First Star

Walking towards the waiting room exclusive for gold medallion holders, Regulus couldn't help but think of the words Lance left him with.

'Is there a problem with this body? Am I limited to celestial energy even in this life?'

Despite the sheer power he commanded in his last life, Regulus could feel in his gut that the ceiling of this world was higher.

With his eyes clouded over in thought, Regulus entered a highly decorated room as dozens of eyes began to scrutinise him.

Each person in that room seemed to command a presence betraying their lineage. From beastmen to elves, every individual was truly noble.

The calculating eyes of the royal offspring locked onto Regulus. Upon not recognising him, most turned away, feigning disinterest, although the female's gazes lingered a second longer.

Rowan Soleras, the second prince of the Jack Kingdom, took this opportunity to berate Regulus, a mocking voice coming from his lips.

"If it isn't the talentless spawn of the Cosmos family Regulus Cosmos."

"Are you lost? I don't see any other way the son of a mere Baron could find himself here."

The man with groomed black hair that seemed to shimmer under the room's lighting and piercing blood-red eyes could not help but lean back in his chair as he awaited Regulus' response.

As a prince, Rowan obviously knew of the fallen Ducal house of Cosmos. The only reason they were even given a Barony was to increase the ease of surveillance by the crown.

Hearing the barbed words of the prince of the world's most extensive Kingdom, the others once again raised their heads as they recalled the history of Jack Kingdom.

The Duke that went against the crown, Duke Cosmos and the mass suicide within the family that followed. Often considered the greatest mystery in Jack Kingdom.

Yet unbothered by the barking of dogs he didn't even know the name of. Regulus continued to a private room without a single break in his stride.

Seeing the handsome young man not even displaying a scrap of care for Rowan, the beastkin's Ace Kingdom princess broke out into laughter.

"Haha, to think that the arrogant Prince Rowan could get ignored like a sketchy salesperson."

Walking out of the room, her golden ears twitched, and nine golden tails swished as she remembered the sour look on Rowan's face.

His fists balled in anger at the hit his reputation just took. Rowan resolved that he would get revenge one way or another.

'Even if your meagre talent won't let us meet in the academy once I become King, I'll bury you with your family of traitors.'

Unaware of the plot being formulated against him and his family, Regulus entered a plain room. Yet he could tell by the immovable feel of the ground below him that this was a reinforced training room.

'According to Lance, there are still four hours before the first test; it's enough time.'

Clothes could be heard rustling as Regulus removed his shirt and waistcoat and sat in the centre of the room with his legs crossed.

Focusing on the cold floor below him and the stale air flow around him, Regulus began the first process of absorbing celestial energy harmonising his body with the world.

Although it was taking longer than usual to connect with the astral world, he preserved knowing that the world and wavelength were entirely different.

Feeling a familiar uncanny movement around him, Regulus opened his eyes and was met with infinite darkness lit by countless stars.

'It still works', Regulus smiled, knowing celestial power was the same as his last life.

The most difficult and yet most important part of gathering celestial power within the body to surpass its limits was the integration into the astral world.

Like a tiny speck in the night sky, a celestial user could then cultivate the stars using celestial techniques.

Gathering and forming the stars of a constellation one by one within them, the celestial energy could eventually grant you enough power to move mountains and split seas.

Knowing the time of the entrance test was creeping in on him, Regulus began circulating the first level of the Leo cultivation technique.

As if excited to finally be called upon, the stars of the astral world danced as they approached Regulus. The nostalgic feeling of celestial energy poured into his body felt like ecstasy, to the body of Regulus.

He never thought that one day, he would be able to establish the technique that brought him to the top once again.

Like a broken damn, the celestial energy kept pouring inside Regulus' body at an insane rate of absorption, showing his outstanding talent and mastery of the technique.

As the celestial energy began to pool in one place, Regulus increased his focus as he began compressing the vast sea of energy.

Understanding that he was faced with a rare opportunity to gain a foundation even sturdier than in his last life, Regulus compressed the energy to the smallest point possible.

Slowly adding vast quantities of celestial energy to the extremely dense point, the point began to blossom. Growing from a point to an ember, from there to a smouldering flame and, after that, a dim star.

In just the space of two hours, Regulus had managed to establish the first stage of the Leo Constellation technique and integrate it into his body.

Alterf: The Jaw of the Lion. Despite being the first and dimmest star, it played a crucial role in the establishment of a sturdy foundation. 

Grinning as he observed the small but detailed star within him, representing his talent, which reached the pinnacle, Regulus pushed himself off the ground.

Redressing himself, the gathering of celestial energy inside him caused the weight of his presence to feel heavier to anyone who would see him.

Although Regulus understood that the first star in no way guaranteed his safety and was merely the first step of a journey of a thousand miles. 

The celestial strength inside him granted an odd sense of comfort and a feeling of home as he decided to spend the remaining time honing his skills.

Reaching for the place where his sword would usually be out of muscle memory, Regulus could only grimace.

"I need to find a sword before this test starts. Otherwise, it might cause me a bit of trouble."

Regulus's confidence was due to the corresponding Leo martial art to the cultivation level. Although it should be impossible for someone at the First Star to use higher levels of the martial art without the corresponding star.

Due to Regulus' talent, experience and strong foundation, although it would be draining, he believed he could use at least the fourth star art.

Regulus was still contemplating where to scavenge a sword when he heard an aged voice leak from his medallion.

"The first examination is beginning in 10 minutes. Any applicant who is not present in the designated room before this time will fail

"No matter who you are or where you come from, this rule also applies to you."

'So it begins.'

Regulus thought as he composed himself and began moving to the test that would mark the start of a new chapter of his life.

-Author's Note-

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