The Celestial Master's gaze pinned Klaus like a spear. His aura pressed down, heavier than any dungeon Warden, heavier even than death. Selene's illusions cracked under the weight, her nine tails flaring in desperation.
But Klaus… stood tall. His crimson eyes burned through the pressure, wings twitching against the strain.
The Master's lips curved faintly. "So it is true. The Crown rests on your soul."
[SYSTEM ALERT] High-Tier Entity: Celestial Master has Identified the Crown.Risk of Binding Contract: 62%.Survival Path: Submission or Escape.
Selene whispered furiously in Klaus's mind. "Don't you dare bend your knee to him—"
But the Master raised a hand. The crushing pressure faded like mist. "Do not mistake me, boy. If I wished to end you, you would already be dust. But instead… I see potential. A strategist who survived betrayal. A warrior who bleeds years for strength. And now… my daughter speaks of your craft."
He stepped closer, eyes blazing like suns. "I will train you."
Shock
Klaus blinked, his breath uneven. "…Train me?"
Selene snarled, tails bristling. "You don't mean generosity. You mean chains."
The Master chuckled softly. "Perhaps. But even chains can be gilded. Tell me, Crown-Bearer—will you die young, wasting years in alleyways and breweries? Or will you learn to wield the heavens themselves?"
SYSTEM OFFER
[SYSTEM OFFER: Celestial Apprenticeship.]Mentor: Celestial Master (Power Rank ???).Benefits: Training in Celestial Techniques. Access to Starforge Library. Lifespan Burn Efficiency +10%.Penalty: Obedience required. Defiance may result in Execution.Accept? (Y/N).
Klaus's hands clenched. The Crown pulsed, Lucifer's laughter curling in his skull.
[Lucifer]: "Ohhh, delicious. A leash of starlight. You'd be a fool to accept… and a greater fool to refuse. Imagine the power, Crown-Bearer. Imagine bleeding slower, burning brighter."
Liora's Hand
Liora stepped forward, her silver eyes locked on Klaus. "Father… he can help us as much as we help him. He's not just another pawn. He's… something else."
Her voice softened, barely above a whisper. "Trust him."
For a moment, Klaus's crimson eyes met hers. The Simp System chimed faintly.
[SIMP SYSTEM] Target: Liora — Affection +5%. Resonance Progress: 98%.
The Decision
Klaus lowered his head—not in surrender, but in strategy. "Teach me then. Not as a dog… but as a Crown-Bearer who will one day sit on thrones higher than yours."
The hall fell silent. The Celestial Master's laughter shook the chamber.
"Bold. Dangerous. Good. Then kneel, Machiavelli, and take your first lesson in the language of stars."
Training Begins
Starlight chains formed around Klaus's arms, searing into his skin. They didn't bind—they branded. Knowledge poured into his soul: constellations that shifted into sigils, breath techniques that condensed starlight into blades, movements that turned poison into radiance.
[SYSTEM UPDATE] New Subskill Acquired: Starforged Breath.Passive: Lifespan burn efficiency +10%.Bonus: Small chance to generate Celestial Energy with each breath.
Klaus gasped, crimson-silver light blazing in his chest. His wings spread, shadow and starlight twining.
The Celestial Master smiled coldly. "Good. You will be my brightest pupil… or my finest failure."
Cliffhanger
Selene's eyes narrowed, her tails coiling protectively around Klaus. She whispered, venom dripping from her words: "You've just put your neck in a noose, Klaus. And this one shines too brightly to ever break."
Lucifer laughed, echoing in Klaus's skull.
[Lucifer]: "Oh, fox… you underestimate crowns. Even chains can be melted into thrones."
And in the Celestial Throne Hall of Night City, Klaus Machiavelli's second rise began.
[QUEST UPDATE: Apprenticeship of Stars.]Objective: Survive Celestial Master's Training.Reward: Celestial Arts.Penalty: Betrayal = Execution.