The dust of the Titan Ape battle had barely settled, yet Astral Dawn Academy was alive with whispers of the "Twin Stars of Xotara." Staryo, however, sat quietly on the cliffs overlooking the Crystal Rivers, lost in thought.
His Cosmos Eye, shimmering with galaxies, pulsed uncontrollably. Trees bent slightly, and the air rippled like liquid around him.
I have power… but I can't control it yet…
Aru approached, worry clear in her eyes.
"Staryo… you've been distant since the battle. Are you okay?"
He smiled faintly. "I can't fully control my Cosmos Eye. If I lose control…"
Her hand rested on his shoulder. "I'll help you. Always."
He nodded. Always…
---
Intensive Training and Stage Progression
The next days were grueling. Staryo embarked on personal training to master the Cosmos Eye while completing the first stage of Body Refining Realm.
Training Methods:
Stage Awareness: Visualizing each sub-stage and mastering energy flows.
Void Meditation: Absorbing cosmic energy without overwhelming his senses.
Pain Endurance: CART activations, carefully controlled to prevent permanent damage.
Timeline of Training:
Day 1–3: Minor control over ambient cosmic energy; hair shimmered faintly silver.
Day 4–7: Lifted rocks, redirected energy, avoided accidents.
Day 8–14: First sub-stage breakthrough complete – moved from Basic → Perfect → Advanced → Master → Peak.
Day 15: First full stage breakthrough; completed all sub-stages of Body Refining Realm, Level 1 achieved.
Hair Color Change: Silver with faint golden streaks, reflecting first true attunement with cosmos.
Aru watched, pride and worry intertwined.
"You're amazing… but don't push yourself too far."
"I promised, Aru. If I rise… you rise with me," he replied, determination blazing in his gaze.
---
First Date: A Moment of Normalcy
After his first stage breakthrough, Aru gently suggested:
"Staryo… let's take a day off. Just… for us."
He hesitated, but nodded. A day away from training… a day with her.
They walked along Luminous Lake, hand in hand.
Staryo showed Aru how to sense cosmic energy, letting her feel the shimmer of galaxies within him.
They shared stories of Earth, Xotara Prime, and their dreams for the future.
Aru laughed as Staryo tried—and failed—to catch a glowing Lunafish with cosmic energy.
"You can destroy Titans but can't catch fish?" she teased.
He grinned sheepishly. "I'm still learning…"
The sun set, painting the sky in orange and violet. They sat on a hill overlooking the city, shoulders touching, hearts quietly synchronizing.
"I'm glad… we're together," Staryo whispered.
"I'm glad too," Aru replied, resting her head on his shoulder.
Their first date was simple, but unforgettable—a bond cemented amid cosmic power and responsibility.
---
Teamwork and Rivalry
Kael and Lyra trained nearby, often teasing Staryo and Aru.
Dreven, the jealous rival, observed from afar, plotting.
Academy students whispered:
"They… shine like twin stars."
"His Cosmos Eye… it's beyond comprehension."
Even amid rivalry, Staryo focused on perfecting his first stage and controlling his awakening powers.
---
Training Beyond the First Stage
With first stage completion, Staryo's CART method became more refined. Pain endured during training now rewarded him:
Physical strength increased.
Mental acuity sharpened.
Cosmic attunement deepened.
He began experimenting cautiously with reality manipulation, small distortions in the environment reflecting the growing power of his Tier 1 Cosmos Eye.
Rocks floated in formation.
Light bent slightly with thought.
Minor spatial shifts occurred within a few meters.
Aru observed closely, worry etched on her face but also admiration.
"You're becoming something more than human, Staryo…"
He smiled faintly, thinking to himself: For you, I will master this… no matter the pain.