Everywhere in the Endless Star Territory, countless forces of all sizes, empires, and alliances were stirred by the sudden appearance of the list.
"Hahaha! I've been waiting three hundred years, three hundred years! Do you know how I've spent these three centuries?" On a mountain, a white-haired old man stared up at the list in the sky. He yelled like a madman: "I, Manuele Giacobbe, was one of the most talented figures of that era and a tormentor of the entire world. This time, I must remind everyone of my former glory!"
It wasn't just this old man; many Level 2 Planetary Lords nearing the end of their lifespans emerged from their secluded retreats. As they gazed at the list in the sky, tears of excitement streamed down their faces.
Within the mountain of the Templar Order, a young man dressed in black hurriedly rushed over. When he reached the ancient building, he shouted, "Tonino! Tonino, don't close the door!"
A moment later, the door of the ancient building slowly creaked open. From inside emerged a young man dressed in white. Somewhat helplessly, he glanced at the black-clad youth and asked, "What's the matter with you again? So flustered and anxious?"
"Just look at the sky yourself," The young man in black pointed upward.
"The sky?" The white-clothed young man raised his brow and looked up. At a glance, he saw one of those huge words formed by the twinkling stars, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
"The once-in-a-millennium event, the Star Competition, it's finally here," He muttered to himself.
At that moment, a clear, ancient bell sounded, making both young men flinch. Immediately afterward, a majestic voice echoed in their ears: "All Level 2 disciples of the Order, assemble in the main hall."
The two exchanged glances, their faces reflecting shock. This voice belonged to the Order's leader. The Templar Order boasts a formidable Level 6 Planetary Lord, but he seldom intervenes in its affairs.
They hurried to the clan's main hall. Upon arrival, they found at least tens of thousands of others already gathered. The hall was vast enough to hold millions, so this crowd was just a small fraction. After a short wait, a middle-aged man in yellow appeared on the high platform.
"This is my first time seeing the Leader," The black-clad youth whispered.
The white-clothed young man was also curious. Even though he was talented, it was rare to meet the Order's powerhouse, let alone the Leader himself.
Suddenly, silence fell. The yellow-clad middle-aged man's sharp gaze swept the crowd and declared loudly: "The Star Competition has arrived. All of you who have trained for decades, or even centuries as Level 2 Planetary Lords, must understand what this means."
The crowd fell silent, understanding dawning on their faces. They had waited so long for this moment. The lifespan of a Level 2 Planetary Lord is roughly three hundred years, depending on aptitude for planetary development. The higher one's potential, the longer the lifespan. An ordinary Level Planetary Lord might live around two hundred years, while a Mythical Level Planetary Lord could approach four hundred.
"For your talents, the only path to becoming a Level 6 Planetary Lord is through this Star Competition," The man continued. "Do you know how many new Level 6 Planetary Lords have appeared in the past ten thousand years across the Federation?"
Few knew the answer, but curiosity flickered among even the most informed. The emergence of a new Level 6 Planetary Lord can shift the balance of power among forces, but it remains a closely guarded secret, known only to the Level 6 Lords themselves.
The yellow-clad man's voice sharpened. "I can tell you, there are no more than ten. Only a handful."
Many below couldn't help but gasp in surprise. In thousands of years, fewer than ten new Level 6 Lords in the entire Federation? That's staggering.
"For the Federation's Level 6 Planetary Lords," He added, "most are winners of the Star Competition. It's exceedingly difficult for us to produce new ones independently. Aside from the Competition, other paths are almost impossible, like a near-death experience. Only those fortunate enough to acquire extremely precious treasures can hope to cross the threshold."
He cast a stern glance over the crowd. "So, if you wish to become a Level 6 Planetary Lord, this Star Competition is nearly your only hope. Sign up now! Whoever wins the Group Star Competition, regardless of your origin or talent, will become the next Leader!"
After dispersal, the young man in black chuckled softly. "Luck isn't on your side. If you had been born five years earlier, you might have had a shot at that victory."
"I've known this for a long time," The white-clothed youth replied with a hint of helplessness. "It's not just me; many geniuses in our group can only sigh in admiration."
In Hope's Peak Academy...
Outside a beautiful villa, Leonard, Yeattine, and others gathered, waiting patiently. Their faces betrayed no impatience after so long. If you looked carefully, you'd notice that the surrounding area resembled Sebastian's estate, covered by an invisible layer of Star Space. This was the residence of the first Great Mythical Level student, the famous "Crown Prince."
A gentle ripple disturbed the Star Space, opening a portal. The villa door swung open, and a young man dressed in white stepped out.
"Crown Prince," Everyone greeted respectfully. Even Leonard and Yeattine bowed slightly.
They knew that the future successor of Hope's Peak Academy was this young man. Leonard's influence in the school stemmed from his status as a representative of the Crown Prince group, so no one dared offend him.
The Crown Prince nodded slightly and looked up at the enormous list in the sky. His expression remained calm. Then he scanned Leonard and the others, offering a small smile, and asked, "During my time in isolation, did anything major happen outside?"
"Nothing significant," Yeattine replied. "But a sensational event occurred at our school. In the super-top university exchange tournament, our team took the championship."
"Could it be Sebastian?" The Crown Prince asked.
"Exactly," Yeattine nodded. "Though Neville and I withdrew from the tournament, Sebastian created a new race called 'Pilots' and single-handedly defeated the Immortal College to win. Rumors across the Federation now call him the strongest freshman in our class."
Neville, standing behind, added, "Many now believe Sebastian's talent surpasses yours, Crown Prince. Had he been born a few years later, he might have already claimed the successor spot."
"You need not provoke me with words," The Crown Prince said calmly. "Sebastian has the strength; he is not to be underestimated. In the future, he could become a powerful Planetary Lord of Hope's Peak."
"At first, Sebastian was incredibly arrogant," Neville said with a hint of anger. "He forced out Teacher Leonard, and Yeattine and I had no choice but to withdraw from the varsity because of him."
"Enough of that," Leonard cut in, his face tense. "This is a crucial moment for the Crown Prince. Don't let distractions interfere."
"That's a minor matter," The Crown Prince said with a slight smile. "We're all part of Hope's Peak. Conflicts happen, Sebastian is only eighteen, with great talent. When the time comes, just subdue him. No worries."
"You're so generous," Neville quickly flattered.
"Alright, go back first," The Crown Prince ordered. "My teacher is calling me; I must hurry."
"Your teacher?" The crowd was surprised. The master of Hope's Peak was none other than a Level 6 Planetary Lord. The Crown Prince was the only student from Hope's Peak who could have won the Star Competition. If all went well, he might soon become a Level 6 Planetary Lord.
Meanwhile, inside the Awakening Space...
Sebastian observed the growth of Terra. Several years had passed since the last update. The population was booming, and technological advancements accelerated. Several powerful weapons were developed, many previously unavailable. The planet's diameter had surpassed 4,000 kilometers.
Sebastian only detached himself when necessary, such as for meals or to check his communicator. Over a dozen messages awaited replies, most from Prokopy, Clifford, and others.
"Is something important?" Sebastian wondered. He was about to respond when he noticed something unusual outside; the grass seemed brighter than usual.
He stepped outside and looked up. High above the dome of the sky, a massive list flickered with countless stars, forming huge, flashing words.
Sebastian blinked. The scene reminded him of his post-Eternal Level Advancement. He picked up his communicator. Clifford was calling.
After answering, Clifford's projection appeared instantly. Without preamble, he asked, "Sebastian, have you seen the list in the sky?"
"I'm looking at it now," Sebastian replied, narrowing his eyes as he studied the text.
The list read:
Once every 10,000 years, registration for the Group Star Competition held by the Council of the Star is officially open.
No matter your origin, age, or race, if you are a Level 2 Planetary Lord, come and sign up.
This is your chance to find top talent, receive the most generous rewards, and access the best training in the Endless Star Region.
For more details, log in to the Council of Stars' official page.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "The Council of Stars?" he wondered.
Clifford explained, "It's a major power in the Endless Star Territory. If anyone truly understands how vast the domain is, it's the Council."
Sebastian nodded. The Federation was enormous, but the Star Council's influence extended over billions of stars and countless Level 6 Planetary Lords. Only they could organize such a colossal tournament, once every 10,000 years, to select the most talented among Level 2 Lords.
He knew the Star Competition divided contestants by planetary level: Levels 1 and 2 into primary, 3 and 4 into intermediate, and Level 5 into advanced. The strongest, Level 6, was a rare and powerful echelon. Most Level 2 Lords aspired to reach Level 6m it's called the "Road to Level 6."
"I've heard most Federation Level 6 Lords are winners of this Star Competition, trained by the Council," Clifford said. "Without the Competition, it's nearly impossible to develop a Level 6 Lord on your own. Only extraordinary luck or treasures can help cross that threshold."
Sebastian considered this. "So, if I want to reach Level 6, this is probably my best shot."
Clifford nodded. "Yes, but remember, people in the Council don't care about small forces like ours. They act according to their rules, regardless of how many Level 6 Lords exist in the Federation."
Suddenly, a voice echoed in their minds: "All Level 2 Planetary Lords, prepare. In ten minutes, you will receive a transmission."
Sebastian's first instinct was that of his planet's spirit, but the voice didn't seem to belong to it. A new thought arose: It must be that person.
Clifford was slightly startled. "It seems the Star Competition has alerted the Level 6 Lords. Sebastian, see you later."
He ended the call, washed his face, and changed clothes. Ten minutes later, a force suddenly enveloped him. His surroundings shifted, no longer in his estate, but on a vast, void-like platform. Many other Level 2 Lords from the Academy appeared with him.
"Sebastian," Clifford's voice called.
He turned his head as Clifford, Otwin, Terrell, and Jane approached. Since their team's participation in the exchange tournament, their bonds had strengthened.
Jane looked around at the black crowd. "Tsk... I'd say there are at least 100,000 people here. Are there truly so many Level 2 Lords in our school?"
Clifford pointed ahead. "Look at those elders, with white hair, beards, who have reached the peak of Level 2 but never advanced. They're just waiting for this moment, hoping the Council will support them."
Sebastian and the others remained silent. Despite their hope, most of these elders probably had no chance. Decades of waiting, while the gap between Level 5 and Level 6 is enormous. Level 5 Lords were common, but Level 6 were rare, and they were the true powerhouses of the Federation.