Michael sat on the edge of his bed, running his hands through his hair, his thoughts a tangled storm. The headache from the previous night still lingered, but it wasn't just the wine it was the memory of Arata pressed against him, the warmth of her body, the kiss that had ignited everything he had tried to suppress for centuries. He let out a low groan, leaning forward, almost wanting to bury his face in his hands, when a soft glow appeared beside him. "Momo…" he whispered. The AI shimmered into view, her spherical form floating slightly above the floor, a small flap resembling a wing twitching softly. Her body radiated a gentle glow, playful yet calm, exuding the quiet energy of a teenage boy, tangible and warm. "Yes, Michael?" she asked, her voice soft but teasing, as if she already knew every thought swirling in his mind.
"I… I don't know how to face her," he admitted, his voice cracking slightly. "After last night… how do I even look at her?" Momo floated closer, hovering near his side. "Ignore it," she said simply. "You overthink too much. She's also processing everything. Give her space. Let her make the first move if she wants. You breathe. You survive. And do not panic." Michael groaned, slumping further into the bed. "Easy for you to say…"
Across the dormitory, Arata sat at her desk, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her Japanese-style tea cup. Her AI companion, Pink, hovered beside her, a small floating orb with delicate wings and a soft glow. "Ignore him," Pink instructed, firm and unwavering. "Do not make eye contact. Do not speak first. Wait. Let Michael approach you when he is ready." Arata nodded, tightening her grip on the cup. "I… I can do that."
Kyra entered the room, her steps deliberate yet light, carrying her usual playful energy. "Arata, come eat. Breakfast is ready," she called, her tone cheerful with a hint of mischief. Arata looked up cautiously. "Is Michael awake?" "Nope," Kyra replied with a smirk. "He's probably… panicking." She sent her small AI drone, J, to check on him. The orb zipped through the corridors and hovered before Michael. "Uh… is Arata outside?" he asked nervously. "Nope," J replied, spinning around playfully. "She's not outside yet."
Michael exhaled sharply and leaned against the doorway, unsure whether to step forward. But the moment he moved, Arata appeared in the hallway. He froze. She paused, hesitant, and instinctively, he wanted to retreat. Kyra, noticing the tension, stepped gently in front of him, her grin teasing but kind. "Sit. Eat. Both of you. Stop hiding like children," she said, ushering them to a low table adorned with delicate plating that glimmered under the soft morning light.
Kyra placed the first dish in front of them, the third member of the trio already seated with a small smile. It was called Starlit Bloom Tempura, a sweet-and-savory creation she had perfected over several days. Its petals were fried to perfection, dusted with a faint shimmer of crystallized nectar, and the aroma alone promised a delicate delight. "This dish," Kyra began, her voice carrying a soft reverence, "comes from a legend on the planet Luminar. There was a young man who fell in love with a girl whose heart was locked tight. Neither dared approach until finally, he found the courage to reach out. The petals in this dish symbolize taking the first step, daring when your heart cannot wait."
Michael took a cautious bite, his senses tingling. The flavor was unexpectedly sweet, honeyed with a faint tartness that made him smile involuntarily. Arata tried the dish next to him, eyes widening in delight. Kyra leaned back, watching them. "It's perfect," she said softly, "because the moment you taste it, you're reminded that love, courage, and timing are all tied together."
The table fell into a comfortable silence. Each of them savored the dish, letting the story linger in their minds. The soft clinking of cutlery, the hum of early morning in Helionfall, the faint light spilling in through the atrium windows it all felt sacred, almost timeless.
Finally, Kyra broke the silence, her voice playful yet earnest. "Michael… Arata… I have a question." Both stiffened immediately. She leaned forward. "Are you in love with each other?"
Michael nearly choked on the last bite of his tempura. "What? N-no!" he stammered, waving his hands. Arata's cheeks flamed red. "Of course not!" she said sharply, though her voice betrayed a subtle tremor. Kyra's grin widened. "Alright… J, show them last night's recording."
The small drone hummed, projecting the scene from the Helion Assembly Atrium: the embrace, the lingering closeness, the synchronized movements that had drawn Lin's proud gaze. Michael's face went crimson, and Arata buried her face in her hands. Words failed them, and they scrambled, unable to escape the embarrassment. Kyra laughed softly, savoring the rare chaos between her friends.
After a few moments, the meal finished, and the three stood. Michael, still flushed, whispered to Momo. "Go… go get Arata. Tell her to meet me." Momo glowed softly and sped ahead to deliver the message. Michael's gaze followed Arata as she approached cautiously, guided by Pink's advice.
He led her to a quiet terrace overlooking the floating gardens of Helionfall, a place known as The Luminous Aerie. A soft breeze carried the scent of luminescent flowers, the hum of distant skyships, and the faint glow of crystal rivers below. Michael gestured to a bench, and she sat with careful distance. The bustling atrium, the dozens of observers, even the wind seemed to soften, leaving only the terrace, the quiet hum of the planet, and the two of them.
They didn't speak of love; words weren't necessary. Every glance, every breath, every subtle movement carried the emotions they both held back. Michael's hand hovered near hers, sensing her warmth. Arata's fingers twitched slightly, her chest rising and falling faster than normal. The air between them was electric, a silent confession in a world yet to give them the words. Time felt suspended, the universe dissolving into a quiet bubble around them. The Luminous Aerie became their sanctuary, where hesitation, longing, and courage collided. Though neither spoke aloud, their hearts began a conversation only they could hear, a dialogue older than memory yet fresh with every heartbeat.
Before Michael vanished, Lin had been bright, passionate, full of energy. After losing Michael for a year, that light had dimmed. His smiles became rare. His enthusiasm dropped. Ryn stayed beside him through it all. Then came the battle that changed everything. Their squad encountered a terrifying Stage 9 Star Warrior Beast named Aerozar the Sky-Devourer. Its domain fused with the atmosphere, boosting its power. One by one, every member of the Vanguard fell. Ryn, the only Star Warrior, stood alone before Aerozar. He fought desperately but began losing ground. They sent a distress call to Lin. Lin then only a Sky Walker rushed in, turning the tide instantly. He fought beside Ryn against the Sky-Devourer. But Aerozar unleashed its ultimate strike, aimed at Lin. Ryn didn't hesitate. He stepped in front of the attack. The blow sent him flying into the Silent Echoes, the mystical river used to craft the Abyssal Helion Draught. The waters consumed him, but before his final breath faded, he whispered one last request to Lin: "Lin… my sister… Lyra… she's in the third batch… take care of her… please…" Lin accepted.
Since then, the Celestial Rift Vanguard began to rise again but Lin changed completely. He kept his promise, protecting Lyra. Over time, she became the only person capable of making him smile again, and eventually, they grew close. But he was no longer the Lin they once knew. Kaelor finished speaking, eyes heavy with emotion. "Please, Michael. We need the old Lin back. Help him."
Michael nodded silently and returned to where Arata had been standing but she was gone. He waited. Nothing. Momo, glowing softly beside him, said, "Maybe Arata returned to the sector. Should I send her a message?" Michael agreed, and Momo delivered it. No reply. Michael walked back to their sector with Momo quietly following. After a while, he heard Arata's voice and looked out the window freezing in place. Arata was being hugged by someone. He leaned closer, recognizing the face: John, the same man from the 20th batch who had insulted him before, calling him "too ugly to walk beside Arata Kurogane." Michael's blood boiled. His fists clenched. Momo floated beside him calmly. "Master Michael, do not overreact. Girls sometimes deal with things in ways you do not expect. Observe before deciding anything." Michael held back his anger, forcing himself to act as if he hadn't seen anything.
Arata came inside shortly after, and both spoke casually, pretending nothing happened. But the air between them was tight, awkward, unfamiliar. Then suddenly, all three AI companions Momo, Pink, and J received the same message simultaneously. A large floating text screen appeared, an official announcement from the Starfall Covenant, detailing the Galactic Ascension Tournament second phase and the rules for combat. Each victory rewarded 3 PT, PT could also be obtained from defeating beasts, the Covenant no longer paid warriors to fight each other, and challenges required acceptance. Minimum bets, rewards, and PT conversion laws were all clearly stated, recalculating whenever a new batch entered the tournament phase.
Arata straightened her posture, eyes firm, voice powerful. "Obsidian Star Legion prepare for the Primordial Rise Bracket. It's time to show the entire realm what we are truly capable of."