New Quest
Astra stood before the looming, ancient estate of Odinson Steel, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous, almost feverish excitement. The very air around the estate seemed to pulse with an ancient, forgotten power, as though the stones themselves whispered of bloodlines long buried and secrets that time had nearly claimed.
He withdrew to a shadowed corner, away from prying eyes, his mind churning as he tried to digest the heavy revelations that had been thrust upon him. His heart pounded in his chest, and the weight of destiny pressed down upon him like a suffocating fog. Who he was, who he could become—it was almost too much to grasp.
"Royalty..." he muttered under his breath, the word tasting strange on his tongue. A bitter, yearning sensation twisted in his gut. He had always felt the weight of isolation, an outsider in a world that seemed to scorn him at every turn. But now, the truth unraveled itself in cruel clarity—he was not some forgotten wretch; he was of divine descent, bloodlines steeped in darkness and power. He was a king among mortals, yet no crown would grace his brow. No throne would await him. Instead, he was left to ponder the price of a legacy stained in shadows.
The pieces of his past, his present, and the terrifying future ahead of him collided in his mind, forming a picture that was as beautiful as it was cursed. The darkness was calling, and Astra was poised to answer.
Astra's hand trembled ever so slightly as he reached out, calling upon the connection with his coin. The moment his fingers brushed against it, a surge of information poured into his mind, flooding his senses like a deluge of forgotten memories. The world around him seemed to fade into shadow, leaving him alone in his own mind, with only the coin as his anchor.
The transformation was immediate.
His gaze locked onto the coin. The Pawn—no longer the humble, worn token it had once been. It had evolved. The once simple copper-green surface now gleamed with a dark, almost ethereal hue. The dagger etched into its surface remained, yet something more profound had taken root. The back of the coin was like the night sky itself, an endless abyss speckled with tiny, glittering diamonds—each one a shimmering fragment of the universe's eternal void. Astra's breath caught in his throat. Imperial Pawn, it was now called. No longer just a tool, but something far greater. Something... alive.
A strange satisfaction settled in his chest as he turned the coin over, noticing the inscription etched into its surface, hidden beneath the gleaming night. The words seemed to carry weight, a promise from the very heavens—or perhaps from the depths of darkness itself.
"For where there is day, there shall always be Night."
A smirk tugged at Astra's lips. He couldn't help but wonder if the coin itself had somehow known him, understood the darkness that had always gnawed at his soul.
As the words burned themselves into his mind, more information flooded his consciousness. He could feel the essence of the coin merging with his own, threading itself through his soul like a dark tether, connecting him to something greater. His heart raced, his veins alight with power. The connection was more than just physical—it was intimate, almost like an extension of his very being.
Astra closed his eyes for a moment, his mind drifting inward, accessing the status screen that had long been a part of his reality. The familiar text appeared before him, but this time it was different. More intricate, more... alive. He could see the changes in real-time, feel the shifts and growth deep within the inner sanctum of his soul.
He was no longer the same as he had been moments before.
His domain had expanded. No longer was it a mere reflection of his mind, but now it had become a living, breathing manifestation of his will—a kingdom born of his own power, forged from the night itself. Astra could sense the deep, invisible currents flowing through his inner world, pulling him toward something new, something darker. The connection to the Imperial Pawn was now far more than symbolic. It was a gateway, an anchor to the stars, to the void. It was hiskey to unlock whatever lay hidden within the night, within the vast, unreachable heavens.
His gaze sharpened as his fingers tightened around the coin. Astra could feel its power thrumming against his fingertips. The changes were subtle but undeniable. He could now feel the weight of the coin's potential within his grasp. It wasn't just a tool. It was part of him. His heart and soul were intertwined with its purpose. And it was no longer just a matter of wielding the night—it was about becoming it.
As Astra's eyes opened again, the room around him seemed to fade, the shadows deepening, the air thickening with the weight of unseen power. The Imperial Pawn had awakened something inside him. A part of himself he hadn't yet realized existed. Something ancient. Something deep.
Something that would carry him further than any mortal man could dream
[Astra, Noctis]
[Prince of Night]
[Rank One][Apprentice]
[Mana Core] [One]
[True Mana]
[Shadow][Star]
"Wow, prince. That's new," Astra thought, his gaze narrowing as he scrolled through his status. There was nothing overly shocking—nothing that screamed power—but there was one noticeable change. The familiar presence of water had disappeared from his true mana.
True mana, Astra knew, was the core of one's magical potential—the raw energy a person was most attuned to, the essence that defined their true strength. He could still access the other forms of mana, of course, but doing so would be like a warrior wielding a broken sword. It was inefficient. A waste of potential.
He couldn't help but chuckle darkly as he thought of it. It was like having a body forged to wield a war hammer, but choosing instead to fight with a flimsy short sword—small, quick, but ultimately lacking the strength and force to be truly effective. It was a waste. It always had been.
Astra ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of his choices settling in. The power of the night—the true power of the stars—was now his to command. And as his status made clear, it was time for him to stop settling for second best. There was no more room for weakness. He could feel the pull of his destiny, the weight of the stars calling to him, guiding him toward something greater.
He wasn't meant to be a puppet of other forces. He was meant to shape the world with the raw might of the night itself.
A grim smile tugged at his lips. "Time to stop wasting potential."
Astra thought about the Archives of Night
[Archives]
[Records]
[Mana]
[Locations]
[Paths]
[Artifacts]
[Messages]
"hmmmm, astra went straight towards mana, he had to see what star magic was learnable for him"
[Mana]
[Star]
[Light]
[Shadow]
there were other mana types listed but astra focused on these three.
[Star]
Rank 1-7
"Ra...rank seven???!." astra instantly tried accessing the rank seven mana. to no one surprise, it was obviously locked, rank six and above only can access no matter who,
"I can see rank one and two however" astra smiled bitterly a little disappointed but not surprised.
[Rank One][Spells]
[Nova Flash] (Rank One Spell)
Type: Offensive / IllusionA weak burst of starlight erupts from the caster's hand, momentarily blinding or disorienting enemies in its path. The light is sharp and bright, though fleeting, like the brief flare of a dying star. It causes temporary blindness or confusion but has little lasting damage. In its raw form, the caster can barely control its reach, and the light dissipates almost as soon as it appears.
Effect:
Temporarily blinds or disorients foes in a small radius.Small radiant burn on direct contact, though it quickly fades
[Stardust Veil] (Rank One Spell)
Type: Defensive / ConcealmentA thin mist of shimmering stardust surrounds the caster, bending the light around them and obscuring their figure from sight. This veil is fragile and thin, offering little protection from attacks. The mist flickers like the last remnants of a dying star, and while it can obscure vision, it does not offer true invisibility, leaving the caster open to detection by more experienced foes.
Effect:
Obscures vision in a small area.Provides minimal defense against detection or incoming attacks.
[Celestial Bolt] (Rank One Spell)
Type: OffensiveA small, concentrated bolt of star energy shoots from the caster's palm, crackling with raw celestial power. Though it is quick and direct, its power is weak compared to higher-tier spells, and the bolt can only strike with moderate force. It is an unstable burst of energy that flickers and shifts in color, like the glimmer of distant stars in the night sky. It can burn or singe but lacks the strength to cause significant damage unless perfectly aimed.
Effect:
Small burst of energy with moderate burn damage.Has an erratic trajectory and inconsistent strength, depending on the caster's control.
[Stellar Flock ](Rank One Spell)
Type: Summoning / IllusionThe caster summons small, ethereal creatures formed from starlight, resembling glowing birds or flickering motes of light. These creatures are mostly illusions and offer no substantial physical power, but they can confuse enemies or act as distractions. The creatures dissolve upon impact or with a simple movement from the caster, leaving nothing behind but fading light.
Effect:
Creates small, illusory star-birds that distract or mislead foes.Causes momentary confusion but does not deal direct damage.
[Astral Step] (Low-Rank Spell)
Type: Movement / UtilityA simple form of short-distance teleportation, the caster vanishes in a burst of starlight and reappears a few paces away. The magic is unstable and can leave the caster disoriented, often resulting in a small delay before they can act again. It is best used as a last-minute escape or to dodge a blow, but using it recklessly can lead to unintended consequences, such as misplacement or exhaustion.
Effect:
Teleports a short distance, leaving behind a brief trail of starlight.Can cause slight disorientation or physical strain after use.
[Starlight Shard] (Rank One Spell)
Type: Offensive / Weapon ManifestationThe caster forms a blade made entirely of condensed lunar energy, its edge glowing with a soft, pale light. It is light and razor-sharp, capable of cutting through less durable materials, but fragile compared to a real weapon. The blade can be wielded for a short time before it dissipates, and while it offers some offensive power, it cannot compare to a true sword forged by steel.
Effect:
Creates a temporary blade of star-forged energy.Can cut through softer materials but lacks durability in combat.
[Requirements]
< For one to be able to use any form of star magic, one must be able to feel the flow of the stars, stars are always present and looking, even under the influence of weather and other celestial bodies, its influence strongest in the night however. To feel the flow one must refine their inner star. this needs to be done alone, once they refine their inner star, the stars will bless them with celestial mana, this mana is rare in the realms as it exists in the heavens, it is a rarely found in nature. once one can feel their celestial mana, manipulation and free form can be used, spells can be made and invented.>
Astra's mind reeled as the realization struck him like a blow to the chest. His body tensed, a sharp coldness spreading through his veins, as if the heavens themselves had turned their gaze upon him. His violet eyes, once brimming with confusion, now hardened with the weight of understanding.
Celestial mana. The very thought of it sent a shiver down his spine. He had always been out of place, like a shadow too far removed from the moon's light.
No wonder the stars had always felt distant, unattainable. He had never even been close to the right kind of power—he had nothing but mortal, fleeting magic coursing through him. Without the right mana, without the blessing of the heavens themselves, he was nothing but a fool trying to summon the light of a dying star with nothing but a broken lantern.
Astra looked into the Rank two spells as well
At Rank Two, Star Magic begins to solidify, with the caster's control over their celestial abilities becoming more refined. The raw energy of the stars is now more reliable, though still volatile. The spells at this level are stronger, more tangible, and begin to show the first glimpses of true cosmic might. The magic feels heavier, as if the caster can almost hear the faint hum of distant stars. With more power comes more danger — misuse of these spells could result in disastrous consequences.
Celestial Lance (Rank Two Spell)
Type: OffensiveA concentrated spear of pure starlight forms in the caster's hand, long and sharp. The energy of the lance crackles with celestial force, its tip burning with the heat of a dying star. The caster can hurl the lance at a distant target, and when it strikes, it explodes with an eruption of stardust, burning and searing whatever it hits. The weapon's energy dissipates upon impact, leaving behind a lingering celestial burn that smolders like the ashes of a star's final moments.
Effect:
Creates a lance of condensed star energy, which can be thrown or used in close combat.On impact, the lance explodes in a burst of light, causing burn damage to the target and leaving a lingering celestial scorch.Less erratic than lower-ranked spells, but still dangerous if uncontrolled.
Nebula Shield (Rank Two Spell)
Type: DefensiveThe caster summons a swirling, translucent shield of nebula-like energy, a shifting mass of stars and mist that flickers like a dying constellation. It can block incoming attacks, but the shield is not invincible—it absorbs a limited amount of damage before it fades into stardust. The shield's strength depends on the caster's focus and their connection to the stars; the longer the spell is held, the more taxing it becomes.
Effect:
Creates a protective barrier made of swirling starlight and nebula energy.Can absorb physical and magical attacks, though only for a short duration before it breaks.Requires concentration to maintain, draining the caster's energy with continued use.
Starfire Storm (Rank Two Spell)
Type: Offensive / Area-of-EffectThe caster calls down a barrage of small, explosive star fragments, each one falling from the sky like a fiery meteor shower. The star fragments explode on impact, sending shards of radiant energy across a wide area. The spell is devastating when used in large open spaces, though it requires precision to avoid friendly fire. While powerful, it is difficult to control and can overwhelm the caster's senses, causing them to lose track of their target.
Effect:
A volley of small, explosive star fragments rains down upon a targeted area.Each fragment causes burn damage and creates small bursts of starlight, creating chaos and disorienting enemies.Difficult to control in confined spaces and can damage the caster if not carefully aimed.
Stellar Binding (Rank Two Spell)
Type: Control / BindingThe caster channels the gravitational pull of distant stars, summoning a web of ethereal light that binds and restrains the target. The light twists and coils around the target's limbs, holding them in place with a force that feels akin to being crushed beneath the weight of the heavens themselves. It is not a perfect hold; the target can still struggle against the bonds, but it is enough to immobilize weaker opponents or hinder a larger enemy for a short time. The spell's strength diminishes with distance and the target's resistance.
Effect:
Binds the target with chains of celestial energy, restraining them in place.The bonds are difficult to break for weaker foes but can be fought against by stronger enemies.The caster can only maintain the binding for a limited time before it fades.
Comet Surge (Rank Two Spell)
Type: Offensive / MovementA comet made of solid star energy materializes before the caster, a streak of fire and starlight. The caster can direct the comet to slam into the ground or a target, causing a massive impact explosion on contact. The comet has the force of a falling star, and while it leaves behind a smoldering crater, it is slow-moving and difficult to control at full power. It is most effective in a wide-open space, where the target cannot easily evade it.
Effect:
Summons a comet of starlight, which the caster directs to impact a target or the ground.The comet causes an explosion on impact, dealing significant damage and leaving a lingering burn effect in the area.Difficult to control and slow to cast, leaving the user open to counterattacks.
Astral Chains (Rank Two Spell)
Type: Control / OffensiveThe caster summons ethereal chains of star-forged energy that lash out, ensnaring an enemy or object. These chains are not physical—they are more like a prison of cosmic energy, able to bind or strike from a distance. When they strike, they pulse with a crushing gravitational force, immobilizing or wounding the target. These chains are harder to break than the earlier Stellar Binding, though they require the caster to maintain a constant focus to hold their target in place.
Effect:
Summons chains of starlight to bind or restrain the target.Deals minor to moderate damage as the chains constrict, and their gravitational force weakens the target.Requires the caster's focus and can cause strain over extended use.
At Rank Two, Star Magic takes on a more tangible and destructive form. The spells grow in both power and complexity, and the caster begins to understand how to harness celestial energy in more precise ways. However, the magic is still raw, and any mistake in control can cause unpredictable consequences, leaving the caster vulnerable to the very forces they seek to command.
The cold weight of his failure pressed heavily on him, but Astra wasn't one to back down. No, he thought bitterly I'll carve my own path. He couldn't help but feel the bitter sting of contempt for those who had always been born with the right blood. The world had seen him as a shadow, and now it was clearer than ever. The very stars themselves looked down on him, indifferent to his struggles, his hopes, his ambitions. But no longer.
He looked again at the Rank Two spells laid before him. The texts twisted and danced like flames in the deep of night, flickering in the shadows of the gods' cold indifference. Each spell was a whisper from the heavens—a power he could never truly claim without their blessing.
But there was a glimmer of something deep inside him. Determination. If he couldn't take from the stars, then he would steal their secrets. He would refine his own inner star. Astra's lips curled into a dark smirk, one that bordered on madness. The stars had turned their backs on him, but they would not break him. No, if he had to tear open the heavens and claim their power for himself, then so be it.
As he studied the Rank Two spells, the weight of their potential filled him. Celestial Lance, Nebula Shield, Starfire Storm… His fingers itched, the thought of commanding such destructive power filling his veins with fire. Yet the darkness in his heart deepened. If he was to wield such force, to bend the heavens to his will, he would not be the knight of some divine prophecy. He would be a king forged in shadow, a ruler not by birthright, but by bloody, relentless ambition.
The power of the stars was both a gift and a curse. A gift that only the worthy could embrace, and a curse for those who would wield it with recklessness. Astra had no illusions about his journey ahead. He had no allies, only enemies, all eyes watching him from the shadows, ready to crush him when he faltered. The celestial mana he sought—if he could even reach it—was a dangerous beast, one that could consume him in a heartbeat.
just as he thought this the coins alerted him
[Quest update]
[Refine Inner Star]
Astra couldn't help but smirk....