Volume II – Rise of the Celestial Order: New Bonds, Old Shadows

Two weeks have passed since Sulmento’s defeat. Altropolis is calm. The League is on standby. But for Kaldar Ryzone, peace is just the beginning of a deeper journey.Orion Crest Academy – Morning BellKaldar walks through the school gates, backpack slung over one shoulder, trying to blend in. Students chatter about homework, sports, and weekend plans—blissfullyunaware of the cosmic battles he’s fought.Crystal: (Whispering from his chest) You sure this is a good idea?Kaldar: I need this. A normal day. Normal friends.Crystal: You’re a walking energy reactor. “Normal” isn’t exactly your thing.Kaldar enters class. Mr. Sullivan (Claw) gives him a subtle nod.Mr. Sullivan: Good morning, class. Today we welcome two new transfer students—meet Riko and Tess.A boy with tech goggles and a girl with a sketchpad step forward.Riko: Sup. I build stuff.Tess: I draw things that sometimes come to life.Kaldar: (Raises an eyebrow) …Interesting.They take seats near Kaldar. He senses something unusual—faint energy signatures.Crystal: They’re not ordinary.Kaldar: I know. But they’re not hostile.Lunch Break – Building BondsKaldar sits with Riko and Tess in the courtyard. The sun filters through the trees. For once, it feels like a real high school moment.Riko: So, you’re the guy who vanished during the Kaiju attack, right?Kaldar: Uh… bathroom emergency.Tess: (Smirking) Sure. And I’m a unicorn.They laugh. Kaldar relaxes for the first time in weeks.Kaldar: So what brings you to Orion Crest?Riko: Got kicked out of my last school for building a mech in the gym.Tess: I drew a dragon in art class. It flew out the window.Kaldar: (Grinning) I think we’re gonna get along just fine.They talk about favorite movies, weird teachers, and the best food spots in Altropolis. Kaldar finds himself smiling—genuinely.Crystal: (Softly) You needed this.Kaldar: Yeah. I really did.Science Class – Sparks FlyLater that day, the trio is paired for a lab project. Riko builds a mini reactor, Tess sketches a containment field, and Kaldar subtly stabilizes it with Echo energy.Riko: Whoa—how’d you keep it from overheating?Kaldar: Just… intuition.Tess: You’re hiding something.Kaldar: Maybe. But not today.They share a look—curious, but respectful. Kaldar feels something he hasn’t felt in a long time: trust.Elsewhere…In the ruins of the Void Spire, the cracked remnants of the Grim Stone begin to pulse. A whisper echoes through the void.Sulmento: (Faintly) The Hero thinks he’s won. But I am eternal.A cloaked figure steps forward—one of the Celestial Order. Their face is hidden, their voice layered.Order Envoy: The balance has shifted. The Guardian has awakened. But so has the darkness.Sulmento: Then let us begin again.Back at School – After ClassKaldar walks home with Riko and Tess. The sky is clear, but his Echo Core pulses.Crystal: Something’s wrong.Kaldar: I feel it too.A ripple tears through the sky—brief, silent, but unmistakable.Riko: What the hell was that?Tess: That wasn’t weather.Kaldar looks up, eyes glowing faintly.Kaldar: It’s starting again.Nightfall – Alone on the RooftopKaldar sits on the school rooftop, watching the stars. Crystal hovers beside him.Crystal: You made friends today. Real ones.Kaldar: And I’ll protect them. No matter what comes next.A faint shimmer appears in the sky—seven stars forming a circle. The symbol of the Celestial Order.Crystal: They’re watching.Kaldar: Let them. I’m ready.To Be Continued…