Evening: Explore Academy Grounds (Random Encounter – Legacy)

Type of Legacy(Inheritance) Roll 1d6+1

Destroyed Powerful Artifact

: Joshua inherits a powerful artifact—a weapon, relic, or object of immense power that has been destroyed, lost, or fragmented. This artifact could be the key to unlocking ancient knowledge, wielding untold power, or changing the fate of the world. Its destruction has left only remnants—fragments, cursed pieces, or ancient symbols. Joshua's task could be to reassemble the artifact, uncover its true purpose.

Fallen Kingdom:

The legacy of a once-great kingdom or empire that has fallen into ruin due to internal strife, betrayal, or external threats. This could involve a royal family, noble lineages, or ancient rulers who held immense power but were eventually overthrown or destroyed. The kingdom's legacy lives on through its abandoned castles, lost magic, and forgotten artifacts. Joshua may inherit the titles of this fallen kingdom, and perhaps be tasked with reclaiming its lost power or avenge its destruction.

Extinct Order:

A legacy tied to a once-powerful faction—be it a mage's order, brotherhood, or sect—that has since been eradicated or fallen into obscurity. This could be the result of betrayal, or the overwhelming force of rivals. The order's secrets, knowledge, or magical practices have been lost, leaving Joshua as the potential heir to its arcane wisdom or secret techniques. He must decide whether to restore the order, rediscover its lost teachings, or continue its disbanded mission.

Dead Great Figure:

The legacy of a legendary figure whose influence was so profound that their death reverberated across the world. This figure could have been a great leader, mythic hero, or even a tyrant whose deeds shaped history. After their death, their legacy lives on through prophecies, followers, or unfulfilled ambitions. Joshua may be the chosen heir of this figure's great deeds or infamous reputation. The question Joshua faces is whether he can live up to their legacy or surpass it. Job might be to further spread their great name.

Vanished Bloodline:

Joshua inherits a bloodline that was once prominent, but has since disappeared, either by extinction, betrayal, or concealment. This could be a noble magic dynasty whose legacy has been erased from history or a feared magic family whose members have disappeared for reasons unknown. The inheritance could be a dormant power, hidden wealth, or the key to a lost prophecy. Joshua's challenge lies in discovering the truth about the bloodline, its mysterious disappearance, and propagating it.

Forgotten Race:

Joshua is tied to an ancient race or species that has been lost to time. This could involve a race of immortal beings, elemental spirits, beasts, or even otherworldly entities whose civilization collapsed or vanished long ago. The legacy could involve dormant abilities, ancient knowledge, or a deep connection to nature or the cosmos. Joshua may find himself either rediscovering this race's lost heritage or uncovering the dark secrets of why they vanished. His role could involve reviving their culture.

Old Ideology:

Joshua inherits the ideals or philosophy of a defunct political system, religion, or social movement that once held power but has since fallen out of favor. This could be a long-abandoned revolutionary cause, a religion that was overthrown, or a philosophy that is now viewed as irrelevant or dangerous. The legacy represents the ideals of the past, which might be reborn in a modern context or completely rejected. Joshua must carry on the ideology, reshape it, or spread it to the masses.

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Danger Level of Legacy(Inheritance) Roll 1d6+1

Threatening

: The legacy poses a minor threat to your life or well-being. It may attract attention from individuals who seek to control, destroy, or exploit the inheritance. While not immediately dangerous, the legacy can stir up trouble, placing you in the path of enemies or unpredictable events.

Dangerous

: The legacy has significant risks associated with it. You may find himself targeted by rivals or minor powers who want the potential power, knowledge, or artifacts tied to his inheritance. The power or secrets you possess could put you in grave danger as others try to manipulate or eliminate you.

Hazardous

: Risky and brings about constant threats to your safety. Whether due to hostile factions, dangerous objects, or the curse of the legacy, likely to face deadly encounters with individuals or organizations whose name carry weight, they will want to either destroy you or use the legacy for their own gain.

Lethal

: The legacy presents a life-threatening danger. Whether it's an unstable artifact, a cursed bloodline, or a dark force that seeks to claim his life, constantly guard against fatal consequences. Those who seek the legacy may be willing to sacrifice everything to take it.

Ruinous

: The legacy threatens to bring disaster to the world. Whether due to unspeakable powers, ancient curses, or destructive ideals, inheriting this legacy could bring about a personal downfall or even lead to the collapse of nations. Face a moral dilemma—should you attempt to control this power, or destroy it to prevent a greater catastrophe?

Cataclysmic

: The legacy carries a world-shattering threat. This inheritance has the potential to bring about the destruction of civilizations, or the awakening of a global calamity. This is something many factions would go to war over.

Apocalyptic

: Tied to an apocalyptic event—can bring about the end of an era, destroy countless worlds, and bring about widespread destruction. This will bring about the attention of higher beings.

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Rarity of Legacy(Inheritance) Roll 1d6+1

Common:

The legacy is widely known or easily accessible, belonging to an ordinary family, group, or figure. It may be associated with common knowledge, traditions, or objects that aren't highly sought after.

Uncommon

: The legacy is rare but not entirely unique. While it's not widely acknowledged, it may still be valuable or sought after by a few people. Inheritance carries some importance, but it isn't universally coveted.

Special

: The legacy is distinctive and significant. It may be part of a unique tradition, special bloodline, or rare event. This inheritance makes you stand out in the world and is tied to power or prestige that makes him noteworthy.

Unique

: Legacy is one of a kind, tied to an individual or event that no one else can claim. The inheritance might involve a lost artifact, a forgotten figure, or a special ability that no one else can access. This inheritance grants him a distinct advantage and often makes him a target for those seeking its power.

Rare

: Extremely exceptional and highly sought after. It could involve a legendary artifact, a powerful bloodline, or a critical role in shaping the future of the world. This type of inheritance places you in a unique position of great importance and influence.

Epic

: The legacy is of immense importance, shaping history and impacting whole worlds. This inheritance places you at the center of grand events, and those who learn of it recognize him as someone to be feared. The power, knowledge, or position you inherit is legendary, and the potential consequences of your actions are on a grand scale.

Fabled

: Its origin is shrouded in myth, and it is connected to legendary forces or gods. The inheritance has unimaginable power or mystical significance, and it might be a key to unlocking reality itself or changing the course of fate. This is a legacy few can comprehend, and all eyes will be on you.

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Give me

1d6+1(type): 6. Forgotten Race

1d6+1(Danger): 7. Apocalyptic

1d6+1(Rarity): 7. Fabled

Forgotten apocalyptic fabled race

Share ideas for different races!

The Arcanum Eternals

Backstory: The Arcane Eternals were a race of mages who sought to extend their life and transcend mortal limits by merging themselves with magic. They had long ago mastered the arcane arts, tapping into cosmic power and using magic to reshape reality. However, their thirst for immortality led to their downfall when their attempt to merge their souls with magic caused an apocalyptic rift, tearing apart their connection to the material world and sending them into a timeless state of arcane oblivion. Their once-vibrant cities became frozen in time, and their souls now linger as fragments of magic, scattered throughout the cosmos.

Abilities: Those tied to the Arcane Eternals might possess arcane mastery, the ability to bend time and space, and the power to manipulate magical energies in wildly unpredictable ways. They may experience visions of forgotten realms or channel forgotten spells, but at the risk of being overwhelmed by the chaos they have inherited.

Current Influence: The Arcane Eternals' influence might still exist in long-forgotten vaults, ancient rituals, and secretive organizations that seek to reclaim their lost knowledge. Their descendants may be drawn to the arcane and seek to restore or destroy the legacy they inherited.

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Nephilim of the End

Backstory: The Nephilim were a powerful race who once ruled over the heavens and earth. Their civilization was built upon a delicate balance between the divine and terrestrial forces. But their hubris led to the messing with forces well beyond their means, the End! With that came their downfall as an apocalyptic event that tore open the fabric of space-time, causing reality to fracture. The Nephilim disappeared into the rifts they created, leaving behind only ruins that exist in pocket dimensions or collapsed worlds. The race is believed to be extinct, but their bloodlines remain, and their legacy still calls out for those who would dare to claim it.

Abilities: Those who are descended from the Nephilim might have giant-like strength, the ability to manipulate reality-warping energy, or visions of the finality of all things into multiple dimensions or lost timelines.

Current Influence: The descendants of the Nephilim may be a hidden society, a secret cult, or even wandering souls scattered across the world, quietly building a powerful resurgence, but unleashing apocalyptic energies whenever they attempt to restore their former empire.

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Winning Vote!

Astrum, the star-eaters! Forgotten apocalyptic fabled race

Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4591982875190330368/

The Astrum were born in the heart of a dying cosmos, in a time when everything was still raw, unformed, and full of potential. They were beings not made of flesh and bone, but of pure cosmic energy, light, and fire. At first, the Astrum were creators, guardians, and architects of the universe. They shaped galaxies, weaved stars into existence, and crafted worlds from the primal chaos of the cosmos. They were the celestial engineers, creating and preserving life across countless star systems.

They were also immortal, existing outside the constraints of time, feeding on the raw power of stars to sustain themselves and expand their influence. Their cities were built on the cores of stars, their palaces forged from supernovae, and their weapons were crafted from the heart of celestial bodies. They ruled the cosmic order, holding dominion over light, fire, gravity, and the stars themselves.

But as eons passed, their immense power began to corrupt them. They grew greedy, desiring not just to harness energy but to consume it. Their belief became in order to ascend beyond time and space, they had to consume the very cosmos itself.

At the height of their hubris, they sought to consume the Eternal Star, this event triggered a cataclysmic collapse of many universes - what was known as the Great Eclipse. Stars went dark, entire sectors were devoured, and the structure of reality itself fractured as a cascade of cosmic chaos—black holes, temporal rifts, and collapsing suns ripped apart the very fabric of existence.

Powers:

Star Consumption: Ability to consume stars granted them control over vast amounts of energy. Joshua could absorb the energy of stars, siphon power from the sun, or harness stellar forces to empower himself. This could manifest in energy blasts, lightning strikes, or even the power to create and destroy worlds. However, the more he consumes, the more dangerous it becomes, as the sun's energy might corrupt him, making him a danger to the universe.

Celestial Dominion: Controls the balance of light and dark, has the power to manipulate light, bend gravity, and reshape matter at a molecular level. Could summon solar flares to scorch enemies, create force fields made of pure sunlight, or even slow or accelerate time by drawing on the energy of collapsed stars.

Eclipse Form: The most dangerous ability of the Star Eaters was their ability to transform into beings of pure cosmic energy, existing as living black holes or supernova-like beings. Tap into this form to become a being of destructive solar energy, with the power to devastate entire worlds in mere moments. But this form comes with the risk of losing control, as the energy of a dying sun can consume him.

Cosmic Rebirth: The Star Eaters were tied to the cycle of death and rebirth, and their immortality was tied to their cosmic consumption. Joshua may be able to regenerate from the ashes of destroyed stars, but each rebirth could bring him closer to losing his identity. His rebirth might also be tied to the collapse of a star—each time he regenerates, it might cause a supernova or a black hole to form.

Starforged Creations: The Star Eaters created weapons and structures of unimaginable power and beauty, they were capable of cutting through the very fabric of space-time. Joshua could make a blazing sword or solar-infused firearm, capable of firing energy blasts that tear through dimensions or obliterate entire cities. Or make grand megastructures that can harvest the energy of suns and black holes.

Current Days:

The Astrum are not entirely gone. Their energy is scattered across the universe, bound to the remnants of dying galaxies, black holes, and fractured realities. While their minds are trapped in the void.

Joshua's connection to the Astrum could lead him down the path of immense cosmic power, but with great risk. The Astrum's hunger for stars and their tragic fall is a warning, as their very nature is tied to consuming the universe. Will Joshua control this power or fall victim to it, becoming part of the endless hunger that destroyed their civilization? The Astrum's legacy is a cosmic burden, one that Joshua must balance carefully to either reshape the universe or save it from the destruction that the Astrum once wrought.

Also will Joshua bring about the rise of the Astrum again? Watch out if you decide to do so, other immortal races, gods, and void entities will seek to prevent it.

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Let's head into the Astrum Inheritance!

Joshua "Edgeshot" Samuelson

Titles: Folk-Hero of the Downtrodden(+1 social rolls with Iron/Copper students), Ballroom Bard(+1 dancing rolls),

Stats

Body: 6 | Health: 18/18[+2 Gloves]

Mind: 5 | Stress: 10/10

Spirit: 4 | Mana: 9/9

Racial Trait: Limit Break(Hit ⅓ Health and can cause Twice(2x) Damage rolls!)

Spells: Raw Reinforcement(+1 to rolls, -1 Mana)

Skills: Arcane Gunsmithing 1(+1 to crafting firearms), Arcane Physics(Ballistics) II(+2 to trajectory hitting), Guncasting 1(+1 to spell fired from gun), Magical Marksmanship(+1 to accuracy when firing firearms)

Magic Items:

Superer: Harlequin's Mask(Take the form of anyone you touch, and mimic their spells), Revenant Framecoat(+3 to Magic, 2 abilities), Cataclysm(+5 to damage, Caelgor abilities)

Greater: Bottomless Pouch(stores 99 items),

Lesser: True Aim Talisman(-1 Dodge for foe), Gusto Gloves(+2 Health), Runebreaker Choke(+1 Damage to personally crafted ammo), Nail Hammer(+1 to rune-engraving), Blackfume Satchel(stores 3 sets of ammo), Ashwaste Bracers(+2 to Magic training rolls),

Magic Consumables: training aids(9x body, mind, spirit)

Magic Buffs: None

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If you want the Inheritance of the Astrum, star-eaters, a Forgotten apocalyptic fabled race. We will be facing 7 Trials!

Let's roll for the danger levels!

1- Threatening 2- Dangerous 3- Hazardous 4- Lethal 5- Ruinous 6 - Cataclysmic 7- Apocalyptic

Give me:

1d7(Trial 1): Rolled 6. Cataclysmic Threat. Resurrected Star-Eater

1d7(Trial 2): Rolled 6. Cataclysmic Threat. Endless legion of star automatons

1d7(Trial 3): Rolled 7. Apocalyptic Threat. ??? Guardian.

1d7(Trial 4): Rolled 2. Dangerous Threat. Star remnants.

1d7(Trial 5): Rolled 2. Dangerous Threat. Star beasts.

1d7(Trial 6): Rolled 1. Threatening Threat. Star children.

1d7(Trial 7): Rolled 6. Cataclysmic Threat. Star Mother fragment

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Evening: Explore Academy Grounds (Random Encounter – Legacy). Forgotten apocalyptic fabled race. Astrum, the star-eaters. Joshua and Vesperrex are wandering the school grounds. Then they run into some weird, secret ritual going on. which turns out to be the star cult who are trying to resurrect a dead Star-Eater which they succeed. He gets spotted, they try to silence him, but he lets loose the star-eater with his gun, Cataclysm, ability Pandemonium. The star-eater goes wild, and it even opens a portal which it tries to flee through when the school faculty notice its presence thanks to all the destruction it causes. Joshua gets dragged into the portal.

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Hunt for First Legacy

Twilight blanketed the academy like ash. The stars above were unusually bright—too bright. Joshua walked beside Vesperrex, the black-furred lizard draped over his shoulder like a lazy scarf. "You know I brought you outside to walk not sleep on my shoulder," Joshua muttered, brushing away a flake of glowing pollen drifting from a tree that shouldn't be blooming this late.

"I will let you do all the walking for me," Vesperrex yawned lazily.

"That's not how it works, you will become fat and lazy if you keep this up," Joshua noted.

"This is the way of Kings," Vesperrex declared proudly, curling his tail around Joshua's collarbone.

From the holster at his side, a raspy cackle crackled to life. "Hehe, it's great to see you getting bossed around. Its a balm to my aggrieved heart," said Caelgor, laughed joyfully. "Unleashing your master upon me like that! Who does that!? Where is the honor, where is the justice in that!"

Sighing, Joshua continued on his way, ignoring them. Besides trying to get his familiar out and about, he was also on the hunt. He was here to find his first legacy. He wanted to finally enter the first circle.

With a slow breath, he activated the technique drawn from his cultivation path: Throne-Seeker's Sight.

The world shifted. Not dramatically—there was no flash or pulse—but his eyes slid into a new truth. The shadows deepened. The light sharpened. And most importantly, the lines appeared. Basically an internal compass which helped him locate long dead legacies that he can scavenge from. There were countless ghostly lines leading everywhere in the school, veins of faint, ghostly light snaked across the ground, wrapped around trees, vanished into sealed gates or skyward lifts. Each line shimmered in its own hue as within his vision was a myriad color symbolizing the type, rarity, and so forth.

The school was a literal gold mine when it came to finding legacies of long dead or destroyed people or legacies. Then he spotted one that drew his attention, A line of black and gold, pulsing like a restrained supernova. A rare legacy-thread.

Honing in on it, like ghosts whispering in his ear, a bit of knowledge of what it was came to him. "Category: Fabled. Subtype: Extinct. Origin: Pre-Accord Era. Status: Incomplete. Danger: Unknown."

The thread wound down the overgrown trail toward a ruin no one ever visited—the South Ridge Observatory, a planar rupture site marked as 'off-limits' by the faculty due to unstable foundations. Joshua grinned. "Found one."

Following the trail led to a sunken plaza hidden deep within the fractured ridgeline—where the stars never quite aligned and compasses spun in silence. This was once the South Ridge Observatory, a site designed to study stellar mana flows from multiple realms… until it collapsed in on itself a century ago during a failed astral binding. Now it was a forgotten place, the edges warped by overlapping gravitational folds. Roots grew upward. Stones wept starlight.

As Joshua stepped past the broken arch of an overgrown gate, the temperature dropped. His breath misted. The air trembled. His familiar's tail flicked, restless. "Something's... off," Vesperrex murmured. "Feel that in the mana? Tastes like old heat. Not fire. Stellar residue."

Joshua felt it too. A pulse. Rhythmic. Like a heartbeat echoing from above. Then they heard it: chanting. Circular. Alien. He crouched behind a half-toppled astrolabe, Vesperrex tense around his shoulders, pupils thin slits. Below, the amphitheater revealed itself.

A wide, circular depression in the earth, surrounded by crumbling columns wrapped in iron prayer wire. The center of the hollow had been cleared—polished black stone glinting with mathematical inscriptions no sane geometry could replicate. They pulsed with white-blue light, orbiting slowly in concentric rings, like spinning planetary discs. At the center, a broken husk of a dead creature floated—silent, massive, and wrong. It hung in the ritual space like a thing from long past, suspended mid-air by arcs of inverse gravity and chains forged from comet-wire and crystallized dark matter. The thing had once been alive—but not in any way that belonged to this universe.

It was partially fossilized, shaped like a celestial dragon wound in molten ribs and flaking astrometal. Its bones were long and elegant. Its heart cavity gaped open, hollow and cracked—not by violence, but by design. Star lights flickered inside it—trapped and shivering in anticipation as if knew what was coming next.

Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/289989663526461756/

They saw were all that chanting was coming from—ritualists, a dozen robed students stood in a burning circle of orbiting rings, constellations tattooed in glowing ink across their exposed arms and faces. They wore robes of black and indigo, stitched with comet-thread and dripping silver dust. Masks covered their faces—each one modeled after celestial bodies: eclipses, novas, broken moons, neutron stars. No two were alike.

They chanted in a tongue older than sound, their voices grinding like solar flares tearing metal. In front of each was a silver dish, and in each dish—blood. Some of it still warm. Animals. Humans. Maybe both.

As their hands moved and their alien chanting grew louder, the air glowed with sigil, shifting through ritual mudras in synchrony. Above them, constellations that did not exist on any chart began to appear—burning themselves into the sky, black against the stars.

It was clear these were cultists. A favorite pastime of magic users. There was just something about getting together in masks and robes, usually in some cursed magic circle or blood-slicked ruin, to get up to who knows what.

The question was what were these ones up to!

Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/47428602324142754/

Joshua crouched low behind the shattered remains of an orrery, brushing aside moss and fallen sigils. The cold in the air wasn't just temperature—it was the kind that settled in the joints of your spine and watched you. Even Caelgor, ever eager for chaos, had gone quiet. Vesperrex was unmoving in a coiled statue state around his shoulder. He peeked around the moss-slick brass gears.

"Definitely cultists," he muttered. "I see lots of stars, think maybe eldrich or cosmic entity they are involved with."

"You would think you magic users would grow sick of or grow out of all the secret gatherings, cursed pact, ancient horrors," Caelgor muttered, his memory of how he got captured still fresh.

Joshua watched as the cultists placed twelve astral crystals in a ring around the Star-Eater's remains, each one bound to a tether of sacrificial blood. Their leader, a tall figure with a binary star mask, raised a crystalline athame and whispered: "Let the Forgotten Stars Sing."

Then the blood in the dishes lifted—upward, against gravity, forming threads of red and silver that pierced into the fossil's chest. The astrometal began to quake, cracking. Molten light leaked from its seams. The cultists intoned: "By the hunger of the void, By the orbit unbound, By the hollow suns undone— Rise again, Xavul-Korr. Wound upon the Light. Destroyers of Stars."

A second pulse hit the amphitheater. The corpse twitched. A wheeze of stellar breath escaped its cracked maw. And then it opened its eye. Just one. A perfect sphere of collapsing light spiraling with inverted fire and gravitational bleeding, like looking directly into a dying star who stared back with hatred.

Vesperrex hissed through clenched teeth. "I think I know what they just resurrected. The Astrum. A Star-Eater!"

"What's that?" Joshua asked, drawing up blank. He would admit he was a bit jealous of all the ancestral knowledge Vesperrex had downloaded into his brain. Why couldn't he get that, instead of tediously learning everything!

Taking out his badge he did try to scan it, but it came out with only a static-filled warning: [UNCLASSIFIED ENTITY DETECTED] [DANGER LEVEL: CATACLYSMIC] [PLEASE CONTACT A PROFESSOR IMMEDIATELY]

Yeah these warnings weren't a great sign at all.

"What do they teach you here?!" Caelgor asked sarcastically. "Everyone and their grandma knows about these madmen, and what destruction they had brought. They ate stars. They deleted civilizations. Whole constellations and galaxies went missing because of them."

"I have been here for less than a month. Before that, I didn't even know magic existed. This isn't exactly on the entry-level reading list."

"We should get out here real quick," Vesperrex whispered. "This is very bad news. Call upon you master, and every professor you have at hand here. If this race has returned then it could be the end of us all and everything you know."

"I think it's too late for that," Caelgor said as he felt something hit him on the back of the head.

Thwack.

Thankfully it didn't knock him out, but he was helpless to do anything as he was dragged in front of the group along with Vesperrex who squeaked in fury and tried to claw them, but came along when it saw the state he was in. "What's going on here?" a voice asked as he was summarily dropped in front of the speaker.

"He was spying on us, mostly likely for our enemies, and reporting what we were doing."

"I wasn't," Joshua slurred, still feeling woozy from the bump behind his head. Touching it, his hand came away wet with blood, so not a bruise, he thought, but something much serious.

Behind him, he could hear the Star-Eater shout, "Let me go you little Arcanum Eternal SCUM!"

Joshua blinked. Now that was a group he had heard about, something only whispered in the Librarians' archives. They were a group of great and powerful mages who somehow found a way to merge with magic itself to become a whole new race. This thing must me so ancient it was confusing them for the eternals.

"Like I said for the dozenth time Great One, we are not the Arcanum Eternal. Your hated foes are long dead s-..."

Cutting off his speaker, the hardheaded creature roared, "LIES! As if I would trust your sly words, dog! When I get out of here, I will plunder and destroy your world, causing the lamentation of millions. I will…" and he continued on like that for a couple minus spewing countless threats each worse than the other.

Sighing, the leader of this little cult rubbed his forehead, and with his dizziness easing, Joshua was able to get a better look at him. He was a star elf with the same white hair and light skin of his race. He had a long strange spear in hand, and some markings on his face with pitch dark eyes.

Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/15270086236006556/

"Just feed this one and his familiar to it," the elf said. "Hopefully that will ease the great one's wrath."

"Hey, hey," Joshua yelled. "That's not how it works first of all, and look I will promise to be quiet. You won't hear a word from me, I swear. I can even take a magic oath!"

Ignoring him, Joshua was dragged along with Vesperrex towards the creature. Seeing that they weren't listening to reason Joshua was left with no option. "Vespy it's now or never, give me your Roar!" Vesperrex didn't need to be told twice as he let loose his Regal Roar!

Most of the cultists dropped to the ground, cowering in fear and yelling in pain, but the others with strong wills or power froze instantly, but that is all that Joshua needed. Getting out of the grips of the cultist who were dragging him, he pulled out his gun, Joshua didn't aim it at any of the cultists just right at the trapped creature.

"What are you doing," the elf shouted, who was already out of the grasp of Vesperrex roar, but it was too late as he had fired. And it wasn't any ordinary shot, but one powered by Caelgor's abilities, Pandemonium.

Roll 1d6 for effect.

1- Very bad 2-Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Roll 2

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As soon as the gunshot echoed through the air, the entire atmosphere shifted. The sound wasn't just the sharp crack of a gunshot—it was the unleashing of chaos itself, and chaos it wrought.

The Pandemonium shot did not hit the creature with a clean explosion or blast. Instead, it unleashed a ripple of chaos that spread out in every direction, distorting everything in its wake. The energy of the Pandemonium shot reached its target, but it did not merely release the creature—it broke the environment around them, as if reality itself had been torn open.

The cultists, still frozen, began to twitch, their minds overloaded with the sudden surge of chaotic energy. Those that had resisted the shock of the blast could feel the chaos burrowing into their minds, disorienting them, ripping their consciousness apart. The strong-willed among them fought to stay standing, but they were no longer in control.

Joshua felt it too—the pull of chaos seeping into his very soul. His breath caught in his throat as the world around him felt as though it was shifting in impossible directions. The air felt thick and heavy, pulling at his limbs like he was being dragged into some otherworldly force. The ground beneath him trembled again, and he barely kept his balance.

"What... have you done?" the elf shouted again, voice shaking. His body was still standing, but he looked no less panicked than the rest. The air around him was flickering as if he were being pulled into another dimension.

"Hey, don't blame me," Joshua said in anger. "You're the one that didn't listen to reason and left me with no choice."

The creature, now fully free, stood tall—its form shifting between horrifying realities. It was a horrible being of the stars, not fully corporeal, not fully existent in any tangible way, but more a reflection of pure comic energy. Tendrils of pure dark energy pulsed from its body, warping space around it.

He heard the chuckling coming from it, "Ahh. I am finally free. How many eons has it been, what terrible vengeance I shall unleash upon the cosmos!"

Already it was planning on causing mass destruction, The chaos blast had left Joshua's head swimming, his mind fractured by the sheer intensity of it all. You've just unleashed something far beyond our control," the elf growled, drawing his weapon. "Now we have to face it."

"Best of luck to you," Joshua as he grabbed his familiar. "I'm out of here!" He could feel the dark pull of the creature's might, its power, now free, pushing against him like a storm. His hand trembled around his gun, and his heart raced. The creature, now fully free was going to do far more damage than he could ever control, and there was no way he was going to stick around to see it.

"Stop him," the elf shouted to his minions as he brought out a similar token which he had, a mentor token. "Master, please grace us with your presence," the elf bowed before the medallion which floated lazily in the air.

There wasn't much the cultist could do to him as they were groaning on the ground. However Joshua knew things were just getting started as he could see a rend in the air which someone used to step through.

Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3659243439662184/

The figure who stepped out of the rift was a beautiful man made of metal, his form gleaming and luminous, floating effortlessly in the air. His armor was etched with runes, glowing softly in the strange light. The metal of his body seemed to be both living and forged, a perfect union of artificial and great craftsmanship. His eyes were radiant, glowing with an inner light that hinted at immeasurable knowledge and power.

The professor—this metal man—stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he regarded both the creature and the cultists with a calm, calculating gaze. His presence, though serene, was also intimidating, his power impossible to ignore.

"This... is unexpected," he said softly, his voice like the clang of metal against stone, precise and cold, yet undeniably calm. "What happened here, my student," he asked, keeping an eye on his foe.

"Our subject was released by a meddler. And he has caused chaos in our ranks!" That aforementioned meddler was already climbing out of the ridge that led to the observatory, hightailing it out of there.

"Let it be a lesson to you then to never underestimate your enemies, and that all plans don't survive contact with the enemy."

"Yes, master," the elf boy bowed as the Star-Eater let loose a terrible roar. A sound not merely a noise but a distortion of the air, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The air crackled with raw cosmic energy as the creature's form twisted and flickered, a maddening mixture of light, gravity, and fire. It took slow, deliberate steps forward, feeling the immense power that had been trapped within its body for eons stretching out, but still not fully recovered. It seemed to reach out, testing the bounds of reality, its tendrils of dark energy slicing through the air like sharpened blades, warping the very space around it.

"Now I have a foe to fight," the mysterious professor said as he turned to fight the recently resurrected star-eater.

The Professor moved first, his form almost imperceptible as he floated forward in a graceful, controlled motion. His metallic body gleamed with an ethereal light, the runes etched into his form pulsing like luminous veins, their glow radiating across the battlefield. He raised his hand toward the Star-Eater, and in an instant, the air around him began to shift, twisting as if to counter the beast itself.

The creature lunged forward, the dark tendrils that made up its form reaching out, but the Professor's barrier flared to life—an energy field of crimson light forming in front of him, deflecting the blow with an almost effortless gesture. The Star-Eater's tendrils recoiled from the barrier, hissing as though it could sense that its power was being neutralized.

Joshua turned to watch, his eyes momentarily fixated on the battle unfolding before him. The clash between the Professor and the Star-Eater was beautiful, deadly—like a dance of destruction. Each movement was deliberate, precise, an intricate display of power as they tested each other's limits. But Joshua knew—he didn't belong in this battle. His body still trembled from the effects of the Pandemonium shot, and there was no way he could survive the aftermath of a single blow. His instincts screamed at him to run, so he turned and hailed ass, gathering what little strength he had left to move quickly, ducking behind the nearest cover. Despite his desire to watch more of the clash, he understood that he was too vulnerable.

The two combatants were evenly matched, each in their own way. The Professor, with thousands of years of mastery, had the edge in control and calculation, but the Star-Eater, though still recovering from its resurrection, was a being of cosmic force. Its body was not bound by the rules of this reality—it could reshape space and bend time, and while its power was diminished, the hunger that drove it was as potent as ever.

The creature, enraged and realizing it wasn't able to fully overpower its foe, bellowed, its voice a cosmic roar that reverberated in Joshua's bones. "I would have crushed you like the insect you were, if I were in my prime, Arcanum dog!" the Star-Eater sneered, its form flickering like a twisted reflection of a forgotten god. The ground beneath them seemed to shift in response, bending at its will.

The Professor, unshaken, spoke coolly, his voice like metal scraping against stone. "Well then, blame your unfortunate luck," he replied, his hands rising again. "Now let's finish this before some of my colleagues decide to come investigate this."

The Star-Eater, realizing it might lose, responded with fury. A deep, rumbling laugh escaped from its mouth—horrifying, maddened. It stretched out its limbs, drawing from the universe itself, pulling cosmic energy from the very stars above them. The sky flickered, stars shimmering and distorting, as though they were responding to the creature's call, and the Star-Eater began to draw strength from the very cosmos.

In a flash of dark energy, it ripped open a rift, tearing at the fabric of space with a scream of cosmic hunger and fury. The Professor didn't hesitate. He charged, his metal body moving with precision, sending out bursts of energy to try to stop the rift from opening, but it was clear now: the Star-Eater had regained enough strength to threaten everything around them.

"What is it doing?" Joshua muttered to himself, seeing the turn of events.

"It's calling for help," Vesperrex answered.

The Star-Eater, now seemingly severely drained, let out a final cackling laugh as it pushed more of its power through the rift. The space around them twisted and distorted, pulling at time, space, and the essence of stars. The rift was widening, opening a path for forces far beyond their comprehension.

The Professor remained calm. His form brightened, and his hands rose again, trying to contain the raging vortex of energy before it consumed everything. But as the rift tore through the battlefield, it was clear—he was outmatched. And it was too little, too late for all of them as the portal started sucking them in like a vacuum.

Joshua's heart raced, and he instinctively grabbed onto a nearby pillar, his fingers digging into the stone. But it was useless. The pull of the rift was unrelenting, a force of nature that dragged him toward it with the strength of a star collapsing in on itself. He tried to hold on, but the dark energy was too much. Slowly, he was dragged off his feet, the air sucking him into the void.

And he wasn't alone. The cultists, many of whom had been caught in the blast of the Pandemonium shot and the Roar, were now being pulled into the gaping maw of the rift. Screams filled the air, twisted by the distorted energy, as they were dragged in, lost to the swirling darkness.

The Professor fought back, his glowing form now desperately pushing against the vortex, his hands raised in one final attempt to seal the rift before they were all lost. But it was too little, too late. The Star-Eater, sensing the shift in power, turned toward him, its burning, cosmic eyes glowing with an intensity that threatened to blind everything.

With a roar, the Star-Eater charged at the Professor, its claws crackling with raw, cosmic power. The Professor's barrier flickered, a final attempt to hold back the unstoppable force, but it crumbled beneath the Star-Eater's strike, and with a sickening snap, the barrier disappeared, leaving the Professor exposed. With a howl of joyful, the Star-Eater's claws slashed through the Professor's form, injuring him with a violent blow. The metallic man faltered, his calm composure cracked as he staggered.

Before he could recover, the Star-Eater struck again, its claws tearing into him, forcing him back toward the rift. With glee, the creature tore through the Professor's defenses, leaving him vulnerable and defenseless. In one final movement, the Professor was pulled into the rift, his form swallowed by the chaotic force of the void.

And then, it was over. The rest of them stood no chance as they were sucked into the gaping maw of the rift. The world around them whirled in a disorienting vortex of light and shadow, the very laws of time no longer holding firm. The ground beneath them fractured, and the air turned into a whirlwind of spiraling energy that seemed to tear apart the very space they occupied.

The last thing he saw before everything went black was the Star-Eater's smile, twisted in satisfaction as they vanished into the rift, now ready to unleash its power upon the Academy in ways beyond anyone's control. In a flash, they were gone—from the battlefield, from the school grounds, from the fabric of reality itself.

The rift that had swallowed them did not close in the same way it had opened. Instead, a gaping hole remained, its edges shimmering with violent, cosmic energy. And as the Star-Eater stood before it, things begin to come out of it, a new wave of cosmic horrors flooding through the breach.

From within the rift, a legion of vile automatons began to pour forth—tall, gleaming metal beings, their forms reminiscent of twisted, celestial statues, glowing with the essence of stars. They were the Star-Eater's vanguard, known as the Star-Automatons—a relentless army forged from the very stars and created by the Star-Eaters long ago to conquer worlds, realms, and civilizations across the cosmos.

These horrifying anomalies were made of living stardust and cosmic machinery, capable of shifting form as they absorbed the energy from the worlds they conquered. Their eyes burned with primal intelligence, yet they felt more like unstoppable machines of war, their silent movements betraying a singular purpose: to assault, devour, and claim. Their bodies, glowing with the violent energy of the stars, distorted the very air around them as they walked, their footsteps causing tremors as though the ground beneath them were not even part of this world.

The rifts that had opened within the school grounds began to swell, and hundreds of the Star-Automatons poured through. They emerged from the darkness of the rift, their glowing forms shattering the air as they marched forward, their inhuman eyes set on the academy of magic—a place teeming with arcane power and untapped knowledge.

These were no ordinary invaders. They were the Star-Eaters' first wave, an endless legion—machines of war created to obliterate, assimilate, and rebuild worlds to suit their creators' needs. They were the apocalyptic heralds of a forgotten race, whose sole purpose was to conquer worlds, to establish dominance over all they encountered. The Star-Automaton army would not stop until the school and all its inhabitants were either destroyed or absorbed into their unrelenting march.

Star-Automaton Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/15410823721607056/

"Come my legions," the Star-Eater spoke. "Let's burn this place to the ground!"

-

Joshua felt his body being torn through the fabric of space itself. His senses were assaulted by an overwhelming rush of energy, the feeling of falling without ever hitting the ground. It was as though time itself were twisting around him, fragments of light, shadow, and cosmic dust flashing by. His thoughts scattered like stardust, unable to keep focus as the world spiraled around him.

Suddenly, everything stopped. He landed hard on solid ground, his body shaking, the dizziness of the journey lingering in his head. Joshua tried to push himself up, but the air around him was thick with a heavy, unnatural pressure, almost suffocating. The sky above him was a sickly black, swirling with cosmic storms, a canvas of stars blinking in and out of existence as if the heavens themselves were dying.

He looked around, trying to make sense of this new place. He was no longer on the academy grounds that for sure, nor on the battlefield where the ritual took place on. He had been sucked into the rift, into the very heart of the Star-Eater's domain: wherever that was. Turning to his familiar and his gun, he sought their knowledge. "Do you know where we are?"

Vesperrex took a sniff of the air, getting a taste for the place before he answered, "It looks like we are in a Star Forge, an ancient, forgotten place of unimaginable power—a cosmic forge where the Star-Eaters had once crafted their legions, weapons, and horrifying creations."

Joshua's mind raced as he tried to take in the full implications of Vesperrex's words. The Star Forge— a place where cosmic horrors were made, and now he was trapped in its depths, surrounded by ancient, incomprehensible power.

The forge itself stretched out before him—an infinite expanse of metallic caverns, dimly glowing forges, and warped dimensions. The very air seemed alive, shifting with fragments of unseen energy, and the ground beneath him was not stone, but a strange, cosmic alloy, cold and smooth to the touch. Sparks of blue-white energy crackled through the atmosphere, as if the entire forge was in the midst of creation and destruction at once.

Star forge image: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/yklLYn

But Joshua wasn't alone from the corner of his eye he spotted a horrifying machine coming their way. Quickly hiding within the alcoves above the pipes, he watched as a dozen of them went past, each more terrible than the other.

They were like a twisted statue of living metal, their bodies shining faintly with the glow of distant stars. Its limbs were mechanical, moving with cold precision, each step purposeful, like a predator on the hunt. He noticed how each of them had a star shaped head even though they were twisted, and terrifying in their own way. Some of them had weapons—energy lances, blades made of pure light, and cosmic cannons built into their arms. Others had no weapons, instead having gears and chains running through their limbs

When they were finally gone, he jumped down from his hiding spot and landed safely on the ground. He needed to come up with a plan fast to get out of here. This place was literally crawling with these machines and if they found them, just from their abominable forms he shuttered to think what they would do with him. His heart raced, but he knew he had to make a choice, and he had to act quickly.

Share your plan for how you will survive trail 2! The endless legions of Star-Automaton

Example 1: steal the robes of one of the cultists and pretend to be one of them as you hook up with the professor and other cultists hoping they have a way out.

Example 2: put on the Harlequin's mask and pretend to one of the machines and try to find a way out on your own

-

Joshua moved cautiously through the Star Forge, the echoes of the Star-Automaton's footsteps reverberating through the endless metallic expanse. The sound was constant, a low hum of machinery that filled the air like a pulse, a heartbeat of a place that had been abandoned for eons, now slowly awakening. He kept to the shadows, as small as a gnat on the wall, doing everything he could to remain unnoticed. Whether it was because he was too insignificant for the alarms to register him or because the systems of the Forge were still restarting, Joshua couldn't tell. But either way, he was lucky and went by unnoticed. Only needed to hide in the shadows when machines went past.

The Star-Automaton soldiers—huge, imposing figures—were either rushing off to destinations or just emerging from the presses, newly formed and still adjusting to the world around them. Their star-shaped heads gleamed with a cold light, their bodies creaking and shifting with the motions of freshly assembled machines. For a moment, Joshua considered the scale of what he was in. The Forge, he realized, wasn't just a factory—it was an ancient, living thing, where machines were spawned into existence.

Joshua's nerves tightened as he caught sight of something in the distance: a clash. He didn't know what was happening at first, but the distant screams and clang of metal against metal were unmistakable. A fight.

Drawing closer, he saw a group of cultists, their robed figures clashing against the Star-Automaton legion—but they weren't alone. The Professor was also in the thick of the battle, his form radiating power, his hands glowing with energy as he countered the automaton's cosmic onslaught. He towered over them all, easily crushing them, but they were relentless as more and more came forth the depths of the forge and their ability to adapt, to shift with the magic at work in the battle made them formidable opponents. With no option they were forced to retreat, leaving the place littered with broken machines, sparks still flying from the destroyed bodies.

Seeing his chance, Joshua crept forward towards the battlefield, instead of going for one of the bigger and badder machines he came to the smaller, less powerful common soldier machine variants. Pulling out his Harlequin mask Joshua held it up to his face, feeling the cool wood of the mask brush against his skin. He hesitated for a fraction of a second—this could either be a masterstroke or a fatal mistake—but time was running out, he could already hear the metallic footfall of machines coming close.

Donned it, he touched one of the machines and the mask melded to his face as though it had been designed specifically for him. The once strange, incomprehensible energy coursing through it now seemed to hum in harmony with his own thoughts and coursed through the machine as well, taking in its form. Thankfully, it was able to copy the machine's form even though it was many levels above him, but he could feel it was tapped out and he would need to recharge it.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, adjusting to the new presence inside his head. When he opened them, he no longer saw himself or the world through his human senses. Instead, everything appeared through the cold, precise gaze of a machine—his thoughts were no longer fully his own. The mask had altered his perception, giving him the mind of an automaton.

Joshua took a deep breath, and as he exhaled, he felt an unnatural calm. He had become a part of the machine. He stood taller now, his movements more mechanical, more precise. The mask had transformed him, not physically, but mentally—it was as if his very being had been synced with the Star-Automaton's directive.

Joshua machine form Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/45810121242694635/

Just then a couple machines came to the littered battlefield, and he knew right away what they were cleaners. Unlike the more battle-ready machines, these were designed for maintenance—their frames were sleek, with no visible weapons or armor. Their bodies were thin, almost insect-like, yet there was a purpose to their design—they were the custodians of the Star Forge, designed to repair and maintain the forge's inner workings and machinery. They moved quickly, sweeping the debris of the battle aside, their star-shaped heads blinking with light as they carefully examined the wreckage.

The cleaners were oddly eerie, their movements calculated but without the ferocity of the other machines. They scanned the area, their appendages made of spindly, wire-like tendrils, perfect for handling delicate tasks—or dealing with any unexpected mess. It seemed that even the Star-Eater's creations had a hierarchy—some were war machines, others servants, and some were simply helpers.

Roll for plan success; 1d6

1- Very bad 2-Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 5: Great Disguise. You move without any obstacles in the forge, even able to access key areas. Plus you have some authority, can command a squadron of automatons.

-

Nodding at the cleaners, Joshua was about to be on his way until he spotted a medallion on one regal looking machine. It lay discarded on the ground, glowing faintly with cosmic energy. Already his machine mind was telling him what it was, a command medallion which allowed him to led different star-automatons and access to key areas.

Trying his best to act all innocent like he plucked the medallion for himself and hightailed it out of there, the cleaners none the wiser. With the mask's power, he blended in with the other machines, his actions and thoughts syncing seamlessly with the machines' directives. The Star-Automaton soldiers passed by him without so much as a glance, and Joshua was now just another cog in the machine.

Joshua made his way deeper into the Star Forge, the more he explored, the more he realized the scale of the Forge was mind-boggling. He moved through the Forge, navigating the endless metallic caverns, the hum of cosmic energy vibrating in the air around him. As he walked, he could hear the distant clang of hammers, the whirring of gears, and the sizzling of molten metal as the Forge continued to churn out machines of war, weapons, and devices of unimaginable power. Every corner of the Star Forge revealed something new—chambers of creation, dark forges, and vast machinery fields stretching into infinity.

He passed by huge cavernous chambers where machines the size of mountains were being forged—gigantic war machines built from crystallized energy and living metal. Some of these machines were in early stages of construction, their forms still rough and unshaped, while others had glowing cores pulsing with raw, unrefined cosmic energy. The dark skies above the Forge were filled with floating islands where the most dangerous automatons were programmed and activated.

The Forge seemed to be in a state of constant creation, as if it was alive, continually evolving and reconstructing itself. The very ground beneath Joshua's feet was covered with veins of cosmic ore, a strange, otherworldly material that crackled with latent energy. There were also floating platforms carrying mining drones and repair automaton units, making their way to different workstations to maintain the endless process of creation.

All his wandering had a direction in mind as he was looking for the portal room or what was closest to that. Since he was portaled in here, he figured he could portal out and get back to the academy.

After what seemed like an eternity, Joshua finally reached the heart of the Star Forge. His command medallion guided him through restricted zones, opening doors and access points that otherwise would have been locked to someone of his rank. The air grew thick with dark energy as he entered the central chamber—the Portal Room.

Here, the atmosphere was different. The very walls of the room seemed to pulse with ancient energy, shimmering like liquid stars. At the center of the room stood an enormous energy core, a massive portal generator, surrounded by arcane symbols and mechanical components that hummed with a life of their own. This was no mere portal generator—it was an engine of cosmic power, capable of shaping realities and bridging the gap between worlds.

The room was guarded by machine soldiers, who stood at attention as Joshua entered, their glowing eyes turning toward him but not questioning his presence. They only watched, as if recognizing him as part of their collective will, their duty to the Star-Eater overriding all other concerns.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Besides the guards, there were legions upon legions of automatons walking through the portal to War. Joshua watched as the endless army of the Star-Eater's legion spilled through the portal—infinite, unrelenting, a never-ending tide. There were no breaks, no hesitation in their purpose. Only destruction.

But it wasn't just the machines that caught his attention. At the far end of the chamber stood the Professor, battered but alive, standing alongside the cultists all surrounded by the twisted forms of the Star-Automatons. They were not fighting, but instead trapped and he saw what had them trapped as there was something even more alarming in the room.

From the center of the chamber, rising slowly from the depths of the Forge's energy core, came an ancient, horrifying entity. It was massive, a starry shape, not entirely solid but ever-shifting—a dark figure of energy, something alive but beyond comprehension. His robotic mind wanted to all but submit right then and there as this was a Star-Father Fragment, a remnant of the Star-Eaters' progenitors, it had been here in the Star Forge for countless eons, guarding one of the last few legacies of its race.

There was only ever one other being that Joshua felt such overwhelming power from, the Dean. This creature had to be at the level of High Mages, a truly immortal being, and he had to remind himself this was only a fragment of this entity.

Star father Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/23925441768083338/

The Professor, the cultists, and the Star-Father Fragment were all in the same room, and the portal was right there, but it wasn't so simple anymore. The Star-Father Fragment was incredibly powerful, and no one could just walk past it. He wondered if his disguise would hold up, knowing such an entity he doubted it.

Joshua stood there, barely able to process the magnitude of the situation. His mind whirred with conflicting thoughts. Who was going to stop this endless legion from invading the school. And as much as he hated those cultists for trying to feed him to the star-eater there was no one here to rescue them except him.

Also there was one thing that had been bothering him this whole time, the persistent whisper of Throne-Seeker's Sight which kept telling to go onward to locate the heart of this long dead legacy. He wondered if he should pursue it or just drop it to try to get out of here. All those thoughts whirled in his head, and he needed to come up with a plan prompt too if he wanted to live to see the next day.

Share your plan for how you will survive trail 3! The guardian of the Star-forge, the Star-Father fragment!

Plan 1: Use the command medallion to have the star-automatons attack the Star-Father fragment! Plus have Vesperrex use his All the King's Men ability for even more chaos.

Plan 2: Hope your disguise holds up against the Star-Father fragment as you pass him to the portal, leave behind everyone and the legacy to get out of here.

-

Within the school, chaos bloomed like a supernova. Students ran, spells fizzled, alarms screamed. Every magical badge lit up crimson: Extradimensional Invaders Detected.

There was mayhem everywhere, panic erupted as students scrambled to understand what was happening. A deep tremor pulsed through the campus. The sky continued cracking open—not metaphorically. The clouds split like torn canvas, and from that wound descended titanic machines forged from collapsed starlight and bound gravitational cores. The vanguard of the Star-Eaters was unstoppable, they were not mindless drones, but weapons built for the extinction of civilizations, their blazing weapons fired energy blasts that cut through the defenses of the school's barrier spells like they were paper. The very stones of the academy grounds began to crack, as though the weight of the invaders' presence was shaking the foundation of the world itself.

The Star-Automaton legion moved with military precision. Some walked, two-legged or insectile, their forms trailing heat signatures that broke thermodynamic laws. Some flew, shaped like angelic horrors, wings made of solar panels and arcane circuit-weaves. Some slithered, titanic serpents of living alloy, devouring everything in their path. Each one bore a sigil of the Astrum, carved into their chest like a wound that bled light or shared the same strange star shaped head.

They advanced in rank upon rank, disintegrating walls, and shattering magical wards. They didn't speak, but their actions spoke volumes—each one methodically attacking, killing or capturing anything in their path.

Some students tried to retaliate, wielding powerful spells, but the Star-Automatons' bodies absorbed the magic, their starlight-infused armor neutralizing all but the most potent attacks. In response, the automatons rained down cosmic energy beams, turning the school grounds into a nightmarish battlefield. Horns were blaring everywhere as one sign could be heard out loud: Extradimensional Invaders Alert! Engage Emergency Combat Response.

They came like legends reborn. From spatial gates, teleportation glyphs, smoking corridors, and impacted classrooms, the faculty stepped forth, cloaks swirling, eyes blazing. Cloaks trailing arcane light. Wards humming in the air around them. Some walked through the wreckage as if war had waited patiently for them to return. Others fell from the sky like meteors, crashing into formations of Star-Automata with no more regard than a dragon stepping on insects.

These were the faculty of the Academy. Not just teachers. Not just scholars. But old champions, hidden masters, exiled powerhouses, spellwrights, true war-mages, architects, and ex-heroes that the academy quietly built its foundations on and who once shaped wars and rewrote realms—and had chosen silence over spectacle. Until now.

The Astrum automatons, precise and relentless, halted only for a second—some higher logic core parsing risk. And they came up short. There was nothing they could do stand against the onslaught that came their way. All they could do was helplessly watch like little lams to the slaughter as the wolves came out to play.

Spells lit the skies, enchantments cracked the courtyard stones, aether chains lashed out from sleeves, snaring Astrum drones and tearing them apart mid-flight. Magic circles bloomed in the air, layered like mandalas, firing barrages of compressed laws, timefolds, and elemental absurdities.

Lecturers and teaching aids struck in coordinated waves, almost as good as the cohesive machines. While instructors and even some professors who decided to step out of their towers worked their magic.

One drew runes in blood and summoned an extinction-level firestorm across the western quad. Another simply whispered a name that no longer existed, and countless automatons collapsed under the weight of erasure. A third reprogrammed local reality with a spellbook bound in dark inky skin—gravity reversed, time slowed, and the invaders fell like rusted dolls.

Meanwhile other defensive measures of the school came to life as Walls reshaped themselves. Statues of old professors came to life and charged forward. Dormitories flared with defensive wards activated for the first time in generations. Floating lecture platforms repositioned into firing turrets, launching bolts of theorem-enhanced lightning.

Students rallied behind the chaos—some still terrified, others inspired. Emergency drills turned real. Duels became real battles. Clubs once meant for study showed their hidden purpose—firing magical artillery, releasing bound spirits, or shielding younger years with interlocking wards. The ground itself—infused with centuries of layered enchantments—responded to its creators' wrath.

The machines tried to fight back, but it was futile. Star-Juggernauts and colossi stepped onto the field, each giants from the age before stars, descended in waves. Their weapons pulsed with condensed cosmic radiation. Energy lances speared through elemental defenses. Their very footsteps fractured the stones of the academy—not from impact, but from the unbearable weight of their presence. Magic frayed in their wake.

And then came more. Star-Destroyers walked like collapsing moons. Helio-Casters drifted above with sun-cored torsos, each blast from their chests carving trenches through stone and sky alike. Cataclysm Star-Hounds tore across courtyards on limbs of orbiting debris, hunting faculty signatures with ruthless precision. Overhead, massive Eclipse Thrones floated behind the lines, disrupting spellwork within their null-magic fields.

The faculty joyfully unleashed their full breath of collected genius which had been kept on hand for who knows how long —ancient incantations, living theories, great spell arsenals, letting loose prototype enchantments never meant to leave containment, and even testing out some of their experiments. They didn't just fight. The battlefield became a proving ground for ideas too dangerous to be published, too unstable to be taught.

As the faculty unleashed their long-buried arsenal, the Academy itself stirred. The academy had not survived eras by being passive. Beneath the stone, behind every etched wall, inside every tower, layered contingency enchantments and hidden weapons waited. It was no longer a school. It was war incarnate, memory-bound, myth-fed, and spell-blooded. The invaders had arrived to crush a citadel. Instead, they found a bastion forged from eternity.

Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6122149487500166/

-

As the Star-Father Fragment slowly loomed in the heart of the Forge, the pressure in the room was oppressive, the very air thick with cosmic energy. The Professor and the cultists were trapped, caught between the Star-Automaton soldiers and the fragment's overwhelming presence. Time was running out. Joshua's mind raced—this wasn't just about survival anymore; it was about freedom, about resisting fate, and breaking free from the grip of a cosmic nightmare. He gripped his medallion and the Harlequin mask and quickly made a choice. Chaos, at this point, was the only chance they had and he could feel the joy coming from Caelgor.

Joshua activated the medallion first, his fingers trembling as he pressed it into the core of his hand. He could feel it right away, many Star-Automatons were now under his control. He felt an immediate shift in the atmosphere, a mental command surging through the room as the medallion's power took hold. The machines around him began to react to his presence, their movements more purposeful and aligned with his own will. Their glowing eyes flickered in response to his mental commands.

Then, he whispered to Vesperrex who was hiding in his hoody, "Vespy, I want you to unleash your King's men ability!"

"This is the height of foolishness," his familiar whispered back.

"Well a man got to do what he gots to do. If it attacks us, make sure to pull up the Dread Regalia. Hopefully that could do something, and if you have enough juice in you try to unleash your breath attack."

Vesperrex grumbled in response. "Fine, but you owe me big time for this."

"You will get the treats you want," he patted the small creature on the head.

"What about you, Caelgor?" Joshua asked the entity in his gun.

"I got enough power for an ability or two, use them wisely! Try upgrading this gun, and maybe next time I will be able to unleash more of my power."

"That's if we make it out of here," he whispered. "You both will get all the finest stuff you will need. Treasures to upgrade yourself and all the goodies to evolve, Vespy. That's a promise!" Turning to himself, he pulled out his lighting spell scroll, prepared his only spell to bolster whatever he had , and tuned up his armor. It was also running low thanks to the uses it got in the school competition, so he had enough fuel in it to use his Reverent Stand Protocol.

"Alright, it's show time!" With that, he gave the command to the robots under his command to attack their brethren. The room erupted as the machines, now under Joshua's control, engaged their former comrades.

Nodding his head to his familiar, it also unleashed its ability, the King's Men. Specters of students dressed in baggy robes appeared around him, rising from the ground as they took form. These ghostly warriors looked eerily similar to the Basement Court, the faction Joshua had birthed recently. They were figments of rebellion, embodying the desire to rise from their lowly positions, ready to serve Joshua in this impossible battle.

Roll for machine uprising success; 1d6

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 2, Bad

-

Roll for kingsmen army success; 1d6

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 1, Very bad

-

Joshua's squadron of Star-Automaton soldiers, now under his command, surged forward to engage their former brethren. They moved with mechanical precision, but the response was swift and overwhelming. The Star-Automaton legion, still loyal to the Star-Eater's commands, responded with force. The battle quickly turned into a slaughter—his newly controlled squadron was easily overwhelmed by the more advanced Star-Automaton soldiers, whose combat readiness and counter-strategy were far superior.

The ranks of his soldiers scattered, broken under the overwhelming power, and before long, the chaos he'd attempted to unleash turned into nothing but disorder, with his squadron falling apart before his very eyes.

Meanwhile Vesperrex, who had already begun to unleash his King's Men ability. The specters of the Basement Court, rose from the ground, their eyes empty and soulless, embodying the rebellion and freedom Joshua sought to bring into being. These ghostly warriors, born of revolution and the desire to rise above, were supposed to give him the edge in this impossible battle.

But as the King's Men surged forward, the situation worsened. The Star-Automaton legion turned their attention toward them, and the specters—unable to fight against the might of the automaton soldiers—were quickly wiped out. The ghostly students, formed to rebel and fight in the name of Joshua's authority, were now scattered and eliminated with ease. They were outclassed, their ethereal forms no match for the automaton's firepower.

The ghostly warriors were no more. The Basement Court's influence had been crushed, and Joshua's uprising had failed—his squadron was decimated, and the King's Men were easily eliminated. The distraction that he had hoped to create so that he could make it to the Professor and the cultist, and free them was gone. Plus he could feel that the Star-Automaton soldiers were on the hunt for him as the directive came down to look for the one who caused this outburst.

Joshua stood there, the weight of failure pressing down on him. To make matters worse, Joshua's heart felt like it had stopped, his breath caught in his throat as the Star-Father Fragment's gaze fixed on him. The ancient entity towered above the chaos in the room, its form shimmering like a collection of dark stars caught in an eternal dance. Its eyes, burning with cosmic power, pierced through his disguise like it was nothing, and its voice, when it spoke, reverberated in his very bones. "What do we have here?" The Fragment's voice was like the echo of eons, an ancient, timeless force that made the air feel as though it were crushing him.

"I—" Joshua began, his voice cracking. His instincts screamed at him to make a move, to act, but he couldn't escape the suffocating presence of the Star-Father Fragment. He had no idea how to fight something like this, let alone how to survive. But the Professor and the cultists were still at the mercy of the Fragment. The battle wasn't over yet.

The Fragment chuckled, the sound of an otherworldly rumble that seemed to reverberate through the very core of the Forge. "You think you can deceive me, mortal?" Its voice was a low growl, full of cosmic amusement. "You are nothing but a fleeting spark in the vastness of time, and yet here you stand, playing at rebellion." The Star-Father Fragment's presence grew even more oppressive, as if reality itself were bending to its will.

For a moment, Joshua felt like he was being suffocated, the cosmic weight of the Star-Father's presence filling every inch of the room. His mind felt like it was being pulled apart, his body seemingly losing connection to itself. But Joshua refused to break.

What is your plan now that you got spotted?

Plan 1: Throw everything you have at the Star-Father Fragment

Plan 2: Come in quietly like a good little boy

Plan 3: Bargain with the Star-Father Fragment? What do you have to offer this great immortal being?

Plan 4: Start worshiping it as all lesser beings should

-

Seeing that the jig was up, Joshua removed his mask, already he could feel the overriding commands of the star-automatons trying to worm their way into his head, whispering obedience to the Star-father. So he did away with his mask, coming out to the open.

The star-elf spotted him along with the other cultist and pointed at him. He ignored their gestures, accusations, and anger and faced the Star-father head on. He wasn't planning to come in quietly, he would fight to the very end, even if it was against impossible odds.

Looking at the limited options he had from his gun holding a chaos elemental to his very rare familiar, and his armor to his limited magic, he was ready to pull everything on the table and toss it all with a care of the dice!

"Already giving up," the Star-Father voice boomed.

"No," Joshua's voice cut through the tension in the room as he spoke to his familiar, still nestled in his hood. "Vespy, open with Breath of Final Tribute. Don't hit the portal, but burn everything else in our way." The little creature's eyes flashed with a mixture of loyalty and fierce determination, he also knew the chips were down. Vesperrex opened his mouth, releasing a roar that shook the chamber. A wide cone of ruinfire—a ghostly, spectral flame—swept through the room, igniting everything in its path. The Breath of Final Tribute was an ancient, forbidden power—a flame not made from fire alone, but from ash, destruction, and the legacy.

Also stepping in the fray, he tossed out the lighting scroll he got from the battle-royale to hold off the star-automatons which came rushing at them. Then Joshua raised his gun. The chaos in his gun was palpable, and he knew the time had come to strike. Holding back for a moment in firing, he activated his armor calling upon the gunslingers of old, hoping against hope that someone who answer.

Feeling the same weight settle on him as he felt the ancient shade of a great gunslinger settle on him, he didn't hold back and pulled the trigger, unleashing a shot fueled by Havoc Blow and his magic.

- 1 Mana

The air around Joshua flared with energy, and his armor hummed as the shot ripped through the air, unpredictable in its energy, shifting form as it left the barrel. Then he unleashed his last

Roll for Breath of Final Tribute success; 1d6

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 1. Very bad breath attack!

Roll for lightning scroll success against machines; 1d6

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 5. Great lighting storm attack.

Roll for Havoc Blow success; 1d6

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 1. Very bad Havoc Blow

Roll for who you summon with Reverend Stand Protocol; 1d6

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 2. Bad ghost gunslinger summon.

Finally Roll for who you Chaos Gambit; 1d6

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 4. Good Chaos.

-

Here is what total rolls net you!

5- You get killed on the spot! Quick death

10- You get captured and lose either pet or gun! Slow death

15- You get capture and can plead with the Star-father! How silver tongued are you?

20- Someone arrives to the rescue! Who could it be?

25- The star-father finds potential in you, letting you carry their legacy. Make way for the heir!

30- Somehow you actually wound the star-father fragment. Unthinkable, but I'll let u enact you plans freely

Total Rolls: 13

-

As Vesperrex's Breath of Final Tribute ignited the Forge in an explosion of ruinfire, the flame scorched the Star-Automaton soldiers and devastated the battlefield. The flames ripped through the machines, turning them to ashes and ruins. But something when it stuck the Star-father, what had obliterated everything in its path, instead disappeared completely.

Joshua's lightning storm scroll unleashed a powerful storm of electric energy, crackling through the room, short-circuiting many of the Star-Automaton soldiers. Sparks flew, and screams of mechanical agony filled the air. The machines faltered, in place as the lightning caused havoc amongst them.

Speaking of Havoc, Joshua pressed forward, raising his gun, preparing for a powerful strike, he felt the rush of chaos energy from Havoc Blow. But the shot didn't land as planned. The bullet misfired, its unpredictable energy leaving Joshua's aim off. Instead of a devastating strike, the bullet flew wide, its energy dissipating into the air.

Despite this, Joshua didn't give up. His armor activated the Reverent Stand Protocol, summoning the spirit of an ancient gunslinger to aid him, but it barely worked. Either the spirit refused to work with him, or this forge blocked it as the spirit's form was half-formed, flickering in and out of existence. It lacked the full presence of a true legendary gunslinger, leaving Joshua with only a fleeting advantage—the spirit's presence was temporary and disoriented, providing him no clear boost in combat.

With one final act of desperation, Joshua invoked Chaos Gambit. The very fabric of reality around him warped, creating a moment of unpredictable chaos. Time seemed to freeze for a fraction of a second, and that was it. He had no idea what it did besides that as this ability was some last gambit as was in its name.

The Star-Father Fragment loomed before Joshua, its presence oppressive and unfathomable, a weight that pressed down on him and made his knees feel like they might buckle at any moment. The chaotic surge he had unleashed, that brief flare of rebellion, began to dissipate, leaving only the bitter aftermath of his failure.

The Star-Automaton soldiers regrouped quickly, their cold eyes fixed on him, surrounding him from every angle. They moved with machine-like precision, and Joshua felt a chill settle in his chest. He was now just another prisoner, another insect, caught in the web of a force too great to fight. He barely resisted as they tossed him forward, dragging him to a halt in front of the Star-Father Fragment. The creature's cosmic energy swirled around him, its presence palpable—like the very air in the room had been tainted by its ancient power.

"I would have said you put up a good fight, little mageling," the Star-Father Fragment's voice boomed, its tone as cold as the void. "But to call that display anything but shameful would be a lie!"

Joshua stood there in silent defiance, his body stiff with the weight of the failure he couldn't escape. Everything he had fought for—his chaos, his freedom, his very identity—now seemed like distant memories, swallowed whole by the overpowering presence of this cosmic being. He was utterly helpless. The Star-Father's attention shifted momentarily to the gun still clasped in Joshua's hand. Its voice shifted with curiosity, its tone almost amused. "What do we have here?" it asked, its eyes narrowing as it levitated Joshua's gun with ease.

In an instant, Joshua felt the sensation of helplessness tighten. He couldn't react, couldn't do anything as the Star-Father manipulated the weapon with its godlike will, lifting it effortlessly into the air. Then, without warning, the Star-Father Fragment did the unthinkable. With a snap, it broke Joshua's gun right in front of him, the chaotic energy it held shattering like fragile glass. Joshua's chest tightened. The gun—his connection to the chaotic forces he had used to survive—was gone. The connection to Caelgor was severed. His power was gone, just like that.

But the horror had only just begun. From the gun, a faint, screeching cry echoed through the room, and Joshua's heart dropped as Caelgor, his chaotic companion, materialized before him. The elemental let out a panic-stricken yell, its shape flickering as if it were struggling against the unseen force pulling it. The Star-Father Fragment smiled—a grin that twisted like a shark's, predatory and chilling. "This is what you had in there, letting you cause all that mayhem?" the Star-Father asked, its voice dripping with mocking amusement.

Joshua couldn't move, couldn't speak. His body felt frozen in place, horror washing over him. Caelgor—the one who had been his ally, his companion, the chaotic force that had aided him in his fight—was now helpless before the Star-Father Fragment. Joshua felt his heart wrench, a pain that seemed to tear through him as the Star-Father reached out, its cosmic power overpowering the elemental. Without any hesitation, the Star-Father Fragment swallowed Caelgor whole, consuming the chaotic elemental with an ease that felt like it was ripping the very soul out of the Forge. Joshua stood frozen, the screams of Caelgor reverberating in his mind as his companion was devoured right in front of him.

Cataclysm Destroyed!

Caelgor, The Maelstrom of Mayhem Dead!

There was nothing he could do. Nothing to stop it. All he could do was watch in utter despair as the Star-Father Fragment consumed his friend. Joshua's senses were overwhelmed. He couldn't breathe, couldn't think. His mind was frozen in place as the Star-Father Fragment let out a satisfied smile, as if it had just consumed a light snack. Its cosmic voice turned to the cultists, the Professor, and Joshua, the last pieces of his world, still trapped in the Forge.

"Now that that annoying pest is gone, what should I do with the rest of you?" The Star-Father Fragment asked, its voice dripping with malice, eyes scanning the Professor and the cultists. Then, its eyes turned back to Joshua. "What shall I do with you?" it asked again.

-

Back on the school grounds, where ancient wards shimmered beneath the sky and wisdom had been forged through centuries, the Star-Automaton legions clashed with the might of the arcane. Tireless and forged for conquest, the machines advanced in grim silence—but they were met not by fear, but by fury.

The faculty, paragons of power and guardians of forgotten magics, unleashed their full might. Runes ignited in the air like falling stars; chants rolled like thunder through the battlefield. One by one, the Star-Automata were torn asunder—reduced to smoldering wreckage by spells older than empires. The tide turned swiftly. The invaders were driven back, step by step, until they stood pressed against the very portal from which they had emerged—an open wound in reality, pulsing with otherworldly light.

There, amidst the chaos, stood Xavul-Korr, the Star-Eater himself—wreathed in dark starlight, his voice a weapon of command. He roared to his constructs, urging them forward, hurling them like shattered spears into the storm. But even he, a conqueror of realms, could not stem the tide of the Academy's wrath. Then came a single, fateful blow. From a distant tower, a visiting scholar—unknown by name let loose a spell which flew with precision. It struck true. Xavul-Korr reeled, ichor and shadow spilling from the wound, his monstrous form staggering.

And in that moment, the Star-Eater knew. The momentum had turned. The hunter had become the hunted. Soon, it would be his dominion which laid bare before these magic user dogs would be invaded by them. With a final, baleful glance, Xavul-Korr turned and fled through the portal, vanishing into the rift between worlds. Behind him, his automaton legions fought on, programmed to hold the line—but already doomed to destruction. And thus, the assault on the Academy was repelled—etched somewhere in the Grand Library into the annals of legend.

-

"You will stand to regret this, beast," the professor declared, his voice echoing across the vast chamber of stars and steel. He stepped forward, robes singed and body crackling with wounds and residual magic pouring out. "This forge of yours will make a splendid addition to the Academy. You, on the other hand... well, perhaps you'll serve as a trophy in the Grand Hall. Or maybe we'll see what makes you tick—dissected in the arcane labs."

The titanic being before him—known only as the Star-Father—leaned down, his radiant, starlit form casting shadows that danced like galaxies in collapse. A sneer curled across his expression, a soundless chuckle reverberating like a dying star.

"The arrogance of you insects," he hissed, voice deep enough to quake marrow. "Do you not comprehend who you address? We are the Star-Eaters. Devourers of suns. Silencers of civilizations. We burned the heavens of a thousand realms while your kind still wallowed in primal filth beneath your oceans. We are the death knell of galaxies. We are the end."

Just then, the portal behind them shimmered, and the battle-scarred Star-Eater from the school grounds stepped through. Its towering figure bowed low before the Star-Father, wounds still glowing faintly from the spells that had pierced its frame. "Father," it rasped, voice low and strained. "The magic-wielders… they are near the portal to the Star-Forge."

A terrible silence fell. Joshua took that information in along with the others, he didn't know whether it was that last Chaos Gambit he unleashed turning events for them or mabe it was just the overwhelming power of the Academy of Magic. It was afterall one of the top Multiversal powers. Even though the Star-eaters were once great, they were numerous other immortal races just as terrifying as them against the Academy which produced magic-users who slay gods, war with powerful races, invade great worlds, and much more they were nothing compared to it.

The Star-Father froze, his luminous eyes widening—not in rage, but in something far worse. Shock. "What...?" he growled. "How...?"

The professor couldn't help himself. A dry, amused laugh bubbled out of him—sharp and mocking, like the strike of a duelist's blade. The fact that the Star-Father, a being of unimaginable power, was being forced into corner was a victory in itself. "Did you realize how insignificant YOU are now? I shall enjoy seeing your downfalls immensely."

The Star-Father's expression twisted—not in rage, but in something far more dangerous: calculation. He turned to the wounded Star-Eater warrior. "Hold them," he commanded, voice iron-clad. "Do not let them pass another step. I go to seal the portal. If they breach the Star-Forge... if even a spark of our secrets falls into their hands… Forget rising once again, all our enemies will be upon us!"

He did not finish the sentence. With a blur of light and gravity, the Star-Father vanished down a corridor of starlight, rushing toward the heart of his domain. And now, the wounded Star-Eater stood tall before the intruders once more, arms rising as weapons of starmetal emerged from its limbs, its form reshaping for war. "Don't think you will be able to escape from me, dogs!"

The professor straightened, dusting off his robes once with a casual flick. "Wonderful," he said. "Round two, then. Let's see how you fare now without your father here!"

Roll for who you Professor fight; 1d6-1(captured)

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 4. The professor beats the Star-Eater

Roll for escape; 1d6-1(captured)

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 5. Great you make it out.

Here is what total rolls net you!

6 or less- You die. Game over

7 to 10- You beat the Star-Eater

Total 9.

-

Joshua watched as the Professor stepped forward, his arcane power surging as he faced the last of the Star-Eater warriors. The Star-Eater's form, once towering and imposing, now seemed weakened without the presence of the Star-Father's leadership. The Professor's energy crackled as he summoned his magic, his movements graceful but deadly.

With a flash of energy, the Professor's weapons of magic collided with the Star-Eater's starmetal constructs, the battle becoming a dazzling display of power and fury. The Star-Eater's movements were wild, reckless—its master's absence left it vulnerable, its strength wavering under the Professor's precision.

Joshua felt a brief surge of hope as the Professor pressed the attack. His magic flowed like a torrent, and with each spell, the Star-Eater warrior began to falter. Arcane bolts, energy blasts, and force shields shattered the Star-Automaton's defenses, and it couldn't keep up.

In a final burst of power, the Professor unleashed a devastating spell, his arcane blade cleaving through the Star-Eater's remaining defenses. The warrior staggered back, unable to continue the fight, its body breaking apart in cosmic disarray and fled away.

Joshua couldn't help but feel a surge of triumph—the Professor had won. The Star-Eater warrior crumpled before them, its starmetal body shattering, leaving behind nothing but star dust as it ran with its tail between its legs. It was a great victory which was something for his aching heart.

Joshua approached the portal and as he did, he saw the ghostly trace of the legacy leading to the portal with his Throne-Seeker's Sight. As much as he wanted to give on this legacy since it cost him so much, he was already in too deep and could only continue to go after it.

Going to the portal console, he tried to find where exactly the rest of this legacy was located. Looking at all the locations on it, he saw countless worlds and dimensions, all that must have been the ancient conquest of the Star-Eaters.

Worlds Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/23995810510533974/

Roll for locating rest of Legacy; 1d6-1(defeated)

1- It's lost to you forever

2- Can't find it. Need major lead or fortune to ever find it.

3- You'll need help. Do research, seek assistance. Fight against star-father, warrior, mother, children, beast, remnants

4- You find a hint of the trial. Fight against star-mother, children, beast, remnants

5- Found General Location. Fight against star-children, beast, remnants

6- Found the heart of legacy. No obstacles.

Rolled 4.

Looking at the many worlds, Joshua saw that the cultists were leaving as was the professor so he also needed to get out of here. What drew his attention was a world shaped like a baby star cradle and overlooking it seemed to be a motherly woman.

Star-Cradle Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9570217951099580/

He knew that was where the heart of this dead race legacy laid, marking down the astral coordinates of that world. He just needed his own portal system to get over there, who knows how he would get that. Most likely he could find one in his master's tower.

With that, Joshua wrapped it up and headed to the portal, he gave the forge one last glance before he stepped through. He felt a surge of different emotions as his mind racing with all that had happened—the chaos he had unleashed, the loss of Caelgor, the Star-Eater's defeat, and now the academy's triumph. The portal would bring them back to the academy, back to home. And as they stepped through the shimmering rift, Joshua knew one thing: this was far from over. They had won this battle, but this was just beginning.

Joshua's escape was complete, and he would return stronger, determined to fight back against the cosmic force that had sought to consume everything. The academy had not yet seen its final battle. The Star-Eater's legacy had been shattered for now, but Joshua's resolve would not be broken.

-

Roll for Star-Eaters escape; 1d6-1(lost)

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 3.

Roll for Academy invasion; 1d6+1(won)

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 5.

3(star-eater) < 5(academy)

-

As Joshua, the cultist, and the Professor stepped through the portal, they found themselves back at the Academy grounds, where the faculty members and students had already been informed of the battle's outcome. They had won—the Star-Eater's forces had been repelled, and the Academy's power had shown the true might of the arcane warriors they had at their disposal.

The Star-Eater's invasion had been stopped, and the Academy's power had emerged victorious. The Star-Father's retreat and the Star-Automaton army's collapse proved that the Star-Eater's legacy, though ancient and powerful, was no match for the resilience and strength of the Academy and its inhabitants.

The Academy's forces, invigorated by their victory, now set their sights on the Star-Eater's home—the Star Forge. With the Star-Eater's retreat and their arcane barriers still up, the Academy wasted no time in securing the portal. The Star-Father had fled, but the Academy was not about to leave this precious weapon of the Star-Eater legacy unclaimed.

Led by a group of elite mages, warriors, and scholars, the Academy forces surged toward the portal. With one swift motion, the lead mage, his robes trailing behind him like a storm cloud, activated the magical barrier that had been built during the defense. The portal, still shimmering with cosmic power, responded, but this time the Academy controlled it. The gate to the Star Forge was now firmly in their hands, and the moment of invasion had come.

Joshua watched the grand procession go by as the Academy's elite began to step through the portal into the Star Forge. The massive chamber before them revealed the vast expanse of the Forge—ancient, industrial, and otherworldly. The walls stretched up in impossible designs, made of a strange, shimmering alloy, and overhead, glowing celestial veins pulsed with the energy of stars.

The Forge, a place that once housed the Star-Eaters' greatest creations, was now going to be the Academy's prize. The Academy's magic-users immediately began setting up arcane wards and magical traps, making sure no stray forces would disrupt their efforts or could escape. Artifacts of unimaginable power lay scattered across the portal room they captured, their potential now ready to be harnessed by the Academy's scholars. The war for the Star-forge had begun, and the academy forces were ready to put it under the control of the Academy of magic and unearth all its secrets and hidden treasures!

As the saying goes, there was no rest for the wicked. Just as they stepped through the portal and were about to make their way back to their dorms and classes, an Academy Investigator stepped in front of their way. They were known for ferring out any crimes in the academy, and sniffing out lies. And they were in deep trouble with all that they had stirred up!

Roll for investigation; 1d6

1- Very bad 2- Bad 3- Neutral 4- Good 5- Great 6- Amazing

Rolled 6.

The Academy Investigator was a figure known to strike fear in the hearts of students and staff alike. Their job was to uncover any wrongdoing—to root out corruption, cheating, secrets, and lies. Most importantly though, their job was to find traitors to the Academy, and after what they did, their actions causing an invasion onto the school, to say they were in deep trouble would be a understatement.

The Investigator's gaze was sharp, scanning them all with a look that seemed to pierce right through their souls. There was no hiding from an Academy Investigator. They smelled deception and uncovered truths, and they had a knack for finding anyone who thought they could get away with something. No one escaped their scrutiny.

"Stop right there," the Investigator said, their voice flat but full of authority. "I have some questions for you!?" Joshua's heart sank. He didn't know how much the Investigator had suspected, but he had a sinking feeling they were about to face some very uncomfortable truths. The chaos he had caused, the destruction at the Academy, and the Star-Eater's invasion—there was no escaping the consequences now. The Academy Investigator would tear through their alibis, leaving nothing but the cold truth behind.

The Investigator stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "You've stirred up quite the mess." He looked especially at the professor. "The Director will be looking into your actions, Professor Adams."

"No problem," the man smiled as he left along with his pupil, leaving the rest of them there. The Professor smiled, unfazed by the warning. He didn't seem overly concerned. "No problem," he replied with a shrug, his tone casual, and eyes gleaming. And with that, the Professor walked away along with his pupil, leaving Joshua along with the cultists with the Investigator. Joshua's stomach twisted in anxiety. He could sense the intensity in the air as the Investigator's focus now locked onto them. The Investigator had barely spoken, but their presence felt like it was consuming the entire room. Every second of silence felt like a thousand years.

As the tension thickened, Joshua knew he couldn't leave it to chance. The Academy Investigator was no ordinary individual—they were a force in their own right, and they could smell deception from miles away. Joshua had to act fast.

He reached into his pocket, his fingers brushing over the mentor's medallion. The same medallion that could invoke the Professor's authority and offer a shield against the Investigator's scrutiny. It wasn't a guarantee, but it was better than being completely exposed, and it was his best chance to avoid the Investigator digging too deep into their actions.

With a calm but firm motion, Joshua flashed the medallion in front of the Investigator. His instincts told him it would bring headaches to the Professor, but he also knew that the Professor's influence was the only thing standing between him and further interrogation. It was a double-edged sword—but one he was willing to wield.

The Investigator's gaze shifted briefly from Joshua to the medallion, their lips curling in disgust as they saw the familiar professor insignia. There was resentment in their eyes—clearly, they didn't want to deal with any professor influence, recognizing the authority it represented. With a reluctant sigh, the Investigator stepped back, clearly frustrated but unwilling to challenge the Professor's shield directly. "Fine. Go. But know this, Joshua—" the Investigator somehow knew his name and his voice was sharp as a dagger, their words laced with venom. "Your actions haven't gone unnoticed. And I'll be watching."

Joshua barely noticed the steps that led back to his dormitory, his thoughts consumed by the encounter with the Investigator. His mind was still trying to process everything—the Star-Eater invasion, the chaos unleashed, the loss of Caelgor, and now the Academy's scrutiny. As he stepped into his room, the weight of the day's events hit him all at once. The constant pressure, the fighting, the losses—it was all too much. Caelgor was gone, his gun destroyed. But for now, there was nothing left to do. The Academy had won the battle for the Star-Forge and who knew if they caught the Star-father and Star-Eater.

Joshua let out a sigh as he collapsed onto his bed, finally allowing himself a brief moment of rest. But even as his eyes closed, he could feel the weight of the Academy's watchful gaze still lingering. The Investigator's words echoed in his mind: "I'll be watching." Joshua drifted into a restless sleep, the feeling of uncertainty and the shadow of the future hanging over him.

-

Day 7 – Hearthrest (+1 Recovery & Meditation)

The next morning as Joshua entered the Redhook dining cart, the familiar group of his dormmates greeted him, each one sharing a piece of their own stories from the aftermath of the Star-Eater invasion. Some were clearly still processing the chaos, while others were enthusiastic to discuss what had happened.

Velka lazily sipped her drink. "I can't believe we actually fought off Star-Eaters forces yesterday. Those machines were terrifying!"

Marrow smirked, eyes glinting. "Yeah, I thought the machines were gonna tear through the Academy, but we survived. Though, did anyone see the faculty's magic? That was next level."

Virelle, the draconic woman, spoke next with a more direct tone than usual. "I'm just glad we were able to send them packing." Her voice had a haughty edge, and she tilted her head, her glowing eyes narrowing slightly. "But don't think this is over. There's always something worse lurking just beyond the horizon. The Academy's defenses were great, sure, but there are always more trouble makers out there in the cosmos looking to pick a fight with anyone they see."

Brandon, the hulking ogre, who had been quietly eating his food, finally spoke up, his deep voice adding a serious note to the conversation. "I heard that their fortress has been conquered already and will be opened up for the student body to explore and test themselves against."

Letting out a loud derisive snort, Hella spoke up. "We all know it's the top tier students that will be getting in there, us lowly copper will never be allowed to step foot in there."

Joshua said nothing as he eat his meal, no one had a clue that he played a big part in all the chaos that unfolded yesterday, and he said nothing so he didn't get in any more trouble than he was already in.

On that note though, it would have been great if he could also get access to the Star-Forge, getting access to all that tech they had there would make anyone droll and who knew what other secrets there were. Plus he could forget the many worlds locked away which he had the coordinates to one.

Morning: Rest – Place In Between(Stress)

The moment Joshua entered the Place In Between, the world seemed to slow around him. The space was neither here nor there—it existed in a neutral zone, a liminal realm that provided calm and clarity. As Joshua sat down, his mind felt the release from the earlier days of conflict, the tension of the Star-Eater invasion beginning to melt away.

Joshua took a deep breath, closing his eyes. The world around him faded, and the chaotic energy he'd been carrying started to dissipate. He focused on his breathing and the sensation of stillness in the Place In Between, allowing his body to relax and his thoughts to clear. This calm helped him find clarity, giving him space to reflect on what had happened—on the chaos he had unleashed and the loss of Caelgor.

His senses slowly re-centered, and he felt an overwhelming sense of peace. He was finally able to rest, his mind free from the storm of unpredictability that had haunted him. For the first time in days, he could simply be present in the moment.

Stress 9/10 - 9(classes)= 0/10

Stress Recovery: 1d5+3 Location Bonus +1 Day Bonus = 7

New Stress: 7/10

Afternoon: Consume Essence

After his time in the Place In Between, Joshua made his way back to his dorm. He was more relaxed but still had a lot on his mind. Today was not just about resting but about understanding his next steps. Joshua still didn't have his first legacy to start training with so he picked up the essence he bought earlier this week at the bazaar.

He had been striving for more power, for a deeper connection with his magic, and now he had an opportunity to take the next step. The war-golem reinforcement magic essence gleamed in his hand, its color a deep gray with hints of violet sparks flickering within and spinning storms of violet metal. It was the size of a chicken egg, shaped like a small crucible, and radiated a sense of power that made Joshua's heart race. There was something ancient and unyielding about it, and he knew this was his path forward towards the first affinity.

He remembered the words of the Archfey, "Drawn from a war-golem who reforged himself each dusk and dawn. Every limb, broken. Every morning, rebuilt itself back up. This essence remembers. And it responds… to those who refuse to break."

With those words in mind, Joshua could feel the war-golem's essence pulsing with energy, ready to connect with him. It was time to take the plunge. Joshua held the essence in his palm, the weight of it pressing down on him like a promise. Slowly, he raised it to his mouth. The air around him thickened, and as he began to consume the essence, he felt an immediate surge of power. The gray essence melted into him, and immediately he felt the magic course through his veins, like a torrent of raw force filling a deep, empty well within him. Violet sparks and the faint echoes of metallic clinks resounded in his mind, the sound of the war-golem's eternal rebuilding.

His body twitched, adjusting to the energy. His magic, his very soul, seemed to feed off the essence, pulling in more, urging him to consume it fully. It felt endless, the hunger of his magic growing with each second, each heartbeat, as if it was feeding on something long buried deep inside him. His mind whirled with the memories of the war-golem, of constant rebirth, of breaking and rebuilding with relentless determination. It felt like the essence was speaking to him, like it was telling him to never give up, to never allow himself to be broken.

His connection with the essence deepened, and he felt the magic grow stronger within him, expanding in ways that felt almost dangerous. The sheer raw power was overwhelming, but Joshua didn't pull away. He knew this was his chance to break through. For a moment, the essence felt as if it would consume him, but then it found its place within his magic, filling the gap he hadn't even known existed. He could feel his body becoming stronger, his resilience growing. Every part of him seemed to reflect the war-golem's indomitable will to rebuild itself, to fight through every challenge, no matter the odds.

When the process finally ended, Joshua felt different. Lighter, almost as if a burden had been lifted from him. The deep hole inside him, the one that had been hungry for power, was now filled. The essence had not just fed his magic but had transformed him. He flexed his fingers, feeling the increased strength coursing through his arms. His connection to his reinforcement magic had deepened significantly, as if the war-golem's essence had carved a new path inside him. The storm of violet sparks that had swirled around in his mind had settled, now quiet and controlled.

As Joshua stood still, his mind still processing the newfound power he had absorbed, something stirred within him—a new understanding, a new potential awakened by the war-golem essence. He could feel a subtle hum in the air around him, as though the very fabric of his being was reshaping itself. It was then that he felt the spark of magic, the quiet whisper of an ancient defensive spell. The war-golem's essence had granted him something more than just strength—it had unlocked the ability to reinforce himself even further.

Learned new spell! Adaptive Plating - Temporarily reinforce your skin like magical armor. The more hits you take, the tougher it becomes. Stacks defense the longer you're under fire.

Not only that he felt as if he hit the first barrier and not only surpassed it but shattered it! As the War-Golem Essence settled fully within Joshua, he felt a surge of power unlike anything he had experienced before. His body thrummed with new energy, a powerful foundation being laid within his Reinforcement Magic. The golem's essence had not only unlocked his first affinity, but it had pushed him further along his path, taking his magic to new heights and unlocking new insights for him.

He now had a better understanding of his magic, it was as if it was speaking to him, whispering its secrets and hidden potentials. For Reinforcement Magic, you could divide its many applications into two branches that formed the dual nature of Reinforcement Magic, where the caster can shift between being an unrelenting attacker and an impenetrable defender, depending on the situation.

He could now feel how his Reinforcement Magic was divided into two distinct but interconnected branches: Offensive and Defensive. These two branches formed the foundation of his magic, defining how he approached combat and how he adapted to any given situation. Each branch represented a different aspect of his power, but both were equally critical in shaping his abilities.

Each branch allows Joshua to adapt to the changing dynamics of battle, making him a formidable force in both offense and defense. They were basically the two venn diagram circles of his magic that most of the spells he would unlock fell into. What made these two branches great for him was how they balanced each other. Offensive Reinforcement would make Joshua an aggressive force, a warrior who could strike with overwhelming power and speed. Defensive Reinforcement, on the other hand, would make him a survivor—someone who could withstand punishment and keep going even when everything seemed lost.

The beauty of Reinforcement Magic lay in its adaptability. Joshua could choose to prioritize one branch over the other, depending on the situation. If he needed to break through defenses, he could tap into the power of Offensive Reinforcement. But if the battle was becoming too much to handle, he could shift to Defensive Reinforcement, focusing on survival and resilience.

Consumed Essence of Ancient War-golem!

+100 Magic Affinity Progress in Reinforcement Magic!

Reinforcement Magic 0-✩: 73/100 → Reinforcement Magic Early 1-✩: 27/1,000

1-✩ Magic Affinity: +1 to Magic Rolls

Hit Threshold 1 star!

Learned main branches of Reinforcement magic

⚔️ Offensive Reinforcement

Enhance for impact, speed, and dominance. Focuses on amplifying your ability to deal damage or overwhelm an opponent. This can apply to both body and weapons.

Key Aspects:

Strength Reinforcement

– Boosts power behind strikes (fists, weapons, kicks, gunshots).

Speed Enhancement

– Faster attacks, movement, reloads, or draws.

Precision Reinforcement

– Increases accuracy of spells or bullets.

Impact Channeling

– Focuses magical energy into the moment of hit/contact for explosive force.

Critical Surge

– Temporarily enhances damage output during peak aggression or tactical advantage.

Overclocked Reflexes

– Predict enemy movement for counterstrikes.

Adrenal Edge

– Gain offensive power proportional to injuries taken.

🛡️ Defensive Reinforcement

Fortify the body, mind, and spirit against harm. Focuses on survivability, durability, and resilience—keeping you alive under pressure.

Key Aspects:

Durability Boost

– Reinforces skin, bones, or armor to reduce damage.

Pain Nullification

– Suppresses pain to maintain clarity in battle.

Stamina Efficiency

– Reduces fatigue from sustained reinforcement.

Shield Sync

– Enhances defensive objects (physical or magical).

Recoil Absorption

– Especially for guncasters, reduces blowback or kick.

Disruption Resistance

– Shields internal magic from being disturbed (anti-disarm/anti-curse).

Last Stand Protocol

– Auto-triggers strong defense near death or magical burnout.

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Evening: Attend Student Gathering/Event(Top-tier Talent Party - The Celestial Convergence Party)

The Celestial Convergence Party was a spectacle like no other. Held in one of the most opulent Grand Halls within the Academy of Magic, it was a gathering of the Academy's elites, students who had remarkable power or prestige, often hailing from the most powerful families or factions. To be invited was an honor few would ever experience, especially for a low-tier talent like Joshua.

The venue was grand, but its true splendor lay in its subtlety. This wasn't designed to impress with flamboyance but one that demanded respect through its mystery and elegance. The Celestial Convergence was held in a hall known to many but one hidden deep within the Academy's most ancient wing, accessible only to those with the right invitations. The entrance was concealed beneath layers of enchantments and only revealed to the elite, a perfect blend of power and secrecy.

Upon stepping into the Grand Hall, Joshua was immediately struck by the grandiosity of the space. It was both breathtaking and humbling. The hall was colossal, stretching up with soaring vaulted ceilings that seemed to touch the very edges of the universe, or perhaps the stars themselves. The walls were adorned with mystical sigils, their glowing patterns shifting in an ever-changing dance of ancient magic. They pulsed with an ethereal light, casting strange reflections across the room, as though the stars themselves were alive in the very stones.

The floor beneath him seemed to shift and shimmer, a massive star-map etched into the surface, its constellations glowing in soft blues and purples. Floating orbs of light drifted lazily overhead, casting a calming, ambient glow over the entire room, their gentle hum filling the air like a celestial lullaby. The scent of exotic spices, magical incense, and faintly sweet elixirs mingled in the air, creating an atmosphere that was both intoxicating and serene, as if this was a place untouched by the troubles of the mortal realm.

Around the room, tables were laden with arcane delicacies—magically infused fruits that glowed with a soft inner light, enchanted spirits that shimmered in their bottles like liquid starlight, and divine wines that had been imported from realms far beyond Joshua's understanding. The guests mingled, sipping from goblets that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, while arcane constructs drifted in and out of the crowd, offering food and drink to the guests.

Joshua's eyes scanned the crowd, each new face more intimidating than the last. These weren't just any students—they were the crème de la crème, the movers and shakers of the Academy. Great noble families were represented here, their names etched in legend across the multiverse. These were the descendants of mages who had shaped history, who controlled countless worlds worlds, and who commanded the deepest forces of magic. They weren't just students—they were the heirs to ancient lineages, the champions of legendary orders, and the arcane titans whose names resonated like thunder through the centuries.

The aristocrats of the magical world were draped in garments that seemed to shift between the realms of flesh and starlight. Their robes, stitched from enchanted threads, shimmered in ways that suggested they were woven from the cosmos itself, their fabric catching the ambient light in ways that defied natural law. Each thread seemed to hold the essence of some ancient power, their noble insignias glowing softly with the echoes of lineages that had shaped civilizations. These were individuals who didn't merely inherit power—they commanded it, their every step weighed by the significance of their family's legacy.

Among them stood the representatives of the legendary magical orders—tall, proud figures whose eyes gleamed with the knowledge of secrets lost to time. They were the guardians of forbidden magics, their insignias embroidered onto their robes with the same skill and care as the mystic runes that wove through their family histories. Some wore ancient relics, weapons and charms passed down through the ages, objects of both beauty and power that radiated with the accumulated wisdom of millennia. These individuals weren't just influential—they were the keepers of the world's secrets, each conversation dripping with the weight of knowledge that could shape the course of history.

Joshua felt small, not just because of his low-tier status but because the presence of true power loomed all around him. Students from the greatest noble magic families were scattered throughout, their ancestral lineages evident in the mannerisms, the garb, and the influence they carried. These were individuals whose bloodlines had shaped countless worlds for centuries, their names whispered in awe in every corner of the multiverse. There were also powerful representatives from ancient magical orders, divine families, and even legendary mages who had shaped history. They were the movers and shakers of the multiverse, the ones who could call upon spells that spanned realms and dimensions, capable of changing the fabric of magic itself.

Here he was, standing at the threshold of the exclusive event, his heart racing. He didn't belong in these kinds of gatherings —he was a low-tier talent, not someone from a prestigious bloodline or a family of famous mages. Yet here he was, standing beside Seraphyne who had brought him as her plus one. While she navigated the room with the grace and ease of someone who had been born into this world, Joshua felt like an outsider—still unsure of his place among such elite company.

The mysterious deal they were about to discuss—the information they were about to sell regarding the Fallout Wyrm—was only a small part of the evening's business. The real play was much larger: alliances were forged here, backroom deals were made, and bargains with dangerous factions were struck. Every conversation had the potential to change the power structure within the Academy, and Joshua couldn't shake the feeling that he was about to become a pawn in a game that was much larger than himself.

The party was in full swing, and after weaving through the crowds of influential students and notable figures, Seraphyne led Joshua to their contact, Jaris Voland. And it turned out to be the same Platinum rank student who kicked his ass in the tournament and wiping out his team in the battle royale.

Jaris greeted Seraphyne with a polite nod, and when his gaze landed on Joshua, he gave a brief but assessing glance. "So, this is the one with the Fallout Wyrm information?" he asked, his tone calm but authoritative. The memory of that defeat was still fresh in Joshua's mind, a painful reminder of how far he had to go. Joshua wasn't surprised when he didn't notice him, he must have been an afterthought for him. Seraphyne already mentioned that his family had connections to mercenary groups, treasure hunters, and the most dangerous parts of the multiverse. His family's wealth and connections were legendary, and he wasn't a man who could be trifled with.

Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5699937022983464/

He wasn't used to being in high-stakes negotiations like this, and even though he felt out of place, he knew he had a job to do. This information could change everything— it already did for him, and it would for Seraphyne. "I'm sure we all have something to gain here," Jaris continued, his hands folded behind his back. The room around them seemed to quiet as the deal was about to unfold. The sound of clinking glasses and hushed conversations faded into the background, the tension in the air palpable. "What do you want for this information," Jaris asked, his voice sharp as ever.

Seraphyne stepped forth before Joshua could speak, her voice smooth as silk. "What I want is simply a Talent Elevation Ceremony." Joshua already knew what her request would be. A Talent Elevation Ceremony was a rare and highly coveted event in the Academy—a magical ritual that could elevate someone from their current level to one significantly higher. To ask for such a gift was audacious, but in the world Seraphyne inhabited, it was a calculated move—a way to force Jaris' hand while ensuring her own future.

Jaris didn't respond immediately. He looked between Seraphyne and Joshua, as if weighing their worth. The pause felt like an eternity. Jaris Voland didn't make deals lightly—he wasn't going to hand over something this valuable unless he saw a clear gain.

Finally, Jaris spoke, breaking the silence with a crisp finality that sent a ripple through the air. "Fine," he said, his voice barely a whisper in the quiet room. "For the Fallout Wyrm's location and for helping me hunt it down in the Menagerie, you will have your Talent Elevation Ceremony… with my full backing."

He eyed Seraphyne first, then turned his gaze to Joshua, the look in his eyes sharp and calculating, as if measuring them both in the same breath. "But don't think this is a gift. The Menagerie is not a place for the faint-hearted. It is a testing ground, a trial for the worthy. Prove yourselves there, and we will take the spoils. Fail… and there will be consequences."

Seraphyne's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, her smile slow and deliberate. She had won, but the real test would come when they ventured into the Menagerie. "Deal," she replied, her voice full of confidence. There was no hesitation in her words—she knew the stakes were high, but she had already calculated her next move.

Jaris gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod, as if finalizing the arrangement. "Then I shall see you in a month's time down there. I shall prepare for the journey down there in the meantime and I expect you to do the same!" The deal was set. The Fallout Wyrm would be theirs, but at what cost? The Menagerie was a place that could break even the strongest—and Joshua knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger, but he was no longer just a spectator. He was involved now, and there was no turning back.

The Celestial Convergence Party continued around them, but for Joshua, the true weight of the evening had just settled in. This was a pivotal moment—one where alliances were forged, fates were shaped, and the power of the Academy's elite was on full display.

-

What would you like to do at the party? 1 Action

Try joining a Court! These are places where the most influential students gather to exchange ideas, set policies, or manipulate the academy's power structure.

Winning Vote: Dance with Seraphyne

Joshua had never imagined himself in such a setting—surrounded by mighty mages, ancient bloodlines, and legendary families, yet here he was, standing at the center of it all, his presence barely a blip on the radar of the Academy's elites. But Seraphyne had brought him into this world, and as the Celestial Convergence Party unfolded around them, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a social gathering.

After the deal with Jaris Voland had been sealed, Joshua felt a strange mixture of excitement and unease. The night had already turned into a whirlwind of power plays, but there was something irresistible about Seraphyne. The way she moved through the crowd—graceful, yet commanding—spoke volumes about her own status within the Academy's elite circles.

For all the danger and uncertainty swirling around them, Joshua found himself standing next to her, caught in the pull of something much bigger than himself. And that's when he realized—the music had shifted. A slow, intricate melody had begun to play, its strings pulling at something deep inside of him. The rhythm was almost otherworldly—sophisticated, ancient, and laced with magic. Seraphyne caught his eye, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile. "Shall we?" she asked, her voice a mixture of invitation and command.

"Sure my lady," he said, tipping her his cowboy hat. Then they were on the dance floor.The moment they began to move, Joshua's thoughts melted into the rhythm. It wasn't just a dance—it felt like a spell, a weaving of two forces drawing closer, their fates aligning in the most delicate of movements. Every step they took seemed coordinated in the most elegant way.

Seraphyne's movements were fluid, her steps graceful, as if the very air around her bent to her will. Joshua also held his own against her, leading the dance as he found her responding to his lead with a kind of unseen grace, as if the very act of dancing with her had unlocked something new within him. His senses sharpened. The closeness of her presence, the sound of her breath, the delicate brush of her fingers against his hand—everything felt charged with energy.

Around them, the rest of the party continued, but in that moment, Joshua and Seraphyne were untouchable. The whispers of the Academy's elite—their calculations, their conversations—faded into the background as Joshua found himself completely immersed in the dance, in the moment. It wasn't just a waltz; it was a connection, a tangible bond that seemed to grow stronger with every step they took.

The night stretched on, a series of perfect steps, each one drawing them closer, deeper into something that neither could fully name. Time passed unnoticed, as if the magic of the evening held them suspended in a single, unbroken moment. And then, as the final notes of the celestial melody played out, they slowed, the dance coming to a graceful halt. The room was filled with a soft, satisfied silence.

Joshua looked into Seraphyne's eyes, and for a fleeting moment, he saw something that wasn't calculation, wasn't strategy—but something deeper, more personal. She smiled, her lips curling in a way that was both knowing and unreachable. "Where do you get those moves from," she said softly.

"I just let my body be free!" The moment passed, and the world outside the dance floor came rushing back. Conversations, laughter, the clink of glasses, the whispers of the powerful who had watched them dance. But for Joshua, the night would remain unforgettable—not just for the deals made, but for the steps they had taken together in that magical space, where for a brief moment, the weight of everything else had disappeared.

As the music began to fade into the background, Joshua stepped off the dance floor along with Seraphyne. As they made their way toward the refreshment table, she casually picked up a glass of sparkling liquid, her voice slipping effortlessly into the stream of casual conversation. "Anyways, did you hear about the new Star-Forge that was conquered by the Academy forces?" she asked, her voice smooth and controlled, as if discussing something routine.

Joshua stiffened for a brief moment, his thoughts flashing to his time in the Star-Forge just yesterday—the battle, the Star-Father Fragment, the Star-Automaton invasion. He couldn't help but feel the weight of that experience pressing on him. But he kept his expression neutral, nodding along. "Really now?" he said, deciding it best to keep his own experiences to himself for the moment.

Seraphyne didn't seem to notice the brief pause in his words. She continued, her tone light but with a hint of excitement. "Yes, the instructors and professors are going through it, finding all sorts of treasures and knowledge the Star-Eaters had locked up." She sighed, her eyes flashing with a hint of mischief. "Sadly, the two entities behind the invasion escaped, but we're hot on their trail. They're most likely hiding out in their old worlds. There will be a great planar invasion soon to conquer them all."

Joshua raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sheer scale of what she was talking about. Planar invasions were not small matters. It sounded like the Academy was gearing up for something that would ripple across entire realms. He nodded, a silent acknowledgement of the weight of the news. But his mind wasn't entirely focused on the conversation at hand, but the Star-Cradle, the legacy he was meant to find— he needed to get to it quickly before the Academy took it over and it slipping through his fingers.

"Once they're done, the Academy plans to open it up to the students." Seraphyne's voice brought him back to the present, and she smiled, her expression a mix of excitement and anticipation. "Can't wait."

The conversation continued, shifting between various topics and casual comments as the night wore on. Joshua found himself participating in a conversation he couldn't quite focus on, his mind constantly drifting back to the looming future and the choices he needed to make. As the evening drew to a close, the party still in full swing, Joshua's thoughts swirled. He couldn't afford to be a passenger in this game any longer—he had to find his way into the Star-Cradle

+1 Romance Progress - Relationship with Seraphyne: 1(2/3)

-

Announcement! We will be moving to Monthly turns after this last week 4.

Week 4 Schedule Planning!

You have 21 ACTIONS in Total!

Days in the Week!

Day 1 Arcanis – The day of structured magic, high spellcraft, and formal study.

Day 2 Draveth – Day of combat training, body building, and elemental refining.

Day 3 Caelith – The day of celestial magic, star gazing, prophecy, and dreaming.

Day 4 Ferradine – Day of magical crafting, runework, golem making, and artificing.

Day 5 Veilmere – Barrier between worlds is thinnest; favored for summoning, spirit magic, and planar study.

Day 6 Zarvian – The beastbound day; magical creatures roam more freely, a great day for exploring or being in the outdoors.

Day 7 Hearthrest – A quiet, soul-healing day for recovery, tea, introspection, and soft magic.

Time Slots for each Day

Morning (6 AM – 12 PM)

Afternoon (12 PM – 6 PM)

Evening (6 PM – 10 PM)

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Locked-In Actions: 14 Actions

Class 1: Guncaster Fundamentals! [Lecture(Class)/Practicals(Skill/Spell)/Workshop(Crafting)/Field Training(Stat)] (3 ACTIONS & 3 STRESS per week)

Class 2:

Arcane Gunsmithing[Lecture(Class)/Practicals(Skill/Spell)/Workshop(Crafting)/Field Training(Stat)] (3 ACTIONS & 3 STRESS per week)

Class 3

: Magical Ballistics[Lecture(Class)/Practicals(Skill/Spell)/Workshop(Crafting)/Field Training(Stat)] (3 ACTIONS & 3 STRESS per week)

Club: The Librarians(2 ACTIONS per week)

Secret Society: Union of Oppressed(1 ACTIONS per week)

New Faction: Basement Court(1 ACTIONS per week)

Academy: Mission(1 ACTIONS per Month)

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Deadlines:

Dorm Raid(1 month left)

Familiar Hunt(1 month left)

First Legacy Hunt, Star-Eaters(1 month left)

Librarians, Wayfinder Compass expedition(2 month left)

Union of Oppressed mission(2 month left)

Mentor mission(3 month left)

Suggested Actions: 7 Actions FREE Available

Ideas

Research Magic Evolution in Grand Library of Magic

Burn an Offering at the Altar of Forgotten Spells(Random Spell Upgrade/Degrade)

Check out SpellNet

Find True Name of Entity in Grand Library

Go to Student Event - Arcane scholars Circle(Research Notes)

Training with Mentor

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