The Full Moon hung upon the night's sky, its radiant glow illuminating the surroundings for all. Its light bathed upon the forests and fields, and provided just enough light for the common person to see well this night. Its twin was even in the sky as well, as full as the other. One snow white, and one crimson red. The twin moons, Alamari and Ysoder, supposedly formed from the corpses of two gods who were killed by the Evil God.

It was on this night that it was finally time for Kuroki to gain a True Arcanium. He walked across the field, shivering a bit as he was exposed to the cold night air, towards a rock that sat in the center of the field. It was clear of monsters on all sides, curtesy of Ozlo and Vartra doing a dedicated sweep beforehand. Riza and Amyris had helped a bit too, but Ozlo and Vartra took up the main role out of fear the other two would overhunt and cause further disruption of the monster's ecosystems.

To obtain a True Arcanium, mages could either use a specialized chamber in the Mage's Guild that could artificially recreate the conditions necessary, or use the original ancient way. Unfortunately, it seems the Starfall this time disrupted every chamber in the area, if not the world, and they would not be ready again for at least a month. Considering the movements of the enemy, Amyris felt waiting too long was far too risky, so they had opted for using the original way. Besides, according to him, it tended to produce better results anyways, and its been confirmed by documentation that this way produces better True Arcaniums on average. As such, many mages still opt to do the ancient and original method, despite the conditions that needed to be fulfilled.

First of all, you must be alone. No other mages, magic tools, or even artificially created objects can be nearby. To delve into the natural form of your own soul, and come out with something purely you and untainted, you must head into a natural location, like a field or a forest, exposed as you plan to expose your soul, on your own and find a place under a pure full moon. Only the first moon, the white moon Alamari, needed to be full, but some think its best if they are both full.

You also cannot be under the effects of drugs. Pure of body, pure of mind, pure of spirit. Being under the effects of drugs or alcohol would interrupt the first two if not all three.

Once you find the place, you must sit down and meditate. All mages have a stronger connection to the planes then most, but that doesn't mean they are more sensitive to them and can perceive them easily. By meditating, purifying your spirit, you strengthen that connection and sensitivity, and form a bridge to the spirit world.

Naturally of course, he did not actually come to this forest butt naked and alone. Amyris and the others were waiting over a kilometer away, watching from a distance in case anything went wrong or he got attacked using non-magical methods. He did have to make that entire kilometer walk from where he left them naked and alone however, and Vartra, Ozlo, and Riza were stationed elsewhere, also over a kilometer away, making sure to dissuade any monsters from heading in his direction.

Besides, he was told that while it might take awhile in the spirit world, it would probably only take a few moments in the real world. However, he would undoubtedly face trials of his own soul, shaped from his experiences and life, when getting a True Arcanium. That he should expect anyone and everything to show up, but that he would likely be made to face his fears. At least some of them.

Still, as he sat upon the rock and meditated, he could feel it. Perhaps it was thanks to Amyris' training, especially in the art of perception based magic, but Kuroki could feel the leylines running below him. This spot held a great amount of spiritual power it seemed, and it resonated with his soul. He could feel it reaching out, as well as other things as well. For a moment, it felt like he was connected to the world itself. He felt everything, as his own memories began to wash over him. His bare body bathed in moonlight, absorbing it directly, as energy seemed to flow through him. He became a part of the world itself, a natural being in a natural world.

He felt the breath of every tree, the song of every blade of grass. He felt the flow of the creatures of this world, not the monsters but the original natural creatures. He felt the wonder and the glory of it all, flowing through him, as he also flowed through it. The leylines spread throughout the world, a harmonic resonance. There was no shame or embarrassment, no fear or danger, no difference between the physical and the nonphysical. All of it was connected, a brilliant myriad of connections and sparks. Not just mana, but energy itself flowed through all. Connected all. It was a brilliant network of all, everything linked together. All of existence, eternal.

And then as he felt himself sink deeper, a bright light overcame him as his mind and soul went further into the spirit world. Bathed upon this light, he felt pangs of familiarity as all around him shifted and changed. He felt overcome with a sense of wonder and amazement, before the light finally began to fade.

Suddenly, he found himself standing on an empty street. A very familiar empty street, in a very familiar city. His city, the place where he lived.

The place where he had been right before he was transported to another world.

"No way...did I go too deep and go to another world?"

"Nope, this is just a recreation from your memories" a familiar voice said. Kuroki turned around, to see Riza sitting upon a mailbox, although his legs were crossed strategically.

"Riza? What are you doing here?"

"What do you think I am here for?" Riza asked plainly.

However, Kuroki narrowed his eyes.

"You are not Riza, are you?"

Riza...no, the fake Riza smiled.

"Correct. I am just a reflection of him in your mind. I suppose you can say I am a part of your trials. Think of me like a guide, to help you along. How did you know though?"

"The real Riza would be far more playful".

"Ah, I suppose that is fair. Well, its not like this world mirrors everything perfectly".

"Why Riza though? Why not Amyris? I thought it would use my strongest familial connections".

"Hmmm, good question...perhaps because you see him both as a dad and as a master and as a teacher? Meanwhile, Riza reminds you of someone else, funny enough. Sort of like a mix of your mom, an uncle, a grandpa, and a grandma even".

The Fake Riza just offered him a smile, as he looked around the city.

"Your world has nice cities. You will likely face at least three trials. But, it appears that you are not as alone as you might think".

"What do you..." Kuroki started to ask, when he heard another familiar voice behind him.

"Kuroki? Is that you?"

"Eh?"

Kuroki knew that voice instictively. He turned around, to see a face he had not seen in a long time.

"...Akano?"

Akano was standing there, as naked as he was, although he was a bit different. He seemed a bit thinner, and he had pointed ears now. Still. Kuroki ran right into him and wrapped his arms around him, which Akano did as well. Both cried tears of joy, happy to see each other in so long after all they endured and all the worries they had collected.

"Akano! It has been so long! I have been so worried, I haven't heard from you at all!"

"Kuroki! Same, I have been looking for you as well, but I couldn't find you at all!"

"I have been in...in...why can't I say the name of the city?"

The Fake Riza shook his head.

"The Spirit World clarifies matters of the soul, but obscures matters of the real world. It is hard to speak of material locations here, although exceptions have occurred...in any case, the first trial for you three will take place at your school. I will let you three catch up and meet you there. Just make sure you walk as you go. You do not want to linger in this place for too long".

With that, the fake Riza disappeared, but Kuroki was left wondering.

"Wait, did he say three?"

"...no way. Kuroki, Akano, is that you?"

From this, they heard yet another familiar voice. The two finally released each other, to see two other familiar figures. Juno was there, in the same state as they were. Though not that they could see all that much, since it was the spirit world and the further below the neck you went, the more it was obscured and harder to see. Still, to see their friend again gave them great joy, as the three boys entered a group hug.

Afterwards however, Kuroki had to ask why they were there.

"Ah, I sort of got pulled here by a divine intervention. Something about facing trials to help increase my power and ability".

"I got the lead from someone that tonight was the best way to form a soul bound with my weapons, and that I would face a few trials" Juno admitted after Akano. "Reiji is actually guarding me right now, but he is still fully conscious and awake, which is probably why he is not here".

Their plan had been to take turns protecting each other, since they had to meditate completely naked with only their weapon by them, and no one else nearby, for it to work. That said, it sounded like the range that needed to be clear was significantly less for what Juno was doing then what Kuroki was doing, but Juno was a bit regretful now.

"Had I known this would happen, I would have had him join us".

"It's still nice to know you both are together and doing well" Akano said as they walked down the street. Although barefoot, this was the spirit world, so it didn't bother them as much. Still, it was getting a bit annoying and distracting. They were even passing by a clothing store, or at least the recreation of one in the spirit world, so it was on their minds...

However, that was when Juno stopped them.

"Hold on, as much as I have gotten used to anything, I think it would be best if we don't do the trials bare ass naked".

"Its the spirit world. We can't bring clothes in, we are just souls".

"Yeah, but this clothing store is already here" Juno countered Akano.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Akano however let out a sigh. "What, are you going to steal us some clothes?"

"I don't think you can steal things that are kind of just a projection, and none of this is even real".

Akano seemed to realize Juno had a good point, but he still wanted to protest. Juno noticed where his gaze was pointed.

"You just wanted to see me naked with my new tail and ears, didn't you?!"

Kuroki looked away, as if he was trying not to get involved. Juno noticed it however.

"You too Kuroki?!"

"It's just so cute, I can't help it okay?!"

Akano let out a sigh.

"What if this is part of our trial also?"

Ah right, I see now. This is about tests isn't it?

Akano had an almost pathological need to not fail tests. He didn't need to get the highest scores, so its not like he was always studying all the time and a workaholic, but he did need to pass. He had been like that since forever, so it was a bit refreshing to experience once again after being separated for almost a month now. Kuroki decided to change his approach to suit the situation.

"Then we can just strip then when they give us a clear message is it. I don't really mind either way, but...id rather not take a test naked. Especially at school. I have had too many nightmares of that exact situation, which I think have caused us all to do worse on tests".

It was a fairly common nightmare for students in their world. Realizing that, Akano decided to go along with it. Kuroki put on a purple hoodie and black shorts. Juno put on a green vest, a red short sleeve shirt, and grey shorts. And Akano put on a red short sleeve jacket with a hood, white T shirt, and black shorts.

Of course, since it was a clothing store, and not a shoe store, they were still barefoot. There were socks, but wearing just socks outside just felt off to them.

That, and they noticed their feet didn't get sore or dirty it felt like no matter how much they walked.

"Maybe because it's the spirit world?" Kuroki theorized.

"Maybe".

Either way, they walked through the empty city. It had been their home for fifteen years, so they felt a bit nostalgic. Still, it felt almost like they were moving through it faster then normal. Kuroki was sure there were more shops then this, but he couldn't remember them. Or perhaps, it was because he couldn't remember them that they did not appear. Everything was a bit foggy too still, so apparently the fog of the spirit world was always there, it wasn't just tactical fog to hide their private parts when they were naked.

Eventually, they arrived at their middle school, or their junior high school. Out in front, Riza was waiting for them, wearing a yukata this time.

"Welcome, Kuroki, Akano, and Juno, to the first trial. How rare, usually one must complete trials alone, but it seems the spirits are letting you three have an exception just this once".

Akano seemed relieved, but also suspicious.

"Why are we getting such special treatment?"

"It appears your god did some negotiating, as well as another. He will also be serving as a guide from here on out. Kuroki might not remember him, but Akano, you should be able to..."

"I can speak for myself, Fake Riza" a young boy's voice said as a new figure walked out. He was already clothed as well, wearing special white robes that went down to his knees. It was impossible to see if he was even wearing pants or underwear, that's how long and covering the robes were. His blonde hair and blue eyes, along with his soft features, made him seem almost angelic. However, the way he looked at them felt as if he was older, very likely an adult chronologically. "Welcome, Starfallen. I am The Oracle".

Akano froze the moment he saw those words, and paled even further when the boy spoke his identity.

"You...you are the one that helped me banish the curse on Kuroki and his friend in the spirit world".

"So that was you! Wait, so he helped?"

The Oracle nodded. "Indeed. It was important to shift the future. I could not have you sidelined during the Goblin Conflict with curses. Although I will say, the curses in the canal were far more troublesome".

Kuroki noticed it instantly. The way the Oracle spoke...while it was more direct and up front, it reminded him of Zak.

"So you cleared those too..."

"Yes. Major events are unfurling all over the world. I am doing my best to influence them as I can, but unfortunately my current ability to act is rather limited. That said, things are beginning to spiral well beyond even what I can see. Even without the shift in timelines brought upon by the Starfall, actions are becoming so chaotic it's getting more difficult to keep track of events and find the ones I need to nudge in the right direction".

Riza nodded. "The Oracle is kinda in a shitty position because the Church has a major corruption inside of it, in addition to its own shady dealings. He can't even die at the moment, just trapped in a gilded cage. And the more things spiral out of control, the harder it will be for him to help you".

The Oracle beckoned them into the school.

"Come, we can talk as you handle the first trial. Be warned though, this will take everything you have to overcome".

The group followed the Oracle into the school, as they proceeded to walk down the hall.

"My father, is he..."

"Yes, he has the ability to track you. However, he got flung into one of the farthest spots possible for a Starfallen to land from you, and your own Wishes are interfering with his ability. It will take awhile for him to find you" The Oracle told him. "There are other dangers, greater dangers. Dangers even I cannot see".

"...the ones who caused the Starfall".

"Yes. They have taken great pains to obscure themselves from me. Their goals and intentions are unknown, but I do know this. Whoever or whatever is behind this, they intend to play the long game, but don't expect them to remain silent. There is even the possibility they will attempt the ritual again, and it's unclear if anyone will be able to interfere with it this time".

"Interfere?"

"Yes. I do not know why they did what they did, but several different groups seemed to learn of the Great Starfall right before it happened. The Devils tried to block it outright, but failed. Others tried to twist it for their purpose, and failed. At least one tried to interfere with the spell and make it fizzle out, and failed. At least one person tried to change it for the better, but also failed to a degree. That said, he weakened Compliance's Effect on all of you, so it wasn't a total failure. And one...one who has remained especially hidden from me changed the target location. Not that I know why they did such a thing, and I don't know which world's target location he was changing".

It seemed no matter who one was in this world, the information of the one responsible was blocked at every turn. Whoever was behind it had gone to extrodinary lengths to keep themselves hidden, as if they were not even in the world itself. Kuroki decided to keep that in mind, on the off chance that was actually the case.

Soon, they arrived at the doors to the gym.

"The First Trial lies within. Each of you will face your own challenge, and by overcoming it, each of you will be stronger. Just know that this is something you must face alone. Kuroki, for his True Arcanium. Juno, for his spirit bond. Akano, to solidify his soul and spiritual power. But be warned, these trials are by no means simple".

The Fake Riza spoke up next. "These trials may test anything and everything. They will hit you where it hurts, and make you face your greatest turmoils. Each trial will test you differently, but there is no singular right answer. Trust your heart. Trust your soul. Trust your love".

The three of them nodded, as they stepped through the doors into the gym. Instantly, each one of them was alone, isolated into a separate space. Kuroki found himself in front of the very enemy he had faced before the Starfall, the substitute gym teacher. He felt like he was looking up at him, but also watching the thing unfold as a bystander. The Kuroki in front of him was naked, surrounded by students, and wet, as they and the teacher made fun of him. Calling him an "infant" and "shortie", and various other cruel things. "Little boy" and "shota" and such were common as well, even though his growth down there was about normal for his age, unlike his height. Lacking in body and public hair sure, but otherwise normal.

Still, because he was just so damn short, they didn't even care. They didn't even bother seeing him for who he was, or who he was trying to be. Because of how he looked, because of how he appeared, they made superficial judgements and ridiculed him. Kuroki could feel the darkness swelling inside of him, despite the fact he knew this was just a projection. But something about it made him feel like he was forgetting that, and he hated this so much. He was used to it, but something about this was digging into him.

This moment had happened in reality, but not with this substitute gym teacher. He knew this was fake, but it was making him boil over with rage as the darkness swelled within him. Murderous impulses flashed across his mind, but he stood there, glaring. He also was on his hands and knees, crying. Surrounded and alone by those who would put him down.

"No".

That was what Kuroki said, as he both lived this and watched this.

The one that was him stood up in front of the crowd, not hiding anything.

The one who was watching took a step forward.

In an instant, the two became one, with Kuroki wearing the clothes he had been wearing moments ago once more.

"I am not ashamed of who I am" he told the crowd, the darkness subsiding as something else surged forward. As he took a step forward, the crowd backed off a bit, surprised by the aura he radiated. "I am not embarrassed by my body, and I am not ashamed of my lack of growth. I am short. But I am also smart. Smart enough to know that you idiots wont go anywhere, judging based off of appearances, while I take a step forward".

He took another step forward, and the generic crowd of students seemed to dissipate into a black mist.

"You think you can stand against me? A teacher? All by yourself?!"

"So long as my friends have my back, I am never by myself. No matter the distances between us, we will never back down from bullies like you. Your kind doesn't get to win, ever".

The man seemed to become frustrated, as he tried to punch Kuroki. Only a magic barrier blocked him, and his punch generated a great deal of magical static from the barrier as it seemed to supercharge itself. The energy surged forth, and he was repelled backwards into a wall by the rebounding force emitted from the barrier.

"I am Kuroki, the Final Frost".

The moment he said that, the shadows receded from the room, as he found himself back with The Oracle...

----------------------------------------

At the same time, Juno stood above that very same gym teacher, in his own instance of the trial.

"H...how..."

He was badly beaten and bruised, and was collapsed onto the ground.

"I suppose even the spirit world isn't all knowing. Certainly, I do have an inferiority complex. But I knew it from the start. Trying to face it...certainly was something. But I have always been a cheeky asshole who might not be all right in the head" Juno mentioned. "But I am willing to try and overcome anything, if it means I can help out my friends. And now that I know they are alive and well, my determination has been rekindled. So if you want to trip me up and trap me in here, you are going to have to try a bit better then a substitute gym teacher".

"Fair enough..." the figure said, as he and the arrows in him all began to vanish. Juno then was returned to the others, where Akano and Kuroki were there waiting for him.

"Ah, was I the last one?"

"Yeah...you okay? You seem a bit tense".

"These trials know how to get under our skin. Shall we go to the next one? How was yours anyways?"

Akano nodded. "I suspect I am not quite done with what I deal with in my first trial, but we will have to see what happens".

"I think I settled mine pretty well".

"At the very least, you all passed. Of course, the trials will only get harder from here on out" The Oracle mentioned, as they walked down the hall. It was a bit surreal seeing as how they were all barefoot, but it was the spirit world so perhaps that didn't matter all that much still.

The Oracle seemed to notice something.

"It looks like we have some gawkers. Someone is trying to spy on these trials".

"They are?" Juno asked.

"Yes. They might even be trying to interfere. Me and the Fake Riza here will run interference, but lets try and get to the next trial as quickly as possible".

The five of them started to head towards the stairways, which the Oracle found fascinating.

"I must say, this school is very oddly designed. Even if it is just an amalgamized projection in the spirit world, having so many students for a single teacher in each classroom seems terribly inefficient. There must be an average of two dozen desks minimum per class. And it feels so impersonal, especially that physical education facility. Not even a single dragon skeleton to help inspire and motivate people?"

"Ah...we generally don't have those".

"Huh...how dull sounding. Still, seems terribly inefficient to have one teacher handle all those students. Or just straight up ineffective. Or do you have multiple teachers per classroom? But wait, that would just be too chaotic, going in all sorts of different directions".

Kuroki, Akano, and Juno were not sure how to answer these questions, since they lacked sufficient knowledge on how other schools worked, especially the ones in their new world, to know what to say. So instead, they just did the best they could while satisfying his curiosity. Riza meanwhile, seemed to just be nodding along or finding the questions interesting or amusing.

"I don't suppose you can tell us anything at all about this second trial?" Kuroki asked.

"The trial is different for each individual. For a normal apprentice, they would usually be simpler, but...you all are not normal. Juno, how did you even hear about this?"

"A Necromancer I met told me about how to do this, said it would help me a lot in the long term".

"Huh....interesting...that would mean...a shift on that axis? Well, it should help improve the odds in...hmm...I will have to think on this afterwards".

"R-right..."

"As for the trial, I will say this. It will want to challenge you mentally, physically, and spiritually. The ritual you three are doing...well, its not done by everyone. Only a few ever try to accomplish each year, whether it be for Soulbound weapons or for a True Arcanium, or whatever Akano's god is up to".

Akano seemed surprised. "You don't know?"

"Gods see things differently than we do. There are workings upon the divine we only ever can theorize about. Still, he has been helping me with something, so giving him some help here is the least I can do. Now then, all of you".

As he said that, they soon arrived at the next door. This one led to the principal's office.

"Round 2! Fight!" the fake Riza announced, as the second trial awaited them.