Chapter 1 – The Philosopher’s Stone

In the age of creation—before the sun had learned to burn and before the moon had learned to glow—there existed him. A being born prior to light and shadow, prior even to the concept of time as mortals understand it.

It was he who shaped the world.

A world where living beings would dwell.

A world where needs were defined, and desires were granted form.

A world crafted to be both sanctuary… and nightmare.

“How can you exist,” a voice once echoed in the emptiness, “and yet have no story to tell?”

Thus, the world was born—not merely as a place, but as a stage.

A stage for stories.

This world came to be known as the World of Joy.

A name spoken by those who lived within it, where human will was bound by the unyielding laws of nature. Every action had consequence. Every desire had limits. It was a world of order, of structure—of balance.

Yet, like all things that appear whole, it had another side.

Nightmare.

A reflection, yet a distortion. A realm where all dreadful possibilities were given shape. Where fear was not restrained, and reality bent easily beneath the weight of chaos. In that place, the worst outcomes were not just imagined—they were inevitable.

Two worlds.

One bound by rules.

One freed from them.

And between these two… humanity continued to exist.

...----------------...

“My name is Rex.”

I leaned back slightly in my chair, staring at the ceiling of my small, dimly lit room. The faint glow of magical residue danced lazily across my fingertips, responding to my idle thoughts.

“I’m nineteen years old… and, well… I’m pretty good at magic.”

A pause.

“But when it comes to actual combat skills… I’m terrible.”

I let out a quiet sigh, flexing my hand as the light faded.

As far as I knew, magical energy was something every human possessed from birth. A natural resource embedded within the soul itself. Most people had limited reserves, barely enough to perform basic spells.

Me?

I got lucky.

My magical capacity was… unusually large.

Not that it made me invincible or anything.

Having power and knowing how to use it properly were two very different things.

Still…

“I guess it’s not all bad,” I muttered.

After all, I had recently been promoted.

An A+ Rank Adventurer.

The title still felt strange in my mouth.

It wasn’t something I had chased. Not really. But saving the life of the kingdom’s princess from a Fiend apparently counted as a big deal.

A very big deal.

...----------------...

Fiends.

Even thinking about them made my chest tighten slightly.

They weren’t ordinary monsters.

They weren’t even fully physical beings.

Fiends were creatures of the soul—entities born from the depths of Nightmare itself. They didn’t just attack the body. They invaded the mind.

They found your greatest fear.

And they fed it back to you… over and over again.

In certain conditions, they could even take control of a person, twisting their actions, spreading fear like a disease.

They didn’t need armies.

Fear was enough.

...----------------...

“…And I fought one of those things.”

I let out a dry laugh.

“Still don’t know how I survived that.”

—

“Rex.”

The voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked up.

Standing in the doorway of my room was a royal messenger, clad in formal attire, his posture stiff and composed.

“You have been summoned to the royal palace.”

...----------------...

The journey to the palace felt unreal.

Even now, hours later, as I stood inside the throne room itself, I couldn’t quite believe it.

The space was vast.

High ceilings stretched above me, adorned with intricate carvings and chandeliers that shimmered with magical light. The polished floor reflected everything like a mirror, making each step feel… heavier.

More significant.

I stood alone in the center.

At the far end of the hall sat the king.

“…Rex, was it?”

His voice was calm, yet carried undeniable authority.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

I bowed my head.

“You have done this kingdom a great service,” he continued. “Saving my daughter’s life is no small feat.”

I hesitated.

“It was… just what anyone would have done.”

A faint smile appeared on his face.

“No. It was not.”

Silence lingered between us for a moment.

Then, unexpectedly, the king leaned back slightly, placing a hand against his chin.

“…I find myself in a rather unusual predicament.”

“…Sir?”

“I am unsure what reward would be appropriate for someone like you.”

I blinked.

That wasn’t the response I had expected.

“I could offer gold, land, titles…” he continued, almost as if thinking aloud. “But none of those feel… fitting.”

He looked at me directly.

“So instead, I will offer you a choice.”

My heart skipped slightly.

“You may enter the royal treasury… and choose one item of your liking.”

“…Anything?”

“Anything.”

...----------------...

The treasury.

If the throne room had felt overwhelming, this place was something else entirely.

Artifacts, weapons, relics—items of immense power and historical significance lined the walls and filled the chamber. Each one radiated a presence of its own.

Some hummed softly.

Others pulsed with energy.

And a few…

Felt like they were watching me.

“…This is insane,” I whispered under my breath.

I walked slowly, carefully.

There were swords that shimmered like liquid silver.

Staffs engraved with ancient runes.

Crystals that floated in midair.

Each one tempting.

Each one powerful.

“…I could take any of these.”

But strangely…

None of them called to me.

Hours passed.

At least, it felt like hours.

I continued searching, moving deeper into the chamber, until—

“…Huh?”

Something caught my eye.

At the far corner of the room, almost hidden among less remarkable items, was a stone.

It wasn’t large.

Small enough to fit comfortably in my palm.

But its surface…

It was intricately carved, patterns etched into it with a precision that didn’t feel human.

And then—

It glowed.

A soft, radiant light.

Just for a moment.

Then it faded.

“…What was that?”

I stepped closer.

My heartbeat quickened slightly.

And for reasons I couldn’t explain…

I felt something.

A pull.

Like it was calling me.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I reached out slowly, my fingers hovering over the stone before finally touching it.

Warm.

Alive, almost.

“…So it’s you, huh?”

Without hesitation, I picked it up.

...----------------...

“You have made your choice?”

The king’s voice echoed gently through the throne room once more.

I nodded, holding out the stone.

“This one.”

The moment he saw it, his expression changed.

Not drastically.

But enough.

“…That stone.”

“You know it?”

“…Only by rumor.”

He stood, descending from his throne step by step.

“They say it was a gift… from the Mother of Spirits.”

I frowned slightly.

“…The Mother of Spirits?”

“A being said to have existed millions of years ago,” he continued. “Though no one can confirm whether she was ever real.”

He stopped in front of me, his gaze fixed on the stone.

“That artifact has remained untouched for generations. No one has been able to discern its true nature.”

“…So it’s useless?”

“Or,” he said quietly, “far too dangerous to understand.”

Silence fell.

“…And you’re still giving it to me?”

He let out a soft breath.

“I gave you my word.”

A pause.

“Besides… perhaps it has chosen you.”

...----------------...

The transfer of ownership was done formally.

Ritualistically.

Official.

And just like that…

The stone was mine.

...----------------...

By the time I returned home, the sky had already begun to darken.

I sat on the edge of my bed, the stone resting in my hand.

“…Alright.”

I took a deep breath.

“Let’s see what you actually are.”

I focused my energy.

“.”

A faint glow surrounded the stone as the spell activated.

For a moment—

Nothing.

Then, slowly…

Text appeared within my mind.

...----------------...

“A power that chooses the will it desires… just as this stone does. Its true power is said to be immeasurable.”

...----------------...

“…That’s it?”

I stared at the stone.

“That’s your description?”

Just…

That.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I let out an exasperated sigh, falling back onto the bed.

“This is the reward I get for risking my life?”

Silence.

“…Great.”

And then—

The stone glowed again.

Brighter this time.

“…Hey—”

I sat up quickly.

The light pulsed once.

Twice.

Then slowly…

It faded.

Chapter 2 – The Worst

The next morning came far too quickly.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sharp sound echoed through the quiet of my house, cutting through the remnants of my sleep like a blade.

“…Who…?”

I groaned softly, rubbing my eyes as I sat up on my bed. Sunlight filtered faintly through the curtains, telling me it was still early—too early for visitors.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

This time, louder.

More urgent.

“…Alright, alright, I’m coming.”

I stood up, running a hand through my messy hair before making my way toward the door. Something about the knocking felt… off. Not casual. Not friendly.

Urgent.

I opened the door.

And immediately froze.

Standing in front of me were three royal knights, clad in polished armor bearing the crest of the kingdom. Their expressions were serious—far too serious for a simple visit.

“…Rex.”

One of them spoke first, his tone firm but not hostile.

“Yes…?”

“You are required at the royal palace. Immediately.”

My stomach tightened slightly.

“…Did something happen?”

The three exchanged brief glances before the one in the center stepped forward.

“…The Princess.”

My heartbeat skipped.

“What about her?”

“…It is suspected that she has been cursed by a Fiend.”

Silence.

For a split second, I thought I misheard him.

“…That’s not funny.”

“We are not joking.”

Their expressions didn’t change.

At all.

“…A Fiend’s curse…” I muttered under my breath.

That was bad.

No—worse than bad.

A Fiend’s curse wasn’t something you could just remove with ordinary magic. It wasn’t even something most elite spellcasters could handle properly.

It lingered.

It adapted.

And if left untreated…

It could consume the victim entirely.

“…Alright,” I said, exhaling sharply. “Give me a second.”

...----------------...

I grabbed my bag as quickly as I could, stuffing in the essentials without even thinking twice. My mind was already racing ahead.

A Fiend’s curse… how did it even manage to latch onto her? I thought I got rid of it back then…

“Rex!”

“I’m coming!”

I slung the bag over my shoulder and stepped outside, locking the door behind me.

“Let’s go.”

...----------------...

The ride to the palace felt shorter than usual.

Or maybe I was just too focused to notice.

No one spoke much during the journey. The tension in the air was thick—heavy enough that even the sound of hooves against the road felt distant.

“…How bad is it?” I finally asked.

One of the knights answered without looking at me.

“She has not woken up.”

“…Since when?”

“Since last night.”

I clicked my tongue quietly.

“…Yeah. That’s bad.”

...----------------...

We didn’t stop at the palace gates.

Didn’t slow down.

The moment we arrived, I was led inside immediately—through corridors I barely had time to recognize, past guards who stepped aside without question.

Straight to her room.

The door opened.

And the atmosphere inside hit me instantly.

Heavy.

Uneasy.

“…So it’s already this far.”

...----------------...

Princess Mariabelle lay on her bed.

At first glance, she looked like she was simply asleep.

But the moment I looked closer—

I knew.

Her body shifted slightly, again and again, as if she was struggling against something invisible. Her breathing wasn’t steady. Her expression… tense.

Like she was trapped in a nightmare she couldn’t escape.

“…Mariabelle…”

Beside her sat the king.

Gone was the composed ruler I had seen the day before.

In his place was a father.

“…Rex.”

His voice was quieter now.

Rough.

“You came.”

“Of course I did.”

I stepped closer, placing my bag down near the bed.

“…How long has she been like this?”

“Since the middle of the night.”

“…And no one else could do anything?”

The king hesitated.

“…We tried.”

That was all he said.

But it was enough.

They failed.

“…I see.”

I glanced at Mariabelle again, my expression tightening.

“…Your Majesty.”

He looked at me.

“I’ll handle it.”

“…Please.”

There was no hesitation in his voice.

Only desperation.

...----------------...

Still…

Something bothered me.

“…Can I ask something first?”

“…What is it?”

“…Where are the Twelve Star Knights?”

The king’s gaze faltered for just a moment.

“…They are… occupied.”

Occupied.

I frowned slightly.

That doesn’t make sense.

The Twelve Star Knights were the kingdom’s strongest force—each one capable of handling disasters on their own. A situation involving a Fiend’s curse should have been well within their responsibilities.

And yet…

They weren’t here.

“…Alright,” I said quietly.

I didn’t press further.

Now wasn’t the time.

...----------------...

“I’ll need High-Grade Holy Water.”

The knights behind me immediately reacted.

“…Understood.”

Within moments, one of them stepped forward, presenting a small, ornate container.

I took it carefully.

“…Good.”

I stepped closer to the bed.

“Everyone, stay back.”

The air shifted slightly as I raised my left hand, positioning it above Mariabelle.

In my right hand, I held the holy water.

I closed my eyes.

And began to focus.

“…Let’s do this.”

...----------------...

“.”

The moment the words left my mouth, a faint glow spread across the floor beneath us.

A circle.

Then another.

Layer upon layer of intricate patterns formed, expanding outward in perfect symmetry. Light surged gently, illuminating the entire room.

“…This is…”

One of the knights whispered in awe.

I ignored it.

I couldn’t afford distractions.

I raised the holy water slightly, letting its contents shimmer under the growing light.

“…Through this sacred water…”

The air began to stir.

A soft wind, unnatural yet gentle, formed within the closed room.

“…By the authority of the Almighty…”

The circle lifted.

Not physically—but spiritually.

As if it existed in a higher plane, overlapping reality itself.

“…I borrow the power of divine grace…”

The wind grew stronger.

My voice steadied.

Clear.

Firm.

“…Grant me sacred healing.”

The circle rose into the air.

Rotating slowly.

Radiating warmth.

Power.

“….”

...----------------...

Light.

Blinding.

Pure.

It enveloped Mariabelle’s body completely, wrapping around her like a protective veil. The wind surged once more before gradually fading, carrying away something unseen… something heavy.

Something dark.

And then—

Silence.

The light dimmed.

The circle vanished.

The wind stopped.

Everything returned to normal.

...----------------...

“…Hah…”

I exhaled slowly, lowering my hand.

“…That should do it.”

I looked at Mariabelle.

Her expression…

It had changed.

Gone was the tension.

Gone was the struggle.

Her breathing was steady now.

Calm.

Peaceful.

“…Looks like it worked.”

...----------------...

Clap. Clap. Clap.

The sound echoed through the room.

Slow.

Deliberate.

I turned.

So did the king.

Standing at the doorway… was a man.

Tall.

Confident.

His presence alone carried weight.

“…Impressive.”

He stepped forward, still clapping lightly.

“I didn’t expect to see high-level holy magic executed so flawlessly.”

“…You are?” I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly.

He smirked faintly.

“Codename: Leo.”

My eyes widened slightly.

“…One of the Twelve Star Knights.”

“The very same.”

...----------------...

“I’ve been watching,” Leo continued casually, crossing his arms. “Not many people can borrow divine power like that.”

“…It’s not exactly something I can do casually,” I replied dryly.

“Even so… it was remarkable.”

The king stood up slowly.

“Leo… where have you been?”

Leo’s expression didn’t change.

“Handling other matters.”

Vague.

Too vague.

But no one pressed him.

Instead, he shifted his attention back to me.

“…Rex, was it?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll get straight to the point.”

He stepped closer.

“We have an opening.”

“…An opening?”

“In the Twelve Star Knights.”

My eyes narrowed slightly.

“…What do you mean?”

“Libra’s position is vacant.”

Silence.

“…You want me to replace one of the Twelve Star Knights?”

“That’s right.”

I let out a small laugh.

“…You’re joking.”

“I’m not.”

His gaze was steady.

Serious.

“…We’re lacking a capable spellcaster at the moment,” he continued. “And after seeing what you just did…”

He shrugged slightly.

“You fit.”

...----------------...

I looked away for a moment.

Processing.

The Twelve Star Knights…

The kingdom’s strongest.

The elite among elites.

To be invited into that group…

“…That’s…”

I exhaled slowly.

“…A huge honor.”

“It is,” Leo replied.

“…But?”

“…But I’m not sure I’m the right person.”

Leo raised an eyebrow.

“Oh?”

“I’m good with magic, sure,” I said, scratching the back of my head. “But I’m not exactly… well-rounded.”

“That can be trained.”

“…Maybe.”

I glanced at Mariabelle.

Still sleeping peacefully.

“…I need time to think.”

Leo studied me for a moment.

Then—

“Three days.”

“…Huh?”

“The Star-Moon Ceremony is in three days,” he said. “It only happens once a year.”

His tone sharpened slightly.

“If you’re going to accept… it has to be then.”

“…Three days…”

“That’s all the time you get.”

...----------------...

“…Alright.”

I nodded slowly.

“I’ll think about it.”

Leo smirked.

“Good.”

He turned slightly, heading toward the door.

“I’ll be waiting for your answer.”

And just like that—

He left.

...----------------...

“…Rex.”

I looked at the king.

“…Thank you.”

His voice was quiet.

Sincere.

I shook my head.

“It’s nothing.”

“…Still.”

He looked at Mariabelle.

“…You’ve saved her twice now.”

“…Yeah…”

I glanced at her as well.

“…Let’s hope there won’t be a third time.”

...----------------...

The journey home was… quieter.

Heavier.

My mind was full.

The Twelve Star Knights…

Libra…

Three days…

“…What a pain,” I muttered under my breath.

I sighed, adjusting my bag slightly as I walked.

And then—

A faint glow.

“…Huh?”

I stopped.

“…Did that just—”

The glow appeared again.

From inside my bag.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

“…No way…”

I quickly opened it, rummaging through until—

“…You.”

The Philosopher’s Stone.

It lay there, faintly glowing before dimming once more.

“…What now?”

I picked it up, frowning slightly.

“…Don’t tell me you’re reacting to something…”

Without wasting time, I focused my energy again.

“.”

The familiar sensation flowed through me as the spell activated.

For a moment—

Nothing.

Then—

Text appeared.

...----------------...

“Progress: 30%.”

...----------------...

“…Progress?”

I blinked.

“…That wasn’t there before.”

My grip on the stone tightened slightly.

“…The worst, huh…”

I muttered quietly.

“…Feels like it’s just getting started.”

Chapter 3 – The Birth of a Star Knight

Time moved faster than I expected.

Before I realized it, a full day had passed since the incident at the palace.

...----------------...

Morning came quietly.

A soft breeze slipped through the cracks of my window, carrying with it the faint sounds of the waking city. I stretched lazily, still half-asleep, before dragging myself out of bed.

“…Another day, huh…”

I yawned, rubbing my eyes as I walked toward the door.

And then—

“…Hm?”

Something caught my attention.

Right in front of my door…

Lay a letter.

...----------------...

“…That wasn’t there yesterday.”

I crouched down slowly, picking it up.

The envelope was… elegant.

Too elegant.

The paper was smooth, almost silk-like to the touch, sealed with a crest I immediately recognized.

“…The royal crest.”

My expression softened slightly.

“…No way…”

I turned the envelope over, my eyes scanning the name written in delicate handwriting.

“…Mariabelle.”

For a brief moment, I just stood there.

Silent.

Then—

“…So she’s alright.”

A small breath escaped my lips, one I didn’t realize I had been holding.

“…Good.”

Without wasting time, I opened the letter carefully.

The scent of faint perfume drifted out—subtle, refined.

And then, I began to read.

...----------------...

“To Rex,”

“I hope this letter finds you well.”

Her writing was neat.

Gentle.

Yet carried a quiet strength behind every word.

“First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for everything you have done for me. Not once, but twice… you have saved my life.”

I paused for a moment, my eyes lingering on that line.

“…Twice, huh…”

I scratched my cheek lightly.

“…Still feels weird hearing that.”

I continued reading.

“I am also deeply sorry for causing you such trouble. I cannot imagine the burden I have placed upon you.”

“…You’re overthinking it,” I muttered softly.

“However…”

My eyes narrowed slightly.

“…There is one more thing I wish to ask of you.”

I felt something shift in my chest.

A strange feeling.

“Please…”

A brief pause.

As if the words themselves carried weight.

“Save this world.”

...----------------...

“…What?”

I blinked.

“…Save the world?”

I lowered the letter slowly, staring at it as if expecting the words to change.

They didn’t.

“…You can’t just—”

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair.

“…What kind of request is that…?”

It wasn’t normal.

It wasn’t simple.

It wasn’t something you just asked someone casually.

“…Save the world…”

I repeated the words quietly.

And somehow…

They didn’t leave my mind.

...----------------...

Even as I went about my day…

They stayed.

...----------------...

“.”

A flash of light tore through the air, striking down a monster in front of me instantly.

The creature collapsed with a dull thud.

I lowered my hand slowly.

“…Too easy.”

But my mind wasn’t there.

“…Save this world…”

I clicked my tongue.

“…Yeah, sure. Easy to say.”

Another monster lunged toward me.

I didn’t even look.

“.”

A spear of flame pierced through it cleanly.

“…What am I even supposed to do with that?”

I sighed.

“…It’s not like I’m some chosen hero or anything.”

The forest grew quiet again.

Only the faint crackling of fading flames remained.

“…Right?”

...----------------...

By the time the third day arrived…

I still hadn’t found an answer.

...----------------...

“…Guess I’ll just go.”

I stood in front of the palace gates once more, exhaling slowly.

“…No point overthinking it.”

...----------------...

“Right on time.”

Leo was already there, leaning casually against one of the pillars as if he had been waiting for a while.

“…You always this punctual?” I asked.

“Only when it matters.”

He pushed himself off the pillar, walking toward me.

“So?”

I sighed.

“…I’ll take it.”

A faint grin appeared on his face.

“Good choice.”

“…Don’t make me regret it.”

“No promises.”

...----------------...

We walked together through the palace halls.

“…Before the ceremony tonight,” Leo began, “I want to understand your capabilities.”

“…My capabilities?”

“Your magic.”

I scratched the back of my head slightly.

“…I mean, it’s nothing special.”

“Humor me.”

“…Fine.”

I took a breath.

“I can use several types of high-level magic. Holy, Lightning, Fire… those are the main ones.”

Leo nodded.

“Versatile.”

“I can also apply high-tier buffs and debuffs,” I added.

“That’s rare.”

“…Is it?”

“Very.”

He glanced at me briefly.

“…And your understanding of magic?”

I thought for a moment.

“…Magic isn’t just power,” I said slowly. “It’s a medium.”

“A medium?”

“Yeah. A way to influence things that aren’t directly tangible.”

“…Such as?”

“…Souls. Thoughts. Concepts.”

Leo’s expression shifted slightly.

“…Go on.”

“Fiends and Spirits both use magic,” I continued. “But not to affect the physical world directly.”

“They target the mind.”

“They influence the soul.”

Leo nodded slowly.

“…That’s a sharp observation.”

I shrugged.

“…Just what I’ve experienced.”

...----------------...

“Then tell me,” Leo said, his tone shifting slightly, “what do you know about Spirits?”

“…Not as much as I’d like.”

“Try.”

I exhaled lightly.

“…Spirits are different from Fiends. They’re not born from Nightmare.”

“Correct.”

“They’re descendants of something greater.”

“…The Great Spirit.”

“Or the Mother of Spirits,” Leo added.

“…Yeah.”

I crossed my arms slightly.

“From what I know… the Great Spirit exists to support this world. To maintain balance.”

Silence fell briefly between us.

“…Interesting,” Leo muttered.

...----------------...

Night fell.

...----------------...

The sky above the palace stretched endlessly, painted in deep shades of blue and black. Stars began to appear, one by one, like fragments of light scattered across the heavens.

We stood atop the palace roof.

At the center…

An altar.

“…So this is it,” I muttered.

Leo stepped forward.

“This is where you become one of us.”

“…No pressure, huh?”

He smirked slightly.

“…Try not to die.”

“…Very funny.”

...----------------...

Leo raised his hand.

“…Let’s begin.”

He closed his eyes.

“.”

...----------------...

The world changed.

The sky…

Shifted.

Twelve stars, scattered across the night, suddenly burned brighter than the rest.

The moon, positioned at the center, glowed with an unnatural brilliance—like it was watching.

No…

Like it was responding.

“…What is this…?” I whispered.

Each star began to move.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Forming symbols.

Aries.

Leo.

Scorpio.

Gemini.

Cancer.

Taurus.

Aquarius.

Libra.

Virgo.

Sagittarius.

Capricorn.

Pisces.

Twelve symbols.

Encircling the altar.

And at the center—

A crescent moon.

...----------------...

“…Step forward.”

I swallowed slightly.

“…Yeah.”

I walked toward the center of the altar, each step feeling heavier than the last.

As soon as I reached the center—

The symbols reacted.

Light burst forth.

Brilliant.

Overwhelming.

“…Whoa—!”

“Stay still!” Leo’s voice cut through the noise.

“…Right—!”

I clenched my fists.

...----------------...

Leo raised his hand again.

“…Among the blessings of the Star and Moon…”

His voice echoed, resonating with something far beyond the physical.

He bit his thumb.

Blood spilled.

“…We offer this oath.”

He flung the droplets outward.

They scattered across the air—

And dissolved into light.

“…We call upon Libra…”

The symbol of Libra pulsed.

“…Grant your blessing to Rex…”

The light intensified.

“…And accept him as your new vessel.”

...----------------...

“.”

...----------------...

Everything exploded into light.

My body lifted.

I wasn’t standing anymore.

I was floating.

“…What is—?!”

The wind roared around me, powerful enough to tear through reality itself.

Light engulfed my vision.

My body—

“…It’s changing…!”

Something inside me shifted.

Expanded.

Connected.

“…This feeling…”

A balance.

Perfect.

Unshakable.

“…Libra…”

I whispered unconsciously.

And in that moment—

Something answered.

Silence.

...----------------...

The light faded.

The wind stopped.

And I fell.

“…!”

I landed, barely managing to steady myself.

“…Hah… hah…”

My breathing was heavy.

“…That was…”

I looked at my hands.

“…What the hell was that…?”

Leo walked toward me.

“…That,” he said calmly, “was your rebirth.”

“…Rebirth…?”

“You are now Libra.”

...----------------...

“…I don’t feel that different.”

“…You will.”

He turned slightly.

“Come back tomorrow.”

“…Why?”

“There’s more you need to learn.”

He glanced back at me briefly.

“…Libra.”

...----------------...

The walk home felt… strange.

My body felt lighter.

Sharper.

Like everything had been adjusted.

Fine-tuned.

“…This is weird…”

I muttered.

...----------------...

I opened my door.

Stepped inside.

And froze.

“…What…?”

A light flickered from my room.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I rushed inside.

...----------------...

The Philosopher’s Stone.

It floated slightly above the surface of my desk, glowing faintly before dimming again.

“…Why are you acting up now…?”

I grabbed it quickly.

“…Don’t tell me—”

“.”

...----------------...

The result appeared instantly.

...----------------...

“Progress: 70%.”

...----------------...

“…Seventy…?”

My eyes widened.

“…It jumped that much?”

My grip tightened.

“…What are you… reacting to…?”

No answer.

Again.

...----------------...

“…This is getting worse…”

I muttered.

...----------------...

And then—

A wave of exhaustion hit me.

“…Huh…?”

My vision blurred.

“…Wait… why am I—”

My body swayed.

“…So… sleepy…”

I stumbled toward my bed.

Collapsed.

And within seconds—

Everything went dark.

...----------------...

When I opened my eyes…

Something felt different.

“…Huh…?”

I sat up slowly.

“…What…?”

My body—

Felt lighter.

Stronger.

I stood up.

“…Did I… get taller?”

I looked at my hands.

My arms.

“…What the—”

My muscles were more defined.

My posture felt more stable.

More balanced.

“…This isn’t normal…”

And then—

I felt it.

A connection.

Deep.

Unmistakable.

“…Libra…”

I whispered.

It wasn’t just a title anymore.

It was a part of me.

...----------------...

I exhaled slowly.

“…So this is what it means…”

I clenched my fist slightly.

“…To become a Star Knight.”

...----------------...

And somewhere deep within…

The balance had begun to shift.

End of Volume 1.