Asteria Forever

Finding your way through the chains we call reality isn't what it seems when our best is the biggest fright.

- Anonymous

"Not bad, Princess Anarelia, we admit yer strong, but this ain't no game, kiddo. Get 'em, boys!"

"They sent more? I'm starting to think, boredom isn't quite the word to describe those fools... after all, you can do better than this, right? Or did they waste millions on thugs."

That day was the start of a relaxing weekend after working out at the gym, my master forced me, or should I say us? Can I say that? Let's say we, went on doing pointless things until she was satisfied.

"I'll kill you!" He ran towards me.

"Really? Charging reckless at a angel who just threw a truck is somehow wise?" Thugs will be thugs, moths to flies. Like multiplying cockroaches, no matter how you swat them. "Bang." I hum softly, shooting his head like a busted watermelon. "Come on, stop sending punks."

I stretched my arms to search their wrinkly rags.

"These wallets are fake… Tch! Lousy border patrol. Our country's security is getting worse by the day," I kick the thug's body. "Isn't that right, Asteria Paladin?"

The purple-uniformed fool clapped. "Heh, how did you know someone was here?"

"You Asteria Paladins are bona fide stalkers… how wouldn't I know? What do you want?"

"You are our Asteria chosen avatar! Ensuring your safety and priorities are essential to everyday life–Hey! Come back, don't leave whenever we talk, that's very rude."

Asty, as I call her, doesn't like being pestered by anyone at all. She will listen to those who need it, only to shut them up. Guess living for thousands of years as the creator of wish would make anyone go nuts when dealing with childishly thought-out prayers, "I want to be rich," " Kill Person X," blah blah blah. I ignore the paladin. Going on my way through the bustling sunny township.

"Finally back after my daily jog."

Luxia's Capital hasn't seen much activity since the country's so-called hero died some time ago, a shame really, but who cares about a faker?

"At least we saved the world one ounce of coffee at a time." I drank slowly. "Maybe master's package came."

"Ah, Lia! Welcome to my shop. Here is your usual medicine, and the medical ingredients are ready to go. Grandmaster Greywolf left these keys earlier and said: This should keep that girl in check."

Said the clerk. My Master has no room to look after others right now, even if I'm off worst, my life isn't- never mind.

"Well, I'm glad I came to check in before going to see Grim. I've packed my things for college and haven't had the chance to speak to Master. Take care of yourself, Miss Clerk."

"You too my Princess."

Downtown Luxia has enriched people's lives with musical live shows and Events featuring celebrities, hosted by a famed businesswoman named Grimmary, the Crowned Princess of Hell.

"Cousin Grimmary!"

The people at the luxury club were dancing to their hearts' content and mingling on a fine afternoon. Grimmary smiled, greeting me, her precious cousin....

"I heard the news about you being accepted into Historia College. I've prepared a gift for your hard work, not that you needed to with that intellect of yours."

She placed a heavy rectangular platinum-like case on the table, which had various locks and chains to prevent theft

"Open it."

"What?! These are expensive! The latest gun modules?? Grim, you didn't have to go this far..." I hug her.

"Nonsense! I have money, and it's meant to be spent if not for those who matter in my life, right? Too bad I won't be able to stay long enough, having that Underworldian ceremony soon." She checked her watch.

"Grim, I know our relationship isn't bad or straining, but why would you be so nice? Instead of giving it to one of your siblings… maybe not Nana, she hates guns."

"Because we're a family! And I don't condone what that loving aunt of mine has done with you all these years! You deserved better growing up. It'll be amazing to watch those wastes whittle the country away for her affection."

Grimmary has always doted on me from time to time, even shielding a sickly child who couldn't move her body or had constant heart problems.

"Cousin Anarelia, here's a secret before I go: these modules were made by my good friend and boss, Starlight herself. I know you idolize her because you're similarily do weird things. When we find our boss, those bastards who live peaceful lives will pay, for my brother's sake!"

Grimmary's overwhelming demonic aura hid her killing intent as she left the building, carrying fury and malevolent intentions.

"Guns forged in Divine white flame, huh… speaking of fire, her birthday is coming up soon."

Later, I wandered into a huge grocery store stocked with a wide variety of goods. The people waited in line or were rushing to get items in time, as this place regularly sells expensive items on the market cheaply.

"Hey there, Lia! Let me guess: Sunshe's birthday is around the corner, and you want to order some ingredients? I've already taken the liberty of preparing them." The store manger says triumphant.

"Thanks again for looking after all of us, mister manager. I guess you're used to me asking for things unreasonably over the years, sorry.

"Ohoho! Nothing to worry about. You girls are always welcome here, no matter what happens. We owe you more than you could ever know."

He winked.

"Excuse me, Sir! Have you seen a girl about my age in this picture? She's important to me. Our family has searched for years but-"

"You look so much like Lia; she's right there browsing chocolate snacks as usual. When she's like this, no one can interrupt her from choosing chocolates."

"Hey! I heard that–"

Seeing the young man shocked me beyond words. It was like looking into a mirror, except he had short white hair and wore a normal white jacket, unlike my long white ponytail and black hoodie. He even had hidden weapons, but we'll ignore that part for now, yeah?

"Who...?"

"Esta Rosaria. It's finally over. I got lost searching around this complicated city. There's so much to see and so much food to eat! Es, finding you wasn't easy at all." His smile was wry.

It wasn't a surprise to me, just very uncanny how much this day came faster than expected. Time to play dumb.

"Erm. Is Es my birth name?"

He nodded.

"I've known I wasn't with my birth family since childhood, when Master trained me in military affairs and survival. We briefly discussed the origins of my Divinity. She wouldn't budge, saying I'm not strong enough yet to go back, and punished me for getting medicinal concoctions wrong..." Did he buy that lie?

"In truth, I came here without anyone knowing beforehand, so it should be fine! There are so many questions to ask, but before that..."

He dodged a knife-throwing attacker, striking their neck as more attacked. I moved swiftly, killing them with my sword ki.

I kicked the corpse, finding a pentagram marking. "Final Score remnants...? Shop manager!"

"Don't worry, I've already closed the shop and informed your people about the situation. Even after the war, they're still fighting for a sullied dream." His voice carried a sweet pity.

Esta's expression of the scene felt exaggerated to me. He watched as I poured a clear melting solution on the corpses, leaving no traces behind.

"They probably thought you were me. Ahaha! In the army, I had a short white brother. Let's go out back... put this baseball cap on. We're leaving now! Here is the pay for the mess caused by me, Sir."

We huddled away.

"Welcome home, Anarelia. I prepared some fresh oranges from your orchard. Here's a cup of coffee for your paperwork. Who is this young man resembling you so much?" Elizabeth is my personal maid. She is probably the perfect maid given her work and background, which isn't morally friendly—being a legendary assassin and all.

"Eliza, please... You probably knew he was coming." I sip my coffee. "You wouldn't mistake me for a fool if my espionage teacher was ignorant?"

"My Lady, you flatter me. There isn't a thing I would know about young Esta Rosaria here. Please enjoy your evening." She did that on purpose, even said his full name nonchalantly while the person in question is starry-eyed, touching everything he sees in my home!

"So many things! Prototype guns, swords, technology galore! We're definitely twins, dear sister, but this confirms that out of all our siblings, I'm definitely the worst engineer, taking little from father's side of the family!"

"Sit," I glared. He instantly sat cross-legged on the chair next to mine like a puppy as I enjoyed my hot cup of coffee silently.

Eliza left an entire pot and some files for me to review. "We want more variety for the royal cafeteria... again? The head chefs already have access to those funds." I dismissed this paper. "Hey, bring these items to my mother," an aide bowed. He looked at me nervously.

Esta most likely knew who I was from someone who knows him well and wanted to test the legitimacy of rumors about: Prodigy Princess... "Y-yes! What do you want to know?" Hmhm, how cute—he's definitely going to play around with his words, so let's be clever. "What do our parents do for a living? Are you able to live properly in your life there?"

"I'm not inclined to reveal such details deeply, but I can say they're both at least more powerful than Yasana and your little entourage of friends. We are living well enough." How cute is this kid, everyone? He's trying his best to provoke me, and you can tell from the words that are borrowed from someone else. If these people are more powerful, why run away to meet me? Teenage angst? How fun.

"Oho? The mom and dad must be living it up in paradise, huh? I'm intrigued by the sentiment in your words. My information team gathered a lot of intel on the Rosaria family and their power struggle. What are they about?" Obviously, this is a huge lie, but things will work out because Esta, who's pushing his maturity, isn't very used to conversation—you see, almost as if he never left home and lived a sheltered life.

"Then you know about Grandma's legacy?! You tricked me into thinking you knew little, this is exactly what our sister Leafy does every day when getting out of practicing the Six Artic combat tactics during Ascension train-"

"My Lady, your friends are waiting outside for you. Remember, you're supposed to take a flight to the College, Esta a word if you may. " Elizabeth interrupted.

What perfect timing, Eliza. I'm sure the readers and I know something is off. I leave quietly, glancing behind me, seeing her scold him. No matter what, though, this topic has been insightful

"There you are! Elizabeth said you were busy talking to a special guest? Who would that be?"

Said a Dragon horned beauty named Zerona, she's a calm woman, very reserved and elegant... For people who don't know, her smile hides sweet danger, that's my cousin! Runs in the family hehehe.

"Kinda Zero. We should talk about it and walk ladies"

Nightlife here is beautiful, the colorful lights illuminate theven the darkest alley ways. The angel legion known as Heaven's strongest guardians patrol our city, sometimes they don't even do half a decent job

"Hmph! The nerve. Should we rough that kid up or kill him?"

That standoffish Demon is my best friend Luteisha, she doesn't like useless banter, topics and enjoys the point. Her cruel exterior is someone who just wants friends, don't tell her I said that

"Why wouldn't they make a move if the guy left home suddenly? From his testimony you can surmise he's running from something and someone guided him here, So no way we're doing that stupid Lute!" Sunshe hollered.

This clown isn't your typical partier, She's an Astral a Divine who has some particular natural divinity over something in concept like fire.

"Tch, smartass always have to prove a point." Lute sips her soda.

"Now, Now you two, behave while we're flying first class alright? We're about to enter warp jump." Zerona stared out the breezy picturesque window.

"No one else is on this flight Zero. I'm sure it will be fine, let them kill each other for my amusement!"

She frowned . "Lia please don't egg them on."

"Come on you know not even the apocalypse will stop them." I should know, we saved the world how many times now?

"I guess so... I remember elementary school during an earthquake they were fist fighting while we evacuated, remember that?"

I huffed.

"Man, don't remind me. We had to pull them off each other, we even got in trouble and Elizabeth made us do wall planks," I threw balled up chocolate candy wrapper at them. "Now than ever just kill yourselves."

"Lia!"

tored," some people were hidden in corners. "We shouldn't discuss this outdoors because, if it's true, we need to be extra careful."

They looked at me confusingly as we left the building. Here's a distraction.

The Heavenly Restriction Enactment, or HRE, is very special. It stops gods in Heaven from causing wars or disasters and sometimes unnecessarily restricts certain people of particular rank—namely anyone who is divine-born, which humans aren't. That brings us to a stop for today, until next time, ladies and gentlemen.

"Tch! I knew it was too good to be true. The HRE only allows me to fly for a few minutes, and I might as well walk from here..."

A woman wearing glasses in a military uniform came out from the huge apar's, our biggest financial supporter, even though most people don't know what we look like. Guess one day I need to apologize for not letting her know....

Stepping outside, the demonic steward waved goodbye after giving us our belongings.

"Good thing we came lightly packed," Zerona put her bag on.

"Whatever... I'm hungry! I haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning, training with Master Vulcan all day. Dual wielding blades isn't as easy as it looks, see my swollen hands? I deserve to feast!"

"Only you, Lute, only you," I chuckle at Sunshe's remark.

"Here we go... not a full five minutes into a new country."

"What does that even mean?! You fat cow."

"How dare you?!! My toned figure is better than your stupid abs, damn it!"

"Toned? Tch! You couldn't fit in that dress for sis's big wedding coming up, never mind lying to yourself about being toned here, Sunny."

"Is this coming from the same woman who refuses to actually wear decent clothing? Sweats don't count as formal wear for a princess, dumbass!"

"Excuse me for complying with the casual imperial theme they set that day, and don't compare my stylish sweats and streetwear to your revealing outfits, bitch!" They get physical enough to attract crowds.

"The moon looks very beautiful tonight, huh, Lia?" Zerona took a photo while we strolled.

"Mhm, very peaceful as well. I found a hotel nearby, girls. We should head there since it's getting late now!" I turned to yell amaat best. Heavenly Restriction Enactment doesn't apply to our city, except for High Gods without a clearance permit."

"Understood. Thank you for your patience with us," Zerona bowed politely.

"Heavenly Restriction Enactment would explain that barrier covering the entire country, but something perplexes me, Lia. Lend me your intellect for a minute," Lute smiled.

"Hm? Hold on, we're being monitored," some people were hidden in corners. "We shouldn't discuss this outdoors because, if it's true, we need to be extra careful."

They looked at me confusingly as we left the building. Here's a distraction.

The Heavenly Restriction Enactment, or HRE, is very special. It stops gods in Heaven from causing wars or disasters and sometimes unnecessarily restricts certain people of particular Rank—namely anyone who is Divine-born, which humans aren't. That brings us to a stop for today, until next time, ladies and gentlemen.

"Tch! I knew it was too good to be true. The HRE only allows me to fly for a few minutes, and I might as well walk from here..."

A woman wearing glasses in a military uniform came out from the huge apar's our biggest financial supporter even though people don't know what most of us look like. Guess one day I need to apologize for not letting her know....

Stepping outside, the demonic steward waved goodbye after giving us our belongings.

"Good thing we came lightly packed" Zerona put her bag on.

"Whatever.... I'm hungry! I haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning training with Master Vulcan all day, dual wielding blades isn't easy as it is practical, see my swollen hands? I deserve to feast!"

"Only you Lute, only you indeed." I chuckle at Sunshe's remark.

"Here we go... not a full five minutes into a new country."

"What does that even mean?! You fat cow."

"How dare you?!! My toned figure is better than your stupid abs damn it!"

"Toned? Tch! You couldn't fit in that dress for sis's big wedding coming up, nevermind lying to yourself about being toned here Sunny."

"Is this coming from the same woman who refuses to actually wear decent clothing? Sweats don't count as formal wear for a princess, dumbass!"

"Excuse me for complying to the causal imperial theme they set that day and don't compared my stylish sweats and streetwear to your revealing outfits, bitch!" They get physical enough to attract crowds.

"The moon looks very beautiful tonight huh Lia?" Zerona took a photo while we strolled.

"Mhm very peaceful as well. I found a hotel nearby girls, We should head there since it's getting late, now!" I turned to yell.

It amazed me to see how many people are at the expensive airport here during midnight, even back at home they didn't get much better only because of certain people living there aren't exactly saints regardless of being populated mostly by angels and fairies.

"Thank you! Come again your Majesties." The clerk was very nice.

"Zero was snoring all night long...."

"Can you really blame her Lia? Running errands, training the Dragon Knights with her family, Managing her gang and now we're in college! Isn't that wonderful for our resident gangster?"

"Wonderful for who.." I cringe knowing the consistency of weirdos rioting just to see her in person.

"It's 7:43am? We Need to find a place called Phoenix Bookstore, where is it ma'am?"

They giggle having a nice conversation.

"That place is in the central city! About a couple hours away, You can fly there yourself for ten minutes at best. Heavenly Restriction Enactment doesn't apply to our city except High Gods without a clearance permit."

"Understood. Thank you for your patience with us." Zerona bowed politely.

"Heavenly Restriction Enactment would explain that barrier covering the entire country but something perplexes me Lia, lend me your intellect for a minute." Lute smiled.

"Hm? Hold on, we're being monitored," some people were hidden in corners. "We shouldn't discuss this outdoors because if it's right, we need to be extra careful."

They looked at me confusingly as we left the building, here's a distraction.

The Heavenly Restriction Enactment or HRE is very special, It would stop gods in Heaven from causing wars or prevent disasters and sometimes pointlessly restrict certain people of particular Rank–Namely anyone who are Divine born which humans aren't which brings us to a stop for today, until next time ladies and gentlemen.

"Tch! I knew it was too good to be true, the HRE only allows me to fly for a few minutes, and I may as well walk from here…"

A woman wearing glasses in a military uniform came out from the huge apartment building consoling students.

The place is surrounded by different species of plants and flowers.

"Are you a new students? I'm Keishaki, a senior here. The person daring to enter my Phoenix Bookstore has to be Anarelia Rosaria and her friends. I've been expecting you. Come on in and get comfortable."

As she turned around I put my hand over Sunshe's palm. She was about to use Divine flames to attack this woman and notably the other two snapped as well, spear and katana on sides that prevent escape. "We're in public, not the battlefield so cut it out ladies." I calmly ordered them, before catching a tiny smirk from the talkative lady explaining everything there is to know about Historia College "Hngh! Fine, this isn't funny Captain." Mumbled Luteisha, Sunshe and Zerona elbowed her into silence.

I think she knows us.. "Your garden is beautiful Miss Keisha, could I call you that? it reminds me of mine back at home but more maintained properly."

"Is that so? You can use it to grow your own veggies, Miss scholar. I heard somebody was invited by our principal to pursue research in technology and resources, didn't expect the revolutionary child inventor herself." The college senior praised.

"That's an exaggeration! I'm not being humble but Master specifically taught me how to tinker with machines, she's scary when it also comes to survival skills… that's another story, I still have so much to learn.. sun chamomile!? Wowza." I snuff the cinnamon spice aroma.

"At the very least you aren't arrogant like most angels here, especially the high ranking ones from Luxord, no offense Anarelia, being Yasana's adoptive daughter isn't going to help you with a peaceful school life."

Keishaki shrugged shaking her head.

"Don't worry about me Keisha. Earning people's recognition is the last thing I want anyway. This spacious room must be ours?"

"Yes, these are your student ID cards, you'd need to register for classes and as Keeper of this building–bookstore, coke to me when you're lost, Lady Es."

She disappeared as we turned around searching the room.

"Are you kidding me?! You said your brother claimed this was your name correct? How did that four eyes know it."

"Calm down Lute, there's more pressing issues at hand."

Zerona materialized her spear again, deflecting projectiles as Sunshe threw her fan up protecting us from Gunfire from above, then unleashed burning sword ki towards enemies, the particles erupt beautifully.

"Where did they come from? Their uniforms have QB etched into the shoulders."

"What should we do, we can't go all out here at all if they know our identity and are obviously trying to confirm it."

As Zerona blew someone with her shotgun, I pelted a group using custom pistols, we covered the others.

"Grr! She said they wouldn't pose a threat. Retreat!"

Lute's brow rose. "She? She who? Guys we're being played."

As the remaining assassins or maybe they mercenaries? Retreated, Luteisha threw her knife stopping one of them in their tracks, some hesitated trying to figure to save their buddy or not but those were killed by Sunshe's flame immediately.

"Talk, I won't ask again"

"Go right ahead! Kill me, this isn't Cosmic Throne's domain, My young masters won't let an outsider like you go!"

"Wow... Did he really just give away his identity? Why do we keep meeting people who do nothing but reveal everything? Man.... Killing him won't be worth a damn thing now."

"On contraire Lute. Young Masters, could one of them be that Esta fellow?" Zerona wrote in her notebook.

"I'm not saying a thing about Young Master Esta! He doesn't even know we're doing this now."

I sighed. "Guy.... Please, your dignity as their employed soldier is shattering just stop talking about-"

"Hmph! You're just afraid that that your mother's test is too much. You have proven yourself a coward!"

"Ah... Okay. What the hell is wrong with him?" Lute crosses her arms. "They're never this bad."

"Lute.... don't ask such complex questions about him or anyone we've met with malicious intentions up to this point, especially the monologue guys.... We don't speak of them."

"Like the man who told us how he'd blow up the city using nuclear weapons on camera? Remember?" She retorted.

"Oh lord, that dumbass.. didn't he post a fundraiser page with his credentials and taunted the police? I swear our life is a joke sometimes." Sunshe groaned.

"My mother? I bet you don't even know who she is!"

"Quila? She's–"

Ice like spears stab the man to death as he turned into a ice sculpture

"Stargazer!" My golden left eye shines.

I scan the vicinity using my mapping divinity "What...?" Feeling a sharp malicious aura nearby, I looked up on the shadowy rooftop as they leapt away, wary of me.

"Someone in Astra Order was just on the building near our far right."

"A-Astra Order?! We're two ranks below them! Only our Masters and the leader of Final Score has been so strong. Should we be more alert from here on, we're open targets."

"Sunny is right guys, even with Lia here we probably can't win easily against them. Master Lumena added a three day restriction to our power for training the body."

"Stop panicking. If I had such a way to beat them using the best strategy possible then that'll be nice, remember low key. We won't be restricted after three days, avoid going off on your own unless it's necessary."

Just arriving here peacefully already felt so easy in these days after ending the war months ago and securing a pivotal hold on terrorist groups like Final Score. We didn't know what Historica was going to teach us or me just how important some things in life are even if you feel grown up, you're probably more childish than expected.