Beyond the Stars of Fate

Chapter 1

Life can be full of surprises, and for Josephine D'Arcy, it was just about to get even more bewildering. Still reeling from the shock of having been stabbed, he suddenly felt a strange warmth against his chest where the wound had been. In his arms lay a body—a warm, living presence.
His first instinct was to gasp, but Josephine soon realized he had lost control of his body.
The figure he held was roughly his height, but because they were hunched over, all he could see was a tuft of light brown hair, a slightly open white shirt that revealed a collarbone… It was an incredibly intimate pose.
What the hell was going on?
As he caught sight of the person, a faint, sweet scent filled his nostrils, mingling with the aroma of alcohol. Though he usually enjoyed a good fragrance, the moment he inhaled it, Josephine felt dizzy.
He instinctively attempted to take a step back, to distance himself from the person and the odd smell, but his body moved before his mind could catch up.
Before he could fully comprehend what was happening, Josephine watched as “he”—the person he had been thinking of himself as—slowly extended a hand and ruthlessly shoved the individual in front away from him, sending them crashing against the floor. The entire sequence was unnervingly precise and powerful.
What… is happening? Even for someone as well-versed in chaos as Josephine D'Arcy, his mind was utterly confused at this moment.
In response to this unexpected scene, everyone else in the room inhaled sharply, and Josephine could even catch snippets of shocked whispers from nearby women.
As the figure hit the ground, Josephine felt a dull ache throb in his head, and finally, a sense of control over his body returned.
He flexed his stiff fingers just slightly and took a cautious step back. As his perspective shifted, he looked up to see a massive floor-to-ceiling window in front of him. Outside was not a familiar cityscape but an endless sea of clouds—vast and unending.
At the horizon loomed two gigantic silver moons, casting luminous beams that danced on the cloud layers. For a moment, Josephine couldn’t tell if it was day or night, but one thing was clear: this was not the planet he knew.
Standing frozen like a statue, he gazed out at the boundless clouds, completely entranced.
“I’m terribly sorry, General D'Arcy…” a man in a dark red suit hurried towards him. His trembling voice shattered the silence.
Upon hearing the man speak, Josephine finally turned to face him, his movements slow, as if he were in a slow-motion film.
The man in red first shot a scornful glance at the young figure on the floor before brightening his expression and eagerly addressing Josephine D'Arcy, “I didn’t… I didn't realize you wouldn’t like this arrangement. I deeply apologize for the oversight.” Despite his attempt to mask it, the tremor in his voice betrayed his fear.
But Josephine's focus was drawn away from the man’s demeanor, concentrating instead on his way of addressing him.
General D'Arcy. What the hell.
Having just taken a blade to the chest, he certainly didn’t expect to be standing here intact.
An unbelievable thought flickered in his mind as cold sweat trickled from his palms—recently, he had read a novel featuring a character based on him, set on a planet with two moons, just as he now saw outside.
“...Elijah Fitzroy,” Josephine murmured, furrowing his brow as he glanced at the young figure on the ground, inadvertently making their eyes meet.
“...It really is him.”

Chapter 2

The young man before her had striking features, almost as if he were a subject of meticulous brushwork in a fine painting. His slender brows arched gracefully, contrasting with the ruggedness of his position on the ground, which seemed rather unfortunate. However, there was not a trace of fear or embarrassment in his eyes—rather, a rare determination shone through. He resembled a sheet of thin ice covering a lake in early winter: fragile yet cold.
This look belonged to the secondary male lead, Elijah Fitzroy.
Josephine D'Arcy felt a chill creep down her spine as the reality hit her—she had died and, against all odds, found herself reborn into a novel titled "Rebirth of the Eldorian Empire."
Yet, rather than allowing the sensational thrill of a second chance to cloud her judgment, Josephine remained acutely aware of her role: the main antagonist destined to be tortured by the dark protagonist for decades, ultimately meeting a grim fate in the First Interstellar Prison.
What rotten luck.
Years of living on the edge had sharpened Josephine's ability to adapt, allowing her to regain composure swiftly. She glanced again at the young man sprawled awkwardly on the ground and recognized that this was the fateful moment where she was encountering Elijah Fitzroy, the future ally and close friend of the story's protagonist.
Though born into humble beginnings, Elijah Fitzroy was a prodigy in mecha technology. A recipient of the elite scholarship at Eldoria Academy of Arms, this achievement was insufficient to lift his family from the depths of the Empire's lowest stratum, Quadrant Four. Consequently, he frequently snuck out to work part-time jobs during his studies.
During one of these jobs, Elijah's striking appearance caught the attention of a henchman working for another antagonist. Instead of gratitude, Josephine had harshly humiliated Elijah and ordered her guards to detain him for several days.
Such incidents rarely remain hidden; news spread about the humiliation Elijah endured in private, turning the once-promising academy student into the laughingstock of the Empire's military school.
That first encounter between Josephine D'Arcy and Elijah Fitzroy marked the beginning of a bitter rivalry.
Despite recalling her grim fate awaiting her within the narrative, Josephine remained unbroken; instead, she felt more alert and focused as the tension escalated.
Keep calm. Stability is crucial.
Ignoring the stranger who had just appeared, Josephine walked slowly over to Elijah Fitzroy. Taking a slow, deep breath, she knelt beside him as he looked at her in confusion.
Both General Josephine D'Arcy and the former bigwig from Earth exuded an air of authority cultivated by years of leadership. As Josephine knelt down, she involuntarily imposed her powerful presence, leaving the still-student Elijah momentarily daunted—despite having been knocked down just moments before.
After a brief silence, he finally muttered, “...General, ma'am.”
“Stand up,” Josephine commanded, forgoing any idle chit-chat as she extended her hand toward the young man, her face softening into the signature smile of her former self.
In truth, knowing that this boy before her was the secondary lead sent a ripple of nerves through Josephine. However, her warm smile effectively masked her anxiety, even easing Elijah's own simmering anger and humiliation.
Josephine’s features were striking, not just beautiful but carrying a depth that spoke of emotion. Any slight change in expression transformed her visage into one that invited understanding and connection.
When she had first been recognized by the populace of the Empire, many remarked that she seemed more like a charming playboy rather than a decisive military leader.

Chapter 3

As Elijah Fitzroy stood captivated by the warm smile of Josephine D'Arcy, he felt as though he were under a spell, hesitating just long enough to reach out with trembling fingers and grasp the gloved hand offered to him.
With a gentle pull, Josephine D'Arcy lifted The Young Squire from the floor effortlessly, his movements fluid and graceful, almost as if the aggression of moments prior had never existed.
The man in the red coat beside Josephine D'Arcy blinked in stunned silence at the ease of this display. Yet, Josephine seemed unfazed by his companion's reaction. After assisting Elijah to his feet, he turned his attention back toward the small group of colleagues who had been trying to keep a low profile inside the room, offering them a polite nod. “I apologize, but I must take my leave today,” he announced firmly.
“Y-Yes, Lord Commander Cedric,” came the stammering reply, his colleagues quick to comply.
In that instant, as Josephine D'Arcy made his way out, the room fell into a breathless stillness, all eyes lingering on Elijah Fitzroy as he followed Josephine out, the silence stretching on uncomfortably behind them.
“Is this the first time Lord Commander has taken someone with him?” the man in red murmured after a beat, finally regaining his composure. “Could it be he actually favors Elijah Fitzroy?”
...
Meanwhile, Josephine D'Arcy, stepping out of the room, couldn't afford to dwell on the perceptions of others or consider the bizarre notion of “rebirth.” The moment he crossed the threshold, a peculiar fragrance emanating from Elijah grew more intense, filling his senses to the brim and leaving his knees shakier than he could handle.
“Lord Commander, are you alright?” The Steward, who had been standing vigil by the door, approached quickly, concern etched across his features.
With a dismissive wave, Josephine D'Arcy remained silent. He forced himself to take a couple of steps forward but quickly found himself leaning against the wall to steady himself. Years in the field had taught him one undeniable truth: never show weakness. Clenching his jaw, he straightened up, trying to push through the dizziness that felt like a shroud wrapping around him.
The enigmatic scent continued to weave its way through the air, gradually encroaching upon Josephine's nerves, challenging his resolve.
At that moment, a singular thought dominated his mind—there was something seriously wrong with the fragrance surrounding Elijah Fitzroy, and likewise, with Lord Edrick's body.

Chapter 4

The twin moons hung low in the night sky, drifting lazily, their silvery light casting shadows over swirling mists that resembled a vast ocean of smoke. High above the ground, where the air was frigid and unwelcoming, it was unusual for anyone to open a window. Yet, here stood Josephine D'Arcy by the wide-open window, his white shirt billowing in the chill breeze, his hair whipping around as the cold air rushed in.
But Josephine wasn’t here to admire the view; he had come to this window seeking relief from an internal heat that refused to subside and seemed to be growing with each passing moment.
As the window swung open, a sharp, icy wind sliced through the room, jolting him awake and bringing a small measure of comfort. Seizing this moment, he began to piece together the memories that belonged to Lord Edrick, memories that had only just resurfaced.
After several minutes, footsteps sounded behind him. “Lord Commander Cedric…” The steps halted a short distance away. Josephine turned slowly, steadying himself against the window frame, and found Elijah Fitzroy standing there, now dressed in fresh attire, his formerly disheveled hair hanging smoothly around his face, his demeanor considerably softened.
In this moment, facing what would become a future friend, Josephine had no desire to emulate the cold sarcasm from the story's previous manifestations. He had no intention of sending Elijah off to his quarters as he had done in the past.
Even though Elijah had just publicly embarrassed him, the look in his eyes was not one of deep-seated hatred. Instead, there were traces of caution, curiosity, and a hint of awkwardness.
Josephine could easily surmise that the man in the red attire who had escorted Elijah to him had strong feelings about this encounter. Reading Elijah's expression, Josephine quickly grasped his thoughts.
“Elijah Fitzroy, second-year student at Eldoria Academy of Arms.” To both their surprise, Josephine was the first to state Elijah's name and status.
Elijah looked up, startled. He hadn’t introduced himself, yet here was Josephine, aware of his identity. This revelation sent a chill running down Elijah's spine, a cold sweat prickling at his palms. The Eldoria Academy of Arms strictly forbade students from working outside their studies; how could Lord Commander Cedric not know that?
“Y-you…” Elijah stuttered, his confidence waning under Josephine's gaze.
Seeing Elijah falter in his bravado brought a sense of relief to Josephine.
“I’ve seen your name on the roster at the academy,” Josephine continued, his tone light. Elijah had good grades, and it wasn’t unimaginable for someone like Josephine to remember a name from the list.
Josephine remained positioned by the window, smiling whimsically as he tilted his head slightly. His speech was deliberately slow, each word rolling off his tongue lazily. Yet, the young man standing across from him felt an intense pressure that he had never experienced before.
With the window still thrown wide, the room slowly chilled around them. Elijah, used to the controlled climate of the academy, felt every ounce of warmth being stripped away by the brisk wind.
Josephine stepped forward, a smile fading from his face. “I remember that students aren’t allowed to leave the campus at will... especially not...” he paused, arching an eyebrow in mock disdain, “attending events like this.”
Elijah's face flushed crimson, the sensation of being caught in wrongdoing by a teacher washing over him.
Despite projecting an air of confidence, Josephine felt his own nerves spike during the conversation. Seeing Elijah's flustered expression finally eased his anxiety.
There remained a vast distance to traverse before Elijah would completely oppose him. For now, the young cadet viewed him through a thick lens of respect, seeing only the Lord Commander in Josephine.
As Josephine deftly shifted their relationship back from awkward tensions to that of Commander and student, Elijah promptly dismissed the embarrassing moments from the banquet.
“Lord Commander Cedric, I am from Quadrant Four in Eldoria... My family is still there.”

Chapter 5

Elijah Fitzroy suddenly lifted his head, gritting his teeth as he locked eyes with Josephine D'Arcy. “I want to get them out of there.”
After saying this, Elijah seemed to realize he was facing Lord Commander Cedric and lowered his gaze, falling silent. A fiercely proud person, Elijah would never have shared anything personal about his family with outsiders in any other circumstance.
Despite the mixed opinions surrounding Lord Commander Cedric, Josephine D'Arcy remained an idol in the eyes of the students at the Academy. However, hearing the underlying mockery in Elijah's tone made Josephine want to clarify himself.
“I’m not interested in your family’s story,” Josephine shot back coldly, drenching Elijah with a wave of icy water that left him abruptly silent.
Maybe it was being near Elijah for too long, but Josephine caught a whiff of that strange fragrance again. Although it was lighter now, it still made his head spin. Josephine frowned, wishing to be anywhere but in the same room with Elijah.
No matter what, this young man was destined to be a key player in the future, and offending him was not an option. While Josephine D'Arcy was known for his amicable nature and commitment to fostering good relationships, he found himself needing to tread carefully. He stepped closer to Elijah, slowly raising his hand.
Before Elijah could react, a soft “ding” echoed in his ear. His eyes widened as he watched Josephine move to the window, the light panel on Elijah's wrist flickering gently—Josephine had granted him a temporary identification to exit the building.
The efficiency of the staff around Lord Commander Cedric was top-notch. Before Elijah’s emotions could settle, personnel appeared at the door at Josephine’s call.
“Take him back to the Imperial Academy of Arms.” With a press to his temple, Josephine ordered as the staff entered. The chill of the wind no longer mattered; he was fighting off dizziness, needing to brace himself against the window frame to stand firm.
Josephine’s condition was peculiar; both the staff and Elijah noticed his unusual state.
But noticing didn’t matter—the order of the Lord Commander couldn’t be defied. Despite their concern for Josephine, the attendants remained silent as they escorted Elijah out.
Once they left, the silver metal door slid shut behind them, and Josephine finally succumbed to his overwhelming feelings, dropping to one knee.
It was scorching… far too hot…
He glanced at the light panel on his wrist, registering the indoor temperature had plunged to freezing. Yet the heat radiating from his body still wouldn't abate. What was going on? Josephine slowly unbuttoned the top of his shirt and sank down onto both knees.
The light panel detected a problem, flashing a red emergency medical icon. But instinct and reason fought within him; he knew he couldn’t appear in such a state before anyone.
The window remained wide open, the wind howling more fiercely outside as the temperature continued to plummet. Josephine steeled himself and navigated the panel for health monitoring, a chill running through him as he read the notification.
“Abnormal pheromone levels.”
...Pheromones.
That term jolted Josephine into the reality of his situation within **Rebirth of the Eldorian Empire**, an ABO-themed narrative where every character is defined by a secondary gender beyond “male” or “female.”
“Damn it…” A sharp pain hit his head, as the memories of Lord Edrick surged forward. Clarity struck as he remembered again—this infamous starship General was actually an Omega disguised as an Alpha.
“Crap…” The realization churned within him. Pieces of memory swirled, revealing that Lord Edrick had been masking his true gender since adolescence, using powerful suppressants and synthetic pheromones.
At the previous gala, the man in red had sprayed Elijah Fitzroy with pheromone-enhancing cologne to increase "the mood." The scent had triggered Josephine's dormant heat cycle, forcing sensations that had been suppressed back into overdrive.
**Rebirth of the Eldorian Empire** painted Josephine as a consummate hypocrite. Rarely volatile, he usually carried himself with grace and humility.
No wonder Lord Edrick had pushed Elijah away so angrily—it was that bothersome fragrance he couldn't tolerate.
In that moment, Josephine began to understand why the character in the novel disliked Elijah so intensely and behaved so uncharacteristically.
Clearly, Lord Edrick assumed Elijah was allied with that man in red. Unable to confront the red-clad individual directly, he vented his frustration on Elijah instead.
With a moment of mental clarity and regained memory, Josephine located his concealed suppressants. He grasped the slender, opaque metal syringe in his hands. Instinctively, he bit the cap off and thrust the needle into the back of his neck.
As the medication coursed through him, Josephine exhaled deeply, collapsing onto the sofa.
No wonder this was the most potent suppressor on the market; within minutes, the overwhelming heat subsided. With his temperature returning to normal, he could finally sense just how cold the room had gotten.
Before Josephine could use the light panel to close the window, a gust of cold air rushed at him, hitting his face and jarred his thoughts.
With a newfound clarity, a pressing question jolted Josephine—since **Rebirth of the Eldorian Empire** was a rebirth narrative, was he currently in his first life… or had he moved to a second?

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