Back to the Celestial Spire

  The Hunter dropship roared through Zeyda’s upper atmosphere, cutting through the pastel-colored sky like a streak of midnight.

  Inside, the team sat silent.

  The adrenaline of the battle had finally worn off.

  The only sound was the dull hum of the ship’s engine and the faint beeping of the Capturing Sphere—still glowing with the trapped form of Kren Zathor.

  Usa-hime stared at it.

  Even in stasis, she could still feel his presence—as if his mere existence carried weight.

  He had said something back on the skiff.

  “I’ve fought Celestials before.”

  A cold weight settled in her gut.

  She wasn’t done with him.

  Not yet.

  Arrival & Bounty Processing

  The dropship landed smoothly on one of the Celestial Spire’s reinforced docking platforms.

  As the hatch hissed open, they were immediately greeted by a squad of Union enforcers, their silver-and-black armor gleaming under the artificial lights.

  “Cadet team, step forward,” one of them ordered.

  Usa-hime and the others followed protocol, stepping aside as the enforcers approached the glowing Capturing Sphere.

  One of them, a tall, broad-shouldered officer, reached out a gloved hand and placed it over the orb.

  The sphere let out a low chime before lifting into the air and floating toward a sealed containment unit.

  “Subject Kren Zathor, bounty confirmed,” the officer stated. “Placing him in Level 4 stasis until trial.”

  The containment unit locked with a loud hiss.

  Just like that—Zathor was no longer their problem.

  But as the enforcers moved him further inside the facility, Usa-hime swore she saw a flicker of movement inside the sphere.

  A slight curl of Zathor’s lips.

  A smirk.

  Her hands clenched into fists.

  He knew something.

  Something about her.

  And she needed to find out what.

  The Bounty Reward

  A few minutes later, the team was escorted into a large, secure hall, where a massive holographic bounty terminal floated above the ground.

  A robotic voice echoed:

  “Mission Status: Successful.”

  “Bounty Target: Kren Zathor—Captured Alive.”

  “Reward: 750,000 credits—Distributed Among Team Members.”

  Cipher whistled. “That’s a lot of zeroes.”

  Zyra smirked. “Damn right it is.”

  Kuro flicked their ears. “Too bad we don’t get to keep all of it. Half goes to the Union’s operational costs.”

  Cipher sighed. “Capitalism wins again.”

  Despite the complaints, each of their wrist consoles flashed as their individual shares of the credits were deposited.

  Usa-hime barely noticed.

  She was still thinking about Zathor.

  Still thinking about what he had said.

  Then—

  A familiar voice cut through the room.

  “Not bad, rookies.”

  Callen’s Praise

  Instructor Callen stepped into the hall, his usual cold expression unreadable.

  But for once—there was no sarcasm. No insults.

  Just a slight nod of approval.

  “You did good,” he said simply. “Better than I expected.”

  Zyra blinked. “Wait—was that a compliment?”

  Kuro smirked. “Someone mark the date. Callen actually praised us.”

  Callen sighed. “Don’t get used to it.”

  But even so—there was something genuine in his tone.

  Usa-hime felt a small swell of pride.

  They had done it.

  Their first real mission.

  And they had won.

  But Callen wasn’t finished.

  He folded his arms.

  “That mission wasn’t just a test of skill,” he said. “It was a test of resolve. And it’s only going to get harder from here.”

  The air shifted.

  Everyone could feel it.

  A sense of weight. Finality.

  Callen’s gaze hardened.

  “Graduation is around the corner,” he continued. “And you all need to make a choice.”

  Usa-hime’s chest tightened.

  They all knew what he meant.

  The Hunter’s Choice

  “After this, there’s no turning back,” Callen said.

  “You’ve proven you have what it takes. But being a Hunter isn’t just about taking bounties and cashing in rewards.”

  His visored eyes scanned them.

  “It’s about dedicating your life to this fight.”

  The room was silent.

  Callen continued.

  “Some of you might decide this life isn’t for you. That’s fine. The Union has other roles—recon, research, medical divisions.”

  He let that sink in before adding—

  “And some of you? You might decide to walk away entirely.”

  Usa-hime felt a strange weight settle in her stomach.

  She had never actually thought about leaving.

  But now that the choice was here…

  It felt huge.

  Final.

  Callen crossed his arms.

  “Think about it carefully. Once you graduate, you’re in this for life.”

  He turned, heading toward the door.

  “But for now, relax while you can,” he added.

  “There’s a banquet happening tonight. You’ve earned a break.”

  Zyra perked up. “Food?”

  Callen sighed. “Yes. Food.”

  Cipher fist-pumped. “Oh hell yeah. Let’s go!”

  Even Kuro looked mildly interested. “Finally, something good after all this work.”

  Usa-hime forced a smile.

  She wanted to enjoy it.

  To celebrate.

  But Callen’s words still echoed in her mind.

  “Once you graduate, you’re in this for life.”

  And for the first time…

  She wasn’t sure if she was ready to answer that question.

  The Grand Hall

  The Celestial Spire’s banquet hall was unlike anything Usa-hime had ever seen.

  The moment they stepped inside, a wave of color, sound, and energy hit them all at once.

  The room itself was massive, its towering arched ceiling lined with glowing constellations, shifting and twinkling like a real night sky. Enormous holo-banners floated midair, displaying images of famous Hunters, past and present.

  Hundreds of cadets, instructors, and Union officers were gathered, the air buzzing with laughter, chatter, and music.

  But the real sight?

  The food.

  Tables stretched wall to wall, covered in a dizzying display of dishes from across the galaxy.

  Usa-hime froze.

  “What… am I even looking at?”

  Kuro smirked, his golden eyes flickering with amusement. “Welcome to the best part of Hunter life.”

  Zyra grabbed a plate without hesitation. “Enough staring, Rabbit Princess. Time to eat.”

  Cipher had already disappeared into the crowd. “If you need me, I’ll be at the dessert section. Don’t wait up.”

  Usa-hime was still overwhelmed.

  There was so much to take in.

  Plates of shimmering, translucent noodles that changed flavor with every bite.

  Towering fruit platters filled with glowing, orb-like berries that popped with citrusy fizz.

  A massive roast of some six-legged beast, its caramelized skin still sizzling from the heat.

  And at the very center of the feast—

  A massive levitating bowl filled with a deep purple stew, its surface swirling with gold streaks. A sign floated above it.

  “Starborn Broth – Only for the Brave.”

  Usa-hime blinked. “…Why does that sound like a warning?”

  A cadet next to her grinned. “Because it is.”

  Before she could react, Zyra had already scooped up a bowl.

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  “Let’s see if it’s worth the hype,” she muttered, taking a bite.

  The moment the stew hit her tongue, Zyra’s eyes shot wide open.

  Her hair literally stood on end.

  A faint blue glow pulsed from her fingertips.

  “What the—?!” Usa-hime took a step back.

  Kuro snickered. “It enhances your body’s bio-energy for ten minutes. Stronger reflexes, heightened senses.”

  Zyra’s hands twitched. “This is INSANE. I FEEL LIKE I COULD FIGHT A WARLORD.”

  Cipher, who had somehow reappeared, grabbed a spoonful. “Oh cool, drugs in soup form.”

  “Cipher, don’t—”

  Cipher ate it anyway.

  Nothing happened.

  They blinked.

  Then shrugged. “Huh. Tastes like blackberries.”

  Usa-hime shook her head, laughing.

  A Feast of the Galaxy

  For the first time in what felt like forever—they weren’t fighting.

  They weren’t being hunted, shot at, or forced into impossible life-or-death choices.

  They were just cadets.

  Eating, laughing, and experiencing the wildness of a hundred different cultures through food.

  At one point, Kuro challenged Zyra to a spice duel—who could handle the hottest dish?

  (They both lost. Horribly.)

  Cipher somehow convinced a nearby four-armed Ghardian cadet to trade them a floating fruit that smelled like electricity.

  (“It tingles when you eat it,” the cadet explained.)

  Cipher took a bite—and immediately started glowing.

  Usa-hime laughed so hard she couldn’t breathe.

  For a moment—everything was perfect.

  But then—

  The mood shifted.

  A Rival Appears

  A new group of cadets entered the hall.

  They moved with confidence. Precision.

  Like they owned the place.

  And leading them?

  A tall, broad-shouldered young man with piercing silver eyes and a smirk that radiated pure arrogance.

  Valis Rendar.

  A top-ranked Hunter candidate.

  And from the way he walked—he knew it.

  He glanced around the room, then zeroed in on Usa-hime’s team.

  His smirk widened.

  “Well, well,” he said loudly, striding over. “Look who finally made it back alive.”

  The air tensed.

  Zyra scowled. “Not now, Valis.”

  Valis ignored her.

  His gaze locked onto Usa-hime.

  “I heard you bagged Zathor,” he said. “Congrats.”

  Then—he chuckled.

  “Though let’s be honest—that was pure luck.”

  Usa-hime’s smile faded.

  The rest of his team laughed, a few of them whispering among themselves.

  “Can’t believe they actually think they’re ready for real fieldwork.”

  “I mean, come on—that team’s full of rejects.”

  “They’ll never survive their first real year.”

  Usa-hime’s jaw clenched.

  Zyra stepped forward. “You got something to say, Valis?”

  He grinned. “Just stating the obvious.”

  Then—he leaned in slightly, eyes sharp.

  “And you,” he said, gaze locking on Usa-hime again. “I don’t buy it.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Buy what?”

  “You.”

  Valis tilted his head.

  “One minute, you’re just some timid little nobody.” His silver eyes flickered to the crescent moon mark on her forehead.

  “The next? You’re suddenly special?”

  Usa-hime’s hands curled into fists.

  There it was.

  The thing everyone had been thinking but not saying.

  Was she really meant to be here? Or was it just fate playing favorites?

  She could feel everyone watching.

  Waiting.

  For her reaction.

  For her answer.

  Her heartbeat pounded.

  But before she could speak—

  Zyra stepped in front of her.

  “Say one more word,” Zyra growled, her eyes burning, “and I’ll make you regret it.”

  Valis chuckled. “Relax. No need to start a fight you won’t win.”

  He turned away, gesturing to his team.

  “Come on. Let’s leave the lucky ones to their party.”

  As he walked away, Usa-hime exhaled slowly, shaking off the tension.

  But the damage was done.

  Even as the banquet continued, she could feel the weight of the words settling in her chest.

  “I don’t buy it.”

  She gritted her teeth.

  She would make them believe.

  One way or another.

  Lingering Tension

  The banquet hall buzzed with life—cadets laughing, music playing, drinks pouring.

  But at Usa-hime’s table?

  Everything felt ice-cold.

  Valis and his team had left, but their words lingered.

  “Lucky.”

  “You won’t survive your first real year.”

  “I don’t buy it.”

  Usa-hime stared at her untouched plate, the food completely unappetizing now.

  Her fingers tensed against the table.

  She had been fighting for weeks—training, bleeding, nearly dying.

  And now, after everything?

  She was still being looked down on.

  Still being doubted.

  Zyra slammed her fist onto the table, startling the group.

  “Next time I see that smug bastard, I’m breaking his jaw,” she growled.

  Kuro leaned back, tail flicking. “Tempting, but you’d just prove him right.”

  Zyra scoffed. “So? He deserves it.”

  Cipher, still finishing off a glowing fruit tart, muttered, “Honestly? I say we hack his room and make his bed smell like unwashed space socks.”

  Kuro smirked. “Now that’s a plan.”

  Even Raze, who had been silent this whole time, let out a soft chuckle.

  But Usa-hime?

  She barely heard them.

  Her mind was somewhere else.

  A Storm Brewing

  Her grip on her cup tightened.

  “I don’t buy it.”

  The words repeated over and over in her head, echoing like a war drum.

  Her breathing slowed.

  Something inside her was boiling.

  Not fear.

  Not doubt.

  Anger.

  She had given everything to be here.

  And they still thought she was nothing?

  She gritted her teeth.

  No.

  She would not be looked down on.

  She would not be dismissed.

  She stood up suddenly, chair scraping against the floor.

  Zyra blinked. “Uh—Rabbit Princess?”

  Without a word, Usa-hime turned—marching straight toward Valis’ table.

  Her team froze.

  “Ah, hell,” Cipher muttered. “Here we go.”

  Confrontation

  Valis and his team were mid-laugh when Usa-hime reached their table.

  The moment he saw her, his smirk returned.

  “Well, well. Didn’t think you had the guts,” he said, turning to face her.

  Usa-hime stared him down.

  A sharp, burning silence fell over the room.

  Cadets began to notice.

  The music didn’t stop, but conversations lowered, eyes turning toward the standoff.

  “I have a problem,” Usa-hime said, voice calm, controlled.

  Valis raised an eyebrow. “Do you?”

  “You questioned me,” she said. “Said you didn’t buy it.”

  Valis leaned forward, arms resting on the table. “And?”

  Usa-hime’s next words cut through the air like a blade.

  “Then fight me.”

  The room went still.

  Valis blinked. Then, after a beat—

  He laughed.

  Some of his teammates laughed too, but others?

  They looked uneasy.

  Usa-hime didn’t flinch.

  Didn’t move.

  Didn’t blink.

  She meant it.

  And Valis knew it.

  He leaned back, expression shifting to something more serious.

  “You really think you’re ready for that?” he mused.

  Usa-hime’s fingers twitched. “Try me.”

  Zyra, who had just caught up, muttered, “Oh, I like this side of you.”

  Kuro crossed their arms. “This is either really brave or really stupid.”

  Cipher grabbed a handful of popcorn from another cadet’s plate. “I mean, I’m here for it.”

  Valis studied Usa-hime for a long moment.

  Then—

  He stood.

  The height difference was immediate.

  He was taller, broader, stronger. A top-tier combat specialist with years of training.

  But Usa-hime didn’t back down.

  Not one step.

  Then—Valis smirked.

  “Not here,” he said, brushing past her. “There’s a combat hall two floors down.”

  A ripple of excitement spread through the crowd.

  A real fight.

  Cadets began moving toward the exits, following Valis and Usa-hime like a wave.

  Zyra clapped her hands together. “Oh, this is happening. This is really happening.”

  Kuro sighed but followed. “If we get kicked out of the banquet for this, I’m blaming all of you.”

  Cipher just kept eating. “Worth it.”

  And Raze?

  They simply watched, curious.

  The Combat Hall

  The hall was a circular arena, its walls lined with shielded energy barriers to prevent serious injury.

  Word had spread fast.

  By the time Usa-hime and Valis stepped onto the training floor, at least fifty cadets had gathered around.

  Some were taking bets.

  Some just wanted to see blood.

  Callen wasn’t here.

  No instructors.

  Just them.

  Valis rolled his shoulders. “Rules?”

  Usa-hime raised an eyebrow. “You care about rules?”

  Valis grinned. “Good point.”

  They took their stances.

  The crowd hushed.

  Then—

  Valis attacked first.

  The First Hit

  The moment the fight began, Valis moved like a shadow.

  No wasted movement. No hesitation.

  One second he was standing across from Usa-hime.

  The next—

  He was behind her.

  Usa-hime’s instincts screamed.

  She twisted—too late.

  CRACK.

  A fist slammed into her ribs, knocking the breath from her lungs.

  She staggered, barely keeping her footing.

  Valis didn’t stop.

  He flowed like water, his strikes precise, ruthless.

  A knee drove into her stomach.

  An elbow cracked against her jaw.

  She reeled, forced onto the defensive, barely blocking his follow-up attacks.

  Zyra cursed from the sidelines. “Damn, he’s fast!”

  Cipher, still munching popcorn, muttered, “Yup. She’s dead.”

  Usa-hime gritted her teeth.

  She had fought skilled opponents before.

  But Valis?

  This was something else.

  He was faster, stronger. He read her movements like a book, adapting instantly.

  And then—

  It got worse.

  Space Magic

  Valis swiped his hand through the air.

  A black tear split reality itself—a shimmering void rippling with deep cosmic energy.

  A portal.

  Before Usa-hime could react, he stepped into it—

  And vanished.

  Her eyes widened. “What—”

  A second portal flashed open beside her.

  And Valis stepped out.

  Right into a full-force punch to her gut.

  BOOM.

  The impact sent her flying.

  She hit the ground hard, skidding across the arena floor, gasping for breath.

  Kuro’s ears flattened. “Yeah, okay, that’s not fair.”

  Cipher wiped their fingers. “See? Dead.”

  Raze, watching intently, murmured, “Not yet.”

  Usa-hime pushed herself up, coughing.

  That wasn’t normal Hunter training.

  That was real magic.

  Space-warping magic.

  And he was ridiculously good at it.

  Valis stretched his arms, smirking. “Not keeping up, Rabbit Princess?”

  Usa-hime spat blood onto the floor.

  She raised her fists again.

  Valis chuckled. “Alright then. Let’s step it up.”

  A One-Sided Battle

  Valis disappeared again.

  A portal flickered open above her.

  She barely dodged as he dropped from the sky, heel aimed at her skull.

  BOOM— The force cracked the ground where she had been standing.

  She retaliated, aiming a high kick at his head.

  But another portal opened at his side—

  Her attack went through empty space.

  Her own leg came out behind her, catching herself in the back.

  “What the—”

  Before she could react, Valis grabbed her arm—and flipped her over his shoulder.

  She crashed into the ground, pain flaring through her body.

  The crowd winced.

  Zyra’s fists clenched. “Damn it, he’s playing with her.”

  Valis stepped back, relaxed.

  “You’re not used to this, are you?”

  Usa-hime grunted, pushing herself up again.

  He continued, circling her like a predator.

  “Hand-to-hand? You’re strong. Fast. Maybe even skilled.”

  He flicked his wrist, opening two more portals.

  “But this? You’re way out of your league.”

  Usa-hime forced herself to breathe.

  Her body hurt.

  Her muscles screamed, her head spun.

  But worse than the pain—

  She knew he was right.

  She was completely outmatched.

  The Breaking Point

  The next few minutes were a brutal display of dominance.

  Valis didn’t just fight—he humiliated her.

  Every attack she threw, he redirected through portals, forcing her to hit herself.

  Every dodge she attempted, he was already ahead of her, striking from impossible angles.

  He warped behind her—punched her in the spine.

  He warped above her—kicked her into the ground.

  Over. And over. And over.

  The crowd watched in stunned silence.

  Even the ones who hated Usa-hime started shifting uncomfortably.

  This wasn’t a fight anymore.

  It was a lesson.

  And Valis was making damn sure she learned it.

  Finally—

  Usa-hime collapsed onto her knees.

  Dizzy. Bruised. Blood dripping from her split lip.

  Her vision blurred.

  Her body refused to move.

  Valis stood over her, unimpressed.

  “This is what I meant,” he said, voice calm.

  “You’re just lucky.”

  The words stabbed into her.

  “Without your little power-ups, without whatever special treatment you’re getting—”

  He knelt slightly, looking her in the eye.

  “You’re just weak.”

  The words rang in her skull.

  Weak.

  Weak.

  Weak.

  Her fingers twitched.

  Something inside her—

  snapped.

  The Smirk

  The arena was silent.

  Everyone expected Usa-hime to stay down.

  To admit defeat.

  But instead—

  She laughed.

  Soft at first. Then louder.

  Valis’ eyes narrowed. “Something funny?”

  Usa-hime wiped the blood from her mouth.

  Then—she grinned.

  A slow, mocking smirk.

  Valis’ jaw clenched.

  The crowd stiffened.

  Even Zyra looked surprised.

  Usa-hime tilted her head.

  “You done?” she rasped.

  Her muscles screamed, but she pushed herself back to her feet.

  She spat more blood onto the floor.

  Then, she rolled her shoulders.

  And for the first time—her silver eyes burned.

  “Because I’m still standing.”

  Valis’ expression darkened.

  The crowd exploded.

  A wave of shouts, gasps, and wild cheers erupted across the room.

  Zyra slammed her fist on the railing. “HELL YES!”

  Kuro grinned. “Oh, this is getting interesting.”

  Cipher, munching on the last of their popcorn, muttered, “She’s either the bravest idiot or the dumbest genius I’ve ever seen.”

  Even Raze, normally unreadable, watched her with new interest.

  Usa-hime cracked her knuckles.

  Her body hurt like hell.

  But right now?

  She didn’t care.

  Because this fight wasn’t over.

  Not yet.

  Not even close.