The hall still shimmered with golden starlight as the echoes of the Celestial Vow faded. Staryo and Aru stood at the center of the grand ceremonial arena, their hands still lightly intertwined, their heartbeats quietly steadying after the moment that slightly altered both fate and destiny.
Around them, nobles, clan heads, academy elders, and genius disciples whispered among themselves—voices filled with awe, jealousy, admiration, and burning curiosity.
Even the Celestial Flame Orb, floating above, seemed calmer now—like it acknowledged something had changed.
Aru's cheeks still held a soft pink hue, her eyes lowered in a rare display of shyness. The daughter of the Flame Sovereign, embarrassed. Many watchers never imagined they'd witness such a sight.
Staryo, meanwhile, stood steady… but inside, a storm churned.
His heart was loud.
His breath slightly heavy.
The Trial of Emotions had not fully faded.
But his gaze on Aru was gentle—controlled—chosen.
---
The Ceremony Continues
Flame Sovereign Arugal stepped forward again, raising his hand.
The hall fell silent instantly.
> Arugal: "Now begins the Binding of Rings — the symbol of recognition, respect, and shared destiny."
Two attendants approached with velvet trays, each carrying a ring.
Aru's Ring for Staryo:
A band of deep stellar black, forged from Star-Night Silver, laced with threads of radiant gold flame. It pulsed faintly—like a heartbeat.
Staryo's Ring for Aru:
A crystalline ring formed from Moon-Frost Glass, glowing softly with silver-blue starlight—gentle, pure, unwavering.
Aru inhaled softly. Staryo raised her hand with care.
Before placing the ring, Staryo spoke—not loud, but every person heard.
> Staryo (soft, steady):
"I stand here, not because fate chose me… but because I chose to stand.
To walk beside you, Aru."
A warmth bloomed in Aru's chest. She met his eyes.
> Aru (quiet, sincere):
"And I… chose you long before I understood why."
Soft gasps.
Whispers.
Kaelith clenched his jaw, face tight.
His team behind him mirrored various looks—anger, disbelief, envy.
Staryo slid the ring onto Aru's ring finger—the left hand, symbol of shared heartbeat.
Light flowed.
A gentle, warm pulse.
Like stars humming.
Aru placed the ring on Staryo's finger.
Flame bloomed around them but did not burn.
It danced.
It blessed.
The Celestial Flame Orb descended slightly—its fire bowing to them.
> Arugal:
"From this day forth, Staryo and Aru are bound in vow and recognition.
Their cultivation, trials, and future shall reflect this connection."
Thunderous applause erupted.
But beneath it, hidden currents stirred.
---
Private Moment — Just Them
After the ceremony, while music and celebration continued, Staryo and Aru stood near a quiet balcony, overlooking the academy gardens.
Moonlight traced Aru's hair with silver fire.
> Aru: "Do you feel… alright? After the Trials?"
Staryo exhaled slowly.
> Staryo: "I will. I just need time… to settle the flames and shadows both."
Aru nodded.
Then she smiled softly—small, genuine.
> Aru: "Then, I'll wait. Walk beside you. Like you said."
Staryo felt something shift—quiet, warm, steady as starlight.
He wasn't alone anymore.
---
BUT…
Behind a distant pillar, someone watched.
Not Kaelith.
Not from the academy.
Something else.
Someone connected to Staryo's forgotten past.
A faint whisper rode the wind:
> "So… you're really alive… my other half."
Their eyes gleamed with a familiar, yet colder, celestial glow.
---
The mysterious observer appears.
We learn Staryo's origin is not singular — his power has a mirrored source.
The academy will announce The Continental Youth Tournament, attracting ancient clans.
Kaelith's hatred deepens into obsession.
Aru and Staryo begin dual cultivation synchronization training (emotional + spiritual balance).
Staryo will face the reflection of what he could become — if he loses control.
---