Chapter 01: Lift-Off Lottery
The crumpled scholarship letter trembled in Kaito Ryuusei's calloused hands as he stood before the towering space elevator. Around him, noble kids in pristine uniforms chatted about vacation homes on Mars while their servants loaded designer luggage. He clutched his single duffel bag tighter.
"Next group, boarding platform seven!" The announcer's voice echoed through the crystalline terminal.
Kaito had never seen anything like it. The elevator shaft stretched impossibly high, disappearing into the star-speckled darkness above Earth's atmosphere. Holographic displays showed their destination: the L-1 Celestial Ring, where Nova Fist High orbited in perpetual twilight.
"You lost, farm boy?" A blonde kid in a silver-trimmed uniform sneered. His entourage laughed on cue.
"Just heading to school," Kaito replied quietly, fingering his plain acceptance badge.
"School?" The blonde's eyes widened mockingly. "Oh, you're one of the charity cases. How precious."
The elevator cabin materialized with a soft hum, its transparent walls revealing the infinite cosmos beyond. As Kaito stepped inside, his stomach lurched not from motion but from the reality hitting him. He was really leaving Earth. Leaving everything he'd ever known.
The cabin shot upward with impossible smoothness. Below, Earth shrank to a blue marble. Above, something incredible came into view: a massive ring structure bristling with towers and training grounds, all rotating slowly against the star field.
"Welcome to Nova Fist High," the system announced. "Where warriors touch the cosmos."
Through the transparent floor, Kaito watched a group of students sparring in zero-gravity chambers. Each punch and kick left trails of glittering energy that looked like tiny comets. His heart hammered. This wasn't just a school.
It was where legends were born.
As the cabin docked with a gentle chime, Kaito's wrist began to tingle strangely. A warm sensation spread up his arm, and for just a moment, he could have sworn he saw golden light flickering beneath his skin.
The doors slid open with a whisper: "Prepare for orientation."
Chapter 02: Orientation Shock
The orientation hall stretched like a cathedral of metal and starlight. Hundreds of students filled the floating seats, their excited chatter echoing off the curved walls. Above them, the academy's motto blazed in cosmic letters: "CHANNEL THE STARS, BECOME LEGEND."
"Welcome, cadets," boomed a voice from the central platform. Master Polaris materialized there in a shimmer of blue energy, his beard seemingly woven from actual starlight. "Today you begin your journey into Cosmo-Ki mastery."
Kaito shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Around him, other students radiated confidence. He felt like an imposter.
"First, your Cosmo-Ki Gauge activation," Master Polaris continued. "Extend your dominant arm."
A collective gasp rippled through the hall as tattoo-like marks began appearing on every student's wrist. Kaito watched in fascination and growing panic as elegant symbols carved themselves into his skin, glowing briefly before settling into dark lines.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 12% ★ FORM Locked
The burning sensation made him grit his teeth. Around him, other students displayed their readings proudly. Most showed percentages in the teens or twenties. A few prodigies hit thirty percent.
"The gauge represents your current Cosmo-Ki capacity," Master Polaris explained. "Fall below ten percent, and you'll experience Energy Shockout. Exceed ninety percent without proper control, and you risk Core Implosion."
Kaito stared at his twelve percent. Completely average. Maybe that was good?
"Now observe the constellation forms." Master Polaris raised his hand, and stellar patterns erupted around him. "Each student will manifest their destined style based on their spiritual resonance with the cosmos."
Demonstration holographs filled the air: Eagle Talon strikes that moved like lightning, Bear Claw techniques that shattered asteroids, Serpent Coil grapples that bent space itself.
"Your forms will unlock through training and trials," the master continued. "Some may master multiple constellations. Others will specialize in one perfect technique."
As the ceremony concluded, students began chattering excitedly about which form they hoped to manifest. Kaito remained silent, studying his gauge. Twelve percent felt pathetically small for someone who'd supposedly earned a scholarship to the galaxy's most prestigious combat academy.
A girl with ice-blue hair turned to look at him, her silver eyes calculating. "You're the scholarship kid, aren't you? Kaito Ryuusei from the farming colonies?"
He nodded warily.
Her gaze flicked to his wrist gauge, then back to his face. "Interesting. I'm Reina Aquila. Try not to embarrass yourself too badly during placement trials."
As she walked away with predatory grace, Kaito's gauge flickered strangely. Just for an instant, the "12%" wavered, like a glitching display.
Something was definitely not normal about his readings.
Chapter 03: Stubbed Meteor Punch
The training hall buzzed with nervous energy as first-year students lined up for their initial combat assessment. Massive crystalline training drones hovered at the center of the chamber, their surfaces gleaming under the artificial starlight that bathed the academy.
"Standard procedure," announced Instructor Vega, a tall figure whose movements seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. "Each cadet demonstrates basic Cosmo-Ki channeling against Level-1 training constructs. No special techniques required. Just show us your raw potential."
Kaito watched from the back of the line as student after student stepped up. Their attacks produced modest results: small dents in the drone's crystalline shell, brief flickers of energy, gauge readings climbing to twenty or thirty percent before dropping back down.
Reina Aquila's turn came near the middle. She moved with fluid precision, her fist trailing silver energy as she struck. The drone cracked impressively, and her gauge peaked at thirty-eight percent.
"Exceptional form," Instructor Vega noted with rare approval. "Eagle constellation manifestation shows strong potential."
Finally, Kaito's name was called. He approached the fresh training drone on unsteady legs, very aware of every eye watching him. The scholarship kid. The farm boy who didn't belong.
"Take your time," Instructor Vega said, though something in his tone suggested otherwise.
Kaito drew back his fist, trying to remember everything he'd learned about Cosmo-Ki theory during orientation. Channel the cosmic energy. Feel the connection to the stars. Let the power flow through...
He punched.
The drone didn't just crack. It exploded.
Crystalline fragments scattered like a meteor shower, glittering as they bounced off the reinforced walls. Where the training construct had been, only empty space remained, filled with slowly dissipating golden particles that looked suspiciously like dragon scales.
The training hall fell silent.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 45% ★ FORM ERROR - UNRECOGNIZED
Kaito stared at his wrist in shock. The gauge had spiked higher than anyone else's, but instead of showing a constellation name, it displayed an ominous error message in pulsing red text.
"Well," Instructor Vega said after a long pause, his dark eyes fixed on Kaito with unsettling intensity. "That's... unexpected."
Whispers erupted throughout the hall. Kaito caught fragments: "...completely destroyed it..." "...never seen anything like..." "...what kind of form was that?"
As he walked back to his position, burning under dozens of stares, one thought dominated his mind: Whatever had just happened, it definitely wasn't supposed to happen.
And judging by Instructor Vega's calculating expression, he was about to find out exactly how much trouble that meant.
Chapter 04: Chibi Unlock - Orion Fanboy
"Dude, that was INCREDIBLE!" A stocky boy with wild brown hair bounded up to Kaito as students filtered out of the training hall. "I'm Bo Orion, and you just became my new best friend whether you like it or not!"
Kaito blinked in surprise. After the training incident, most students had been giving him a wide berth, whispering and pointing when they thought he wasn't looking. Bo's enthusiastic grin was a welcome change.
"I'm Kaito," he replied cautiously. "And I'm pretty sure I just made a huge mistake back there."
"Mistake? Are you insane?" Bo's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You turned a Level-1 drone into cosmic dust! That was like something out of the legendary combat archives!"
Bo pulled out a small device that projected holographic trading cards. "Look, I collect rare moment captures from academy history. The Great Nebula Tournament of 2387, the Asteroid Belt Survival Exam, Master Polaris's legendary Solar Storm technique..."
The cards flickered past in a dazzling display. Kaito had to admit they were pretty cool.
"And now I just witnessed what might be the most spectacular first-year demonstration ever!" Bo continued, practically vibrating with excitement. "I mean, seriously, what was that golden dragon-scale effect? I've never seen energy manifest like that!"
Despite his anxiety, Kaito found himself smiling at Bo's infectious enthusiasm. "You really think it was good? Not just... dangerously weird?"
"Dangerously awesome," Bo corrected firmly. "Come on, let me show you the best spots around campus. There's the Constellation Cafeteria where they serve food that actually floats, the Zero-G recreational chambers, and oh! The observation deck where you can watch solar flare practice sessions!"
As Bo chattered away, leading him through corridors lined with stellar viewing windows, Kaito felt some of his tension ease. Maybe he'd found his first real friend here.
They passed a group of students huddled around someone's holographic display. Kaito caught a glimpse of his own face on screen before the group noticed him looking and quickly dispersed.
"Don't worry about them," Bo said quietly, noticing Kaito's expression. "Half the academy's probably trying to figure out your secret already. But hey, that just means you're interesting!"
NEW COMPANION UNLOCKED: BO ORIONFRIENDSHIP METER: 15/100
"Besides," Bo added with a mischievous grin, "wait until you see what happens during tomorrow's sparring assignments. I heard through the grape-vine that Instructor Vega specifically requested you be paired with someone... special."
Kaito's stomach dropped. "Special how?"
Bo's grin widened. "Let's just say Reina Aquila has been asking a lot of questions about you since the training demonstration."
Great. The ice princess wanted a rematch, and this time it would probably be official.
Chapter 05: Fast-Pass Cliff - Dragon Roars
The next morning arrived with the artificial dawn cycle that painted the academy's corridors in warm golden light. Kaito stood in Training Arena 7, trying to steady his nerves as students filed into the observation galleries above.
Reina Aquila waited at the arena's center, her silver hair catching the light like polished metal. She'd already activated her Cosmo-Ki gauge, the display showing a steady twenty-eight percent as eagle-wing patterns of energy flickered around her hands.
"Today's exercise is simple," Instructor Vega announced from the referee platform. "Controlled sparring between Academy cadets. Demonstrate your constellation forms, test your limits, and learn from your peers."
Bo gave Kaito an encouraging thumbs-up from the gallery. "You got this, dragon boy!"
"Dragon boy?" Reina's eyebrow arched elegantly. "Is that what they're calling you now?"
"I don't know what happened yesterday," Kaito said honestly, stepping into the combat circle. "But I'll try to keep it under control."
"Don't." Her silver eyes gleamed with something that might have been anticipation. "I want to see what you're really capable of."
The starting signal chimed, and Reina moved like liquid lightning. Her Eagle Talon technique carved silver arcs through the air, each strike precise and devastating. Kaito barely managed to dodge, his own movements clumsy in comparison.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 18% ★ FORM Locked
He needed to counter, but every time he tried to channel his energy, that same strange sensation from yesterday began building in his chest. Like something vast and ancient stirring to life.
Reina's next combination drove him back against the arena wall. "Come on," she called, breathing hard but still graceful. "Show me what destroyed that training drone!"
Kaito's frustration finally boiled over. He stopped trying to control whatever was happening and just let it flow.
Golden light erupted from his fist as he struck back. But this time, something else came with it. The light took shape: massive, serpentine, with eyes like miniature stars. For just an instant, a spectral dragon coiled around Kaito's arm, its roar shaking the entire arena.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 67% ★ STAR-DRAGON FORM - UNSTABLE
Reina's eyes went wide. The dragon's presence seemed to freeze everything in the arena, including her Eagle energy. When their techniques collided, reality itself seemed to ripple.
Then blood began trickling from Kaito's nose. His gauge was climbing rapidly: seventy percent, seventy-five, eighty...
"Emergency shutdown!" Instructor Vega's voice cut through the chaos as safety barriers activated around the arena.
But it was too late. The Star-Dragon's roar echoed once more, and Kaito felt something fundamental shift in his chest. Whatever had been locked away was now partially free.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 89% - CRITICAL THRESHOLDWARNING: CORE IMPLOSION IMMINENT
As medical staff rushed toward the arena, Kaito collapsed to his knees, golden energy still crackling around him like captured lightning.
The last thing he heard before losing consciousness was Reina's voice, filled with something between awe and terror: "That's impossible. Star-Dragon forms have been extinct for three hundred years."
[FAST-PASS UNLOCK REQUIRED TO CONTINUE]
Chapter 06: Seal Bands Applied
Kaito awoke to the sterile hum of the medical bay, his head pounding like a meteor impact. Through the transparent walls, he could see Earth rotating slowly below, its blue surface a stark contrast to the clinical white of his surroundings.
"Ah, you're conscious." Master Polaris materialized beside his bed, the elderly instructor's star-bright beard flickering with concern. "That was quite the display yesterday."
"How long was I out?" Kaito's voice came out as a croak.
"Eighteen hours. Long enough for the Academy Council to debate your immediate expulsion." Polaris's tone was grave. "Star-Dragon manifestation hasn't been seen for three centuries. The last practitioner nearly destroyed half of Mars Colony before the form was sealed away."
Kaito's stomach dropped. "Sealed away?"
"For good reason." Polaris raised his hands, revealing intricate silver bands wrapped around each wrist. "These are Constellation Suppressors. They'll limit your gauge to twenty percent maximum until you learn proper control."
"Twenty percent?" Kaito shot up in bed, then immediately regretted it as the room spun. "But that's barely enough for basic techniques!"
"It's enough to keep you alive," Polaris said firmly, approaching with similar bands. "And everyone around you safe. The Star-Dragon form draws power directly from stellar cores. Unchecked, it could tear this academy apart."
The suppressor bands felt ice-cold as they locked around Kaito's wrists with soft chimes. Immediately, the strange warmth that had been building in his chest since yesterday disappeared, leaving him feeling hollow and weak.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 12% ★ FORM SEALED - TRAINING MODE
"Master," Kaito said quietly, "why me? I'm nobody special. Just a farm kid who got lucky with a scholarship."
Polaris studied him with ancient eyes that seemed to hold actual starlight. "Luck? Boy, the Star-Dragon chooses its vessels according to criteria we've never fully understood. But it always chooses those who need its power most desperately."
"Need it for what?"
"That remains to be seen." The master turned toward the door, then paused. "A word of advice: the suppressor bands will hold for now, but they're not permanent. Whatever awakened your Star-Dragon is still out there, waiting. When the time comes, you'll need to be ready."
As Polaris departed, Kaito flexed his fingers, feeling the artificial limitation of the bands. Twelve percent felt pathetic after experiencing eighty-nine.
But something told him the master was right. This was just the beginning.
Chapter 07: Cosmic Cafeteria Brawl
The Constellation Cafeteria lived up to Bo's description: food actually floated in zero-gravity bubbles while students used magnetic utensils to catch their meals. Kaito pushed his floating rice around listlessly, still adjusting to the suppressor bands' weight.
"Come on, eat something," Bo urged, successfully spearing a chunk of synthesized protein. "You need to keep your strength up for afternoon combat theory."
"With twelve percent gauge? I'd be lucky to light a match." Kaito's suppressor bands caught the artificial starlight, reminding him constantly of his limitations.
"Well, well." A familiar arrogant voice cut through the cafeteria chatter. "If it isn't the academy's newest safety hazard."
Leo Regulus approached their table with his usual entourage of noble hangers-on. His golden hair seemed to radiate actual light, and his confident smirk made Kaito's hands clench involuntarily.
"I heard they had to chain you up like some kind of wild animal," Leo continued, gesturing at the suppressor bands. "How embarrassing. Though I suppose it's what we should expect from charity cases."
"Back off, Leo," Bo said, standing up despite being a full head shorter than the noble.
"Oh, the little archer wants to play hero?" Leo's entourage laughed. "How adorable."
Kaito felt heat building in his chest despite the suppressors. "Just leave us alone."
"Or what? You'll have another little tantrum and destroy more academy property?" Leo leaned closer, his Solar Lion constellation starting to manifest as golden claws around his fingertips. "Face facts, farm boy. You don't belong here."
That did it. Kaito shot to his feet, food tray in hand. The suppressor bands flared with warning light, but twelve percent was still twelve percent. He hurled the tray with enhanced strength, sending floating food flying directly at Leo's pristine uniform.
The noble's reflexes kicked in instantly. Solar Lion claws swiped through the air, incinerating most of the projectiles. But one chunk of protein got through, splattering across his golden hair with a satisfying splat.
The cafeteria fell silent.
"You little-" Leo's constellation flared to full brightness, his gauge spiking to forty percent.
"Enough!" Instructor Vega's voice cut through the tension like a blade. The tall figure seemed to appear from nowhere, his presence making the ambient light dim noticeably. "Mr. Regulus, return to your dormitory. Mr. Ryuusei, report for disciplinary meditation."
As Leo stalked away, shooting venomous glares, Kaito noticed something odd. For just an instant, Instructor Vega's eyes had been focused not on the altercation, but on Kaito's suppressor bands.
Almost like he was calculating their effectiveness.
Chapter 08: Hunter Bow Assist
The next morning brought Advanced Drone Combat training in the academy's largest arena. Students faced off against multiple Level-2 constructs while Instructor Vega observed from his elevated platform, making notes on a holographic tablet.
"Remember," he announced, "these drones are designed to test coordination and tactical thinking. Brute force alone will not suffice."
Kaito watched nervously as other students demonstrated their improving techniques. Reina moved like liquid silver, her Eagle Talon strikes precisely targeting drone weak points. Leo commanded his Solar Lion claws with brutal efficiency, melting through crystalline armor.
When Kaito's turn came, three drones surrounded him immediately. With only twelve percent gauge available, he felt hopelessly outmatched.
The first drone struck with mechanical precision. Kaito dodged desperately, but his suppressed energy felt sluggish, unresponsive. A second drone flanked him while the third attacked from above.
"This is pathetic," Leo called from the sidelines. "Just forfeit already."
Kaito gritted his teeth, channeling what little power he could through the suppressors. His punch connected with the nearest drone, creating a small crack but barely slowing it down. The construct retaliated with a plasma burst that sent him tumbling.
"Kaito!" Bo's voice rang out from the observation deck. "Duck!"
Three arrows of pure Cosmo-Ki streaked through the air with incredible precision. Each arrow found a drone's core processor, causing all three constructs to freeze mid-attack before powering down completely.
"Outstanding marksmanship, Mr. Orion," Instructor Vega noted with rare approval. "Though technically, this was a solo exercise."
"Sorry, sir," Bo called down, not sounding sorry at all. "My bow kind of has a mind of its own when friends are in trouble."
Kaito looked up at Bo with genuine gratitude. His friend stood on the observation deck, a bow of pure starlight still glowing in his hands, grinning widely.
"Hunter constellation is quite rare," Vega continued, making more notes. "Excellent tactical support capabilities. However, Mr. Ryuusei, your performance was... concerning."
"Yes, sir," Kaito replied, acutely aware of every student watching his failure.
But as the class moved on to the next student, Kaito caught Reina watching him with a thoughtful expression. When their eyes met, she mouthed a single word: "Later."
FRIENDSHIP METER: BO ORION 35/100
Something told him this conversation would be interesting.
Chapter 09: Duel under Eagle Banner
The academy's observation deck offered a breathtaking view of the L-1 Ring's rotation against the star field. Kaito found Reina there after evening meal, her silver hair catching the light of distant nebulae.
"You wanted to talk?" he asked, approaching cautiously.
"Your performance today was abysmal," she said without preamble, not bothering to turn around. "Twelve percent gauge or not, you fought like someone who'd never channeled Cosmo-Ki before."
Kaito bristled. "The suppressors make everything feel different. Sluggish."
"Excuses." She finally faced him, silver eyes sharp as blade edges. "I've been researching Star-Dragon forms since our sparring match. Do you know what I found?"
"That they're extinct?"
"That they're not actually constellation-based." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Star-Dragon draws power from something older, deeper. The constellation system was built on top of it, like a house over ancient ruins."
Kaito frowned. "What does that mean?"
"It means your real power doesn't depend on gauge percentages." Reina's hands began glowing with eagle-wing energy. "Prove it. Fight me again, properly this time."
"Here? Now? Vega will have us both expelled."
"The observation deck has training authorization for advanced students." She was already settling into combat stance. "Besides, I pulled some strings."
Before Kaito could protest further, she attacked. Eagle Talon strikes carved silver paths through the air, each movement precise and deadly. But this time, instead of the overwhelming assault from their first match, she was clearly holding back, testing him.
Kaito found his rhythm gradually. The suppressor bands limited his gauge, but muscle memory and instinct were different things. He began matching her movements, finding openings, striking back with careful precision.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 18% ★ FORM SEALED
"Better," Reina acknowledged, deflecting his counter-attack. "But you're still thinking like the power comes from your wrists."
She was right. Kaito closed his eyes for just a moment, remembering the feeling of the Star-Dragon's presence. Not the gauge, not the constellation system, but something deeper.
When he opened them, his next punch carried traces of golden light despite the suppressors.
Their techniques collided in a shower of silver and gold sparks. For an instant, they were perfectly matched, eagle and dragon energy spiraling around each other in impossible harmony.
Then they both staggered back, breathing hard.
"There," Reina said with satisfaction. "That's what I wanted to see."
RIVAL RESPECT METER: +10%
"But why help me?" Kaito asked.
Her smile held secrets. "Because something's coming. And when it arrives, we're going to need all the power we can get."
Chapter 10: Tournament Draft
The Grand Assembly Hall buzzed with excitement as all academy students gathered for the annual Tournament of Seven Orbits announcement. Holographic displays showed the massive bracket system, with slots for sixty-four competitors arranged in constellation patterns.
Master Polaris took the central platform, his presence commanding instant silence. "Young warriors, the tournament begins next week. Seven orbital positions, seven elimination rounds, one ultimate champion."
Kaito's stomach churned as the selection process was explained. Academy rankings, instructor nominations, and recent performance evaluations would determine the sixty-four participants. With his suppressed abilities and disciplinary record, his chances seemed nonexistent.
"First tier selections," Polaris announced as names began appearing on the displays. "Leo Regulus, Reina Aquila, Vega Stellaris..."
Bo nudged Kaito as more names populated the bracket. "Look at the power ratings next to each name."
Sure enough, estimated gauge percentages appeared beside each participant. Leo showed fifty-eight percent potential. Reina displayed fifty-two percent. Most ranged between thirty and forty percent.
"Second tier selections," the announcements continued. More names, more power ratings. Kaito watched his hopes dwindle with each passing moment.
"Bo Orion," the system announced suddenly. "Hunter constellation, forty-one percent estimated maximum."
"Yes!" Bo pumped his fist in excitement. "I made it!"
The selections continued through third and fourth tiers. Kaito's name still hadn't appeared. Around him, disappointed students began filing out as their tournament dreams died.
"Final selections," Master Polaris called. "Special consideration category."
Kaito's heart sank. Special consideration meant charity cases and academic probationers.
"Kaito Ryuusei," the system announced. "Star-Dragon constellation, maximum potential... classified."
The hall erupted in whispers. Instead of a percentage, Kaito's display showed only question marks and a blinking "SUPPRESSED" notation.
"Interesting," Leo's voice carried from across the hall. "They're letting the caged dragon play."
As students dispersed to examine the full bracket structure, Kaito found himself staring at his quarter-final assignment. By random draw, he was scheduled to face Leo Regulus directly.
"This has to be a mistake," he muttered.
"No mistake," Instructor Vega appeared beside him with that unsettling silent approach. "The tournament committee was quite specific about your placement."
"But I can barely function at twelve percent-"
"Tournaments have a way of bringing out hidden potential," Vega interrupted, his dark eyes fixed on the bracket display. "Besides, the suppressor bands are only rated for normal training conditions."
Something in his tone made Kaito's blood run cold. "What does that mean?"
But Vega was already walking away, leaving Kaito alone with the terrible realization that someone wanted him in this tournament badly enough to arrange a direct confrontation with Leo Regulus.