Zenith's consciousness drifted back slowly, like a swimmer breaking through dark waters.
The last thing he remembered was the crushing fist of Hoshigami — a single blow that shattered not only his body but his pride. He expected to awaken in chains, or perhaps not awaken at all.
But instead, his eyes opened to a ceiling painted with constellations. Gold-framed walls shimmered with otherworldly glow, like the chamber of a palace carved from eternity itself.
Zenith's gaze flickered to the side—
And froze.
Hoshigami sat there, composed, regal yet relaxed, a cup of tea in his hand as though the battle had never occurred.
Zenith's breath hitched, his throat dry.
Zenith: "Y-you…"
Hoshigami set the cup down gently. His eyes softened in a way Zenith had never thought possible. Then, to the shock of everyone, he lowered his head in apology.
Hoshigami: "Forgive me. About what happened earlier… The moment I saw your transformation, I realized you were the one Shinsei once spoke to me about."
Zenith blinked, his heart skipping.
Zenith: "…You knew my sensei?"
Hoshigami's lips curved faintly, not into mockery, but nostalgia.
Hoshigami: "Indeed. He was a valiant warrior… until the very end. The only person I ever chose to call a friend."
The words hit Zenith like a blade. His hand trembled around Akugami's hilt, though the weapon itself was sealed away.
Lithos' voice broke the silence, sharp, cautious.
Lithos: "Then… how do you know of his death?"
Without a word, Hoshigami extended his hand. A mirror surfaced in the air — no frame, no weight, its surface rippling like liquid glass. Within it, Zenith glimpsed flickers of worlds, moving like reflections upon an endless sea.
Hoshigami: "This… is the Abe no Kagami. A mirror that reflects not only the present… but any event occurring across the world. Past or present, if I will it."
Hinazuki gasped, his talisman trembling in his hand.
Hinazuki: "A mythic artifact…? I've never heard of this one."
Hoshigami chuckled, swirling the tea in his cup.
Hoshigami: "That's because I possessed it long before the so-called 'age of myth.'"
A chill passed through the room. The disciples exchanged uneasy glances.
Lithos swallowed hard, his voice quieter now.
Lithos: "…W-what are you, exactly?"
Hoshigami leaned back, smile faint but enigmatic.
Hoshigami: "Me? Who knows. Perhaps just… a normal man."
Lithos' voice sharpened, his composure cracking.
Lithos: "What normal man knocks Zenith out of his Mandala form with a single punch?"
Hoshigami tilted his head, amused.
Hoshigami: "Ah, that? I gathered Flow into my fist. A focused strike. Not so ordinary, perhaps."
Oborozuka crossed his legs, eyes narrowing.
Oborozuka: "Then answer me this. How did you bypass my mirror reflection? Even in its perfected state…"
Hoshigami raised a finger, wagging it lightly.
Hoshigami: "Too many questions." His tone shifted, playful. "Do you care for food?"
Zenith's stomach growled at the exact moment his pride faltered. His hand shot up.
Zenith: "I DO!"
The sound of a snap echoed. Tables of food appeared — steaming rice, marbled cuts of meat, glowing fruits dripping with nectar, and dishes none of them had names for. Each plate radiated warmth and aroma, almost too divine to belong in mortal memory.
Lithos narrowed his eyes, suspicion dripping from his words.
Lithos: "And how do we know this isn't poisoned?"
Hoshigami threw his head back, laughing. The sound rolled through the chamber like thunder, both terrifying and strangely warm.
Hoshigami: "If I wished, I could have erased you all in a heartbeat… and erased your very bodies from existence as well."
Hinazuki squeaked, shrinking into his seat.
Hinazuki: "Eek!"
Zenith froze mid-bite, rice still stuffed in his mouth. Slowly, nervously, he set the bowl down.
Zenith: "…Err… we didn't get your name."
Hoshigami smiled faintly.
Hoshigami: "I am Hoshigami. Nothing more, nothing less. Nice to meet you."
One by one, the disciples introduced themselves, their voices cautious, their gazes wary.
Finally, Zenith leaned forward, his expression fierce again, resolve burning behind his eyes.
Zenith: "When do I begin training… to master the Oborowa Mandala?"
Hoshigami's gaze lingered on him. For a heartbeat, silence stretched, his expression unreadable. Then, at last, he spoke.
Hoshigami: "Very soon. But first…" His tone sharpened, his eyes glowing faintly, as though speaking of something sacred. "You must know what it truly is."
The room dimmed. The food, the warmth, the comfort—all of it faded into shadow as the words hung in the air.