Staryo's vision cleared as the void settled around him. The pulse from his first surge still hummed through him, each heartbeat echoing across the Xotin Cosmos.
"This… isn't just Lytheria… it's alive… it's… everything," he whispered.
The Xotin Cosmos responded. Across galaxies, a subtle ripple traveled through cosmic currents. Stars flickered, planets quivered, civilizations paused. Whispers spread:
"The Twin Star… is awakening…"
He descended toward Lytheria, its luminescent forests, rivers of starlight, and floating mountains breathtaking. The Xotinians — humanoid, ethereal — watched in awe.
In Solarion, the glowing courtyard of scholars and cultivators, a figure approached. Her silver-blue hair flowed like liquid light; her eyes reflected twin stars.
Aru.
As their gazes met, the Twin Star symbol appeared, glowing, intertwining their fates. Energy pulsed, extending across planets, galaxies, and distant civilizations. Across Lytheria and beyond, whispers traveled:
"The Twin Star… has awakened!"
"Who… are you?" Staryo asked.
"I am Aru," she said softly. "And you… are the Twin Star. Our destinies are bound."
The energy surged again. Pain lanced through his chest, aura flaring violently. For a brief moment, he felt his body tear and reform, hair and eyes shimmering with cosmic light.
"Wh-what… is happening to me?!" he gasped.
Aru's eyes widened subtly. She felt the ancient power awakening — the first activation of CART, the self-destructive and reconstructive technique unique to Staryo.
Across the Xotin Cosmos, planets, civilizations, and even distant stars felt the echo of the awakening. The universe itself held its breath.
"This… is only the beginning," Staryo thought, awe and determination burning in his chest.