The journey from the forests of Xotara Prime to the Astral Dawn Academy was long but filled with anticipation. The days passed quietly, with Staryo and Aru walking together through floating bridges of light and crystalline plains.
Aru finally spoke, her eyes earnest:
"Staryo… we should join the academy together. If we face this cosmos, we must grow stronger—side by side."
Staryo nodded, still unaware of the true depths of his power. His body ached slightly from his initial experiments with cultivation, though nothing compared to what awaited him.
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Arrival and Admission
The academy gates were colossal, etched with ancient runes of countless civilizations. As Staryo and Aru approached, guards examined their auras.
"Purpose of visit?" one asked.
"To join the academy," Aru replied, her voice steady.
A trial awaited every applicant—a combination of combat, aura control, and intellect. Staryo approached, his heart calm, though his body still bore the echo of the CART method awakening.
He moved effortlessly, breaking through obstacles with precise strikes. The evaluators murmured in surprise:
"Unusual… his control is beyond his apparent level."
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Making Friends and Forming Teams
Inside the academy, the duo met fellow students:
Kael – bold, excitable, wielded twin axes.
Lyra – calm, analytical, barrier specialist.
Taven – strategist and scholar, quiet but observant.
The four quickly formed a team, their personalities balancing each other. Aru worried quietly about Staryo pushing himself too far, but he brushed it off with a smile.
---
Lectures and Realm Explanation
Master Ardan gathered the students:
"You will learn cultivation through stages and sub-stages. Each stage represents a deeper connection to your body, soul, and the cosmos."
Stage System:
1. Body Refining Realm – Basic → Perfect → Advanced → Master → Peak
2. Qi Awakening Realm – Ignites internal energy
3. Spirit Tempering Realm – Strengthens spirit control
4. Soul Manifestation Realm – Awakens latent soul potential
5. Void Connection Realm – Links to cosmic forces
6. Stellar Core Realm – Condenses star power
7. Astral Domain Realm – Expands personal domain
8. Eternal Will Realm – Fuses willpower with existence
9. Cosmos Emperor Realm – Ruler of creation
10. Transcendent Origin Realm – Realm of gods
Sub-stages exist within each stage, refining power until a Peak breakthrough is possible.
---
CART Method Awakening
During his first practice, Staryo attempted standard cultivation. Pain suddenly surged through his bones and veins. Flesh tore; blood dripped, but something awakened in his consciousness.
CART Method Activated: self-destruct and reconstruction.
His soul burned; his mental and cosmic power surged.
Aru gasped, worried as his body flared with energy.
Teachers and students stared.
"This… only you can use this method, Staryo." Master Ardan spoke gravely. "You are no ordinary mortal."
Aru's voice trembled:
"Why only you? Why not me… or anyone?"
"I… I don't know yet," Staryo murmured, pain flashing across his features.
She took his hand, whispering:
"Before using this method, promise me… if you fall, I follow. If you rise, I rise too."
Staryo's eyes softened. "Always."
---
First Sub-Stage Breakthrough
Through pain and endurance, Staryo broke through the 1st Sub-Stage of Body Refining, his body stronger, aura sharper, and first cosmic recognition stirring.
Days passed before the academy allowed full admission. Staryo and Aru entered classrooms, trained with teachers, and learned cultivation in theory and practice.
Lectures on realms, sub-stages, monsters, and villains were intensive.
Practical training involved controlled battles and minor monster encounters.
Staryo's power grew, but CART remained a secret within his consciousness.