Although the inheritance had been distributed, the silver radiance filling the underground hall did not fade immediately.
Instead, the central platform continued to hum with residual energy, as though the ancient formation was preparing one final response.
The students stood in awed silence, each absorbed in the significance of what they had received.
Dev repeatedly tightened and relaxed his grip on his spear, still unable to believe he had obtained a body-refinement technique from an ancient civilization.
Ananya carefully examined the jade slip containing the Celestial Restoration Manual, her eyes shining with excitement.
Ishita looked almost overwhelmed as she skimmed the first few lines of the formation records.
Raghav was whispering to Skyrend, who chirped energetically after receiving his own enhancement method.
Krishak remained calm, though his mind was moving quickly.
The Starheart Seed rotated steadily within his dantian, gathering and purifying ambient stellar energy. Each breath he took now carried a subtle trace of cosmic essence.
Lunafang sat beside him, his aura more refined and majestic than ever before. The silver wolf's eyes seemed brighter, and the moon-shaped marking on his forehead had become more distinct.
As the group adjusted to their rewards, a low rumble echoed through the chamber.
The circular platform descended slowly into the floor.
In its place, a new structure rose from below.
It was a stone altar surrounded by twelve crystal chests.
Professor Devika gasped.
"
"A treasury.
Even Headmaster Rudra allowed himself a rare look of surprise.
The spirit imprint of Elder Tian had vanished, but his voice echoed faintly through the chamber one final time.
"Those who inherit the Stellar Hall may claim the remaining resources of this sanctuary."
The voice faded forever.
For several seconds, no one moved.
Then Dev laughed.
"This ruin just keeps getting better."
Headmaster Rudra raised a hand, restoring order.
"We proceed carefully. Ancient treasuries may still contain hidden dangers."
Ishita immediately began examining the altar with her newly acquired understanding of advanced formations. Her eyes widened as she traced the glowing lines.
"There are no active traps," she said after several minutes. "The treasury recognizes us as authorized inheritors."
Only then did Rudra nod.
"Open them.
The twelve crystal chests unlocked with soft clicks.
Inside lay a collection of treasures that left everyone speechless.
The first chest contained dozens of spirit crystals of exceptional purity, each one worth a small fortune in the modern world.
The second held ancient medicinal herbs preserved in stasis.
Professor Devika nearly trembled with excitement as she identified several species thought extinct for centuries.
The third chest contained rare metals with extraordinary spiritual conductivity.
Rohan would have considered these materials priceless.
The fourth held alchemical furnaces and forging tools crafted with methods far beyond modern Earth's standards.
The fifth contained stacks of books and jade slips covering cultivation, astronomy, medicine, and formation theory.
The remaining chests held beast cores, talismans, cultivation resources, and a modest collection of weapons.
Though none of the weapons were overwhelmingly powerful by Krishak's previous standards, they were treasures by Earth's current measure.
The atmosphere in the chamber became electric.
Headmaster Rudra turned to the students.
"By academy policy, all treasures discovered during an official expedition belong first to the academy. However, considering that the inheritance was earned through your own merit, we will divide these resources fairly."
No one objected.
The students trusted the Headmaster completely.
Krishak also approved.
The academy's support had been genuine, and sharing resources would strengthen their collective future.
Still, Rudra's gaze rested on Krishak.
"As foremost inheritor, you will have first selection."
The others nodded without hesitation.
Krishak stepped forward.
He ignored the weapons and spirit crystals.
Instead, he selected three items.
The first was a set of advanced alchemy and herbology records.
The second was a packet of rare medicinal seeds preserved within a crystal container.
The third was a star-metal refining hammer from the forging chest.
Professor Devika smiled knowingly.
"You chose knowledge and tools over immediate wealth."
Krishak inclined his head.
"Knowledge produces lasting wealth."
Arun would have appreciated the statement.
The remaining students made their selections.
Dev chose a spear forged from star-infused alloy.
Ananya selected healing herbs and supportive treasures.
Ishita claimed several advanced formation texts.
Raghav took beast resources and a lightweight defensive talisman.
The rest of the materials were placed under academy custody for future research and student benefit.
As they organized the treasures, Lunafang wandered to the base of the stone altar.
The silver wolf pawed at a loose stone and let out a low bark.
Krishak approached.
Behind the stone was a hidden compartment.
Inside rested a single silver ring engraved with moon and star motifs.
The ring contained a compact storage space and, more importantly, a complete set of beast equipment scaled to grow with its owner.
Raghav stared in disbelief.
"Lunafang found another treasure.
Lunafang lifted his head proudly.
Krishak smiled and rubbed his companion's ears.
"Well done."
Headmaster Rudra chuckled softly.
"Your luck appears contagious."
After securing the treasures, the group rested in the underground hall.
Excitement filled every conversation.
Dev tested the balance of his new spear.
Ananya and Professor Devika discussed the preserved herbs.
Ishita was already studying formation diagrams with intense focus.
Raghav experimented with his beast-contract technique while Skyrend perched nearby.
Krishak sat slightly apart, reviewing the alchemical records he had obtained.
His eyes brightened as he recognized several formulas for advanced pills long forgotten on Earth.
Some recipes required ingredients that were now rare, but not impossible to obtain.
Combined with the medicinal seeds and Starheart Seed, these records would greatly accelerate his plans.
He looked around at his companions.
Each of them had grown stronger.
Each now possessed opportunities that could change their futures.
And this was only one hidden hall within the Starlit Ruins.
The ancient civilization of Earth had left behind far more than ruins.
It had left seeds.
Seeds of knowledge.
Seeds of power.
Seeds of hope.
Krishak closed the jade slip and looked toward the deeper passages extending beyond the underground chamber.
The inheritance had been obtained.
The treasury had been opened.
Yet his intuition told him that the most important secrets of the Starlit Ruins still lay ahead.