The air inside Hollow Vale had changed.
Where once it had choked with corruption, now it hummed with calm spirit energy. The flora began to regrow, color returned to the leaves, and the mist cleared like morning fog. The dungeon had stabilized — at least for now.
Lucas stood at the edge of the final platform, his cloak fluttering gently. His soul still burned, flickering with the echo of fusion. Every breath he took felt heavier… but clearer. Stronger.
Behind him, Elayne sat cross-legged, bandaging a slash across her ribs. Kael lay flat on his back, arms spread out, eyes half-open. "Never… fighting a nine-star mutant again…"
Elira leaned against a crystal pillar, one eye closed as she focused on healing her hand. She didn't speak, but every so often, she glanced at Lucas.
Seren Julius remained apart from the group, standing perfectly composed as if untouched by the battle — though her crystalline eyes shimmered with unease.
---
The return was quiet.
The spirit vessels met them at the rift perimeter, where Captain Ren waited.
He blinked when he saw Lucas. "You're still standing."
Lucas just walked past him.
Drel Murn, bound and unconscious, was carried off by academy guards. Ren said nothing as he watched. But Veyla and Orin exchanged a glance — subtle, quick.
Elira didn't miss it.
---
When the vessels touched down at Royal Star Academy, the entire Crown Class dormitory was lit.
Professors waited. Officials. Family representatives. Even upper-year students peered through the veil to catch a glimpse.
But Lucas ignored them all.
He walked straight to his room, frost clinging to his boots.
Inside, he dropped his cloak and collapsed into the soul chamber, letting his back rest against the crystal wall.
The silence pressed in.
Then the visions came again.
That tree.
That throne.
That voice — ancient, patient, waiting.
> "Child of stars. Flame of void. Do not let them shape you. Become the one who decides."
He opened his eyes.
---
Elsewhere in the dorms, Elira stood by a spirit mirror, quietly typing a report into a sealed communication scroll. The recipient: unknown.
> "Lucas Black has entered partial fusion state. Divine core resonance confirmed. Influence growing. Signs of Crown Alignment beginning."
She paused.
Then added:
> "Recommend increased observation. He is no longer predictable."
She sealed the scroll and watched it vanish into smoke.
---
In another tower, Seren Julius poured wine into a glass and stared out over the academy grounds.
"Soon," she whispered. "One by one, the stars will kneel."
She raised her glass to the moon.
"And I'll decide who wears the crown."