The golden light of Xotara Prime's suns illuminated Astral Dawn Academy as the first days of training passed. Staryo had settled into the rhythm of academy life, but his first CART reconstruction lingered in his consciousness, a secret source of both power and pain.
Aru took his hand:
"Staryo… we have to survive what's coming. I'll be with you, always."
His faint smile mirrored hers. "Always."
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Survival Trial Announcement
Master Ardan and Syrana addressed all students:
"You will leave the academy for the Beastlands of Xotara Prime. One month. Survive, hunt, and prove your strength. Only the worthy return."
The trial tested combat, teamwork, survival, and cultivation potential.
Staryo and Aru were placed together in a team with Kael and Lyra, forming the foundation of their legendary bond.
---
Hunting and Teamwork
The forest was merciless:
Starfang Wolves, Voidscale Serpents, and Shardbeaks attacked relentlessly.
Kael drew attacks; Lyra shielded; Aru struck precisely; Staryo endured, reconstructing his body via CART.
Each battle awarded qi cores, fueling level-ups and progression through sub-stages.
Aru reached 2nd Sub-Stage Body Refining.
Kael hit Level 9.
Lyra strengthened her spirit.
Staryo's first Cosmos Eye Tier 1 awakening was imminent, and faint silver strands appeared in his hair, reflecting his cosmic attunement.
---
Rivalries and Whispers
Dreven, jealous and arrogant, watched them from afar.
"New faces… that boy… he feels like the cosmos itself…"
Whispers spread:
"Who are they? The girl's aura is pure, but his… it's like the stars are watching us."
The title "Twin Stars of Xotara" began to circulate.
---
Titan Ape Battle
On the final night:
The colossal Cosmic Titan Ape appeared.
Kael charged, Lyra shielded, Aru struck, Staryo endured.
Pain overwhelmed him. Bones shattered. Flesh torn. CART activated.
Void reconstruction surged.
His first Cosmos Eye awakened.
Galaxies spun in his eyes; hair shimmered silver with starlight.
With one final strike, the Titan Ape fell.
---
Aftermath
Aru held him, tears falling:
"You nearly died…"
"If I fall… you rise. Always," he said.
Whispers spread through the academy:
"He killed the Titan Ape!"
"His eyes… galaxies!"
"And the girl with him… Twin Stars!"
The legend of the Twin Stars of Xotara was born.