Deian gazed blankly up at the starry sky. Osian would be on one of those countless stars. He suddenly imagined such a scene.
The image of Osian clad in armor of light, riding a horse made of constellations, traversing that vast universe.
He wouldn't be riding alone. Behind him would be countless ascenders from this star. Since the ascenders also possessed the power of stars, they would each gather their own energy and shine together.
As the starlight ran, it would paint the Milky Way. Just imagining it sent shivers through his entire body. But soon Deian, facing the cold reality, slumped his shoulders.
Deian leaned against the rusty railing and gazed at the scenery of Tirna.
Though it had originally been a developed city, Tirna had developed almost beyond recognition over the past few years.
He had heard that the district where he lived had originally been a place where public safety wasn't very good and where the middle class barely scraped by.
But now the roads were neatly maintained and public safety had improved.
The buildings had also been newly maintained, and the landscaping of the roads themselves had been transformed to be clean. The districts that had been filled with smog from industrial complex emissions no longer existed.
Rather, trees had been planted here and there, adding greenery.
If before it had been filled only with the cold texture of metal, now it seemed to harmonize with nature.
This was thanks to the elves, who had previously gathered only in their own districts, actively moving around and decorating. He had heard that at the forefront, the help of an elf spirit user who handled fire was significant.
She was so eccentric that despite being an elf, she worked as a blacksmith pounding iron with a hammer, which seemed quite impressive.
The ridge from which he was now looking down at the city was the same. Too small to call a mountain, too large to call a ridge. It was an area where one could look down at the city's scenery, but at one time they had planned to demolish it for redevelopment.
When that plan fell through, they planted trees here and completed a small observation deck. Usually it was a place people visited, but today, perhaps because of the festival, Deian was alone.
Deian thought that was rather fine. It was much more comfortable to be alone, both to cool down the heat of the festival and to collect his thoughts.
And he had come up to this observation deck partly because he wanted to get even a little closer to the stars in the sky.
Deian climbed onto the railing. Behind the creaking sound, he spread both arms wide and gazed at the sky.
If only he could fly through the sky like this and become a star in that universe.
As if possessed by something, it was the moment he was about to take a step without realizing it.
"You'll fall if you do that."
"Huh? Uh, whoa!"
At the sudden voice from behind, Deian barely managed to steady himself from nearly falling. His heart sank since he could have been seriously hurt if he had made a mistake.
Deian turned around. There stood a man with a hood pulled deep over his head.
He was a curious person. Even though he was present, his presence wasn't strongly felt. But that didn't mean he was a frail person either. Even in his covered state, his sturdy and reliable physique made it clear that he had trained his body considerably.
'That physique, and that kind of build. He's neither a barbarian warrior nor a paladin. Rather, it's closer to the body of a truly well-refined, polished knight.'
Deian was a knight enthusiast. Naturally, he knew various information about knights. He had secretly observed knight order training sessions and had gathered all kinds of information by pounding the pavement.
Various names of knights flashed through Deian's mind. But none felt as physically perfect as the man before his eyes.
'Wait. Why do I think this person is perfect?'
It wasn't as if he had seen him with his shirt off. He was wearing a hood and covering his body. Nothing was revealed. Yet looking at him, he thought "perfect." Just naturally, like the principle of water flowing from top to bottom.
"Did I startle you?"
"Oh, no. I just didn't expect anyone else to come here."
At those words, the man gazed beyond the railing.
"Because of the festival."
"Yes. Today is an important day. It's the Day of Ascension commemorating the 5th anniversary. And it's the day we celebrate the return of those who went on a long expedition."
"Right. It's certainly a day worth celebrating. But what are you doing here alone?"
"Just. I stayed down there too long and got dizzy. I needed to clear my head a bit, you know?"
"You're quite mature for a child."
At being called a child, Deian bristled.
"Age isn't everything. I may look like this, but I'm someone who aspires to be a knight later."
"You?"
The other person asked in surprise.
Deian frowned, thinking he was being mocked with "someone like you?" Since that only made him look cute, the man let out a small laugh.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to mock you. I was just curious that you want to become a knight when you're still so young."
"Why not? Knights are cool."
"Right. They're cool. But it will be difficult to become one."
"Who doesn't know it's difficult? I know you have to work yourself to death. Even then, you might not make it. That possibility is much greater. I'm already smaller and weaker than my friends, so it will be even harder for me."
Still, Deian said confidently.
"Who gives up thinking they won't make it from the start? No matter what happens, you must move forward—that's the spirit of knighthood."
"Oh. Who did you hear that from?"
"Mister, don't you know Knight Osian's words? The idol and pinnacle of all knights! I believe those words. If you don't give up, you'll definitely succeed!"
Deian's eyes sparkled. The reality given to him was bleak, but he never lost his dream.
The hooded man stared at Deian intently, then slowly walked over and stood beside him.
"Are you worried a lot about your small build?"
"...I can't say I'm not. I want to grow taller and gain muscle, but it's not easy. I eat a lot every time, but I'm still like this."
Deian spoke in a gloomy voice and the man, who had been listening silently, spoke.
"Becoming a knight, you see."
Deian's ears perked up.
"It's not simply about having a good build or having lots of muscles. If that were the case, all knights would be as burly as Northern warriors."
"Th-then? What else is there?"
"Didn't you say it yourself? No matter what happens, don't give up and move forward."
Disappointment appeared on Deian's face, who had wanted some new advice.
"Come on. What's that? That's obvious."
"No one properly does what's obvious. Even if you know it in your head, putting it into practice is harder. From that perspective, you have talent."
"Even with a weak body like this?"
"You're just like that now. No one knows how you'll turn out later."
"Mister, you don't understand, but a knight's basic physical fitness is important. There's a reason they're called perfect bodies."
"Perfect body."
"Not burly like Northern warriors. And not too stuffy like paladins either. Knights are the most perfect existence!"
"Oh. That's something I rather like to hear. Right, those barbarian warrior fellows always brag about being the strongest."
"Mister, we're finally on the same page. I'm Deian. What about you?"
"Osian."
At that introduction, Deian chuckled.
"Is it the same name? Or did you change your name because you're a fan? You know what? The top choice for people who applied for name changes this year was Osian. Next door, Mr. James had a new baby, and they're naming it Osian..."
Deian couldn't finish his sentence because the man who had introduced himself as Osian removed the hood covering his face.
The moment he saw the face revealed, Deian's expression changed strangely.
"Uh, uhhhhh."
How could he not recognize that face?
For someone like him who dreamed of becoming a knight, this was the greatest idol that couldn't be exchanged for anything in the world.
He had hung several of his posters and photos in his room and had looked at them endlessly from when he opened his eyes until before sleeping. There was no way he could fail to recognize him.
"I-is it, is it really you?"
"You recognize me. It's refreshing to meet a young fan."
"H-how, how...?"
"How am I already back?"
Deian nodded.
The words that had come out smoothly until just moments ago wouldn't come out properly.
Osian, understanding Deian's reaction, kindly explained.
"Originally I should have returned after sunset, but I came early because of business. Instead, I have to leave for the next expedition right away."
At the mention of the next expedition, Deian swallowed.
"I heard. That you're incredibly busy."
"Because I have to continue forming alliances with other stars. There are negative ones, and ones that try to fight right away. Other outer gods interfere along the way too. But sometimes, I also join hands with such beings."
This was a story he had never heard before. Deian's eyes lit up as he heard the story directly from the person involved.
"A-are there any other stories?"
"I'm not sure if they'll be interesting to you."
Osian smiled and explained in detail to Deian about what the expedition outside was like and what kind of worlds he had encountered.
Each time, Deian would rack his brain and spread the wings of his imagination.
Perhaps because he looked quite cute doing so, Osian roughly ruffled Deian's hair.
The two gazed at the sky.
Before long, the sun set and the sunset colored the sky. Dark blue darkness rolled in from the eastern sky. As the light of the sky darkened, the starlight shone more clearly.
The ground was the same. Beautiful lights filled Tirna everywhere. Within them, people were still enjoying the festival.
"Ah. The stars."
Deian saw the stars descending from the sky. They were the ascenders returning from the expedition. Cheers erupted from the ground, welcoming the expedition.
Stars falling from the sky sparkled on the ground.
Deian gazed at that spectacle as if entranced.
"Oh my. Time has already passed like this while we were talking."
Deian realized that Osian had to leave today.
"Ah."
It was regrettable. He was disappointed that he couldn't have more conversations after meeting his idol. He should be grateful enough to treasure it as a lifetime keepsake just for having met and conversed with him, but why is human greed like this?
He didn't want to let him go. No, he wanted to stand beside him. Osian knew Deian's inner feelings well. Perhaps because he was still a child, the emotions he couldn't quite hide were clearly revealed on his face.
"Are you disappointed?"
Deian honestly nodded. Osian roughly ruffled Deian's hair once more.
"If there are meetings, there are partings. But that's not the end. Like the starlight that exists countless times in the universe, our possibilities are always open."
"Can we meet again?"
"You're still young and have lots of time. Your possibilities are infinite. It will depend on how you utilize them."
It was the moment Deian was about to say something.
"You were here. Phew, I thought my eyes would fall out searching for you."
New people appeared at the observation deck. Deian examined their faces and his eyes widened.
"L-Lorraine Ponk!"
A former member of Violet Fox, a woman who had risen to ascender and participated as an elite in the expedition. Not just her. Diolan and Edgar, Mist and Seren Gracia as well.
"I heard earlier that, what, Northern warriors are just burly and their bodies aren't perfect?"
It was Balud, the great warrior of the frozen land, who showed displeasure.
"Paladins just prioritize developing faith over training the body, so it's a secondary priority."
Martinez, the idol of all paladins and now a full-fledged adult, was also there.
"That damn faith. Didn't we say you get stronger by training yourself rather than praying?"
"Lord Balud, don't look down on it either. No matter how much the Petra Order's influence has diminished in this era, our god is also a divine existence arranged by this world."
"Yeah, yeah. A system arranged by the star to protect us from outer gods."
"If the system has personality and benevolence, what is it if not a god?"
The two bickered with each other.
"So you were here."
"T-The Starlight Knights."
The first-generation knights consisting of Anthony, Judge, and Perth appeared. From another place, David wearing blue martial robes appeared, and from yet another place, Lukai wearing his red scarf could be seen.
With a wave of mana, space twisted, and from there appeared Terrence Progenen, humanity's strongest archmage.
From another place, a coffin of bones emerged from the ground, its door opened, and Elise Denarova appeared.
"What? Am I the latest?"
Light scattered from the sky like an aurora, and Rose Melody descended riding on shining musical notes.
It was truly an all-star gathering from his dreams, all in one place.
Deian felt like he might faint from the series of excessive shocks.
"Everyone's preparations are done. What are we doing with the actual protagonist idly chatting here?"
At Lorraine's reproach, Osian chuckled.
"I met a young fan."
"Ah, really? Hmm. Looks quite cheeky. Ugh, I'll let it slide. If it's because of a fan, it can't be helped."
"Lorraine, ever since people started recognizing you, you've been carrying a fountain pen around to give autographs all day."
"Diolan, shut your mouth."
The human side of those who could be called idols of all humanity seemed fascinating to Deian.
The joy of reunion didn't last long because the time to leave had come.
"Well then, let's go."
Osian took the lead. A gentle light flowed from his body and the edges of his hooded cloak fluttered. Deian saw Osian's starlight for the first time in his life.
"E-excuse me!"
Osian, who was about to leave, turned around at Deian's call. Deian hesitated for a moment, then gathered his courage to ask.
"Can I become a knight?"
Osian nodded toward Deian without hesitation.
"If you don't give up, definitely."
Deian's expression brightened.
"I'll definitely make it! And I'll rise higher than anyone else and stand right beside you!"
"I'll look forward to it."
Saying so, Osian flew up toward the sky. Like a comet's trajectory, a trail of light remained where he had passed.
"Hey, youngster. You'll take the place beside the Successor? That's quite the ambition."
"Let's see if we can look forward to it."
"We'd be happy if a good successor comes in."
The first-generation knights each offered words of encouragement to Deian. They rode onto the trail of light and flew up following Osian.
"Hmph. An aspiring knight. Not even knowing how great Northern warriors are. But well, I'll give that spirit high marks."
"What are you saying to a child? Just hurry and go."
"Until just recently, you were also a child."
Balud and Martinez also ascended.
"Cute little knight. Good luck."
Rose Melody also cheered him on.
"Tsk. Why do all the kids these days only want to be knights? Being a mage is good too."
"You. You've got good bones."
Terrence and Elise each said a word as well. Someone ruffled Deian's hair with their hand, someone patted his shoulder with their hand.
They all passed by and mounted the trail of light.
Osian, who had grown distant, became hazy and appeared as a single starlight while countless stars chased after him.
At the sight of the swarm of light crossing the sky, people enjoying the festival also cheered that the expedition was departing.
Deian, who had watched that process closer than anyone else, clenched his fists tightly but never took his eyes off the starlight in the sky.
Deep in one boy's heart, a light hotter than anything in the world blazed, it was the starlight that could be called the symbol of knights.
-The End-