Klaus slipped through the streets of Night City, shadows cloaking his steps. Selene's illusions hid them further, nine tails trailing in faint silver fire as she whispered at his side.
"You're chasing her already?" Selene's voice was sharp, but beneath it lingered unease. "Do you realize what she is?"
Klaus's crimson eyes glowed under his hood. "I know exactly what she is. A path to power."
Selene's tails flicked irritably. "Or a path to the grave."
Celestial Enclave
They followed Liora through winding alleys until the slums gave way to marble. An entire quarter of Night City shone with starlight, banners embroidered with constellations. High towers pierced the night, glowing with radiant runes. Guards in silver armor, their skin faintly luminescent, patrolled the gates.
Klaus's shadow crow landed on his shoulder, whispering through its caw. "Strong. Stronger than Belmora's guilds by far."
Selene frowned, her tails curling close. "This is no tavern girl, Klaus. She's Starborn. A Celestial noble."
Revelation
Liora entered a radiant hall carved from crystal and starlight. Klaus and Selene, hidden in illusions, slipped inside.
At the far end of the hall sat a throne of silver wood. On it rested a man cloaked in robes woven with galaxies. His eyes burned like twin suns, his aura pressing down like the weight of a star.
The Celestial Master.
And in front of him, kneeling, Liora lowered her head. "Father. I walked the city as you commanded. I've found something… someone. His brews carried venom and foxfire—his blood is not ordinary."
The Master's gaze lifted. "Not ordinary?" His voice shook the hall. "Explain."
Klaus froze in the shadows. Liora was speaking about him.
SYSTEM ALERT
[SYSTEM WARNING] High-Tier Entity Detected: Celestial Master.]Power Rank: ??? (Beyond Scan).Advice: Avoid direct confrontation. Survival odds <5%.
Selene's hand gripped Klaus's arm tightly. "You see? This is madness. You can't fight this. We have to leave."
But Klaus's crimson eyes burned hotter. He whispered back, "No. If his daughter resonates with me, then he will, eventually, have no choice but to notice me. Better to see the board now than stumble on it later."
The Daughter's Plea
Liora raised her head, her silver hair glowing faintly. "Father, if we crush every spark in this city, we'll never find new allies. He… this bartender… is dangerous in a way I cannot explain. The shadows cling to him, but so does the Crown."
The Master's eyes narrowed. "Crown?"
Klaus felt the Crown of Systems burn on his soul, Lucifer's laughter curling in his skull.
[Lucifer]: "Ah, Crown-Bearer… even gods feel the itch of your inheritance. The stars themselves bow when the Crown glimmers. Delicious, isn't it?"
Cliffhanger
The Celestial Master stood, his presence flooding the chamber like a sun. "Bring him to me, daughter. If he bears the Crown, then his fate belongs to the Celestial Throne."
Liora hesitated, her silver eyes flickering. For a moment, Klaus swore she looked toward the shadows where he hid—straight at him.
Selene's tails bristled, illusions wavering. "Klaus… she knows you're here."
Klaus's lips curved into a razor smile, crimson eyes burning. "Good. Then let's see how much her loyalty is worth."
[SYSTEM QUEST: Starborn Chains.]Objective: Survive encounter with the Celestial Master.Reward: Unknown.Penalty: -10 Years Lifespan if captured.