The news spread like wildfire.
Every screen, every broadcast, every whisper seemed to carry one name—Riku Hayashi.
From the highest towers of the capital to the smallest villages on distant islands, people were talking about the young warrior who had taken down an unprecedented threat with sheer skill and unyielding strength.
Social media buzzed endlessly with clips of the fight, interviews, and countless fan-made tributes.
Riku's name climbed to the top of trending lists across the globe, alongside headlines proclaiming him as the world's number one Essence Warrior—a title whispered in awe and sometimes disbelief.
Outside the gates of the Raiden Edge Guild, the sun was beginning to set, casting golden hues over the bustling city.
Two familiar figures waited patiently.
Sayuri Hayashi, Riku's mother, stood tall, pride shining in her eyes. Beside her, Yuki, Riku's little sister, bounced eagerly on her feet, clutching a small bouquet of wildflowers.
The moment Riku appeared at the guild's entrance, their faces lit up like the dawn.
"Riku!" Yuki ran forward, wrapping her arms around his leg in a tight hug.
Sayuri smiled warmly, her eyes moist with pride.
"You did well," she said softly. "We were so worried, but you made it through. We're proud of you."
Riku bent down, ruffling Yuki's hair with a grin.
"Thanks, you two. I couldn't have done it without knowing you were waiting."
Inside the guild's grand hall, Yumi Aoyama waited nearby, her cheeks flushed from the compliment Riku had just given her.
"You did a good job watching the guild while I was gone," Riku said quietly, his voice sincere.
Yumi's eyes widened, and a soft blush spread across her cheeks.
"T-thank you," she stammered, looking away shyly.
The atmosphere was light, but outside the guild, the world was anything but calm.
Everywhere Riku went, he was met with stares, whispers, and sometimes outright admiration.
Girls tried subtly—and not so subtly—to flirt with him, hoping to catch his attention.
Men envied him, rivals respected and feared him.
Guilds across the planet sent formal invitations, offering him positions of power and prestige.
Billion-dollar offers arrived with tempting promises: vice presidencies, command over elite teams, and unfathomable resources—all just to have Riku join their ranks.
But Riku remained grounded.
He smiled politely at the offers, his eyes always returning to the guild where his roots lay.
The Raiden Edge Guild was his home—the place where his journey had truly begun.
And no matter the fame or fortune, that bond was unbreakable.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Riku stood tall on the guild's balcony, gazing out at the sprawling city.
The world was watching now.
And he was ready.