Chapter 23 — The Next Heroes

The tragedy of Starlight Stadium spread across the world like wildfire. At first, the government tried to contain the information, but it was impossible. Thousands of people had disappeared in front of countless witnesses, videos leaked onto the internet, and news helicopters had captured the aftermath.

Within hours, every television station in the world was broadcasting the same images, and the government could no longer hide the truth.

An official emergency announcement was broadcast worldwide. The spokesman stood before the national emblem with a solemn expression as the names of the missing heroes appeared one by one across the screen.

"Effective immediately... The government confirms the disappearance of the following Bravers."

The first photograph appeared.

Taichi Konoha

Red Braver

Status: Missing

The next image replaced it.

Roland Stronoff

Green Braver

Status: Missing

Finally, the smiling promotional photo of the world's most beloved idol appeared.

Sakura Tendo

Pink Braver

Status: Missing

The spokesman lowered his head.

"Our thoughts are with their families."

The broadcast ended, but the world did not remain silent for long. Protests began outside government buildings as people demanded answers. Some demanded revenge, while others demanded that the remaining Bravers resign. Several cities descended into riots as military vehicles filled the streets and helicopters circled overhead. Humanity once again found itself living in fear.

Another emergency broadcast followed only hours later. This time, a new image appeared on the screen: a girl with impossibly long crimson twin ponytails, a black sailor-style uniform, a crimson ribbon, pale skin, crimson narrow delighted eyes, and an impossibly wide smile far too large for any normal human.

The words beneath the image read:

GREED Self-Proclaimed Witch

The announcer spoke.

"This individual is believed responsible for the Plaza Incident... the Starlight Stadium tragedy... and the disappearances of Red Braver Taichi Konoha, Green Braver Roland Stronoff, and Pink Braver Sakura Tendo."

Another image appeared, showing hundreds of glossy black goblins swarming through city streets.

"It has also been confirmed that this individual commands an army of unidentified creatures."

Citizens throughout the world watched in horrified silence.

Two days later, an international press conference was announced. Reporters from every major news organization gathered inside the National Defense Building, where the room overflowed with cameras while thousands more watched through live broadcasts.

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The doors finally opened, and a handsome young man entered. He possessed elegant short blond hair carefully combed back, a tailored white suit, and a confident smile. His calm demeanor carried just enough arrogance to command attention.

His name was Dr. Gero Sullivan.

Many immediately recognized him as the former assistant of the late Dr. Willow, creator of the Braver transformation devices. Camera flashes exploded continuously as reporters shouted questions from every direction.

"Doctor Sullivan!"

"Do you know who Greed is?!"

"What happened to the missing Bravers?!"

"Can humanity survive another invasion?!"

Bodyguards quickly formed a barrier around him. Without answering a single question, Gero calmly walked toward the podium, adjusted the microphone, and smiled politely.

"Good afternoon. My name is Dr. Gero Sullivan. The government has appointed me to address humanity regarding our current crisis."

The room became silent as Gero folded his hands together.

"After our terrible war against King Cosmos... humanity has suffered enough. I understand. We all desire peace."

He nodded respectfully.

"The Bravers fought courageously. They saved humanity. Without them... our civilization would no longer exist. They earned our trust. My own included."

He paused, and his expression slowly hardened.

"Unfortunately... that trust was misplaced."

A murmur spread throughout the room as a giant screen lit up behind him.

Seven photographs appeared.

The Seven Bravers.

One by one.

Taichi Konoha. The Red Braver.

Roland Stronoff. The Green Braver.

Sakura Tendo. The Pink Braver.

Endou Tachibana. The Blue Braver.

Saki Nidou. The Yellow Braver.

Yuki Horikita. The White Braver.

Ryuen Shimada. The Purple Braver.

Then... three large red X's appeared over the photographs of Taichi, Roland, and Sakura.

"They have failed. The strongest among them... Red Braver Taichi Konoha... was the first to disappear."

He pointed toward the crossed-out portraits.

"The exact fate of these three missing Bravers remains unknown. But under the present circumstances... we must realistically assume they are dead."

Silence filled the conference hall before Gero continued.

"This tragedy exists largely because of one man's arrogance."

The screen changed, revealing a photograph of the late Dr. Willow.

"If Doctor Willow had shared Braver technology... instead of keeping it exclusively within seven individuals... humanity would never have been placed in such a vulnerable position."

Several reporters began taking notes rapidly as Gero's smile slowly returned.

"But... there is no need to despair. Hope... still exists."

The lights dimmed, and heavy footsteps echoed behind him. One by one, seven soldiers entered the stage, each wearing armor inspired by one of the original Bravers. Unlike the sleek original suits, these resembled heavily mechanized combat armor. They were bulkier and more angular, with metal plates covering nearly every surface.

Each soldier carried a different color: Red, Green, Pink, Blue, Yellow, White, and Purple.

Unlike the original Bravers, their helmets remained tucked beneath their arms, leaving their faces fully visible as they stood proudly behind Gero.

Gero spread both arms dramatically.

"I present... the future. The Next Generation Bravers."

The audience erupted into applause while cameras flashed nonstop.

Gero waited patiently before continuing.

"These seven soldiers are only the beginning."

He looked proudly toward the armored soldiers.

"I have successfully replicated Doctor Willow's greatest achievement. Very soon... this technology will enter mass production."

His confident smile returned.

"No longer will humanity depend upon only seven heroes. We will build... an army of justice."

The applause became even louder, and around the world, millions watched with renewed hope.

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Far away, inside a dark room untouched by light, three glowing pairs of eyes quietly watched the broadcast. Greed rested her chin on both hands, her narrow crimson eyes gleaming with delight beneath her impossibly wide smile. Beside her, Wrath leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, her visible crimson eye narrowed in irritation. A short distance away, Sloth hugged her oversized sleeves close to her body, her emerald eye and golden star-pupiled eye half-lidded with exhaustion.

The television illuminated the three Witches while Gero proudly smiled before the world on the screen. Inside the darkness, Greed giggled softly.

"Hehehe... What a wonderful fourth act."