The wind carried a bitter chill across the distant mountains, whispering through the jagged peaks as though warning the world below. In the heart of a fortress that seemed carved from the night itself, the Eclipse King sat upon a throne of black crystal, shadow curling like smoke around him.
Crimson eyes pierced the darkness as he studied the landscape below—the cities, the forests, the rivers, and most importantly, the tiny glimmer of light that had dared to challenge him.
"Shinraku failed," he murmured, his voice both velvet and venom. "The Starbearer awakens… and grows stronger with each passing day."
A wave of shadows coalesced into a humanoid form—a lieutenant cloaked in the void, its eyes reflecting distant galaxies.
"My lord," it hissed, voice like fractured glass. "The boy survives every trial. He moves in harmony with the Hoshikage's vessel. He is… dangerous."
The Eclipse King's lips curved into the faintest smile. "Dangerous… yes. Exactly what I desire. Strength must be tempered by darkness. If he is to challenge me, let him grow. Let him learn the taste of victory, and then—"
He raised a hand, and shadows spread like ink across the lands. Villages, forests, and mountains shivered under the influence of his will. "—I will remind him why no light can survive the Eclipse."
---
Back in Hoshimori, the aftermath of Shinraku's attack lingered. The streets bore scars, and whispers of Itsuki's heroism had begun spreading through the city. For the first time, the boy who had been mocked, ignored, and called weak was spoken of with awe. Children followed him at a distance, and even the village elders, hesitant at first, nodded in respect.
Itsuki sat on the shrine hill, Starblade resting at his side. He stared at the horizon, a mixture of exhaustion and determination in his eyes.
Tsukihime approached, her silver hair catching the sunlight. "We cannot remain here. The Eclipse King knows of us now. His generals will continue to hunt, and villages will suffer if we delay."
Yukari tightened her grip on her bow. "We've seen what happens when we hesitate. Hoshimori survived, but only barely. Next time… we might not be so lucky."
Itsuki clenched his fists. "Then we leave. We go to the source of this darkness. I'll face the Eclipse King himself if I have to. But I won't let him hurt anyone else."
Tsukihime's gaze softened. "You are brave… perhaps too brave. But courage alone will not be enough. You must learn, grow, and unite your strength with others who resist the shadows."
Yukari tilted her head, eyes sharp. "Allies? Do you have anyone in mind? Because if we're talking about facing generals and the Eclipse King himself… this isn't some sparring match anymore."
Itsuki looked at them, resolve burning in his chest. "Then we'll find them. And we'll train. We'll become strong enough so that no shadow, no matter how powerful, can threaten this world."
Tsukihime nodded. "The journey ahead is perilous. You will face trials unlike any you have endured. But I believe you are ready… Starbearer."
As they gazed toward the distant mountains, the wind carried a faint ripple of darkness—the first of many to come. Somewhere, unseen, the Eclipse King's minions began moving, creeping toward the lands of men, their whispers promising chaos and despair.
Itsuki exhaled slowly, gripping the Starblade tighter. The adventure, the battles, the training—it was only beginning. The world was vast, and shadows lurked in every corner. But for the first time, he felt the fire of destiny burning within him—not just as a Starbearer, but as a protector of all who could not defend themselves.
And somewhere far away, the Eclipse King watched, his crimson eyes glinting with the thrill of the hunt.
> "Let the Starbearer come to me… and let the Eclipse rise."