Chapter 282 - Chapter 280: The Long Work of Understanding (Part 1)

A year had passed since the revelation of the Tenth Star's true nature. The Celestial Academy had settled into rhythms that bore only surface resemblance to the institution that had existed before the convergence. The floating islands continued their eternal drifting through clouds. The Seven Halls maintained their training programs and philosophical traditions. Students arrived, learned, developed their capabilities, and eventually departed to carry their understanding into the wider world. The facade of continuity masked something far more profound occurring beneath the surface.