Chapter 67: The Weight of Hope

Hope is a double-edged weapon.
It can keep you standing when everything around you crumbles—
or drag you deeper down if you put too much weight on it.
For some, it’s a beacon. For others, a chain.
And there are those who walk the tightrope between both,
hoping not to break before reaching the other side.
On days like this, when the fate of many seems to hang by a thread,
hope is not just an emotion—
it’s a test. A burden. A choice.
What do you do when the dreams aren’t yours, but the failure is?
What path do you choose when protecting others means losing yourself?
Sometimes, the hardest battle isn’t fought on a field…
but in the silence of your thoughts,
in the voices that keep you from sleeping,
in the promises you never made,
but everyone expects you to fulfill.
And there—right there—is where the true weight of hope is born.

———————————————————————————————————————————

“What’s wrong, mister elite?” Rukia teased, arms crossed, leaning lazily against the wall. “Nervous? Afraid to lose?”
“Shut up,” Alexbold growled without even looking at her. “This doesn’t concern you.”
Rukia frowned, offended.
“What did you just say? You think you’re better than me?”
“You wouldn’t even be able to touch me.”
“Are you challenging me?”
“Hey, hey—calm down!” Iseli stepped between them before the tension could rise further. “Both of you, take it easy.”
“Oh, so you think you’re superior because you’re from one of the Twelve Families?” Rukia pushed, her voice rising.
Alexbold gritted his teeth. A moment later, his fist slammed into the wall with such force that the stone shattered into countless fragments.
“Shut your mouth! You don’t know anything!”

Rukia froze for a moment. Then, with her lips pressed together and her eyes wounded, she turned and walked out without a word.
Alexbold lowered his gaze, breathing hard.
“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath. “I didn’t coat my hand with energy… I almost broke something.”

Without a word, Iseli approached and gently took his hand, wrapping it carefully while he could barely meet her eyes.
“Are you alright?” she asked softly.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Taking care of you, obviously. Looks like you hurt yourself more than you think.”
“Why are you doing this?” Alexbold asked, confusion plain in his voice.
“Because we all carry something, Alexbold. I know Rukia can be annoying sometimes… but she’s a good girl, I promise. You just have to give her a chance.”
“Hard to imagine,” he admitted, lowering his voice a little.
“Right?” Iseli smiled as she finished the bandage.

For a moment, the silence between them wasn’t awkward—
just… human.
“There. That should do for now.”
“T-thanks,” he murmured, looking away.
“Try to be more understanding, okay?”
“…Yeah.”

The stands of the Japanese combat arena buzzed with tension.
The banners of both institutes fluttered in the wind.
“What a surprise to see you here, Shun,” Amaterasu commented from her high seat.
“Glad to see me?”
“I wish.”
Shun chuckled briefly, eyes still fixed on the field.
“You came for the boy from the Twelve Families?”
“You could say that.”
“I’m not surprised.” Amaterasu narrowed her eyes. “Everyone gets excited over a Moonveil. But you… you don’t have that spark.
You’re not here for him, are you?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“I know those eyes of yours. You only show up to these events when there’s something more—something that truly interests you.”
“You really know me well, goddess of the sun.”
“Then tell me, what are you after this time?”
“Want to know?”

But before Amaterasu could answer, a voice thundered through the stadium speakers.
“The second match will now begin!” announced Fujin. “After GODS Institute’s first victory, this match will decide whether they advance… or if Wataraha earns a second chance!”

From opposite ends of the arena, the combatants stepped onto the field.
“Here they come,” continued Fujin. “Alexbold Moonveil, from GODS Institute, and Nei Hayashi, from Wataraha Institute!”
“Good luck,” Nei said calmly.
“You too,” Alexbold replied flatly.
“Begin!” Raijin shouted.

Alexbold didn’t hesitate. His blood morphed into crimson spikes and lances that shot straight toward his opponent. But Nei only sighed.
“How disappointing.”

He raised an arm toward the sky.
“Light Technique: Divine Punishment!”

The heavens split open. A colossal beam of light fell like the wrath of a god.
The impact was so powerful that the magic barrier protecting the stadium began to crack.
“Damn it!” Raijin leapt from his seat.
“Divine protection,” Shun murmured, generating a secondary barrier that contained the disaster.

When the dust finally cleared, Alexbold was still standing… but barely.
His armor was in tatters. His body, covered in cuts and blood.
“Not bad,” Shun murmured with a faint smile.
“I’m surprised you’re still on your feet, Alexbold,” Nei said, genuinely curious.
“T-too bad…” Alexbold spat blood, “that I don’t have the strength left to keep fighting…”

His body gave out, and he dropped to one knee… but just before collapsing completely, a tiny needle of blood flew from his fingertip and grazed Nei’s face.
A thin line of blood trickled down the Japanese fighter’s cheek.
“You damned monster…” Nei muttered, touching the wound.
“And the victory goes to Nei!” Fujin announced. “Wataraha Institute takes the match!”

The stands erupted in cheers and applause.
But while everyone celebrated, Alexbold’s face remained buried in the sand, motionless—
his fists clenched, knuckles bleeding from rage.

Shun’s footsteps echoed calmly as he left the coliseum.
“Are you leaving already?” Amaterasu called from her box, arms crossed. “Aren’t you going to watch the third match?”
“It won’t be necessary,” Shun replied without turning. “I know how it will end.”
“You already knew, didn’t you?”
“Knew what?”
“That he was capable of that.”

Shun paused for a moment, and his voice fell to a whisper carried on the breeze.
“Yes… after all, he is his son. Not surprising.”

Amaterasu watched him closely, a mix of frustration and melancholy on her face.
“Will you keep doing everything your way?” she murmured. “Why, after all these years, haven’t you asked us for help?”

Shun shrugged one shoulder.
“Sorry. The weak do not interest me.”

Amaterasu ground her teeth. She wanted to answer in anger, but only a bitter sigh escaped her.
“You know something… At least with me you can take off that mask, Shun.”

Shun turned slowly. His face remained impassive, his grey eyes like stone.
“What are you talking about?”

She did not answer. She only looked at him, asking in silence:
When was the last time that face showed a sincere feeling? When was the last time you were yourself?
She watched him walk away down a lonely corridor, as if the light itself parted for him.
Will I ever be able to reach you?

Meanwhile, in one of the stadium’s lounges, the air felt thick with tension.
Alexbold, kneeling on the floor, hammered his bloody fists against the marble, unleashing his fury.
“Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!”

Iseli approached, heart clenched.
“Alexbold…”

Rukia stood farther back, looking on in confusion.
It’s just a loss… why is he so angry? she wondered.

And then they felt it.
A presence.
A gaze that burned like embers.

Both turned.
“Please… let me through,” said a cold voice.

A man approached with measured steps. Pale, dark-haired, his eyes the red of dying embers. His mere presence chilled the air.

Iseli stumbled back, stunned.
“Y-yes…”

The stranger stopped in front of Alexbold, who still had his forehead pressed to the floor.
“Majes…” Alexbold whispered.

Without another word, the stranger lifted his leg and, with brutal force, drove Alexbold’s head into the ground with a kick that shook the room.

Silence fell like a weight.
“Alexbold!” Iseli cried, rushing forward.
“G-go away…” Alexbold muttered without lifting his head. “You’re in the way.”

Iseli stopped dead. Her expression broke inside.

“Looks like I wasn’t wrong,” the stranger said, his voice dry as a blade. “I knew… but I still decided to give you one last chance.”

The man looked at him with utter contempt.
“Yet you are nothing but a failure. A disgrace to our lineage.”

Alexbold trembled. Not from fear — from impotence.
“I…”

“You will receive your punishment as agreed. This time there is no turning back. All those who are not up to the lineage must die. There is no place for the weak in the blessed blood of the Moonveil.”

A scythe of blood sprang from the stranger’s arm. Its blade shone a deep crimson, as if craving vengeance of its own.
“For that reason, Alexbold… you are condemned to death.”

Alexbold did not move. He did not scream. He did not defend himself. He only thought:
Is that it? Is this really all I can get? I am nothing but a failure… This is what I deserve.

The scythe fell — swift, unstoppable.

“How long has it been, Clarileo,” said a familiar voice.

The weapon halted inches from Alexbold’s skull.
The world seemed to stop.

Clarileo spun violently. Shun stood there, wearing a false smile, his hand resting on Clarileo’s shoulder.
“You—” Clarileo spat.
“Shun…?” Alexbold whispered, bewildered.

“So then…” Shun said, fixing his gaze on him. “Do you want me to change your future, Alexbold Moonveil?”

Clarileo stepped back, fangs bared.
“What are you doing here?”
“I heard rumors you would be present… and I couldn’t miss the chance to see you.”
“Take your filthy hand off my shoulder!” Clarileo growled.
“Sorry,” Shun answered with mock courtesy. “Honorable Lord Moonveil.”
“What do you want here?”
“I cannot allow you to continue your ‘cleansing’ of the lineage. I will take Alexbold with me.”

“Don’t you dare speak like that to Lord Moonveil!” one subordinate shouted. “Do you wish to stand against the Twelve Families? If you continue—”
“Shut your mouth.”

The invisible blade that had pierced the subordinate faded like a bad dream. But in his chest the sensation of being split in two still thundered. Sweat soaked his brow. His lips trembled.
What was that...? An illusion...? No… that felt real. What is this guy?

Clarileo ignored him completely. There was only one presence that deserved his attention.
“You’d better get out of here if you don’t want trouble,” he snarled, fangs bared.

Shun, not losing his smile, shook his head.
“It seems I’ll have to refuse. I won’t leave without him.”
“Do you plan to disobey the order of the Moonveil leader? Do you want to die?”
“Kill me?” he repeated, amused. “Even if you bring all those old men, you couldn’t do anything to me. Because you’re weak, Clarileo. You’re just a shadow dressed in lineage.”

Clarileo’s red eyes flared with fury.
“I will kill you.”

And then the world trembled.
A dark energy poured from his body like an open abyss. The entire city was swallowed by his aura. The sky seemed to dim for a moment. Screams of terror mixed with bodies falling unconscious, one after another.

From her box, Amaterasu rose to her feet.
“Are you kidding me…? What the hell is that?”
Nei stepped back, paling.
“What a terrifying power…”

Even Raijin and Fujin, always composed, showed interest.
“Well, well…” Raijin commented. “That one seems strong.”
“Interesting…” added Fujin.

In the stands, Rukia and Iseli could not resist. They collapsed to the ground like leaves swept by the wind.
“A demon…” was the last thing Iseli thought before fading.

And while the world bent under the pressure, Shun remained standing. Calm. As if nothing had happened.
“I will not allow you to address someone superior like that,” Clarileo roared. “Human scum.”
“Superior?” Shun laughed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I am the strongest being of all. A human… and free.”

Clarileo lunged with his blood-stained scythe.
But before the blow could fall—
“Stop!” ordered a voice with unyielding authority.

Clarileo halted his energy at once.
A hooded figure descended from the sky like a suspended verdict.
“Well…” Shun said, folding his arms. “A surprise to see you here, old man.”
“The king warned me something like this might happen,” the hooded figure replied. “He sent me to watch over you.”
“That man is never wrong…”

“You’d better stop, Lord Moonveil. If a fight breaks out, I cannot promise you will come out unscathed.”

Clarileo ground his teeth.
“I’m sorry. But I cannot remain silent in the face of this man’s words. It’s a shame he can speak like that about the Twelve Families and receive no punishment.”
“You know this well, Clarileo. Lord Shun is under the direct protection of His Majesty. If you have a grievance… take it to the king.”

Clarileo stepped back. His gaze burned.
“Let’s go,” he ordered in a voice broken by impotence.
“Y-yes, sir…”

But as he departed he muttered to himself:
“Soon… I will make you pay for all of this, insignificant human…”

His fangs gleamed. His eyes were redder than ever.

Shun watched in silence until Clarileo’s figure faded into the shadows.
“See?” he then said, looking at Alexbold. “I can change your future.”

Alexbold still lay on the ground. Trembling. Not from fear, but from everything he had felt in only a few minutes.
Why didn’t he flinch...? Why does the king protect him...? Who is this man really...?

“So then,” Shun repeated, holding out a hand, “will you stay here regretting… or will you create a better future?”

The boy lifted his gaze. He hesitated for only a moment… then he took it.

———————————————————————————————————————————
“In an instant… I went from defending that name with such honor to being just another face in the crowd. To finding my true motivation,” Alexbold narrated, now standing with his gaze on the horizon. “I no longer wanted to be strong for prestige… I wanted to be strong to protect those who helped me when I stopped being Alexbold Moonveil… to become Alexbold.”

Walking beside him were Rika, Iseli and Shun — an odd group, but bound by something stronger than bloodline.
Edén watched them from a distance, and when he saw Alexbold speak with such conviction, a small smile flickered across his face.
“You’re a good guy,” he told him. “You and the others have noble reasons to fight. And I… ”

Alexbold noticed the reddened look in Edén’s eyes. Behind them there was something dark. Something wounded.
“I don’t know what you went through before you came here,” he said gently, “but one thing I’m sure of: you’re not a bad person.”

Edén bowed his head. His voice was barely a whisper.
“You all have noble reasons. You fight to protect others. To save what you love. And I… I only have a selfish wish.”

His fists trembled.
“So what if it is?” Alexbold replied. “None of us are perfect. We all cling to something: love, hate, fear… whatever keeps us afloat when we feel like we’re sinking. The important thing is not letting it drag us under.”

Edén closed his eyes.
“But my wish… it isn’t noble. I don’t seek to protect anyone. I only want—”

“It’s not wrong to have personal desires,” Alexbold interrupted. “We all do. We fight for others, yes. But we also fight for ourselves. That doesn’t make you less.”

Edén murmured, broken:
“I was weak. I couldn’t protect those I loved. And now… they—”

The image of his grandfather, the Black Lights’ attack… it consumed him.
Alexbold stepped forward until he stood before him.
“I’m not telling you to ignore what you feel. But don’t let those feelings take control. If you do, they’ll become chains that drag you into the abyss.”

Edén listened in silence. For the first time… he felt understood.
“So… what should I do?”
Alexbold smiled and ruffled his hair gently.
“One day you’ll have to choose. But today is not that day.”

He turned and indicated the rest of his companions with a glance.
“For now… join us.”
“Thank you,” Edén whispered. “I thought you’d be more arrogant and self-centered.”
“Did you?”
“Who knows? Choose to believe me… or think I’m a good liar.”

Alexbold chuckled softly as Edén walked away.
“The day he breaks that barrier… he’ll be a true monster. Which side will you choose, Edén? Darkness… or light?”
For an instant, Edén’s image split between shadow and radiance.

Elsewhere… at another time…
Shun and the hooded man from moments before faced each other in a memory.
“You’re a good liar,” Shun murmured.
“What do you mean?”
“He didn’t send you here… did he?”

The hooded man smiled without denying it.
“What do you want?”
“Why do you refuse to return? You—”

The edge of Shun’s sword appeared at the man’s throat without warning.
“You’d better shut your mouth,” he said, icy. “I won’t do anything that man orders. No matter what he tries.”
“You’re as stubborn as ever.”

Shun sheathed his sword and turned away.
“Time grows short,” he thought. “I’ll have to act…”

And with that, he vanished into the gloom.