★26
THIRD POV
Back on Star Island, Asteri and Shinn walked through the bustling island, their eyes catching Atlas at the training grounds, instructing a group of elves in disciplined combat techniques.
They paused at the edge, silently observing the fluidity and precision in his movements.
"Can he really train all of them alone?" Shinn asked, a hint of concern in his voice as he watched the fifteen elves, both male and female struggle and adapt to the rigorous drills.
Asteri's gaze followed each trainee, analyzing their form and progress.
"Atlas is strong; he can manage it. But it'll take time before they're all proficient. Fifteen in total… You're thinking what I'm thinking?"
Before Shinn could respond, a familiar shadow appeared. As if summoned by the unspoken plan, Eto arrived on the scene, his presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. The silent agreement between the three set the stage for a collaborative training effort.
"What is it?"
He appeared as if expecting the call.
"Atlas, do you need extra hands?"
Despite the physical distance separating them, Asteri didn't need to shout. His voice carried effortlessly, calm and measured, yet it reached Atlas with perfect clarity, as though he were standing right beside him.
Atlas paused mid-motion, his eyes narrowing in focus, fully aware that Asteri's words weren't ordinary sound, they carried authority and presence that transcended distance.
"I'm good, Young Master. I can take them all."
"I'd like Eto to join you if you want."
"If that's what you wish, then he's welcome."
"You heard him."
"But that's now what I wish."
He protested, but no one listened to him. He sighs.
"What a drag."
Eto jumped to the training ground.
"Lord Atlas, pass me some troops."
He requested, beckoning with his hand.
"Eight of you join him."
He issued his command, and without hesitation, they obeyed. The seven moved with precise synchronization, parting from the group to position themselves directly before Eto. Each of them stood poised and alert, their expressions focused and ready, silently awaiting his next order.
"What art do you want to learn? Teleportation, Space Time manipulation, Gravity..."
Hearing this, Shinn freaked out and intervened.
"Hold on, Eto... they're not like us. Just teach them some basic elemental magic first."
"Oh… okay. Then I want each of you to tell me your name and the element you specialize in. I'll help you master them to the fullest."
"Natsu, fire is my specialty."
"My name is Asuka, and I control wind."
"Daiki, water."
"Ito, fire."
He added casually, ignoring the others' surprised glances.
"Masashi, wind."
"Gaara, earth."
"Raiden, lightning."
"Lina, I'll make it freeze."
"Alright, that's quite the variety. Two fire users, huh? I'll divide you into teams. Natsu, Gaara, Asuka, and Masashi, take the right side. The rest, you're on the left."
Following his instructions, they quickly split into two teams of four, each group aligning themselves and preparing for the training ahead.
"Impressive, he has figured out their counter elements and paired them."
Shinn observed.
"He's learning from you, Shinn."
"I...I guess."
"Atlas, what's on your side?"
"Bunch of archers"
"Well, you guys will learn swordplay and archery, too. That way you'll be experienced in both magic and skills."
As I'd heard he forgot something, he added
"I mean elements, Lord Atlas."
"I have seven pupils: Yasu, wind; Toshiro, ice; Arisa, fire; Freya, wind; Sailor, water; Seiji, lightning; and Nori, earth."
He stated their names and elements clearly, each reflecting their natural affinity and strength in battle.
"Ah, almost the same, ok. Good luck then."
"You too, Eto san."
"So, how do you want the training to be? All elements in a day or each day for an element?"
Eto looked at them, waiting. One by one, they all responded in unison.
"A day for each element!"
A sly smile appeared on his face.
"I knew you'd choose that. That's exactly why we'll train all elements in a single day."
The realization hit them at once, and a chorus of gasps filled the air.
"Come on, I should be the one to complain. Besides, I won't only teach you magic but also battle experiences and enhancement too. I want you to be perfect so that whenever we aren't around, you can take care of the island, ok?"
"Y... yes."
"Well, try our best."
"Good, I'll be taking it easy on you guys, though. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are magic training days. Tuesdays and Thursdays, sword and archery, the last two days we will be learning stuff. Don't worry, one hour for each element that's 8 am to 1 am, then you'll take a one-hour break. Well, continue from 3 pm to 5 pm with a little one-on-one. How's that?"
"Amazing."
"Suits well."
"It's perfect."
"Good, I'm glad you all liked it. Let's start. Lucky for me, I can use all of them. Lighting is the hardest, followed by fire, ice, water, wind, and earth."
"W... why is Lighting and Ice the hardest?"
The shy Asuka asked a question that the others had in mind.
"That's a good question, Asuka. One reason is that you have to improvise elements with your magic, unlike others who can simply manipulate what's already around them. Don't get me wrong, when it's raining or snowing, Raiden or Lina can manipulate those elements too.
Additionally, cloaking oneself in ice and lightning is possible, but extremely dangerous. If Raiden does it, he can move at noticing less than lightning speed. Lina, on the other hand, could potentially control the weather if she masters ice magic, freezing anything instantly."
They were astonished, having never seen or even heard of anyone using elements like that. But in the presence of a Star, it was practically effortless.
"Yes. But it won't be easy as you'll have to break your current limits to achieve some of these feats. Don't worry, I'll guide you all step by step. Come, Raiden, let's begin."
He gestures with his fingers for him to approach. The training ground responded to his moves, and it expanded.
"O... ok, Sensei."
"Looks like I'll adapt to your rules too, Eto san."
Atlas, who was listening, seemed interested in how Eto was handling his students and wanted to adopt the same routine.
"Lord Atlas, don't blame me if your pupils can't handle it."
"I won't."
As Atlas and his students continued training.
Asteri and Shinn continued along the path, eventually reaching the edge of the training grounds. Their eyes fell on the children, who were completely captivated by the ongoing drills and displays of magic. One of the younger kids, barely able to contain their excitement, called out:
"Asteri, I want to learn how to fight too!"
Another, bouncing on their heels with enthusiasm, added,
"Me too! Me too! I want to be strong like Ban!"
And thrust a tiny fist forward, brimming with determination. The energy and eagerness of the children were palpable, their eyes shining with admiration and the desire to grow stronger.
"Yami is stronger."
Issei interjected, supporting Asteri's earlier praise of the clones' abilities, his tone confident.
"You haven't seen Sai-san in action, kids!" Ryota shot back, puffing up with pride.
Immediately, the children erupted into a lively debate, voices overlapping as each insisted on who they believed to be the strongest. Laughter, shouts, and playful bickering filled the air, their competitive energy blending with excitement and admiration for the powerful figures around them.
"I can't allow that. You're all too young."
Asteri intervened, cutting through the chaos. The children fell silent, their frustrated murmurs filling the brief pause.
Noticing their restless energy, he softened his tone and added.
"But hey, a piece of advice. You should be keeping an eye on them so that you will not have too much trouble when your time comes."
"Ok!"
They all responded, their voices fading as their eyes were drawn to the rigorous training happening on the ground before them.
For a moment, the usual clamor and chaos of the children seemed to vanish, replaced by a serene focus that Asteri rarely witnessed outside of battle or strategy sessions.
Observing this rare calm, a subtle, genuine smile spread across his face, something even Shinn, attuned to Asteri's existence, hadn't seen.
"Wow, first genuine smile. What are you currently feeling, Master?"
Shinn asked, his tone curious yet respectful, his gaze studying Asteri intently.
Even as a clone, Shinn could sense the nuanced changes in Asteri's expressions, and this fleeting warmth on his usually composed face hinted at a shift, a rare glimpse into the deeper, softer layers of the Master's mind.
"I'm feeling this warmth in my heart. Seeing the children having fun together, discarding their tragic past makes me feel at ease. I..I'm happy."
"Nnnnoted."
Shinn replied, stretching the word deliberately as he scribbled down every detail Asteri had mentioned.
Asteri shook his head slightly, a faint sigh escaping him at Shinn's unrelenting seriousness.
As they stepped out of the small community, the landscape opened up into rolling plains dotted with forests, and there, ahead of them, they saw Annie, Elfaria, and a handful of elves leisurely exploring the lands. The sight brought a subtle ease to Asteri's shoulders; the group moved with a natural grace, curiosity and caution blending as they surveyed the surroundings.
The interplay between the humans and elves highlighted the fragile harmony of Star Island's outskirts, a rare moment of quiet before the demands of training, missions, and leadership would inevitably call them back into action.
They all lowered themselves in a synchronized bow, the gesture a mix of respect and acknowledgment.
"Your Highness."
Asteri's gaze softened slightly, a rare warmth flickering in his golden eyes.
"With time, I'll stop complaining and let you do as you please."
He said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of authority.
"So what are you guys doing here?"
Shinn asked.
"Some elves are farmers. Annie and I decided to explore before informing you. Some of them are farmers and want to contribute to the island."
"You decide, Queen of Land. It's fine with me."
He practically dumped this title on her to keep her occupied. Elafria was embarrassed when she was addressed by that title. Unable to answer, Annie spoke up.
"Really?"
"Why not? This'll benefit us all, don't you think?"
"O... yes, you're right. Thank you, my Lord."
"Sure. Farming needs seedlings, right? I don't want to use magic to make them."
"We already have that, your majesty."
"Good, I leave the rest to you. Let's go, Shinn."
With nothing more to talk about, they moved on.
"Yes, sir."
They walked all the way to the edge of the island.
"If this land isn't enough, I'll use magic to expand it."
"That is the best choice. I was thinking about some arena on the sea but.."
"Arena? I saw that future, too. A competition, right?"
Shinn, who had the same memory, added.
"Yeah."
"I don't know how, but you can tap into the memories of others, maybe mine too."
"It's all because you will do it, Great One."
It was a fact, but each clone held a specific power of its own in response to Antares.
Asteri went over alone after noticing Hinamatsuri sitting down and staring out at the sea.
"Hey, Hina, you've been here all the time."
"A...Asteri san....yes."
He sat down next to her, both of them taking in the limitless expanse of azure ocean.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"The concept of beauty holds a different definition in people's hearts. Maybe this is one of them."
"...months ago I never thought I'd be living such a life."
"Me neither. Had it been, I would have accepted Guy's offer. I wouldn't have met you guys."
"So, you don't regret it?"
"No doubt his method wasn't an easy one, but I'd like to build everything on my own."
"You're right. It's better to do it yourself sometimes even though you can get help."
"Of course. Up front is his domain, you know. I bet he doesn't even know I'm progressing this much. I want to surprise him."
"Surprise him? How?"
"Walpurgis will be held, and I'll be a new Demon Lord. I'll keep it low-key so he won't detect it. But Guy is a shady Demon. I won't be surprised if some of the elves are Demon in disguise."
Asteri chuckled a bit.
"Can't you tell?"
"I can. Even if it's true, I'll let them be. As long as he's not interfering with my plans."
"I see. Um... I've been thinking."
'About what?"
"Yesterday night."
Asteri's eyes widen, not expecting her to bring it up
"Ah, I went out of line, didn't I? Apologies."
"N... no, it's not that. I think I have...."
"There you are, I've been looking for you.."
It was Sasha who interrupted this time. She had laboured breathing, indicating she had run all the way here
"Yo Asteri...oh, did I do something bad?"
It was too late.
(Of course you did.)
"What is it, Sasha?"
"Nothing, I was just looking for you."
<
<
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She was trying to play games just like the other day, but Asteri was pretty absorbed in this moment.
"I just wanted you...."
Sasha flinched at Elaine's sudden appearance in front of her.
"Oh hey, Sasha chan, I'd like you to come help me with something."
"E...Elaine sama? What is it?"
"Something important back in the palace, let's go, please."
She grabbed her hand and pulled her along, vanishing in an instant.
"See you later, guys!"
Sasha called out, her voice fading just before the last moment.
"Sasha is troublesome, isn't she?"
"No doubt."
"Are you ok?"
I don't want to pressure her, that's why I have to change the topic.
<
The voice in his head was surprised, but Asteri was long gone.
"Y....yes, I'm good. Thank you."
<
<
This message was delivered directly to Antares, but they (Antares and Asteri) both ignored Entares' complaint.
"You are concerned about what Lady Elara said, right? Well, I am too. I enjoy my life here with you, but what if it changes who I am?"
He asked himself, his gaze now directed upwards.
"Well, I don't care."
"You'll get punished if that happens."
"There's a way to escape that."
"Really?"
Surprised and curious, may this 'way' change everything
"Lemme tell you a story of a Star.
In short, it had fallen from Grace, stripped of all Divinity by a curse. Once a Star loses its Divinity, there's no turning back. It is what defines who we are. It's one of the reasons we are called Supreme Beings.
For context, the average Divinity Points of a Seraph created by the Grand Lord is over twenty million. At home, that is merely the minimum for White Dwarf Stars like Elaine; a full-fledged White Dwarf can exceed a hundred million.
As for the Star in question, its power rivalled even the strongest, and the Golden One allowed it to remain in the Star Realm, so long as it caused no harm to the Stars around it. No one could punish it; it was simply too strong. Eventually, it went Supernova and officially became one of them."
"So, based on this, you're also planning on becoming a Supernova?"
"All Stars have that dream. It's hard, no, it's impossible to reach that level. No training, experience, years, skills, or all can get you there. It does at some point, but they won't qualify you to be one of them."
Hinamatsuri was taken aback by this sudden revelation.
"Don't worry, I can do it."
Asteri reassured.
"I have high hopes for you. If everyone can't do it, you can."
"Don't overestimate me, Hina. I'm still far behind. But I'll try my best for you, nah, for us."
She flushed and broke eye contact, embarrassed.
"I really need to control myself."
"N... no problem. I... I feel the same way too."
She confessed.
"S..Se... seriously?"
<>
"Y.. yeah. You've been there for me all the time. I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy."
"Wha... whatever?"
<
"I....I don't mean it that way."
Her face reached tomato level and was practically steaming as a result.
"Here they are, Mama!"
Issei waved before rushing down with his squad.
"What is it, Issei?"
"I want to learn how to fight, but Asteri said I'm too young."
He pouted, turning to his mom, hoping she might change his mind.
"Hm… he's a spirited little one, but you can't handle all that at such a young age."
She said gently.
"Don't worry, Issei. Once you're old enough, I'll train you myself."
Asteri reassured, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
"Really? Yay!"
"Not fair, I want you to teach me too."
"Yeah, me too."
"Calm down, kids. You have enough time to choose your master Ban, Shinn, Eto, Yami, Atlas or Elaine."
"What about you?"
Their eager eyes were fixed on him, silently begging for lessons.
"I'm sorry, but I already have a student."
The words landed hard. Too young to process nuance, their faces fell, disappointment clear in their wide eyes.
"First-come first-served. Now go and keep watching how Eto and Atlas train the elves."
"Ok!"
Together, they stormed up and left. Noticing this, I smiled once again. I'm at peace.
"They're all happy thanks to you."
"I'll try my best to keep it that way. Or else they'll be distracted and want to go home."
"Can't you do that?"
"Travelling between worlds is risky. One can get tainted with chaotic interspace energy like they already are. If you can't navigate through the Hyper Space, you'll get lost and eventually be lost in the Sub Space forever. It's risky for immortals to talk less of humans."
"I never thought it'd be this hard."
"It's one of the hardest things I've done."
"You said they're corrupted with magicule?"
"Yeah, there is a lot of magicule in those Space, so while they are at it, they will bathe in it. However, I have already taken care of that. When Ban killed the summoners, the master lock was disabled, and they are all now free."
"All thanks to you..."
"Thanks for being by my side all these times."
"I will if that's what you want me to."
"Come to think of it... Yami."
He materialised in front of Asteri.
"Since you're not busy, why not go find people who need help?"
"Consider it done."
"Which kingdom shall I go to?"
"Anyone you choose. Don't interfere with Demon Lords' territories, though. I'm not ready to deal with anyone... yet."
"Consider it done."
He said before departing.
"Let's head back to the palace."
Asteri stood up and offered her a hand, which she accepted.
"Sure."
They left, walking hand in hand.
..
.
To be continued...