Far above the clouds... Beyond the atmosphere... A massive orbital surveillance satellite slowly rotated around the planet, its countless sensors continuously scanning the Earth below.
Elsewhere... Far deeper within the forest... The mysterious object finally reached the atmosphere.
It streaked across the night sky like a brilliant blue shooting star.
Alan looked upward. "What was that?"
The brilliant light vanished behind the mountains.
Moments later—
BOOOOOOM!!
The ground shook. Birds burst from the trees. A bright blue explosion illuminated the forest.
At the center of the impact crater... A glowing sphere floated silently. Its shimmering surface resembled liquid blue crystal.
A Transit Bubble.
Tiny arcs of alien energy crackled across its surface.
Then— CRACK...
The shell slowly opened.
A towering mechanical warrior stepped out. His body resembled an armored alien crab. Four powerful mechanical legs supported his massive frame.
One arm ended in an enormous crushing claw while the other contained an advanced plasma cannon.
Glowing orange sensors scanned the surrounding forest.
This was... Klaaw.
A ruthless mechanical hunter built by Magica, known for his cybernetic body, immense claw weapon, advanced scanners, and relentless pursuit of his targets.
Klaaw's glowing visor illuminated.
TARGET SCAN INITIALIZED
Yellow beams swept across the landscape.
Thousands of readings flashed across his internal display.
Then— BEEP
A completely different signal appeared.
UNKNOWN COSMIC ENERGY DETECTED
Klaaw tilted his head. "Tracking Star energy... It's close." The scanners locked onto the signal.
SOURCE LOCATED
Distance: Countryside
Target designation: Unknown
Alan started jogging across the moonlit lawn toward the forest.
Outside, the mysterious orange glow continued to flicker deep within the woods, where something unknown had fallen from the sky.
"...Wonder what fell from the sky."
Without hesitation... He started jogging toward the woods.
Completely unaware that somewhere ahead... A relentless mechanical hunter named Klaaw was already tracking the unique Star Energy hidden within him.
Their paths were now destined to cross... But for the moment... Neither hunter nor hero knew the other existed.
Moonlight filtered through the towering trees surrounding Traveler Town as Alan quietly made his way deeper into the forest.
The blue glow from the mysterious shooting star still shimmered between the branches. "It landed somewhere around here..." he whispered.
The farther he walked, the stranger the forest became.
Leaves sparkled with faint blue light. The air hummed with an unfamiliar energy.
Finally... Alan stepped into a large clearing. At its center lay an enormous impact crater. Steam rose from cracked earth while glowing fragments of blue crystal floated gently through the air. "So this is where it landed..." Alan slowly approached. The center of the crater contained a single glowing sphere no larger than a basketball.
Its surface pulsed gently like a heartbeat.
"...Hello?"
Alan cautiously reached toward it.
The sphere suddenly floated upward.
Its brilliant blue shell dissolved into countless tiny stars. "What the—?" The stardust circled Alan once... Twice... Then rushed into his chest.
WHOOSH!
Alan instinctively shielded his eyes.
The blue light disappeared.
Silence.
Alan blinked. "...That's it?" He looked down at himself.
His hands... His clothes... Nothing had changed. "I don't feel any different." He scratched the back of his head.
"Maybe..."
"...nothing happened."
Shrugging, Alan stepped away from the crater.
He never noticed the faint sparkle that briefly flashed across his chest before fading away.
He continued deeper into the forest. Then... He stopped. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up.
Someone... —or something— was watching him.
A metallic voice echoed from the darkness. "Target located." Alan slowly turned around. Standing atop a large boulder was a towering mechanical warrior.
Its bronze armored body resembled a massive cybernetic crab.
Four razor-sharp mechanical legs supported its heavy frame.
One enormous claw housed an advanced plasma cannon while glowing orange optics locked directly onto Alan.
The alien machine spoke again in a cold, emotionless tone. "So... Indigenous lifeform found." Alan frowned. "...Who are you?" The machine ignored the question. Its visor projected lines of blue light as it analyzed Alan. "Cosmic Star Energy confirmed."
"Target acquisition complete."
Klaaw's cybernetic systems had identified the unusual Star Energy now residing within Alan. Like Kraab, Klaaw relied on advanced scanners, overwhelming mechanical strength, and an integrated claw-mounted energy cannon to hunt his quarry.
Alan instinctively took a fighting stance. "I don't know what you're talking about but I'm not looking for a fight."
Klaaw's massive claw began charging with brilliant orange energy.
Energy levels... maximum.
"Elimination authorized."
BOOM!
A blazing laser erupted from the cannon. Alan's eyes widened.
He dove sideways just as the blast tore through the tree behind him, exploding it into splinters.
"What?!"
Alan immediately sprang forward. "If ranged attacks won't work... I'll get in close!"
He dashed toward Klaaw with remarkable speed. Alan leaped into the air, aiming a powerful shoulder strike directly at the mechanical hunter.
But Klaaw barely moved. With astonishing speed... The giant machine swung its massive claw.
WHAM!
The blow struck Alan squarely in the side.
"AAAGH!"
He was launched through the air, crashing through several bushes before rolling across the forest floor.
Alan groaned as he pushed himself onto one knee. "He's... strong..." Across the clearing, Klaaw's glowing optics never wavered. The hunter took one heavy step forward.
Then another. "Resistance detected."
"Engagement will continue."
The hunt had begun.
The moonlit forest echoed with the sounds of battle.
Alan wiped a small cut from his cheek as Klaaw advanced once more, its glowing optics fixed on him. "Target resisting..."
"Force escalation authorized."
Klaaw's massive claw cannon charged again. Alan planted his feet. "If I keep my distance, that cannon will tear me apart."
He thrust both hands forward. Twin blue energy blasts shot from his palms.
BOOM! BOOM!
The explosions rocked the clearing, forcing Klaaw back several steps.
Klaaw relied on overwhelming durability and powerful claw-mounted energy attacks to overpower his prey.
Alan rushed forward before the smoke cleared. "Hyaaah!" He unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks.
Klaaw blocked each strike with his armored forearm.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The mechanical hunter suddenly opened its enormous claw.
SNAP!
It caught Alan around the waist. "W-What?!"
"Prey captured."
Klaaw spun once before hurling Alan with tremendous force.
WHOOOOSH!!
Alan flew high above the treetops.
"Noooooo!"
He crashed through several branches before bursting out of the forest.
The peaceful harbor reflected the moonlight as fishing boats gently rocked against their moorings.
A handful of fishermen were packing away their nets after a long night's work.
One of them looked up. "...What's that?" Alan came hurtling through the air.
CRASH!!
He landed on the wooden pier, skidding across the planks before finally coming to a stop.
The fishermen rushed toward him.
"Kid!"
"Are you alright?"
Alan slowly climbed to his feet.
"I-I'm okay..." He looked back toward the forest. His expression suddenly changed. "You should probably—"
Before he could finish— BOOOOM!!
Klaaw burst through the trees, splintering a wooden fence as it entered the docks.
Its optics immediately locked onto Alan. "Target reacquired."
"Mission updated."
"By order of Queen Magica... Terminate the Star Child."
Alan frowned. "So she sent you... Then I don't have much choice."
The fishermen quickly backed away. Alan shouted, "Everybody run!" The dock workers grabbed one another and hurried toward safety.
Klaaw fired another devastating laser. Alan rolled beneath the blast as it exploded against an empty cargo crate.
Wooden splinters flew everywhere.
Alan dashed straight toward the towering machine.
Klaaw swung its enormous claw.
This time... Alan caught it with both hands. "Ghhhhh..." The pier groaned beneath their combined strength.
Klaaw attempted to crush him. Alan gritted his teeth. "Not this time!"
With a powerful shout, Alan twisted his entire body. "HYAAAH!" Using Klaaw's own momentum, Alan spun the enormous machine in a complete circle.
Once... Twice... Three times... The fishermen watched in disbelief. "He's spinning that giant robot?!"
Alan released his grip.
WHOOOOOSH!!
Klaaw flew through the air before crashing into several empty cargo barrels.
BOOOOM!!
The entire dock shook.
Alan took a deep breath. "That should..." Klaaw slowly stood back up. "...do it." Its damaged optics flickered.
"Mission..."
"...continues."
Alan blinked. "You're kidding." As sparks erupted from Klaaw's damaged armor, Alan noticed something.
The shattered plating along its shoulder exposed bundles of glowing wires and circuitry.
His eyes widened. "You're completely mechanical." He smiled. "Then maybe I don't need to outmuscle you..."
"...I just need to shut you down."
Klaaw charged again.
Alan waited.
At the last possible second— He leaped onto Klaaw's arm.
Using concentrated blue energy, he fired precise blasts directly into the exposed circuitry.
PEW! PEW! PEW!
The wires exploded in showers of sparks.
Klaaw staggered. "System... failure..."
Alan landed safely on the dock. "One more!" He gathered energy between both hands. A brilliant blue beam struck Klaaw squarely in the chest.
BOOOOOOM!!
The mechanical hunter exploded into dozens of smoking pieces that scattered across the docks.
Silence returned.
The fishermen slowly emerged from hiding. "...He actually beat it."
Alan exhaled. "It's over..." He cautiously approached the remains. "So that's what you get crab man."
Alan took out the white crystal star. "…Is this what he was looking for?" he murmured.
The moment Alan's skin fully touched the crystal— FLASH!
Light swallowed the world.
There was no heat. No pain. Just a sudden, overwhelming sense of movement—as if space itself folded inward. Alan felt weightless. Lifted free of the beach, the sky, the island— Everything.
Then— Silence.
Alan's feet touched solid ground.
He opened his eyes.
He was standing on a magic platform, smooth and luminous, suspended in a vast, dream-like expanse. Above them stretched a night sky deeper than any he had ever seen—ink-dark and endless, pierced by countless stars.
Shooting stars streaked silently overhead, leaving glowing trails that faded like memories.
Alan swallowed, slowly taking it all in.
Ahead lay a serene open valley, bathed in soft starlight. Hills rolled gently beneath the sky, untouched and peaceful. The air hummed—not with sound, but with presence.
Then Alan saw it.
Rising in the distance was a summit, tall and solitary. From the edge of the platform stretched a narrow bridge of stardust, its surface formed from drifting light and cosmic particles, glowing faintly with every step of imagined weight.
The bridge led straight to the summit.
Alan's grip tightened around the star-shaped crystal, which now pulsed softly in his hand—like it was alive.
"…Okay," he said quietly. "Yeah. This is definitely not normal."
Alan took one slow step toward the stardust bridge.
Whatever this place was— Whatever the crystal truly meant— He had the distinct feeling he hadn't come here by accident.
The stardust bridge hummed beneath Alan's feet as he took a cautious step forward. The star-shaped crystal in his hand grew warm—then brighter—until the entire valley responded, constellations shifting as if awakened.
A voice drifted through the air.
Gentle. Regal. Heavy with both kindness and grief.
"Child of Earth… Star of Hope…"
Alan stiffened, spinning in place. "Uh—hello?"
The voice answered again, closer now—yet still everywhere at once.
"You do not know me… but the stars do."
Light gathered at the summit ahead. The night sky bent inward, lines of starlight sketching figures from constellations—seven luminous silhouettes forming a silent arc. Their presence pressed softly against Alan's chest, not threatening, but vast.
Seven watchers.
Seven guardians.
At their center, a staff of pure radiance took shape—Astralon—its edge traced by living constellations, its core pulsing like a newborn sun. The sword hovered, reverent and restrained, as if waiting for a moment not yet come.
Alan swallowed. "…Okay. This is officially the weirdest day of my life."
The figures sharpened, their light resolving into distinct forms—the Star Knights—each emanating a different harmony of the cosmos. They did not speak. They observed.
The glow intensified. Then another Crystal Star emerged from nowhere. Then another. Then another. One after another— Seven glowing Crystal Stars floated into the air.
White. Pink. Green. Blue. Orange. Yellow. Purple.
The stars circled Alan in slow, graceful orbits.
A column of radiant starlight descended from the heavens, surrounding him completely.
Alan looked around in complete confusion. "Uh... I didn't do anything!"
The stars began spinning faster. The summit filled with celestial light. Ancient constellations appeared across the sky.
Magical runes formed beneath Alan's feet. Wind swept through the castle.
Then... Every Crystal Star stopped at equal distance around him.
Silence.
The seven stars glowed brighter than the sun. And transformed. Each star unfolded into a living celestial being.
Tiny... Yet filled with overwhelming divine presence.
Seven ancient Star Entities hovered before Alan.
Everyone stared in awe. Princess Amy Sparkle whispered, "They're..."
A wise golden star with a flowing silver beard. He wore magnificent sapphire wizard robes covered in moons and constellations. A great cosmic hat rested upon his head while a crystal staff shimmered with ancient magic. His glowing eyes radiated countless centuries of wisdom.
A graceful pink star.
Long flowing pastel hair drifted weightlessly behind her. A white celestial cape wrapped gently around her shoulders. A crown of blooming flowers rested upon her head. Warm light radiated from her smile.
A cheerful emerald-green explorer star.
He carried an old satchel overflowing with maps and journals. An ancient compass hung from his headband. His eyes sparkled with endless curiosity.
A dignified navy-blue admiral star.
His elegant captain's coat shimmered like the night sea. An enormous white beard flowed across his body. A glowing anchor medallion rested proudly upon his chest.
A orange bronze mechanical genius star.
Steam escaped from his towering top hat. Brass goggles rested over emerald eyes. Tiny gears floated around him endlessly.
A radiant golden oracle star.
A colorful flower crown rested upon her head. Crystal gemstones adorned her necklace. Gentle woodland magic flowed around her like drifting petals.
And, A bright golden scholar star.
Books floated behind him. A telescope rested at his side. His red bow tie gave him an elegant appearance.
Countless constellations reflected inside his eyes.
Nobody spoke. Nobody moved.
The seven celestial beings floated together before Alan. Their combined presence filled the entire kingdom with peaceful starlight.
Alan blinked. "...Who are you?"
Magistar smiled kindly. "We have been called many things."
"Guardians."
"Watchers."
"Protectors."
"But we are known as... the Star Knights."
Alan blinked again. "...Star Knights?"
Alan scratched his head. "So... You've been watching me?" Magistar chuckled. "For quite some time." Alan thought for a moment. Then his eyes suddenly widened. "...Wait." He pointed dramatically. "The voices! The voices inside my head! That was you guys?!"
Seven smiles answered him.
Kindra giggled. "Indeed." Alan stared in disbelief. "So every time I thought someone was talking to me..."
Astrollo nodded. "It was us."
"When you touched the first Harmony Star..." Florina continued gently, "Our voices became linked."
"When you saw Fairy Star..." Oddysar said, "We guided your vision."
"When you witnessed Star Palace..." Nautillostar finished, "We wished to prepare you."
Alan blinked repeatedly. "...Seriously? I thought I was going crazy."
Even the Star Knights laughed. Princess Amy stepped forward. "If you've been guiding Alan... Then why reveal yourselves now?" The seven Star Knights became solemn. Magistar's expression turned serious.
"Because... The time for watching... has ended." The air grew still. The joyful atmosphere vanished.
Magistar looked directly into Alan's eyes.
"Alan. You have now proven yourself."
"You protected others."
"You chose compassion over glory."
"You fought not because destiny demanded it..."
"...but because your heart wished to protect."
The seven Star Knights bowed their heads in respect. "Only now..."
"...are you ready to hear the truth."
Alan swallowed nervously. "The truth...?" Magistar nodded. "The visions you've seen..."
"The Harmony Stars..."
"The Star Palace..."
"The darkness spreading across the worlds..."
"They are all connected."
He raised his staff. A vast projection of the cosmos appeared above the castle courtyard.
Galaxies. Stars. Worlds. Floating kingdoms.
And slowly... A dark corruption spreading between them. Every person present stared upward in complete silence.
The greatest adventure of Alan's life... Had only just begun.
The shimmering projection of the cosmos slowly faded.
Alan continued staring at the seven tiny star-shaped beings floating before them.
Alan rubbed the back of his head. "So..." He tilted his head. "Are you all actually stars?" The seven exchanged amused glances. Then Magistar chuckled. "In a manner of speaking."
Kindra smiled warmly. "These are merely the forms by which the universe remembers us."
Avery blinked. "...What?"
Oddysar floated upside down with a grin. "We're much older than stories."
Nautillostar stroked his enormous beard. "Older than kingdoms."
Geary adjusted his tiny goggles. "Older than most civilizations."
Florina nodded gently. "We simply appear this way because stars are easier for young hearts to trust."
Astrollo smiled knowingly. "Our true forms... are much closer to your own." Alan's eyes lit up. "Wait! You can transform?"
The Star Knights smiled.
"Indeed."
Magistar raised his crystal staff. "Then allow us to introduce ourselves properly." The seven floated into a circle. Their Harmony Stars rose behind them.
Ancient constellations illuminated the heavens. Seven beams of celestial light descended. The courtyard became brighter than daylight.
The Star Knights closed their eyes. "Star Form..." Their voices echoed together. "...Release."
BOOOOOOM!!
A magnificent explosion of golden starlight erupted across the summit. Alan shielded his eyes. When the light finally faded... Seven figures now stood where the little stars had floated.
Alan's jaw dropped. "...Whoa."
Standing over seven feet tall was an elderly wizard whose very presence radiated authority. His long silver hair flowed down his back. An immaculate white beard reached nearly to his knees.
His sapphire robes shimmered with living constellations that slowly moved like the night sky itself.
Golden stars glowed across his enormous pointed hat.
He carried an ancient crystal staff crowned with a brilliant blue star. His calm golden eyes held countless centuries of wisdom.
Despite his immense magical power... His smile was kind.
He looked exactly like the sort of grandfather every child wished they had.
Magistar inclined his head. "I am Magistar."
"Keeper of Cosmic Wisdom."
"Leader of the Star Knights."
Alan smiled. "You look awesome."
Magistar laughed heartily. "A wonderful first impression."
Beside him appeared a graceful young woman wearing elegant white-and-gold robes adorned with celestial ribbons.
Long pastel-pink hair flowed gently around her as though carried by invisible wind.
A circlet of blooming flowers rested upon her head.
Her gentle amber eyes shone with endless kindness. Warm light constantly radiated around her. Simply standing near her filled him with peace.
She smiled warmly. "I am Kindra."
"My magic heals both body... and heart."
A tall young adventurer landed with a theatrical flourish.
He wore an emerald explorer's coat trimmed with gold. Leather belts carried maps, journals, ropes, compasses, and countless mysterious gadgets. A long green scarf fluttered behind him.
Fancy brown hair poked from beneath an explorer's cap decorated with a golden star.
His bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
Before anyone could speak— He had already disappeared. "...Huh?" Alan looked around. Oddysar suddenly reappeared beside him. "Wanna see something cool?" He somehow produced three glowing crystal fruits from nowhere.
Alan blinked. "...Where'd those come from?"
"I found them."
"When?"
"Just now."
Alan laughed. Oddysar grinned. "I never stay still."
A deep blue portal resembling flowing water opened.
Out stepped an older gentleman dressed in an immaculate admiral's uniform. His navy coat bore golden anchors and silver stars.
A magnificent white beard flowed like ocean waves. A celestial tricorn hat rested proudly upon his head. At his side hung an elegant cutlass forged from blue crystal.
His powerful yet gentle eyes reflected calm oceans. He bowed respectfully.
"Nautillostar."
"Navigator of the Infinite Seas."
He smiled warmly. "If any of you ever become seasick... I know several excellent remedies."
Alan laughed. "I like him."
Steam hissed.
CLANK!
A brass platform unfolded beneath another Star Knight. Standing atop it was a middle-aged inventor wearing an elegant brown steampunk suit.
His bronze top hat continuously released tiny puffs of harmless steam. Round emerald goggles rested on his forehead.
Mechanical arms floated behind him carrying tools.
Tiny gears orbited around him endlessly. He smiled proudly.
"I'm Gearis."
"I fix things."
Flowers suddenly bloomed across the courtyard.
Vines gently curled around broken stone.
Tiny butterflies appeared from nowhere.
Standing among them was a serene young woman dressed in flowing green-and-gold robes. Her long golden blonde hair shimmered like wheat beneath sunlight.
A colorful flower crown rested upon her head.
Leaves gently drifted around her. Wherever she walked— Grass immediately sprang to life. She knelt beside a crushed flower.
Gently touching it.
Soft green light spread from her fingertips.
Within seconds... The flower bloomed more beautifully than before.
Alan gasped. "You healed it..." Florina smiled. "Every life deserves another chance."
The final beam of light descended.
A scholarly gentleman appeared carrying an armful of books. He wore elegant midnight-blue robes embroidered with constellations. A crimson bow tie contrasted brightly against his attire. A golden telescope rested over one shoulder.
Several enchanted books floated around him. Before introducing himself... He looked directly at Alan. "You skipped breakfast three days ago."
Alan froze. "...How did you know that?"
Astrollo smiled. "The stars notice everything." Alan's eyes widened. "...That's mildly terrifying."
Astrollo chuckled. "I assure you... I only observe important things."
The seven Star Knights now stood together.
No longer tiny celestial beings.
"So... Does this mean you all live at the Star Palace?" Alan casually asked.
Oddysar grinned. "Usually." Gearis adjusted his goggles. "When we're not fixing galaxies." Nautillostar nodded. "Or calming cosmic storms."
Florina smiled. "Or helping new worlds bloom."
Kindra clasped her hands together. "Or healing hearts touched by darkness."
Astrollo looked toward the evening sky. "Or watching destiny unfold."
Finally, Magistar stepped toward Alan. His expression became serious once again.
"Alan... You have now met the Seven Star Knights. But there is one final truth..." He rested a gentle hand on Alan's shoulder. "...that only the chosen bearer of the Harmony Stars is destined to hear."
"Alan... You have awakened something."
Alan blinked. "...Awakened?"
Magistar slowly nodded. "The power you unleashed against Klaww. It was no ordinary burst of magic. The seven of us felt it."
The Star Knights exchanged knowing glances.
Nautillostar folded his arms. "The shockwave reached even the Star Palace." Gearis adjusted his goggles. "It registered across every celestial observatory in the cosmos."
Astrollo opened one of his floating books. "The stars themselves altered their course for a single heartbeat."
Alan looked down at his hands. "I... I didn't even know I did anything special."
Kindra smiled gently. "That is because your power has only begun to awaken." Florina knelt beside a patch of flowers growing. "Like a seed beneath the earth... It has only just begun to bloom."
Alan looked at his hand. "So... I'm stronger now?"
Magistar answered. "No. Not stronger... Awakened. There is a difference."
Alan frowned. "I don't understand." Magistar raised his staff. Above them appeared an image of the battle against Klaww.
The moment Alan delivered the final blow replayed in shimmering starlight.
But this time... Alan saw something he had missed. For only a brief instant— A brilliant white aura erupted around himself.
Seven faint stars appeared behind him.
Then vanished.
"...Those stars... They weren't there before."
"They were."
Astrollo closed his book. "But only those connected to the stars could perceive them." Alan stared in amazement. "...That really happened?"
"It did."
Magistar looked directly into Alan's eyes. "You have taken your first step."
"But taking the first step... is not enough." The leader of the Star Knights slowly extended his hand. "We wish to test you."
Silence.
Alan raised an eyebrow. "A test?" Oddysar grinned. "The fun kind." Gearis immediately corrected him. "The extremely dangerous kind."
Oddysar rubbed the back of his neck. "...Right."
"The dangerous fun kind." Kindra smiled reassuringly. "It is not meant to harm him."
"It is meant to prepare him."
Magistar turned toward the sky. "Far beyond this kingdom... darkness continues to spread." A vision appeared above the castle.
Fairy Star.
Its once-radiant forests had become gray. Its crystal rivers had grown dim. Dark Matter slowly consumed the land.
"...Fairy Star..." Florina closed her eyes sadly. "It continues to suffer."
Nautillostar clenched his fist. "And Queen Magica grows stronger with every world she corrupts."
The image shifted.
Magica's fortress drifted through the stars. Dark energy spread from it like poisonous smoke. Magistar looked back at Alan. "If this darkness continues unchecked... many more worlds will fall."
Alan's cheerful expression disappeared. "So... What do you want me to do?" Magistar smiled. "We offer you a choice."
He emphasized the final word. "A choice?"
"You are free to refuse." Kindra nodded.
"No prophecy."
"No command."
"No obligation."
"You alone must decide."
Alan looked surprised. "You'd let me say no?" Magistar smiled proudly. "A hero who is forced to walk the path... is no hero at all."
"The journey must be chosen."
Alan remained quiet.
Then... He asked the question everyone had been thinking. "...What about you?" The Star Knights looked at him. "Aren't you coming?"
"You could stop Magica yourselves."
"I'd have a much better chance together."
For a moment... None of the Star Knights answered.
Finally... Magistar smiled. A smile filled with both pride... and sadness. "We have learned something over countless ages."
He looked toward the stars. "The greatest victories... have never belonged to immortals." Kindra stepped beside him. "They belong to ordinary people... who choose courage."
Florina smiled. "The future of every world... must be entrusted to those who live within it."
Nautillostar nodded. "If we solved every battle, the people of the world would never discover their own strength."
Astrollo closed his book.
"We guide."
"We watch."
"We believe."
Oddysar grinned. "And occasionally give a helpful nudge." Gearis adjusted his goggles. "But we never take away the choice."
Magistar placed a gentle hand upon Alan's shoulder. "We place our trust... in mortal hearts." He looked up into the evening sky, where the first stars had begun to appear. "And from the heavens, we shall watch over you."
Alan followed his gaze.
The stars above seemed brighter than ever before.
He took a deep breath. Then smiled.
A confident... Adventurous smile. "Alright."
The seven Star Knights smiled as one.
The Seven Star Knights stood together beneath the heavens, their robes fluttering softly in the cool breeze.
Magistar looked upon Alan with grandfatherly pride. "You have made your decision."
Alan nodded confidently.
"I have. I'm going."
The elderly archmage smiled. "Then our meeting has reached its end."
Alan looked up. "So soon?" Kindra stepped forward and gently smiled. "Our place is among the stars."
"We may not remain here for long."
Florina looked around the repaired courtyard. "But know this..."
"Our light will never truly leave."
The seven Harmony Stars floated upward once again. Their celestial glow bathed everyone in warm golden light.
Their Harmony Stars appeared behind them once more.
Golden light filled the courtyard. Magistar looked toward Alan one last time. "Remember. Strength alone will never defeat darkness."
Kindra smiled. "Never lose your kindness."
Florina added, "Protect even the smallest life."
Nautillostar nodded. "Face every storm with courage."
Gearis smiled. "Never stop learning."
Oddysar laughed. "And don't forget to enjoy the journey." Astrollo closed his book. "The stars shall always guide those who continue walking."
Finally... Magistar raised his staff. "Good luck... Chosen of the Harmony Stars." The seven celestial guardians slowly rose into the heavens.
Their bodies dissolved into radiant starlight.
One by one... They transformed back into their Star Forms. The seven Harmony Stars shot upward like brilliant comets.
Higher... Higher... Until they disappeared among the constellations.
For a long moment... The sky sparkled just a little brighter.
Then... They were gone.
Silence returned.
Alan stared at the stars. "...See you again."
Another flash erupted. Starlight folded inward. The valley dissolved. The summit vanished.