. But…"
He paused.
"…Thanks to the bravery and strength of one individual… disaster was prevented."
The crowd stirred. Cameras clicked. Everyone knew who he meant.
"This warrior stood alone when even S-ranks faltered. He faced all five attackers, protected civilians, and triumphed. Today, I not only honor him—I officially elevate him."
The screen behind Gojuro lit up with an image of Riku Hayashi, standing amidst rubble with his blue aura glowing.
"Formerly a D-rank. Recently evaluated as an A-rank. But from this day forward, I recognize Riku Hayashi as an S-rank Essence Warrior."
The crowd erupted into applause, cheers echoing through the city.
The golden doors behind Gojuro opened, and Riku stepped out in a fresh dark-blue coat trimmed with silver, the Essence Warrior insignia stitched proudly on his chest. His grey hair shimmered under the light, slightly floating from the residual power within him. His new S-rank medal gleamed as it was placed around his neck.
People shouted his name. Drones zoomed in. Girls squealed.
"He's so fine…"
"I love his eyes…"
"He's cute but looks dangerous!"
Guys in the crowd nodded in awe.
"Bro is cracked."
"He's built different."
"That dude took down five in one day."
But when Kensei Gojuro turned to shake Riku's hand again—
Riku was already gone.
By the time he returned home, the sun had begun to peek out from behind the clouds.
He stepped through the front door quietly, but he didn't make it two steps before—
"BIG BROOO!""RIKUUU!"
His little sister Yuki leaped into his arms, and his mother Sayuri Hayashi grabbed him in a tight hug. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at her son.
"You did it…" she whispered, "I saw you. My son… an S-rank…"
He chuckled lightly, ruffling Yuki's hair and squeezing his mom gently.
"I'm home," Riku said softly.
They held onto him a little longer before finally letting go. Riku stretched and smiled for the first time in what felt like forever.
"…Can I take a nap first?" he asked, yawning. "Then we go get something good to eat?"
Sayuri laughed, wiping her eyes. "Only if you promise to sleep and eat. You look like you haven't done either in days."
"I just saved the city, Mom," Riku smirked. "I think I earned ramen and sleep."
And with that, he trudged toward his room, the weight of the day finally settling—alongside a new, growing power within him.