The night before the engagement was supposed to be calm.
But Staryo could not sleep.
He sat alone atop the palace roof, watching the twin moons hover over the elven capital. Their silvery light reflected off the white crystal spires of the city, making the whole kingdom glow like an ethereal dream.
Yet inside him, a storm churned.
The trials were over, his power had stabilized at Body Refining Realm — Stage 5 (Peak Sub-Stage).
Aru had reached Body Refining Realm — Stage 7 (Basic Sub-Stage).
Both had grown stronger, closer, more connected than before.
And tomorrow… they would be bound to one another.
Not by fate.
Not by prophecy.
But by the will of Aru's father — and a promise made long ago.
---
Aru Found Him There
"Can't sleep?" her gentle voice floated up behind him.
Staryo didn't turn. He didn't need to.
He could recognize her even if the world went silent.
Aru sat down beside him, her white hair glowing faintly in the moonlight. The wind carried her floral scent.
"Are you nervous?" she asked softly.
Staryo exhaled.
"…Yes. Not because I don't want this," he answered. "But because I'm afraid I won't be enough."
Aru blinked — surprised — then smiled warmly.
"You were enough for me the moment you stood and faced your darker self," she whispered. "If you can fight against the Staryo who hates himself… then you can protect me."
His breath paused.
Her words reached deeper than any sword, spell, or trial ever had.
Staryo looked at her — truly looked — and saw not the proud, strong, unyielding Aru the world saw.
But a girl who had waited.
A girl who had chosen him.
Slowly, he reached out, taking her hand.
Their fingers intertwined naturally — as if they always had been meant to.
---
But Not Everyone Welcomed This Bond
Far below, on a training platform lit by blue lanterns, the rivals watched.
Kaelith, the silver-eyed prodigy, stood with arms crossed. His gaze sharp, unreadable.
Lynx, wielder of wind blades, clicked her tongue in irritation.
Rael, the spear user, looked frustrated but resigned.
Fira, the fiery red-haired girl, looked more sad than jealous.
Zayne, the silent swordsman, studied Staryo like a puzzle he couldn't solve.
"Tomorrow decides everything," Kaelith murmured.
Lynx scoffed. "So you'll just give up?"
Kaelith's voice remained calm. "No. But I don't need to rush. Their bond is still fragile."
Rael frowned. "…You mean he might fall."
Kaelith's eyes glimmered like cold stars.
"Everyone falls eventually. The question is who will stand beside her when he does."
The wind shivered.
Kaelith walked away without another word.
---
The Moon Witnessed a Promise
Back on the rooftop, silence lingered between Staryo and Aru.
Not awkward.
Not heavy.
But full.
Aru rested her head lightly on his shoulder.
"Tomorrow," she whispered, "we are no longer just training partners. No longer rivals. No longer just… two people walking beside each other."
Staryo swallowed.
"We become bound."
She nodded.
"Staryo… promise me something."
He turned to her.
"What?"
"No matter how strong the world becomes…"
"No matter how terrifying your power awakens…"
"No matter what your destiny demands of you…"
Her voice trembled — barely.
"Don't disappear from me."
Staryo's heart tightened.
He raised his hand and placed it over hers, holding it firmly.
"I promise."
The twin moons shined brighter — as if to seal the vow.
---
But in the Darkness Beneath the Palace
Something stirred.
A chained presence.
A heartbeat older than kingdoms.
A power sealed for centuries.
It opened its eyes.
And whispered —
> "The Star Bearer has awakened… The Engagement marks the beginning… not the end."
The world trembled.
But neither Staryo nor Aru knew.
Not yet.
---
The Emperor reveals the truth of the Gate.
Staryo hears the voice of something older than the gods.
Aru stands against her own father — for Staryo.
Kaelith questions whether "rival" means "enemy" or something else.
And someone who knew Staryo before death… arrives.