That night, sleep eluded Yume, evading her grasp like an elusive wisp of stardust. Anticipation for the forthcoming two weeks danced with excitement in her mind, promising an adventure of unparalleled intensity. Yet, beneath the surface of her excitement lurked an unsettling sense of foreboding, a shadow that cast a pall over her thoughts.

The journey from Earth to the palace was lengthy, a fact that gnawed at Yume's thoughts. Why had the monster, which Solarie and Lunarette discovered, only targeted her? And what of the cosmic war mentioned by the mysterious man? The memory of Stella's shock upon hearing that term still haunted Yume, leaving her questioning the secrets shrouded in darkness.

These questions raced trough her mind the entire night, until she eventually succumbed to the exhaustion and finally fell asleep.

In the tranquility of her usual dreamless slumber, Yume drifted undisturbed until the piercing sound of Solarie's urgent cries shattered the serenity. "WAKE! UP! RIGHT! NOW!" The abrupt awakening jolted Yume from her restful state, leaving her momentarily stunned as she struggled to regain her composure. Hastily donning some casual attire, she dashed out of her room, propelled by the knowledge that her training with her aunties awaited, a crucial preparation for the impending journey.

"You nearly startled me to death!" Yume exclaimed, her tone a mixture of playful annoyance and lingering surprise, her cheeks puffed up in a mock display of indignation. Solarie, unfazed by the accusation, simply chuckled in response. "Well, someone had to rouse a sleepyhead like you!" Her laughter echoed through the corridors as she playfully teased Yume, already striding ahead. "Come along now, Lunarette awaits." Yume fell into step behind her, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips.

"But, I must admit, I was rather loud. My apologies for the shock," Solarie conceded, her tone softened with genuine warmth as they traversed the halls, her hand offering a reassuring pat on Yume's shoulder.

After a brief stroll, they reached the designated room assigned by Stella.

As the door swung open of its own accord, Lunarette was already seated inside, her long azure hair tied back in a ponytail. Unlike her usual attire of a sky-blue tuxedo, both sisters were clad in matching red and blue shirts. It wasn't until this moment that Yume realized Solarie was dressed similarly.

"Like them? Our loyal followers on Earth crafted them for us!" Solarie boasted proudly, puffing out her chest. Lunarette couldn't help but respond with a facepalm.

"Well, they're certainly more practical," she remarked dryly. "Now, let's begin."

With a gentle gesture, Lunarette motioned for Yume to step into the center of the room. As Yume complied, she couldn't help but notice the profound transformation the room had undergone. What was once familiar territory now seemed entirely foreign, a testament to the sisters' magical prowess. It was as though she had been transported to a new realm, one sculpted from their cherished training grounds.

"Alright, let's begin with my lessons," Lunarette declared, positioning herself before Yume. Meanwhile, Solarie opted for a spectator's seat, seemingly content to observe the proceedings.

"Don't fret. This is primarily a precautionary measure. We both know you've had enough boring lessons already." Lunarette reassured Yume, her smile gentle yet reassuring. "Most celestials would recognize your aura as belonging to this castle. Rest assured, any sane celestial wouldn't dare harm the cherished daughter of the Conduit."

Yume couldn't suppress a smirk as Lunarette carried on. "But, some lack that very shred of sanity. That's where we come in." With a flick of her wrist, Lunarette conjured a miniature moon within the room, its glow casting a surreal ambiance. "You see, we don’t possess an endless well of magic like you do, but the scope of our abilities is vast." With a graceful display of magic, the moon began to emit rings of radiant purple energy.

"Sol, if you will," Lunarette prompted, and Solarie obliged with a snap of her fingers. Instantly, a cosmic golem materialized before them, its form imposing yet ethereal.

Lunarette's elegant gestures guided the energy rings to envelop the golem. Slowly, parts of it began to fade into incorporeal mist. Yume gasped audibly, captivated by the spectacle unfolding before her. Finally, the golem vanished entirely, cloaked in what Lunarette referred to as "True Darkness."

But the display didn't end there. With another snap of her fingers, Lunarette revealed the rings' invisible grip on the golem, now spinning faster and faster. Yume watched in astonishment as the golem disintegrated under the relentless assault of Lunarette's magic. Though startled, she couldn't tear her eyes away from the mesmerizing scene unfolding before her.

Lunarette halted her actions, noticing Yume's discomfort. "My apologies, my lady. Combat can indeed be a brutal endeavor." With a wave of her hand, the golem dissipated into nothingness. "You see, my rings of True Darkness shroud my foes in an abyss as dark as the void itself."

“But how come it made the golem invisible? I could not see it at all.” Yume's inquiry caught Lunarette off guard. "You couldn't see it? That's incredibly strange," she mused, her brow furrowing with concern. "I must have made a mistake somewhere. Celestials are supposed to always be able to see the ones the rings envelop.." Lunarette briefly pondered the implications but opted to set aside the matter for further investigation at a later time.

Well, it doesn't matter," Lunarette continued, brushing off the mystery with a wave of her hand. "It will not be invisible to you if you are the one who casts the spell."

"As I was saying," she resumed, her voice tinged with a hint of pride, "the rings will envelop them with true darkness. But that darkness will also force my enemy to experience visions directly from the void. And nobody, not even the strongest of celestials, can resist what they see in there."

Solarie rolled her eyes at Lunarette's enthusiastic explanation. While she admired her sister's prowess, sometimes Lunarette's passion bordered on overwhelming.

Noticing the apprehension on Yume's face, Lunarette quickly shifted gears, realizing her mistake. She covered her mouth with her hand before she could say more, then knelt down to Yume's level. Placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, she spoke softly, "I am terribly sorry again. I intended to ease you into this, but the truth is, there is no joy to be taken in violence like this. Spells like these are to be used in drastic encounters only."

"And as much as I would prefer it not to be the truth," Lunarette continued, her tone somber, "I suppose it is one you must learn. There are truly wicked individuals out there—individuals who do not wish you anything good, and instead, wish harm upon you. And sometimes, we can do nothing but harm them back."

Yume felt a tinge of shock still lingering, but deep down, she understood. It was a realization she had often contemplated when dreaming of life beyond the palace walls.

Inside the palace was an absolute safe haven, shielded from external threats. Here, nothing and nobody could harm her. Being in direct contact with the source of all magic, she could tap into unimaginable power, almost rivaling Stella's. But such power was confined within the palace walls. Outside, she would not be nearly as formidable.

Stella had always been adamant about shielding Yume from combat training. While she had picked up a few spells here and there, her education primarily focused on pursuits other than violence.

As Yume stood in the midst of her first combat lesson, she felt an overwhelming mix of emotions. The anticipation she had harbored the previous night was now overshadowed by a creeping sense of fear. Did she truly have to wield such horrifying powers against others?

Her grip tightened around the necklace she had made of Tsunas gift, seeking solace in its familiar weight. Yet, Lunarette's words offered a glimmer of reassurance. "But as I mentioned earlier," Lunarette began, her voice soft but resolute, "this is merely a security measure. Both Solarie and I will spare no effort in protecting you from any who seek to harm you, dear Yumyum. And if need be, we would sacrifice our lives for yours. After all, while Earth may produce new guardians, there will never be another princess like you."

Kneeling down, Lunarette pressed a gentle kiss to Yume's hand, her eyes reflecting genuine warmth and affection. "So... will you cast aside your doubts and join me in these magical lessons?"

Yume met Lunarette's gaze with determination burning in her eyes. "Yes. Even if it means I must confront others later on, I am committed to learning and mastering these skills, no matter the cost."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Lunarette couldn't help but smile at Yume's unwavering resolve.

Following that, days of rigorous training ensued. Yume proved to be an adept pupil, swiftly mastering Lunarette's astral magic. From conjuring celestial objects to manipulating moonlight and even harnessing True Darkness, Yume's progress astonished Lunarette, filling her with immense pride for her honorary niece.

However, a lingering uncertainty gnawed at Lunarette. She couldn't discern how much of Yume's rapid advancement was a result of her own innate sorcerous talent and how much was influenced by the magical aura of the palace itself. "I suppose we'll unravel that mystery as we proceed," she mused, determined to keep a keen eye on Yume's development.

As the training progressed, Solarie took charge of instruction. Unlike Lunarette's graceful elegance, Solarie's teaching style was blunt and direct. Yet, beneath her rough exterior, Solarie held a wealth of knowledge waiting to be imparted.

Observing Yume's prowess, Solarie abandoned the traditional pupil-mentor dynamic, treating her as an equal. While this approach might have bolstered Yume's confidence, it also heaped an immense amount of pressure upon her.

Yet, Yume was resolute. She had harbored dreams of this adventure for centuries and wasn't about to falter over a few challenging spells. Determined, she buried herself in her studies, pouring over incantations and techniques with unwavering determination.

Solarie's magic, notably more aggressive than Lunarette's, demanded an intense level of concentration. Yume found herself struggling to adapt at first, but through tireless effort and countless hours of practice—even forsaking rest to hone her skills—she eventually prevailed. With newfound mastery, she could wield Solarie's most formidable spells, meaning she had complete control over the very concept of heat, conjuring fiery infernos at will.

With only a week remaining until their departure, Solarie and Yume returned to the training room, ready to delve deeper into their magical studies, or so Yume thought.

"Oops, you're done with that," Solarie declared, her hand resting on Yume's shoulder. Despite her usual red leather jacket, she still sported the matching shirt with her sister. "You see, dear yum-yum, some enemies out there, especially remnants from the void, have quite the high tolerance to magic."

Positioning herself in the room's center, Solarie continued, "So for the rest of this week, we are going to focus on—" With a swift motion, she discarded both her shirt and jacket, revealing her chiseled abs. Yume was taken aback by the sight. "That looks more like a wall than a stomach!" she exclaimed mentally.

Sensing Yume's surprise, Solarie grinned and conjured a golem with effortless ease. With celestial fire igniting her arm, she delivered a mighty blow, shattering the golem into countless fragments “-Physical combat.”. "But getting as strong as me? That's gonna take you more than one week. For now, this will do," Solarie remarked as she handed a glowing red blade to Yume.

However, what followed shocked both of them. As Yume gripped the blade, it underwent a stunning transformation, shifting from red to blue in her hands.

Yume was infused with newfound knowledge, effortlessly wielding the blade with precision and channeling waves of cosmic energy from it. One after another, she conjured golems, slicing through them with practiced ease, leaving Solarie in awe. "Wow... You look just like her," Solarie murmured to herself.

After hours of displaying her remarkable swordsmanship, Yume finally grew fatigued. "So, Auntie, what do you think?" she inquired innocently.

"Kid, you're a natural," Solarie replied, offering Yume a fist bump in approval. At that moment, the door to the training room swung open, revealing Stella, the visitor.

"How's it going?" Stella inquired.

"You never told me your little darling princess is a sword prodigy! She's insanely talented!" Solarie exclaimed proudly. Though taught to remain humble, Yume couldn't help but smile to herself. A little praise could lift anyone's spirits.

"Marvelous," Stella said, her tone retaining its usual coolness. However, the pride gleaming in her eyes was unmistakable, and Yume responded with a warm smile. "You don't have to worry, Mom. Sol and Luna are amazing teachers. I'll be home before you know it," she reassured her.

"I see. I trust you won't let me down in that regard," Stella replied in a mock-serious tone, a hint of amusement in her voice as she released a noble laugh. Throughout that week, Yume and Solarie convened daily. While the enchanted blade guided her through the fundamentals of swordplay, Solarie imparted her expertise on adapting and mastering the art.

But in another chamber of the castle, something else unfolded.

Throughout those two weeks, when not attending to visitors, Stella embarked on a solemn routine, descending deep underground. Clad in the armor she had not donned since the great war against the worm of the void, she made her way to the cell where Cavaris was held captive. On the first day, she had banished Xander back to the void.

The young man appeared as a mere shadow of his former self. Stella herself had subjected him to unimaginable torment, all in pursuit of discerning the truth from his lips.

Approaching his cell, Stella was abruptly halted by the cosmic messenger she had stationed as a guard. "My lady, he has finally regained enough of his memories to speak," the messenger informed her.

"Excellent," Stella replied tersely, entering the cell. Cavaris, his limbs ensnared within black holes, was in a state of panic. "Astarach. Astarach cast us into the void. Astarach. Astarach. Astarach. I must kill Astarach," he muttered incessantly, lost in his delirium.

Stella stood frozen, her mind racing with the weight of the name. Every celestial, from the highest heavens to the deepest abyss, knew that name. Astarach. The very entity who had unleashed the cosmic worm, heralding doom upon the entire galaxy countless years ago. Stella had assumed Astarach had been vanquished.

"Astarach released us. Astarach seeks death. I know how. I must end Astarach," Cavaris continued to babble incoherently.

"Speak!" Stella's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Where is she? And what purpose does she hold for you?"

"Oh, my darling Caelum... You know exactly where I am, don’t you? All around you. I am everything you aren’t," suddenly spoke Cavaris, his voice carrying a sinister resonance that sent shivers down Stella's spine.

Memories she had tried to bury for centuries surged back with a vengeance, and Stella knew with chilling certainty who was speaking through Cavaris—Astarach. Without a moment's hesitation, Stella conjured an exploding star within Cavaris's head, causing it to detonate.

The aftermath left Stella trembling, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The weight of the encounter bore down on her, and her strength faltered. Collapsing to her knees, she was overcome with grief, her tears flowing freely in the darkness of the cell, where she remained for hours, lost in sorrow and regret, as memories of the past tortured her.

__

The culmination of two weeks of intense training brought Yume, Solarie, and Lunarette to the gates of the palace. Overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions, Yume couldn't contain her silent sobs as they awaited a significant figure to send them off.

Right on cue, Stella made her entrance, her regal presence commanding attention. Draped in the finest robes befitting her status, she approached the trio with the grace of a queen.

"Solarie Centurion. Lunarette Centurion. Yume," Stella addressed them with solemn authority. "I entrust you with a vital task. Your destination is the planet of Arcaturus, where you will seek out Stellarin, the great goddess and mother of all that is beautiful. Beyond that point, you will navigate the journey on your own. Do you accept this assignment?"

Without hesitation, all three responded in unison, "Yes, my lady."

Good. Now embark." The gates to the palace swung open. Solarie and Lunarette stepped forward, but Yume found herself rooted to the spot, her heart heavy with emotion. "Hey, Mom?" she choked out. "I... I'm going to miss you." Tears welled in her eyes as she embraced Stella tightly.

Stella returned the hug, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "My darling, I will miss you greatly too," she whispered, her voice tender. "You are the brightest light in my life, and the universe is infinitely better because you are a part of it. Now, go with your aunties. Make this journey an unforgettable adventure. And... please, return safely, won't you?"

Wordlessly, Yume nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of their impending departure. Stepping through the grand doors of the castle for the first time in her life, she felt a rush of both excitement and trepidation. Lunarette and Solarie stood just outside, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation.

As Yume took in the breathtaking expanse of the cosmos surrounding them, she marveled at the beauty of the celestial bodies stretching out before her. Running her fingers over the surface of the purple-hued moon beneath her feet, she couldn't help but admire the magnificence of the castle from this new perspective.

However, their awe was abruptly interrupted by a shocking turn of events. Stella, with a forceful gesture, tore the crown from her own head, blood trickling down her face. Ignoring the pain, she rushed to embrace her sisters and daughter in a tight hug.

"My dearest sisters, my beloved daughter," Stella said, her voice filled with emotion. "I love you all more than words can express. May this journey be filled with unforgettable moments, and may you be blessed with all the strength and guidance you need."

Solarie and Lunarette soared into the infinite expanse of stars above, leaving Yume and Stella standing together, their embrace a bittersweet moment frozen in time. Stella held her daughter close, unwilling to let go, cherishing this final embrace before their journey apart began.

As Stella felt the palace's pull, a pang of sorrow tugged at her heart. "Goodbye, my dear," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Remember who you are and carry yourself with the grace befitting a princess. My love for you surpasses anything in this universe. And when you return, I promise to share all that I can remember from before the contract bound me. Now, go forth and embark on your destiny."

With a heavy heart, Yume reluctantly pulled away from her mother's embrace, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. With one last look back, she took her first step into the unknown, leaving behind the safety of the palace and venturing out into the vastness of the cosmos.