The aircraft's engines slow to a rumble as it lands at London's Heathrow Airport, the sky just beginning to lighten with the blush of dawn. The city, always a hub of activity, already teems with life as people move purposefully to and from their destinations. Despite the early hour, the EWF (Earth's Worlds Federation) London branch is already a bustling hive of activity, its imposing administrative building filled to the brim with administrators, analysts, engineers, and other professionals.
Located in the heart of London, at Central Square, the London EWF branch serves not just as an important base for the Federation but also houses one of the only three gates in the central continent. These gates, acting as fast travel points, are crucial for the rapid transportation of personnel and resources, making the London branch an essential node in the EWF network.
The London branch's importance is only compounded by its status as the current headquarters of the Federation's President, Ivan Rodrigo Chevski. Chevski, a man of undeniable power and influence, is also a well-respected ranker, a title denoting exceptional skill and performance within the EWF.
His presence adds a layer of gravity to the already significant work happening at the London office. It is a testament to his strategic leadership and the overall operational importance of the office, a bastion in the EWF's far-reaching influence that extends across the entire solar system. A gentle reminder that this is the base of the most powerful ranker among the EWF, an organization that rules the Solar System with a careful and steady hand.
As the plane taxis to its gate, you can see the massive EWF building just a few miles away, its tall silhouette an iconic part of London's skyline. The sight serves as a reminder of the significant role this city, this building, and the people within it, play in the operations of EWF and the governance of the Solar System.
The Morningstar household plane, a sleek craft emblematic of the family's prestige, lands with a graceful roar on the landing strip. The bustle in the area increases significantly, an undercurrent of excited chatter flowing through the crowd as the plane's doors open and the Morningstar family members, led by Kevin Russ, disembark in an orderly manner. Their entrance is a symphony of elegance, command, and understated power, capturing the attention of all those present.
The uniform they wear, a stylish ensemble consisting of a black coat with silver lining and a pair of white wings emblazoned on the chest, is a well-known symbol in this era. It represents the Morningstar Household, a name that resonates with awe and respect across the Solar System.
The Morningstars are primarily known for their successful trade company, MorningStar Commerce, run by the previous head's second son, Daniel Morningstar. MS Commerce specializes in dealing with otherworld materials, a niche but high-demand market. Their branches are strategically located near the gates, but their presence extends to nearly all major cities on Earth and throughout the Solar System. MS Commerce's proficiency in finding and trading rare materials is so renowned that a saying has taken root: if MS Commerce can't find it, it can't be found anywhere.
But the family's influence is not limited to commerce. Among the 32 senators of the EWF, one seat is occupied by Richard Morningstar, the eldest son and a powerful ranker himself. His strategic decisions and leadership have been instrumental in guiding the EWF's governance.
The Morningstars' military prowess is embodied by Harrison Morningstar, the youngest Lt. Colonel of the EWF Intelligence Bureau. Known for his courageous single-handed disruption of a major operation by The Uprising, a feared anti-Federation group that had been gaining power over the past two years, Harrison's fame extends well beyond military circles.
And it doesn't stop there. The next generation of the Morningstar family is showing promise as well. With numerous members demonstrating exceptional talents and intelligence, they are widely regarded as future leaders of the EWF.
Whether it's their remarkable achievements, their involvement in key sectors of society, or their sheer prestige, the Morningstars command attention wherever they go. As they step off the plane and into the hustle of the EWF headquarters, heads turn, and whispers fill the air. They have arrived, and the day at the EWF London office promises to be anything but ordinary.
Another unique trait about the Morningstars, and an often-discussed point of interest, is their striking good looks. It's as if handsomeness runs in their blood, a genetic boon that ensures each family member is more attractive than the last. And yet, in this family of Adonis-like figures, stands an oddball: Jimmy, a plump young man with a constant fondness for lollipops.
Contrary to the lean, aesthetically appealing figures of his family, Jimmy proudly flaunts his extra pounds. Despite the sidelong glances and suppressed giggles, he gets from onlookers, he remains cheerfully nonchalant, often insisting that his size only adds to his charm.
His younger sister, Ruby, can't help but tease him, "Hey fatball, look, people are staring at you. Damn, I am so embarrassed to walk beside you. Can't you stop licking the lollipop? For god's sake, you're 16 now."
Unfazed, Jimmy retorts, "Shut up, skinny bonehead. They're not staring; they're admiring. You have no idea how handsome I am."
"Oh god. What a thick head!" Ruby retorts, barely suppressing her laughter.
"And don't you dare to comment on my lollipop, or else I'll post that video of you caressing the hair of your doll. Yuck!" Jimmy threatens with a triumphant smirk.
"What the! When did you make a video, fatty? I will kill you if you do anything with that video." Ruby's face reddens with outrage.
"Then shut your trap."
"First, delete the video."
"I won't."
"You..."
Just as the twins' verbal sparring threatens to escalate into a full-blown fight, an older voice interjects, "Both of you, keep quiet, or I'll call Eldest Uncle. He's in his office."
The mention of their father by their elder cousin, Jonathan, immediately has the desired effect. Like dousing a fire with ice-cold water, the twins fall silent, their usual bickering instantly forgotten. Jonathan can't help but smile at the sudden transformation. These two are well-known for their antics in the family, but their father is their one true weakness. The threat of invoking his displeasure is always a sure way to calm their theatrics. The Morningstar twins, as usual, provide their fair share of entertainment in the midst of the bustling EWF London office.
The Morningstar group makes their way to the heavily fortified entrance of the grand building, the imposing presence of EWF soldiers emitting an aura of formidable power that is almost suffocating to the average individual. They are tasked with the critical role of guarding the gate, especially today, during the Awakening ceremony. The event draws a considerable crowd every three months, even though each individual is assigned a specific day to attend.
Considering there are only three gates on the entire central continent – one in New London, England, another in Astana, Kazakhstan, Russia, and the last in Vienna, Austria – the throng of people is understandable. Each attendant is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or family member, making the crowd even larger.
Everyone who comes here has a purpose, a dream. Some seek power, others wealth. Some come in pursuit of revenge, and yet others yearn for freedom. The less fortunate and those without rank place their hopes on their children's Awakening. They dream that their offspring might manifest a talent or affinity, allowing them to ascend the steep social hierarchy.
For the legacy families, like the Morningstars, the Awakening is less of a lottery and more of a rite of passage. Thanks to their elite lineage and meticulous preparation since childhood, the manifestation of an affinity is almost guaranteed. However, for the majority of others, the chances are far less promising.
Only 5% of the children will manifest a sufficiently potent elemental affinity that can ensure their enrolment into prestigious colleges or otherworldly-related institutions. 55% will have an elemental affinity, but it will be weak, and not sufficient enough to aid their ascension in society. The remaining 40% won't manifest any affinity at all.
Thus, the harsh reality of their world is laid bare: only 5 in every 100 individuals will be able to stride towards their dreams. The odds of Awakening a unique talent are even more dismal, at a measly 0.0001%. This translates to only 1 in every 1000000 individuals possessing a unique talent. It's a game of extreme odds, but the potential rewards make it worth the gamble for many.
The crowd assembled today is a testament to the power of dreams and the human spirit's relentless desire to thrive. Soldiers, acting as gatekeepers, are meticulously checking for either an appointment confirmation for today's Awakening or a ranker ID issued by the EWF, only allowing these individuals to enter.
Among the Morningstar group, a tall young man in his early twenties steps forward, presenting the necessary documents to the stern-faced soldiers. Recognizing the legitimacy of the presented credentials, the soldiers give a crisp military salute and step aside, opening a path for the Morningstar delegation.
With an air of anticipation hanging over them, the group proceeds into the colossal EWF building. The ceremonial day has truly begun, and one can only speculate what the day's outcome will hold for each participant.
In the crowd, a group of young children accompanied by their teacher watches the Morningstar group proceed with wide-eyed curiosity. One particularly observant student turns to their teacher and inquires, "Sir Austin, why didn't the soldiers check their appointment letter? They just let them pass, just like that?"
The teacher sighs, shaking his head with an amused smile, "Ah, you're young, so you don't recognize them. I know them because of their distinctive uniform – they're from the MorningStar family. You've probably heard of their business, MS Commerce, though they're rather secretive. Many know about them, but few have actually seen them in person. They don't appear in public often. The young man leading the group – you probably recognize him. That's Jonathan Morningstar, the 'Battle Maniac', and the third-ranked contender in the Rising Dragon chart."
Excitement flares among the students as one of them exclaims, "I know him! I saw the last World Rising Dragon Cup. They said he was only 17 then, a first-year student. He was one of the youngest candidates and the youngest ever to place in the top three."
"Yes, that's right," the teacher replies. "Jonathan is known to all, but after the tournament, he disappeared from the public eye. He came like a storm, causing a huge stir, then passed by in a blink. Hence, you may not remember his face. He's 21 this year, and I believe he'll be a main contender for the top spot in the next World Rising Dragon Cup. Imagine how much stronger he will have become in these four years."
The students collectively gasp, a wave of awe washing over them. As bystanders gaze at the Morningstar group with a mix of envy, respect, and reverence, the children accompanying Jonathan can't help but feel a surge of pride. Many of them seldom venture out, making this one of the rare instances they experience the high regard in which their family is held. They follow Jonathan towards the registration desk, their faces held high in pride, knowing that they are accompanying one of the future powerhouses of their world.