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Chapter 6
The First Star Makes Her Debut
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“Okay, let’s discuss what our next plan will be!”
My peaceful sleep was abruptly interrupted by a loud, overly enthusiastic voice. I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head in a futile attempt to block out the sound. But it was no use. The annoying girl currently living in my house had made it her mission to ruin every moment of peace I managed to scrape together.
“Elewp, come on!” – Nanfaz persisted, tugging at the corner of my blanket. – “We need to figure out our next move! The wolves aren’t going to defeat themselves!”
I poked my head out just enough to glare at her. Her dark hair was still slightly tousled from sleep, but her eyes sparkled with determination. She was relentless, as always.
“The problem.” – I said, my voice muffled by the blanket - “Is that we still don’t even know if the wolves exist. All we have is your testimony. No proof. No evidence. Nothing.”
She crossed her arms, clearly unfazed by my lack of enthusiasm. – “That’s why we need a plan! We’re going to get proof, Elewp. We just need to figure out how.”
I sighed, rubbing my eyes as I sat up. – “Nanfaz, do you have any idea what time it is?”
She blinked, glancing toward the window. The automated blinds were still drawn, but the faint glow of morning light filtered through the edges.
“Morning.” – She said matter-of-factly. – “Which means it’s time to get to work.”
I groaned, walking past her and toward the door. – “Fine. You want to plan? Plan without me for now. I need to start my morning routine.”
She stumbled back a step, pouting as she crossed her arms again. – “You’re no fun.”
“Glad we’re clear on that.” – I said, smirking as I closed the bathroom door behind me.
As I began my routine, splashing warm water on my face and brushing my teeth, I could still hear her faintly grumbling on the other side of the door.
“We could be mapping out strategies right now.”
“We could also be sleeping.” – My sarcasm louder than her annoyance.
Her response was a muffled huff, followed by what I assumed was her stomping off to the living room.
Despite the annoyance, I couldn’t help but smile faintly. Nanfaz’s relentless energy was irritating, sure, but it was also oddly endearing. She was determined, almost childlike in her enthusiasm, and as much as I hated to admit it, I admired her for it.
Still, she needed to learn that mornings were sacred.
Once I finished my routine, I found her sitting cross-legged on the couch, a notebook open in her lap and a pen in her hand. She looked up as I entered, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
I sighed, flopping onto the couch beside her. – “Fine. Let’s hear it.”
Her smile widened, and she launched into her latest idea with her usual passion. As she spoke, I realized something: as much as I teased her, as much as I found her exhausting, I’d help her as much as she needed.
If this was what it took to help her sleep soundly at night, then so be it.
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“So, let’s put everything we know so far on the table.” – Nanfaz said, leaning forward with a determined expression.
“Okay.” – I replied, mirroring her posture.
“Everything started ten years ago when the power in Procyon Town suddenly went out. People were isolated in the town — no one came in, and no one who left ever returned. What do you remember about that time?”
I blinked at her, raising an eyebrow. – “Nothing, Nanfaz. Ten years ago, I was just being born. I doubt I was paying attention to blackouts.”
She groaned, resting her chin in her hand. – “Fair. I wasn’t even born until nine months after that, so I guess I’m not much help either.” – She sat up, her eyes lighting up as she continued. – “But what happened after is what gets really weird. Haldrin — the old man who’s now the bishop — rose up with this horrible revolt and took over. He started preaching about how the world had ended and how Procyon needed to abandon its technology to survive.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that story.” – I frowned. – “The version they tell at school makes him out to be some kind of messianic figure, though. What a joke.”
“Right?” – Nanfaz huffed. – “One year after the blackout people felt this horrible, oppressive presence. Then, almost overnight, the forest around the town turned into the Black Forest — literally where we are right now — and the rest is history.”
“Wait a second.” – I interrupted, sitting up straighter. – “You said it became the Black Forest? When I moved in, it was already like this.”
Nanfaz tilted her head in curiosity. – “When did you move in?”
I looked around the room, my eyes lingering on the dark wooden walls of the house. The lumber seemed ordinary at first glance, but something about it felt oddly significant.
“Maybe not.” – I frowned as I tried to piece it together. – “I can’t quite remember. My memories only go back to when I was five, I think. Everything before that is fuzzy.”
Nanfaz tapped her chin thoughtfully. – “So, the evidence we have so far is the disappearance of everyone who left town during that one year.” – She concluded.
“That’s definitely weird.” – I agreed. – “But all of that happened before I moved in. Maybe my father hunted all the black wolves to extinction or something.”
Her eyes widened. – “Wait, that’s something I hadn’t considered before. If people never left the town after the Black Forest appeared, then the wolves might have been around before the forest blackened. If every lifeform of the forest died overnight when it blackened, it is not strange to assume it also killed the wolves.”
“But one survived.” – I said, leaning back. – “And scared the hell out of you.”
“Yes!” – She admitted, her voice firm.
I drummed my fingers against the table, a thought forming. – “I need to ask you something. Could you draw what you saw that night?”
“Sure.” – She said, grabbing a nearby notebook and pencil. She started sketching with surprising speed and precision.
When she finished, she handed me the page. The drawing was eerily detailed—a hulking, grotesque wolf-like creature with sharp, unnatural features and glowing eyes.
“Your drawing skills are… surprising.” – I certainly didn’t expect this much detail.
She smiled faintly. - “Thanks. When I was younger, my mother used to tell me stories about all sorts of things. The only way to put down my massive imagination was on paper, drawing all that struck my mind.”
I stared at the drawing, something about it tugging at the edges of my memory. – “This creature you saw — it’s definitely different from the one I saw in my dream. Not that I can fully remember what mine looked like, but this doesn’t trigger anything familiar.”
Nanfaz leaned closer, intrigued. – “You’ve dreamed about them?”
“Once.” – I said, frowning. – “A long time ago. I can’t remember the details, but it felt… significant. Huh.”
We sat in silence for a moment, both lost in thought.
“One more thing.” – Nanfaz said suddenly, breaking the quiet. – “It’s really strange that the god worshiped in town is also a wolf. Couldn’t the culture have developed separate figures for good and evil?”
“You’re starting to sound like me.” – I said, smirking. – “Do you believe in them or not?”
She shrugged. – “Not the religion. I believe in what I saw.”
“I’ve studied some of the cultures from the outside world.” – I said, leaning forward again. – “It’s not uncommon for the gods of defeated kingdoms to be demonized by the victors. Maybe the founders of Procyon fought against a culture that worshiped a wolf deity, and that’s how the myths of these creatures started.”
“To know that.” – She said, her voice hushed. – “We’d need to get into the church’s archives.”
“And I’m literally the most hated person in town.” – I pointed out. – “You’d need to do that yourself.”
“What?” – She exclaimed, leaning back in disbelief. – “I’ve been missing for over a month now! I can only go back if I’m dragging a Black Wolf’s guillotined head as proof!”
“You’re not that important.” – I said, rolling my eyes. – “I’m sure they haven’t even noticed your absence. Just go back to school, get close to the bishop, and find a way into the archives.”
She groaned, slumping against the table. – “I can try. What’s the worst that can happen? I get stuck doing community service or something?”
“Exactly.” – I said, smirking.
She sighed dramatically. – “Fine. But that will take a while, what about now? Do you have any other ideas?”
I suddenly perked up, I’ve been waiting for this my entire life, my eyes sparkling with a familiar mischievous energy. – “Then I think I know what we need right now.”
“Oh, no.” – Her scared eyes as she increased the distance from me.
“Inspiration!” – I declared, pulling out a DVD case that I was hiding.
“She squinted at it. – “What is that?”
I grinned, holding it up triumphantly. – “The First Season of The First Star! It’s about two girls who face impossible odds to defeat terrifying monsters. Perfect for us!”
She stared at me, torn between amusement and exasperation. – “We’re going to watch a cheesy cartoon to plan our next steps?”
“Exactly!” – I said, already popping the disc into the player.
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Six years ago, monsters rained down from the sky, bringing humanity to its knees. They were creatures of unimaginable terror. City after city fell under their relentless assault, entire civilizations crushed beneath their monstrous feet. The screams of the dying echoed through the ruins as humanity drew its last breath before extinction.
But one city remained.
Sirius City, the final bastion of humankind, stood defiant against the onslaught. Hidden deep within a fiery embrace, its barrier of fire repelled the horrors that prowled beyond. At its heart rose a golden tower, gleaming with defiance against the encroaching darkness. The tower was both a symbol of hope and the seat of the city’s protector: Sirius, the last guardian of humanity.
High above, at the peak of the golden tower, a man clad entirely in black stood vigil. His silhouette was sharp and commanding, his crimson eyes glowing through the mask that obscured his face. He was a mysterious figure, known only through his deeds, and his voice was one that the people trusted beyond all others.
The camera zoomed in on him as his voice echoed across Sirius City, carried to every corner by the city’s advanced broadcasting system.
“Hello, people of Sirius City.”
He began, his voice calm but weighted with emotion.
“I know that all of you can hear me. Whether in your homes, on the streets, or in the halls under my golden tower, my message reaches you now.”
Families huddled around screens in their modest homes. Children clutched their parents’ hands, sensing the gravity of the moment. Workers paused in their duties, the hum of machinery fading as the city fell into a collective silence.
Sirius continued.
“For years, I have stood as your protector, the one who asked for your faith and placed the burden of your hope upon my shoulders. I promised that I would keep you safe, no matter the cost.”
He paused, his masked face tilting downward, his tone growing heavier.
“But I must confess a truth I have long hidden. A truth I can no longer keep to myself.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Faces filled with unease as families and workers alike exchanged worried glances.
“I have been cursed by a demon.”
Sirius declared, his voice unwavering.
“Each day I live is a miracle granted against impossible odds. I have fought this curse for years, prolonging my life through every means available. But my time is running out.”
The screen cut to scenes of despair throughout the city. Mothers clutched their children tighter, and the once-hopeful glimmers in people’s eyes began to dim.
Sirius continued, his voice steady even as the weight of his words settled over the city.
“Through my research and understanding of the curse, I have determined that I have seven years left. Seven short years. When my life ends, the barrier that protects Sirius City—the barrier tied to my existence—will fall with me.”
Gasps of shock and horror echoed across Sirius City. The people stared at their screens, their faces painted with despair. The day that happened, humanity would be completely extinct.
“But!”
Sirius proclaimed, his tone shifting.
“Do not let your faith crumble. Despair is the ally of the enemy. For while I have spent my life defending you, I have also worked tirelessly to secure a future beyond myself. And in my pursuit, I have made a breakthrough.”
The shift in his tone piqued the people’s curiosity. Confused expressions replaced some of the despair.
“I have found something.”
Sirius said.
“Something that fell from the sky, just as the monsters did. At first, I kept it hidden, ashamed to offer hope without certainty. But now I can no longer keep it from you.”
The camera panned across the people watching. Suspicion mixed with cautious hope began to bloom in their eyes.
“What I found.”
Sirius continued.
“Is the one who will take my place. She is not human, but she is our hope. When I saw her falling from the heavens, it looked like a blessing—a miracle granted by the divine.”
Sirius stepped aside, and the camera tilted downward to reveal a small figure standing at his side.
“I have named her The First Star, for she fell from the sky as our guiding light. Her name is Arstria, and she is my daughter. From this day forward, she bears my name and my responsibility. She is Sirius, just as I am.”
The little girl stood nervously. Her salmon-colored hair shimmered under the soft golden light of the tower, and her deep crimson eyes—so much like her father’s—reflected the weight of the moment. Her petite frame was clad in a simple dress that belied her otherworldly origin.
Arstria tugged at his coat, her wide eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. She looked no older than six, her expression one of a child thrust into a world far beyond her comprehension. The people stared at their screens, trying to reconcile the image of this small, fragile-looking girl with the hope Sirius had placed upon her shoulders.
Sirius knelt beside her, placing a gloved hand gently on her head. “I know she seems young, fragile, and unprepared. But she is more than she appears. She carries the potential to protect you in ways even I cannot. She is our future. Show them.”
The little girl hesitated, her crimson eyes darting toward Sirius as if seeking reassurance. He gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her tiny hand, fingers trembling slightly.
She opened her palm, and for a moment, nothing happened. The air around her seemed to still, filled with anticipation. Then, slowly, a small ember flickered to life above her hand, hovering in the space just above her skin. It pulsed faintly, a fragile glow of orange and red, casting a soft light that contrasted with the dim golden hue of the tower.
The camera zoomed in on the ember, capturing its gentle dance in the air. It was small, almost insignificant, yet there was something undeniably otherworldly about it. Despite its size, it seemed alive, vibrant with untapped potential.
The camera panned back to Arstria’s face. Her expression was one of both wonder and uncertainty. She tilted her head slightly, as though marveling at the small flame herself, her salmon-colored hair catching the light as it framed her face.
The scene lingered on this image for a moment before cutting to the people of Sirius City. Families, workers, and elders alike stared at their screens, the weight of Sirius’s announcement slowly giving way to something new.
Hope.
It started small, like the ember in Arstria’s hand, but it grew as the people watched her. The spark of light she conjured became a symbol, a fragile promise of survival in a world that had offered them nothing but despair for a decade.
Sirius straightened, the towering figure of their protector commanding attention once more. His voice, steady and resolute, carried the weight of both his past and the uncertain future ahead.
“Together.”
He said.
“We will prepare her for the challenges to come. Together, we will give her the strength, the knowledge, and the tools she needs to protect this city when I no longer can.”
The ember in Arstria’s hand flared slightly, its glow intensifying as if in response to his words.
Sirius continued, his voice rising in conviction.
“I ask for your faith once more—not in me, but in her. Arstria, the First Star, will shine brighter than I ever could. She is our future.”
The broadcast ended, and the camera cut to sweeping views of Sirius City. The golden tower stood tall against the volcanic embrace that shielded the city. Streets filled with people—silent, stunned, and processing what they had just witnessed—slowly began to stir with murmurs of conversation.
Inside homes, families clung to one another, their despair tempered by cautious optimism. In the bustling factories, workers exchanged quiet nods, a flicker of resolve passing between them. Even in the quieter corners of the city, where fear had long held dominion, the ember of hope Sirius had ignited began to take root.
Back in the golden tower, Sirius knelt beside Arstria, his gloved hand resting gently on her shoulder.
“You did well.”
He said softly, his crimson eyes meeting hers.
“But… they’re all counting on me now.”
She whispered, her voice trembling.
“What if I’m not enough?”
“You will be.”
He said firmly.
“Not because you are perfect, but because you will try. Because you will grow. And because you are not alone.”
She nodded slowly, clutching his coat as if anchoring herself to him. The ember above her hand flickered out, but its warmth lingered in the air.
As Sirius rose, he turned his gaze toward the horizon, where the unseen monsters still lurked, waiting for the barrier to fall.
“Seven years,” he murmured to himself, his voice low but steady. “We have seven years to prepare her. Seven years to ensure that Sirius City will endure.”
And as the tower stood tall against the twilight sky, the ember of hope began to glow in the hearts of every soul in Sirius City, kindled by the faith they had placed in their First Star.
Water began raining from the sky, amidst the dewdrops, something else was mixed in. A feather, made of a strange liquid substance. It then rested in a puddle like any other.
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Water began to rain from the sky, soft and rhythmic, each droplet adding to the symphony of nature’s quiet melancholy. The earth drank deeply, welcoming the cool reprieve as puddles formed on the uneven ground.
Amidst the countless dewdrops falling from the heavens, one was unlike the others.
It descended slowly, almost unnaturally, carried not by gravity but by some unseen force. It shimmered as it fell, a translucent feather that seemed to ripple and shift like liquid trapped in a delicate, weightless form. Its substance was neither solid nor vapor, an ethereal creation that defied explanation.
The feather twisted gently in the air, catching the faint light that pierced through the gray clouds above. It moved with a strange grace, floating downward as though reluctant to meet the ground. When it finally settled, it landed in a shallow puddle, its liquid form merging seamlessly with the water for an instant before solidifying again.
There it rested, undisturbed, its alien nature stark against the mundane surface of the puddle. The rain continued to fall, the drops rippling around the feather but never touching it. Instead, the puddle seemed to pull back slightly, as if the feather’s presence demanded reverence.
Then, faintly, the puddle shimmered, reflecting not the overcast sky but something else entirely—a flicker of light, as if the feather carried the echo of another world.
The rain grew heavier, masking the faint glow as the puddle swelled and overflowed, sending ripples outward. Yet the feather remained untouched, resting in serene defiance of the elements, waiting.
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Father is really strange. He made such a big show of introducing me to his people—standing tall, proclaiming me as the hope of humanity, the First Star. He gave that grand speech, filled with conviction and promises, and what does he do right after? Leave. Off he goes on yet another one of his mysterious expeditions, vanishing into the horizon like a shadow.
“Deadbeat father!”
I muttered under my breath, pacing back and forth in the training hall.
Every day since his departure, I’d been training tirelessly, just like he’d instructed. My life had become an endless cycle of drills and focus exercises, trying to control the strange power within me. But no matter how hard I tried, no matter how much effort I poured into it, the best I could manage was the same tiny flicker of flame floating above my palm.
I held out my hand, narrowing my eyes as I concentrated. Heat began to build, the air around my fingers shimmering faintly. Then, with a soft pop, the ember appeared—a single, pitiful speck of fire hovering just above my palm.
I stared at it, a mixture of annoyance and despair bubbling in my chest.
“What am I, a walking lighter?!”
The ember sputtered as if in response, its faint glow mocking me. I clenched my fist, extinguishing it, and plopped down onto the floor with a huff.
All that training, all those hours of focus, and for what? A tiny flame barely big enough to light a candle. Father had spoken of my potential, the great things I was destined to achieve, but how could I protect an entire city with this?
The thought made my chest tighten, the weight of the responsibility pressing down on me. I wasn’t like Father. I wasn’t strong, commanding, or fearless. I was just… me. Fumbling around in a golden tower that felt far too big for me.
I sighed, leaning back against the cool, polished wall.
“Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”
But as the words left my lips, I felt a faint warmth flicker in my chest—a quiet, stubborn spark. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make me sit up straighter.
“No.”
I said aloud, my voice firmer now.
“I can’t think like that.”
I held out my hand again, staring at my palm as if daring it to prove me wrong.
“One more time, just one more time.”
The ember reappeared, flickering faintly in the dim light. It was small, almost insignificant, but it was there. And for now, that was enough.
“Okay. This won’t do at all!”
I paced the expansive room, my frustration bubbling over as the steady downpour outside painted the windows with streaks of water. The sound of rain was relentless, a constant reminder of the stagnation I felt. Father had told me to stay here, in this golden tower, to train my body and mind. He’d left me with vague instructions to grow stronger and the promise that I’d one day take his place.
Years of training, years of trying — and still, I was weak.
I paused, staring at my open palm. I’d seen father’s power countless times, the way he could obliterate the monstrous beasts that lurked beyond the city’s barrier with a single, devastating attack. His stance was always the same: one hand outstretched toward the enemy, the other bracing it. In an instant, his power would reduce even the most terrifying creatures to ashes.
I had tried to mimic him, over and over. Point one hand forward, brace it with the other. Concentrate. Focus. But no matter how hard I tried, all I could manage was the same pitiful result — a flicker of fire, a tiny ember that fizzled out before it could do anything meaningful.
“Seven years.”
I whispered bitterly, lowering my hand.
“That’s how long he has left before he dies. Seven years before the barrier falls, and the monsters come pouring in. And the way things are going, I’ll still be sitting here, trying to make sparks when that happens.”
I clenched my fists, glaring at the rain-soaked windows. The sound of water hitting the glass seemed to echo throughout the entire tower, an endless, irritating rhythm that matched the volcano inside me.
Father had told me this place was built for me. My home. My sanctuary. But it didn’t feel like one. It was cold, empty, a monument to his absence. There wasn’t even a kitchen — because I didn’t need food, apparently.
“Maybe he thinks that building something big is the same as being present. But it’s not.”
I sighed, letting my gaze wander back to my hands.
“And he’s not even really my father, is he? He just found me that day…”
The thought lingered, pulling at the edges of my mind. I was still a baby when he found me, fallen from the sky like some celestial accident. Where had I come from? Who were my actual parents? Sometimes, I wondered if my father was the sun itself, and I was a fragment of it that had broken away.
The irritating sound of the rain pulled me back to the present. It kept repeating, drumming against the windows in a maddening loop.
“I hate this!”
I shouted, the words echoing through the vast, empty hall.
“I hate this place! I hate Sirius! I hate water!”
I paused, the frustration giving way to a sudden thought.
“I mean, I’m a creature born of fire. Water’s my exact opposite…”
The realization hit me like a spark igniting a flame.
I didn’t want to stay cooped up here, training endlessly for a future I wasn’t even sure I’d be ready for. I wanted to fight. I wanted to face the beasts that haunted the world beyond the barrier, to destroy them like father did. I wanted to grow stronger.
“So.”
I murmured, my lips curving into a grin.
“I just need to leave the city and find some weak ones. Start small. Work my way up.”
The idea thrilled me, and without a second thought, I ran to grab the clothes father had left for me. They were stacked neatly in one of the rooms, untouched since his departure. I threw on a few layers, grabbed another bundle for the journey, and made my way to the main door.
The towering, gilded door loomed before me, a testament to Father’s power and ingenuity. But to me, it was nothing more than a cage
“Fire!”
I shouted, holding the bundle of clothes in my hand.
The smallest sparks are often enough to start an inferno, and this was no exception. The ember I summoned caught the fabric, and within seconds, it burst into a roaring flame. I hurled it at the door, the fire spreading rapidly across its surface. The golden sheen of the door warped and cracked under the heat, the adorned wood groaning as the flames consumed it.
“Yes!” I cheered, watching as the fire did what I couldn’t.
With one final crash, the door fell, the charred remains smoldering as the rain outside hissed against them. I stood there, staring at the open path before me — the first step toward freedom, toward the world beyond the tower.
I took a deep breath, the cool air tinged with the scent of rain and ash. My heart pounded in my chest, equal parts fear and exhilaration.
“Freedom!” I whispered, a grin spreading across my face.
The world beyond the door was nothing like I had imagined.
The rain poured harder, soaking me instantly as I stepped outside. The once-distant sound of droplets hitting glass was now an overwhelming symphony of splashes, filling the air with its chaotic rhythm.
The rain pelted me relentlessly as I stepped out into the heart of Sirius City for the first time. The golden tower that had been my cage now loomed behind me, its gilded spire piercing the gray sky. Around me stretched the sprawling cityscape — a mix of towering buildings, intricate walkways, and glowing neon signs that buzzed faintly in the rain.
This was Sirius, the last bastion of humanity. And I had barely seen any of it.
The streets were eerily quiet, the downpour driving most people indoors. Occasionally, I spotted figures darting between buildings, cloaked in heavy rain gear, their hurried steps splashing through the ever-growing puddles. The city felt both alive and lifeless at the same time, as though its pulse had slowed to a crawl, weighed down by the constant threat beyond its barrier.
I pulled my hood tighter around my head, the damp fabric clinging to my hair. The clothes I’d grabbed weren’t exactly made for rain, but they’d have to do.
As I moved deeper into the city, I noticed the glances. People peered at me from windows or behind doors, their eyes filled with curiosity and caution. A few braver souls stood on their doorsteps, watching as I passed.
“That’s her, isn’t it?” — I heard someone whisper.
“The First Star.” — Another murmured.
Their voices carried a mixture of awe and uncertainty, but no one approached me. I couldn’t tell if it was because they feared me, respected me, or simply didn’t know what to say.
I kept walking, my pace quickening as the city unfolded before me. It was overwhelming, in a way. I had spent so much time confined to the golden tower, imagining what life outside might be like. And now that I was here, it felt… hollow.
I paused under an awning, shaking the water from my arms as I glanced around. A group of children played in a nearby alley, splashing in puddles and chasing one another despite the rain. Their laughter was a rare sound, cutting through the gloom like sunlight breaking through clouds.
For a moment, I felt a pang of something — jealousy, maybe? They were so carefree, so blissfully unaware of the weight pressing down on this city. On me.
I clenched my fists, shaking the thoughts away. This wasn’t the time to wallow. I had a goal, and I was going to see it through. But as I ran through the rain-soaked streets, my focus wavered, my mind still clouded by frustration and fleeting thoughts
The next thing I knew, my foot caught on something solid, and I pitched forward, landing face-first on the cold, wet concrete.
“Argh!”
I tried pushing myself up, my palms stinging from the impact.
Glancing back to see what had tripped me, my breath caught in my throat. A man. He lay sprawled on the ground, unmoving, his face pale and his body soaking in the cold. For a brief, horrifying moment, I thought he was dead.
Crawling closer, my heart pounded as I reached out my hand, hovering over his chest. Then, just faintly, I felt it — the fire of his heartbeat, weak but steady beneath my fingers.
“Just unconscious.”
I whispered, relief flooding through me.
But as I looked better… His clothes were strange — worn and tattered, adorned with peculiar tattoos. His arms were filled with them, their edges glowing faintly as the rain struck them.
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I stood, glancing around. That’s when I noticed the others.
A trail of bodies stretched down the street, leading toward a narrow alley. They were all dressed similarly to the man I’d tripped over, with the same tattoos and battered clothing. Each one lay crumpled on the ground, soaking wet and utterly still.
I crouched beside another, pressing my hand to his chest. Like the first, his heart still beat faintly, but he showed no sign of waking. My pulse quickened. Something was very wrong.
“What could have done this?”
A beast? But inside the city? That shouldn’t be possible — not with the barrier in place. Unless…
I shook my head, standing again. There was only one way to find out.
I followed the trail, stepping over the fallen men as I made my way toward the alley. The rain seemed to grow heavier as I approached, the shadows of the narrow passage pressing in on me.
The air in the alley was oppressive, thicker and heavier with every step I took. It carried an unplaceable charge, a tension that made my skin prickle. Each of my footsteps echoed faintly, swallowed by the silence that pressed in from the narrowing walls.
Then, I heard voices.
“Who do you think you are, little girl?”
The voice was gruff, angry, and filled with wrath. It came from deeper in the alley, where the light barely reached. My footsteps slowed as I crept closer, standing just far away enough that they didn’t notice me.
A large, burly man stood with his fists clenched, his body towering over a much smaller figure. His face was twisted with rage, the dim light catching the drawings that snaked up his neck and across his arms.
In front of him stood a girl, barely half his size. She wore a bright yellow raincoat, its hood pulled low over her face, obscuring her eyes. The rain dripped off the edges of the coat, her posture calm and unyielding despite the threatening figure beside her.
“I am a warrior. And your first error was planning on kidnapping my master.”
The man snarled, his eyes narrowing. – “How dare you!”
Without hesitation, he swung a massive fist at her, his intent clear and brutal.
But the girl moved with startling speed. She sidestepped his punch effortlessly, her movements smooth and precise as if she were dancing. The man’s swing carried him forward, his balance faltering for a split second — just enough time for the girl to act.
With a quick, powerful leap, she delivered a spinning kick directly to his jaw.
The impact was deafening in the stillness of the alley. The man’s head snapped back, and he crumpled to the ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut, his body hitting the wet pavement with a dull thud. He lay there, unmoving, as if the blow had shut his brain off entirely.
I stared, wide-eyed, barely daring to breathe.
The girl stood over the unconscious man, lowering her leg with a practiced ease that spoke of experience. Her hooded head tilted slightly, as if checking to ensure he wasn’t waking up. Once satisfied, she smiled — a small, almost imperceptible curve of her lips, but one filled with cold satisfaction.
“Stop!” – I shouted, my voice cutting through the rain-soaked air – “I don’t know who those men are or what they’ve done, but hurting others is wrong! Step away from him, now!”
My heart raced. If she killed someone right in front of me, it would be an unforgivable failure. I was supposed to protect humanity, not stand by while violence unfolded. I couldn’t let this happen.
The girl froze for a moment, as though weighing my words. Then, without hesitation, she leaped back, her movement unnaturally quick and precise. She landed gracefully more than two meters away from the unconscious man, her body poised like a coiled spring.
The jump backwards was enough to pull the hood away from her face, revealing herself.
I stopped short, startled by her appearance. Her pale skin almost seemed to glow in the dim light of the alley, giving her an otherworldly aura. Her blonde hair was tied neatly into a ponytail, strands of it clinging to her face from the rain. But what struck me the most were her eyes — sharp, piercing blue, like polished corundum.
Her gaze locked onto mine, calm yet filled with a strange intensity.
“Now.” – I said, forcing confidence into my voice as I raised my hand, the ember flickering to life in front of my palm. “Fight me! I will show you the power of the First Star and avenge the honor of the citizens you’ve hurt!”
She tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. Then, she scoffed softly, the sound barely audible over the rain.
“Is that so?” – She said, her tone carrying a faint hint of amusement. She turned to face me fully, her movements deliberate and composed. – “Very well. As you order.”
The rain dripped from her raincoat, pooling around her feet as she dropped into a fighting stance. Her body was relaxed, but there was an undeniable precision to her posture, as if she were analyzing every detail of her surroundings.
I took a deep breath, steadying my racing heart. This wasn’t how I expected my first real fight to happen, but I couldn’t back down now. Raising both hands, I braced myself just like father had taught me, the ember flaring slightly as I focused.
The girl smirked faintly, her piercing blue eyes narrowing. With that, she launched herself forward, her speed inhumane. I barely had time to react as she closed the distance between us in a heartbeat.
I swung my hand, releasing a small fireball toward her, but she moved like water, her body twisting and flowing around the attack. The ember sizzled out as the rain swallowed it, leaving me vulnerable.
She closed in, her fist streaking toward me. I managed to sidestep at the last moment, her punch grazing my arm as I stumbled back. Her movements were impossible, her strikes precise and relentless.
“This is what became of Arstria?” – She asked, her voice calm even as she pressed her advantage. – “You’ve become slow. Hesitant. Weak.”
Her words stung, but I gritted my teeth and pushed forward. – “I’m not done yet!” – I shouted, summoning another ember and hurling it toward her.
This time, she didn’t dodge. Instead, she raised her hand, catching the ember as if it were nothing more than a toy. The flame flickered weakly in her grasp before extinguishing entirely.
I froze, my mind racing. How had she done that?
She sighed, shaking her head. “You have potential.” – She said, her tone almost pitying. – “But you’re untrained. Reckless. You’re trying to fight with borrowed strength, not your own.”
“I’m fighting to protect people!” – I shot back, frustration bubbling in my chest. – “That’s what the First Star is supposed to do!”
“Then awake already.”– She said simply.
Before I could respond, she swept her leg towards mine. I tried to dodge, but she was too fast. Her kick connected, sending me sprawling to the wet ground.
I gasped, the impact knocking the warmth out of me. Rain poured down, soaking me as I struggled to push myself up.
She stepped back, crossing her arms as she watched me. – “This fight is over.” – Her tone final.
I clenched my fists, frustration and humiliation burning inside me. – “No, it’s not!” – My voice trembling but defiant. – “I’m not giving up.”
Her expression softened slightly, the faintest hint of respect flickering in her eyes. – “Then get up. And prove it.”
I forced myself to my feet, my legs trembling but refusing to buckle. The ember in front of my palm flickered weakly, small and fragile, but its faint warmth fueled my determination. My eyes locked onto the girl in the raincoat as she ran toward me, her movements like molten metal, aiming for another kick.
“Fire!” – I shouted, thrusting my hand forward.
The ember flared, but no flames erupted. I hadn’t expected it to. The fire was too weak to damage her, but it wasn’t meant to. It was bait — a distraction to catch her off guard.
Her sharp blue eyes widened slightly, and she shifted her body just enough to dodge the nonexistent attack. Seizing the moment of hesitation, I lunged forward, aiming a jab directly at her chest.
For an instant, I thought I had her.
In less than a second, she avoided my punch, her body fluid and effortless. Before I could react, she sprang into the air, twisting her body in an acrobatic flip. Her booted foot came crashing down on my head with the full force of her body weight.
Pain exploded through my skull, a searing, blinding agony that left me stunned. I crumpled to the ground, the wet pavement unforgiving against my body as a loud buzzing echoed in my ears. My vision blurred, the world tilting and spinning as I struggled to process what had just happened. My consciousness wavered, threatening to shut down entirely.
But it didn’t.
The pain was overwhelming, but something deep inside me refused to let go. Gritting my teeth, I forced my eyes open and pushed myself off the ground once more. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, but I stood, my legs shaking under the effort.
I raised my hands, palms open in surrender, my pride beaten out of me by the relentless rain. “I give up.” – I muttered, my voice low and trembling. – “I’m weak.”
The girl stared at me for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to my shock, she began to laugh. The sound was light and unrestrained, as if she’d just heard the funniest thing all day. It echoed through the alley, blending with the steady patter of rain.
“You?” – She said, still chuckling. – “Weak?”
She gestured toward the men lying unconscious on the ground around us, their bodies sprawled like discarded dolls. – “Look around you.” – Her voice carrying an amused edge. – “These men have spent their entire lives fighting to survive. They’ve done horrible deeds, clawed their way into the mafia, and faced death more times than you can imagine. And yet, from just one movement — one — they were completely defeated. No hope of victory. No chance to fight back.”
Her piercing blue eyes turned back to me, and for the first time, her expression softened. – “But you…” she continued, stepping closer. – “You’ve taken more than one attack. You’ve stood up to me, faced me head-on, and even after a kick at my full strength, you’re still alive. Standing. Fighting.”
I blinked, her words cutting through the haze of pain and exhaustion.
“Arstria.” – She said, her tone steady now. – “You’re different. No… we’re different from these measly humans.”
“Different?” I repeated, my voice barely a whisper.
She nodded, her gaze unwavering. – “You’ve felt it, haven’t you? That spark inside you, that ember? Magic isn’t just for flashy attacks or showy spells. It’s what makes us more. It enhances our bodies, sharpens our perception, increases our speed. It’s why we’re not just humans. We’re mages.”
The rain poured harder, the sound of it filling the silence between her words.
“However, that is not the name used in this world… Then, I think the best word would be… We’re stars.”
I stared at her, her words swirling in my mind. Stars. The term felt foreign yet familiar, like it had always been a part of me, waiting to be uncovered.
“But I can barely fight.” – I said, frustration creeping back into my voice. – “I can barely summon fire, and you…” – I gestured to her, my voice faltering. – “You’re on a completely different level.”
She smirked, crossing her arms. “I wasn’t born knowing how to fight, technically in this world I was, but… You’re weak just because this world wants you to take on that role, but you just need to awaken to your full potential.”
I glanced at the unconscious men around us, her words sinking in. I had survived her attacks. I had stood up, even when everything in me screamed to stay down. A faint flicker of hope sparked within me, fragile but real.
She extended a hand toward me, her blue eyes glinting with something I couldn’t quite place. – “Come on. Let’s see how bright you can shine.”
For a moment, I hesitated, staring at her outstretched hand. Slowly, I reached out and took it. Her grip was firm, steady, and as she pulled me to my feet, I felt something shift deep within me — a spark of determination that hadn’t been there before.
But before I could say a word, a deafening roar shattered the moment, an absurdly loud, guttural sound that reverberated deep within my chest like an explosion.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
The sound was so intense, it felt like the air itself was trembling. I turned toward the source, my heart hammering in my chest, just in time to see something massive and grotesque hurtling toward us at an impossible speed.
“What—?!” – I barely had time to react before the blonde girl yanked me to the ground with surprising force.
“Steel!” – She shouted, her voice ringing out like a command.
From the tip of her hand, silvery metal began forming, twisting and reshaping itself into a spear in less than a second. The weapon gleamed faintly in the rain as she spun it with blinding speed, creating a shimmering barrier of spinning steel in front of us.
The creature slammed into the barrier with a force that could have obliterated a train. The impact was deafening, a thunderous crash that sent shockwaves rippling through the alley.
The girl was thrown backward from the force, her spear snapping in two as she hit the ground hard. She coughed violently, blood spilling from her lips as she struggled to sit up. The creature, whatever it was, let out a guttural screech as it was flung backward into the sky, disappearing into the storm clouds above.
“You need to run, Master!” – She shouted hoarsely, her voice breaking.
For a split second, my mind froze, the word master echoing in my thoughts. But then something clicked — an instinct, a primal drive — and I surged forward.
“No way.” – I screamed, scooping her into my arms as though she weighed nothing. – “I’m not leaving you behind.”
Her cheeks reddened in an instant, but she quickly regained her composure. – “Leave me!” – She shouted, weakly pounding her fist against my chest. – “I’m just dead weight now!”
“No chance, mysterious blonde spear girl.” – I shot back, my voice steadier than I felt. – “I can’t leave you behind.”
She groaned in frustration, but her tone softened as she spoke again. – “Fine.” – She said, coughing once more. – “Then listen to me. That thing — it was hurt by my spear. But it’s not down for good. It’ll attack again in about a minute.”
My heart sank. – “Then what do I do? Run to the police?”
“The police?” – She scoffed, managing a weak, humorless laugh. – “The police can’t handle something like that. There’s no military in Sirius City, either. You need to find somewhere underground — now. The metro. That’s the safest place.”
I nodded, glancing around frantically. – “Okay, okay, where’s the metro?!”
Before she could answer, the air was split by another monstrous sound — a long, vibrating roar that sent shivers down my spine.
“MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!”
Her face twisted in alarm. – “It’s no use hiding.” – She added. – “It’s using echolocation to track us. It doesn’t need to see — it knows where we are.”
My stomach turned. The streets around us were empty, desolate in the rain. There was nowhere to hide, no cover, and the creature was closing in.
Her blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.
“You need to keep moving. It’s hurt, which means it’s slower than before. If we can get to the metro, the tunnels will make it harder for it to follow.”
“Which way?” I asked, my voice rising in panic.
“North.” – She said, pointing weakly.
“Two blocks up and one to the right. There’s an entrance near the old bookstore.”
I took off running, her weight still surprisingly light in my arms. My legs burned with effort, my soaked clothes clinging to me as the rain hammered down. The sound of my footsteps splashing through puddles was almost drowned out by the deafening roar of the creature closing in behind us.
It wasn’t just a noise anymore. I could feel it — the sheer presence of the thing, bearing down on us like a tidal wave.
I pushed myself harder, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The streets blurred as I sprinted, my mind focused on one thing: reaching the metro.
As I rounded the final corner, the old bookstore finally came into view. Its faded sign, a relic of a time long past, was barely legible through the downpour. Beside it, a set of stairs descended into the ground — the entrance to the metro. Relief surged through me, my aching legs pushing harder as the blonde girl in my arms weakly pointed toward our goal.
“There!” – She gasped, urgency etched into her voice.
But before we could reach it, the air trembled with another deafening roar. The ground beneath us quaked violently as the massive creature, still shrouded in the torrential rain, hurtled toward the metro entrance with incredible force.
The beast crashed into the ground, the sheer impact collapsing the stairs and the surrounding structure. The metro entrance caved in, massive boulders and debris blocking the only path underground. Dust and rain mixed in the air, creating a choking haze. The beast ascended, its grotesque form circling above us like a predator savoring its prey.
“It… it blocked the entrance!” – I stammered, my voice cracking with fear.
The girl coughed weakly in my arms, her pale face grim. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the beast above as it swam unnaturally through the rain, its massive body rippling like a creature moving through water.
“Why isn’t it attacking us?” I asked, my voice trembling.
She winced, struggling to steady her breathing. – “Because we’re the only ones who can hurt it. Even injured like this, it still thinks I pose a threat.”
I blinked, confused. – “If you’re so dangerous to it, why isn’t it finishing us off?”
“Because it’s cautious.” – She replied, her voice steady despite her exhaustion. – “It knows it’s wounded and can’t afford to gamble on whether I’ll land another strike. That’s the only reason we’re still alive.”
My stomach turned as the beast let out another ear-splitting roar. It descended rapidly — not toward us, but toward a nearby building.
The sound of crashing walls and breaking glass filled the air as the beast tore into the structure. Terrified screams erupted from inside as people scrambled to escape. They didn’t make it. The monster’s massive, gaping maw snapped shut over its victims, devouring them in a single, horrifying motion. Blood sprayed onto the rain-slicked streets, pooling in sickening streams that mixed with the downpour.
It moved to the next building, smashing through it with ruthless efficiency. More screams, more destruction. The creature was relentless, its grotesque form glistening in the rain as it feasted on the city’s inhabitants.
“It’s… it’s killing them.” – I whispered, horror choking my words. – “Why?”
The girl’s expression hardened. – “To heal. These creatures exist to kill humans. Every death makes them stronger — faster, more durable, and in this case, capable of recovering from injuries.”
The beast swam through the air, its movements fluid and unnatural. Despite its size — easily over eighteen meters long — it moved with an eerie grace. Its grotesque body resembled a massive fish, but its true nature defied any simple description. Its most prominent feature was its enormous forehead, which it used like a battering ram to demolish anything in its path.
“That thing… what is it?” – I asked, my voice shaking as I stared at the nightmare above us.
“It’s not just a creature. It’s a manifestation of humanity’s collective fears and myths. The monsters we face — these beasts — are born from the depths of human belief. Legends, myths, stories they tell themselves in the dark… they take form and become real. That’s the law of this world. And this one, is the embodiment of one of humanity’s most ancient terrors.”
She took a shaky breath before continuing.
“Throughout history, humans have believed in the existence of giant sea monsters lurking beneath the waves. They called them leviathans. One of the most famous tales was of a monstrous white whale — a leviathan named Moby Dick. It was inspired by a real-life creature, a sperm whale called Mocha Dick, which terrorized sailors. If that were the case, we wouldn’t stand a chance, however…”
Her gaze locked onto the beast, her tone dark.
“This isn’t a pure mythical creature. It’s something even older, even more primal. Millions of years ago, a creature existed that dwarfed even the greatest predator whales of today. Humans unearthed its fossil and gave it a name — a name that this monster has claimed for itself.”
Grand Beast
Livyatan
The name sent a chill through me. The creature let out another deafening roar as if acknowledging its name. Its massive form crashed into another building, scattering debris and bodies alike. I watched helplessly as it continued its rampage, devouring anything in its path. The air was thick with the smell of blood and rain, the cries of the dying echoing around us.
“Then how did it bypass the barrier?” – I demanded, panic rising in my chest. – “How did it get into the city?”
Her expression darkened.
“The barrier’s strength depends on the belief of the people. Your father’s broadcast… it shook their faith. When he revealed the truth about the barrier’s connection to his life, doubt crept into their hearts. That doubt weakened the barrier, and now these monsters can slip through.”
My legs felt like lead. The weight of her words, the screams around me, and the sight of Livyatan’s relentless slaughter pressed down on me like a physical force. My hands trembled, useless against the chaos unfolding before me.
I wanted to run, to hide, to escape from this nightmare. But as I stood there, paralyzed, I realized something. The people screaming for help, the ones trying desperately to flee — they were counting on someone to save them. And right now, there was no one else.
I looked down at the girl in my arms, her pale face smeared with blood, staining the rain-soaked fabric of my clothes. Her breathing was shallow, her body limp. Every second she stayed like this felt like another step closer to death.
I couldn’t let that happen. She is the only other star I’ve met in my life.
Gritting my teeth, I gently placed her on the ground, the cold pavement soaking through her raincoat. The roar of the creature echoed, a deafening sound that reverberated deep in my brain. It was coming for me. For anyone in this city, even the ones who didn’t have the power to fight back.
I straightened, the weight of responsibility settling heavy on my shoulders. My father was gone — off on one of his mysterious expeditions, and I had no idea when he’d return. Until then, there was no one else.
No one but me.
“I don’t fight to win.” – I whispered, more to myself than to anyone else. – “I don’t fight to protect anyone.”
My fists clenched as I stepped forward, walking towards the approaching beast.
“I fight because there is no one else who can take my place. That’s what I am.”
The air crackled with tension as the creature emerged fully from the sky. It was massive, a monstrous primal beast that swam through the air as if it were water. Its sleek, white body shimmered faintly in the dim light, its jaws lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth that seemed endless.
It let out another guttural roar, the sound shaking the buildings. My knees threatened to buckle, but I forced myself to stay standing.
The creature’s glowing blue eyes locked onto me, narrowing as if in recognition. Then, with terrifying speed, it rushed toward me, its enormous body cutting through the air like a blade. My heart pounded in my chest, but I didn’t move.
“If I don’t act now.” – I muttered. – “It’ll kill everyone in the city. And I can’t stand by and watch.”
The ember flickered weakly in front of my palm, its light feeble against the overwhelming presence of the beast.
“Fire!” – I screamed, thrusting my hand forward, willing the flame to become something — anything — that could make a difference.
But the fire remained small, no more than a flicker. A joke in the face of such a colossal threat. The creature’s jaws opened wide as it bore down on me, a terrifying maw filled with darkness and death. I braced myself, expecting to feel its teeth sink into me, to be swallowed whole in an instant.
But it didn’t happen. The beast swerved at the last moment, its massive body rushing past me. The air pressure alone knocked me off balance, sending me stumbling back.
“No…” – I breathed, spinning around to see where it was going.
The creature’s glowing eyes were fixed on the girl. She lay there, too weak to move, but her lips curled into a faint smile.
“I’ll see you later.” – She mouthed silently, her voice lost in the chaos.
And then, the creature’s jaws closed around her.
“No!” – I screamed, my voice tearing from my throat as the world seemed to collapse around me.
Awaken
Deep within my soul, I felt it — a gate. It stood tall and imposing, locked tight by an unyielding force. A trickle of mana seeped through a small keyhole, enough to only sustain the ember I could summon. I had always known it was there, but no matter how hard I had pulled, no matter how desperately I had tried, the gate wouldn’t budge.
Until now.
I wasn’t going to pull at the handle anymore. I wasn’t going to beg for it to open.
With the small ember flickering in my palm, I made my decision.
I would burn it down.
The ember flared as I pressed it against the gate, feeding it every ounce of my willpower. The wood caught fire, the flames spreading rapidly, consuming the intricate carvings and iron bindings. The heat intensified, the fire growing hungrier as it devoured the gate piece by piece.
The roar of the flames drowned out everything else. My body trembled, consumed by the sheer intensity of the fire. It wasn’t just burning the gate — it was burning me. Every part of my being was engulfed in the inferno, the heat searing through my soul.
But I didn’t stop.
The gate cracked and splintered, its remnants crashing down in a cascade of ash and embers. And with it came a surge of power unlike anything I had ever felt before.
Mana flooded through me, unrestrained and overwhelming. It coursed through my veins like liquid fire, igniting every cell in my body. My vision blurred, the world around me bathed in a blinding, golden light.
----------------------------------------
“I’ll see you later,” I whispered, my voice cracking as I prepared to meet my end. The Livyatan’s massive jaws opened wide, rows of jagged teeth glinting in the dim light under the rain. It was going to eat me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
A part of me considered taking the creature down with me, sacrificing myself to give her a chance. But another part — a quieter, stubborn part — refused. There was a chance, however small, that Arstria could do something. A sliver of hope, less than ten percent, but enough to keep me holding on.
Because when it came to Arstria, she was the one person in this world where the word impossible simply didn’t apply.
The Livyatan’s jaws began to close, the shadow of its maw engulfing me. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw it — a spark of light, small at first, but growing brighter and fiercer with each passing second.
Arstria.
From over ten meters away, she raised one hand, summoning a flame that burned brighter than anything she did before. The fire didn’t just ignite — it exploded, propelling her forward with a force that sent shockwaves through the air.
She flew like a rocket, moving faster than anything humanly possible, a blur of heat and motion. The flames trailing behind her roared with such intensity that the windows of the nearby building all reflected her light.
Just as the Livyatan’s jaws began to close around me, she reached me. In a single, fluid motion, she grabbed me, her hand burning hot even through the rain-soaked fabric of my coat.
With a strength that defied her small frame, she yanked me out of the creature’s path and leaped back. The Livyatan’s jaws snapped shut on empty air, crashing into the concrete floor with a force that sent chunks of debris flying in every direction.
The ground shook beneath us as the beast thrashed, its frustration evident in every guttural roar.
I could only stare at her, utterly stunned. This wasn’t the Arstria I had seen moments ago.
Magic users, I knew, were born unable to access their mana. To use magic, one needed to arrange mana in an orderly way, channeling it through their affinity to create spells. Before awakening, mana was chaotic, untamed, and unusable.
Awakening was the process of gathering that chaotic energy into a single spot, forming a mana core. During that brief process, the universe hadn’t yet recognized the new magic user, leaving them unbound by its rules. It was a fleeting moment of limitless power.
But Arstria was different.
She was born into this world with a mana core already formed, something only possible in this place. And yet, her mana had been sealed, locked away behind an impenetrable gate imposed by forces beyond comprehension. By all logic, she shouldn’t have been able to use magic at all. I was surprised when I saw her using magic, she really is something else, a prodigy even.
The power of her old self surged forth, a force so overwhelming that it consumed her entirely. Her consciousness, her thoughts, her very identity seemed to vanish in the blaze of energy. What remained was pure instinct — a primal version of her, unshackled by doubt or restraint.
And yet, even in this state, her actions spoke volumes. Her training, her relentless drive to protect, had etched itself so deeply into her being that even now, guided only by instinct, she moved to save others.
She shot herself again, carrying me to over fifty meters away from the beast, then let me on the floor with gentle hands., her touch surprisingly tender despite the inferno raging around her. I could feel the heat radiating from her, oppressive and suffocating, but I couldn’t look away.
She rose to her full height, turning to face the monstrous Livyatan. The beast loomed before her, its massive form casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the dim light of the clouded sun.
Her eyes, once filled with determination and doubt, were entirely red — glowing with an intensity that seemed otherworldly. Even the sclera had turned crimson, giving her an almost demonic appearance. Her hair, once a soft salmon pink, had transformed into a deep, vibrant crimson, each strand flickering like a tongue of flame in the still air.
Rain, which had been pouring relentlessly until now, dared not touch her. The droplets that fell within a meter of her evaporated instantly, turning to steam before they could even graze her skin. The very air around her shimmered with heat, distorting her form like a mirage.
No, it wasn’t just the rain. The puddles on the floor hissed and evaporated as she stepped forward, leaving a trail of scorched concrete in her wake. Her mana burned so brightly, so fiercely, that the environment itself seemed to recoil from her presence.
"Grand Beast," I called out, my voice cutting through the oppressive heat and tension in the air. "Do you know the difference between you and me?"
The creature growled, its massive form shifting uneasily as if it understood my words. Its glowing blue eyes locked onto my own blue eyes, burning with primal aggression.
"You were cautious." – I continued, my tone unwavering. – “You waited, calculated, only striking when you were sure you wouldn't be in danger."
"But I am different. I've gambled everything on Arstria. Everything. Because for us — maniacs — there is no retreat, no safety net.
There is only forward.”
----------------------------------------
The beast hesitated for only two seconds, then surged toward me like a missile, its massive bulk tearing through the air with a roar that could split the heavens. It was a terrifying sight — a living embodiment of destruction, all sinew and rage, barreling toward me with singular purpose.
But as it drew closer, I noticed something.
It was too slow. Much too slow.
My heart steadied, my fear replaced by a growing sense of clarity. Fire. I didn’t need to shout the word, didn’t need to summon it like some foreign power. It was my essence. It was who I was. I was born of fire — a star, destined to burn.
With a flick of my hands, the fire answered my call, roaring to life in twin spheres of blazing energy that hovered in front of my palms. Without hesitation, I thrust my arms forward, launching them like projectiles. The fireballs streaked through the rain-soaked air and collided with the Livyatan. Each impact sent shockwaves rippling through the storm, the explosions tearing chunks of skin from the beast’s monstrous form.
Still, it persisted.
Its hide was tougher than I’d expected, the damage superficial. It let out another thunderous roar, a guttural bellow of defiance as it lunged for me, its jaws gaping wide to crush me in a single, decisive strike.
But I was faster.
Flames ignited close to the floor, and I shot into the air like a rocket, narrowly avoiding its snapping teeth. Twisting in midair, I hurled another fireball at its face, the explosion forcing it back as I gained more altitude. It snarled in frustration, its grotesque form twisting through the storm as it tried to predict my next move.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!”
Suddenly, the beast let out a sharp, resonating cry, its echolocation piercing through the chaos. The sound drilled into my skull, shattering my concentration and leaving my head pounding. The rain intensified, each droplet now falling like bullets, and the Livyatan’s movements grew impossibly fast.
I could barely track it as it began circling me, its immense body creating a cyclone of water and wind. Buildings around us crumbled like sandcastles beneath the weight of its onslaught, their remains sucked into the spiraling vortex. The air turned into a howling tempest, and I realized too late that I was at the center of a growing storm.
The Livyatan had created a hurricane.
My body tensed as I watched its chaotic dance, the massive beast circling with ever-increasing speed. The water closed in, tightening around me, debris and rubble spinning in deadly orbits. If I had stayed where I was, I’d be crushed. There was only one option.
Upwards.
I ignited the flames beneath me again, propelling myself upward. The winds tore at my body, threatening to pull me back into the vortex, but I pushed harder, fire roaring in defiance as I climbed higher and higher.
As I ascended, the beast followed. It emerged from the tornado’s outer walls like a torpedo, its monstrous form surging upward in a final, desperate attack. Its gaping maw glistened with rain and blood, ready to devour me whole.
Fireballs erupted from my hands in rapid succession, each one colliding with the Livyatan’s face. The explosions slowed its advance but didn’t stop it. The rain smothered the flames almost as quickly as they appeared, and I could feel my energy waning.
Still, I didn’t stop.
Before I knew it, I was high above the city, the storm stretching out below me like a living thing. For the first time, I could see the entirety of Sirius City. The golden tower gleamed faintly in the distance, a beacon amidst the chaos. The streets and buildings below were battered but resilient, the last bastion of humanity still holding strong.
“This is what I’m fighting for.” — I whispered, the words anchoring me.
I turned to face the Livyatan as it climbed toward me, its body leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. A strange calm settled over me as I realized something.
“What were you expecting, bringing me to the sky?” – I called out, my voice steady and strong. - “I am a star. This is where I belong.”
At that moment, as the Livyatan surged toward me, its monstrous form cutting through the storm, I realized something profound. This wasn’t just another fight; this was my trial. The universe had chosen this opponent for me — a beast born of water, its ultimate move a raging tornado. And yet, I was fire, a force of nature diametrically opposed to it. If its power was a tempest, then so would mine be.
From the palms of my hands, fire began to bloom, hotter and fiercer than ever before. Flames danced wildly, their chaotic energy straining against me, begging for release. Fire was unlike other elements — it couldn’t be contained or controlled in stillness. It demanded movement, a relentless hunger for change and motion. If I accumulated much of it in the same place, it would explode in my hands. Yet in this moment, I had an idea — a way to harness its power without letting it burn me to ash.
What if, instead of fighting its nature, I embraced it?
I closed my eyes, steadying my breath despite the chaos swirling around me. I could feel the Livyatan’s storm pressing in, the pressure building as it prepared to crush me. But I focused inward, on the flames within my hands. I willed them to move — not in a straight line, but in a spiral.
A flicker of heat responded, then roared to life. The flames spun faster and faster, pulling the air around them into a violent vortex. They twisted and coiled, forming two fiery tornadoes, each a raging column of heat and destruction. The power surged through me, a force so immense I felt as though I might shatter under its weight.
But I didn’t.
“Empty everything.” – I whispered to myself, a quiet promise to the fire that demanded release.
I thrust my hands forward, aiming the tornadoes downward toward the Livyatan. As they shot forth, the two spirals twisted together, merging into a single, colossal inferno. The twin tornadoes rotated in opposite directions, creating a force so powerful it tore through the very fabric of the storm. The rain evaporated in an instant, the air itself igniting as the fiery maelstrom carved a path straight toward the beast.
When a massive star reaches the end of its life, it can no longer contain the immense power within itself. Its core collapses under its own gravity, the pressure ignites one final, cataclysmic explosion — its ultimate act of defiance against the inevitable. This was my moment, my transformation. I was fire incarnate, a star in human form, and I would not burn out quietly.
“Ultimate Magic”
“ARS NOVA”
The words erupted from the depths of my soul, carried by the roar of the storm and the fury of my power. From my hands surged twin infernos, spinning and twisting as they fused into a single, colossal tornado of fire. The vortex grew with terrifying speed, its heat so intense that the rain evaporated before it could even touch the flames.
The Livyatan roared in response, its guttural bellow echoing across the city. It lunged toward me, its massive form twisting through the air like a serpent in water. But the firestorm met it head-on, engulfing the beast in a torrent of flames so fierce that the very sky seemed to split apart.
The inferno tore through everything, reaching the ground below in a towering column of destruction. Buildings crumbled into molten rubble, streets cracked and blackened, and anything caught in its path — living or otherwise — was reduced to ash. The Livyatan’s body writhed and thrashed within the vortex, its watery essence evaporating in plumes of steam.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!”
The monster’s roar of defiance became a scream of agony, then a whimper, and finally, silence. Its immense form disintegrated, its once-mighty body reduced to nothing but cinders and vapor. The Livyatan, born of humanity’s ancient fears, had been unmade.
The firestorm raged on for moments that felt like an eternity, the sheer magnitude of its power defying comprehension. When it finally began to fade, the world around me was unrecognizable. The streets of Sirius City lay in ruins, their surfaces melted and warped from the heat. Buildings were gone, replaced by smoldering craters. The people who hadn’t escaped in time… they hadn’t stood a chance.
A trail of destruction cut through the entire city, more than 20% of it was lost to the flames.
I stared at the destruction below, my heart heavy with the weight of what I’d done. The Livyatan was gone, but the cost of victory was unimaginable. The firestorm had consumed too much, sparing nothing in its relentless hunger.
As the last embers flickered out, the exhaustion hit me like a tidal wave. My body felt impossibly heavy, my limbs trembling from the strain of unleashing such overwhelming power. The flames that had propelled me into the sky were gone, and I began to fall.
The wind rushed past me, cold and biting, as I plummeted toward the earth. My vision blurred, the city below becoming a hazy smear of light and shadow. Memories flashed through my mind — of my father’s words, of the golden tower, of the people I had sworn to protect.
“When I found you.” – His voice echoed faintly in my mind. – “You fell from the sky.”
And now, it seemed, I would fall again.
I closed my eyes, the weight of my failure crushing me as much as the pull of gravity. But just as the darkness began to take me, a faint warmth stirred within me — a flicker of light in the void.
It wasn’t much, just a fragile ember. But it was enough.
My consciousness dimmed, my body surrendering to the pull of the earth. As the world faded around me, I could feel that faint spark deep inside. It was a reminder of who I was, of what I was—a star, born to burn, and destined to rise again.
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As Nanfaz sat transfixed by the glowing screen, her face mirrored the storm of emotions that played across the final moments of The First Star. Her wide-eyed disbelief, the furrowing of her brows, and the silent parting of her lips — it was almost better than the episode itself.
I had seen this finale before, of course. The first time had left me just as shell-shocked. That climactic moment when Arstria's ember turned into an unstoppable inferno, her ultimate attack scorching both the monstrous Livyatan and the very fabric of my expectations, had set my mind ablaze for days afterward. Watching Nanfaz experience it for the first time was like reliving it all over again.
When the screen cut to black and the credits rolled, Nanfaz remained frozen, her hands clenching the edges of the couch like it might fly away. A long pause hung in the air before she turned to me, her mouth opening and closing as though words had abandoned her.
“You okay?” – I teased, smirking.
She finally found her voice.
“WHAT WAS THAT?! How can they end it like that? Arstria just — she — I don’t even —”
She waved her hands around like they might articulate what her words could not.
“And the city... it’s gone, Elewp! She saved it, but also... didn’t?”
I shrugged, leaning back into the cushions, enjoying her existential unraveling a little too much.
“Welcome to the world of The First Star.” – I said. – “It’s always a question of sacrifice. She’s a star, after all—brilliant, but not without consequences.”
“But... but the people!” – She stammered, turning back to the screen, as though willing the next episode to materialize and resolve her turmoil. – “How can anyone expect her to carry that burden? And her dad just left her like that? I hate him!”
I chuckled, shaking my head. – “Yup, that’s Sirius for you. A dad who’s half-inspiration, half-deadbeat.”
She threw a pillow at me, and I barely ducked in time. – “How can you be so calm? That ending! Arstria finally awakens and destroys Livyatan, but the city — she’s supposed to protect them!”
“And she did.” – I pointed out, tapping my temple. – “Just not in the way anyone wanted. It’s complicated, Nanfaz. That’s the beauty of it. She’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her so... human. Well, sort of.”
Nanfaz groaned, burying her face in her hands. – “I don’t even know if I’m mad or sad or just... in awe. How do you deal with this?”
“It’s simple.” – I replied with a sly grin. – “You watch episode 2.”
Her head snapped up. “There’s an episode 2?”
Her indignant shriek echoed through the house. I laughed, savoring the sweet taste of dramatic vengeance. If nothing else, The First Star was great for shaking up the world of my relentless, overly eager housemate.
On that day, we binged through the entirety of The First Star, devouring both the first and second seasons like they were a feast prepared just for us. For hours, we sat riveted to the screen, sharing gasps and cheers as Arstria faced impossible odds, triumphing through sheer grit, heart, and unyielding determination. We lived every battle alongside her, felt every heartbreak, and burned with her fiery resolve. The story pulled us into its orbit, leaving us powerless to do anything but let its brilliance wash over us.
When the final episode ended, there was no immediate applause, no rush to dissect what we had just witnessed. Instead, there was only silence, thick with the weight of unresolved tension. The credits rolled, accompanied by the haunting melody of the closing theme, but neither of us moved or spoke. The screen eventually went dark, leaving a void that even our shared awe couldn’t fill.
We had reached the end of Arstria’s journey — or at least, the end of what the creators had given us. The show had been canceled after its second season, and the questions it left unanswered haunted us as much as its unforgettable battles and stunning character arcs. Would Arstria truly rise to become the protector humanity needed? What awaited her in the battle against the even greater threats hinted at in those tantalizing final scenes? And perhaps the most painful question of all: why did the series have to stop here, when it felt like it had so much more to give?
I glanced at Nanfaz, who sat motionless, her eyes still fixed on the darkened screen as though willing it to come back to life. Her expression was a kaleidoscope of emotions: wonder, frustration, and a deep yearning for something that could never be. I knew the feeling all too well.
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A cloaked figure approached the gates of the school in Procyon Town under the cover of night. The soft glow of the moonlight revealed little of the figure’s identity, save for her small stature and deliberate movements. Her voice, tinged with impatience and curiosity, broke the stillness of the air.
“To think another human settlement still exists. And he said there’s a molecular cloud here?!”
The tone of her words revealed her to be a girl not older than ten. Clutched tightly in her hands was a peculiar tablet, its screen displaying a static zero that refused to budge.
“Clouds usually take the form of children.” – She muttered, her voice laced with quiet frustration. – “If they haven’t awakened yet, they’ll blend in with humans. But if they’ve started using mana — even unknowingly — there should be traces of residual energy wherever they’ve been.”
She scanned the ornate gate with a swift motion of the tablet, its screen remaining stubbornly blank. Without hesitation, she slipped inside, her soft footfalls barely disturbing the silence as she made her way through the empty hallways of the school. Her eyes flicked toward each classroom, her determination evident as she swept every corner for signs of mana.
But something soon caught her attention, halting her in her tracks. Her gaze locked onto a massive statue standing in the center of the courtyard, its form unmistakably that of a Grand Beast. The imposing figure loomed over its surroundings, its huge features carved in meticulous detail. She studied it, her brow furrowing.
“A Grand Beast?” – She whispered, her voice barely audible. – “Out here in the open? And it’s… not moving. What kind of strange town is this?”
Despite her intrigue, she quickly refocused on her task, scanning every inch of the school with growing urgency. Hallways, stairwells, even forgotten storage rooms — she left no place untouched. Yet, as her search continued, the screen of her tablet remained unyielding, offering no sign of the mana she sought.
“Not even a sliver.” – She groaned, her frustration finally boiling over. She yanked the hood from her head in exasperation, revealing strands of salmon-colored hair that shimmered faintly in the dim light. Her sharp red eyes glinted with resolve as she clenched the tablet tighter.
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