Atlantia, Year 2234 – Five Months After Star Received the Gnosis

Five months after the day she saw the Nameless Hero, Star’s sword struck against Siegfried’s with a clarity and confidence she never imagined possible. In Odinshold’s backyard, where blades once felt too heavy to lift, she now danced.

With time, she came to understand that the Gnosis within her was unlike any other—it allowed her to wield the element of Light, the source from which all elements were born. No mortal could command Light. It was the element of the Aeons alone.

But the stronger she became, the more it felt like her destiny had already been decided.

That afternoon, Star was sparring with Siegfried behind his home. His father sat nearby with a cup of tea in hand, silently observing the two youths as they moved in rhythm. Star’s movements were now fluid, no longer stiff and hesitant as they once had been. Though she still trained alongside Siegfried or Friedrich, she was now capable of fighting on her own.

“Ah… finally done,” Star sighed, wiping the sweat from her brow.

“How was training today? Not too hard, I hope?” Siegfried asked, pulling off his sleeveless shirt.

“Uh… not really. I’ve gotten used to it by now—not like the first time I trained with your father,” Star muttered, her cheeks flushing slightly as she caught a glimpse of Siegfried’s toned figure.

“Hahaha… I remember that,” Siegfried laughed, recalling the memory fondly. “He barely landed a single blow, and you were already throwing in the towel.”

Star groaned, her face turning even redder. She looked both embarrassed and annoyed, especially when Siegfried reached over and ruffled her hair with a chuckle. Her cheeks grew a deeper shade, though Siegfried seemed oblivious to her reaction.

The two made their way to a table in the backyard, chatting and laughing as they walked. On the table were three plates of still-warm cookies and two cups of steaming tea. They each took one, nibbling hungrily as they cooled down.

Siegfried sat cross-legged on the ground, fanning his neck to relieve the heat, while Star settled into the chair beside Siegfried’s father.

“Star, your birthday’s next month, isn’t it?” his father asked warmly. “Why don’t you stay here until then?”

“Yes, Star, you should,” Siegfried chimed in. “You can celebrate it with us—we’ll throw a real party.”

Star lowered her gaze, her tone soft. “I’m sorry, Uncle, but I already promised my grandparents I’d return home for my birthday.”

“Oh? You promised Lord and Lady Rosalind?” Siegfried’s father nodded. “When are you heading back, then? If that’s the case, I won’t stop you.”

“I’m leaving today,” Star answered. “Grandma and Grandpa have been waiting for me to come home.”

“Today? Well, it’s been five months. I’m sure they miss you dearly,” he replied. “Be sure to give them my regards when you arrive.”

“I’ll take you home, Star,” Siegfried said, glancing at his father. “Maybe I’ll even stay at your place until your birthday. That’s all right with you, isn’t it, Father?”

“Of course, my son,” his father replied. “Go, and see her home safely.”

“You don’t need to go through the trouble, Siegfried,” Star protested gently. “I can take care of myself now.”

“You’ve come a long way, yes—but your defense is still lacking,” Siegfried said with a playful yet earnest grin. “So, I’ll come with you.”

“He’s right,” his father added. “No harm in having someone by your side, is there?”

Star could only nod slowly, lowering her head—what Siegfried’s father had said was true. After finishing the cookies and sipping the warm tea at the table, she quickly went back inside the house and headed to her room.

She stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Warm water streamed over her, easing the tension in her muscles after sparring.

Her skin, pale as snow, showed no scars—only the quiet resolve in her eyes and the firm line of her jaw spoke of battles fought. She scrubbed away the dust and sweat, massaged shampoo through her hair, and let the warmth wash her clean.

When she stepped out, wrapped in a towel, she felt lighter.

Dressed and composed once more, Star returned to her room and began packing. From the doorway, Siegfried peeked in. Without a word, he crossed the room and helped her fold the last of her things.

She folded her clothes one last time, brushing a hand across the bedsheet. A part of her wished she could stay just a little longer.

Soon after, they both finished and headed downstairs. There, Siegfried’s mother and father invited Star to join them for breakfast. Naturally, she couldn’t refuse—the sparring had left her starving. Star and Siegfried made their way to the dining table, bringing her bags along. They sat side by side.

On the table were slices of smoked meat, clear broth with vegetables, medium-sized toasted bread, and wine. Star reached for the smoked meat, as did Siegfried. Together, they all enjoyed the hearty breakfast until there was nothing left on the table.

After finishing their meal, Star and Siegfried said their goodbyes to his parents. Star also thanked them for their kindness and hospitality. Before she could leave, Siegfried’s mother handed her a bundle of warm bread for the road, while his father gave her something entirely unexpected.

“Star, there’s something I want to give you…” said Siegfried’s father, handing her a neatly wrapped item.

“What is this, Uncle?” Star asked, curious.

“Go ahead and open it, Star. See for yourself,” he replied with a grin.

Star unwrapped the package and gasped. Inside was a silver star-shaped sword, made of copper. Tears welled up in her eyes, then a smile slowly formed on her face. She bowed in gratitude.

“I noticed your old sword was rusted and worn. So, yesterday afternoon, I went to a blacksmith and had this made for you. I asked him to shape it like a star—just like your name,” said Siegfried’s father.
“This is a gift from me for your hard work, and also, an early birthday present.”

“Thank you, Uncle. I... I don’t even know what to say. I’ll make sure to repay you someday,” Star replied, wiping her tears.

“No need to repay me. It belongs to you now,” he said, embracing her.

As Star holds her new blade for the first time, a chill creeps through the morning air.
And soon, it will step out of the shadows.