The entirety of North and South America as well as a good chunk of Europe had been completely laid waste too. The old world was gone leading to a great societal shift, as many global superpowers were no longer in existence. Entire economies crumbled and many societies had collapsed; the catastrophe being the spark that initiated an entire social revolution.
The remnants of the fallen nations divided themselves into many smaller factions known as empires, and out of these three stood at the top.
Firstly is The Federated Union of Arcadia, which was formed from the amalgamation of European and Asian nations. They are a democratic state which thrive both socially and economically. Their capital city is Willow Fall.
Then there's The Elysian Union, an empire forged from the joining together of many African and Asian nations. They practice elective monarchy and are thriving in both cultural and technological aspects. Their capital city is Komo.
Finally there is The United Pantheon Coalition, a mix of nations which are too distant apart to join the other empires. They are a unique empire born from the unity of displaced peoples across various continents that celebrates diversity but also inflicts strict adherence to its laws. Their capital is Korea, one of the few nations that continued to exist.
In the contemporary city of Willow Fall the sun began to rise with a golden hue painting the horizon and, signifying the start of a new day. A young man was sleeping in bed until and alarm rung.
"BEEP"
"BEEP"
"BEEP"
He gets up and sluggishly turns it off, and as soon as he does he hears a loud shout calling him.
"ZEPHYR!!!"
It was none other than his little sister Naomi. He came down to meet his breakfast served just like every other day.
"You're always sleeping in Oni-Chan, it's not good for a teenage boy to be late on the last day of exams." She nagged him just as always, but she did have a point this was the last day he'd see some of his friends who were leaving the city.
"Alright, I get it's an important day." He sighed
"Oh right, before I forget."
She suddenly jumped on him knocking both of them down alongside the chair.
"Happy Birthday!"
"…what?"
"It's your birthday silly, don't tell me you actually forgot."
But he truly did forget that today was his birthday, probably because of all the studying he's had to do.
*Cough*
*Cough*
"Could, you get off me now."
She realized that she had been laying on him in her undergarments for sometime now.
".... Get away from me you pervert!"
"Have Mercy."
After subduing her rage with a promise to go out for ice cream later Zephyr finally got dressed for school. He adorned his uniform, a blend of classic elegance and individuality.
Zephyr's uniform consists of a crisp, white collared shirt made from a soft, breathable fabric that ensures comfort during long school days. The shirt's design mirrors Aqua's classic blouse, featuring a button-down front and a navy blue trim along the edges of the collar and cuffs, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble.
Atop the shirt, Zephyr dons a sleeveless navy blue vest adorned with silver buttons, reminiscent of Aqua's signature vest. The vest has a slim, tailored fit, enhancing Zephyr's confident and stylish appearance. A subtle insignia of their school, perhaps an emblem featuring a star or a symbol representing their school's values, is embroidered discreetly on the vest's chest.
He opts for a pair of navy blue tailored trousers, tailored to match the formality of the outfit while offering practicality for their daily activities. He takes a look at himself in the mirror. He's a tall above average looking guy with a piercing gaze that screams with authority. With his unruly black hair as well as a good physic, it seems like he came right out a novel.
Soon after, he came down the stairs headed for the door when he saw an old photo. It was a single frame of him, Naomi and his mother. He dwelled on it for a moment before heading out the door.
Willow Fall High School wasn't far o he didn't need to take the bus, he always just walked and had grown to enjoy the scenery. A straight road leading from his home to the school was occupied by many types of houses, each adorned with beautiful fields of flowering gardens. Even though this was a city he didn't live in the densely urbanized and populated areas filled with towering sky scrapers and bustling streets.
On his way he met one of his classmates, Arvin, just an average looking guy with orange hair and his closest friend.
"Yo! Zephyr." He called out to me running and waving frantically like a child, before finally catching up.
"After today it'll all be over." He said calmly.
"Yeah I guess so, but we still have our whole lives ahead of us." He seemed to be knocked out of his stupor when I said that.
"Could you at least try to not ruin the mood."
"No." he face palmed.
We continued to chat on the way until we finally arrived. This would be the last time I'd come here as a student, so I guess I'd better take it all in, he thought.
Willow Fall High School, a building that has been here for many years in order to teach the new world of students. It stands as a beacon of growth whose exterior architecture seamlessly blends modern elements with the charm of a historic building. The school's facade is a perfect blend of red-brick walls and large, arched windows that flood the interior with natural light.
A majestic clock tower, adorned with intricate carvings, rises above the main entrance, signaling the passing of time and adding a touch of elegance to the school's appearance. Ivy vines crawl along the walls, lending an aura of maturity and wisdom to the otherwise youthful surroundings.
The school's front yard boasts a picturesque landscape, with well-manicured lawns and flowerbeds bursting with colorful blooms. Students often gather here during breaks, chatting and laughing under the shade of the towering oak trees.
After gazing towards the outer look of the building I stepped in, walking the busy hallways by myself as Arvin ran off to God knows where. As I head into the school I am greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. Polished marble floors and brightly painted walls create a welcoming ambiance for students and staff alike.
I finally reach the classroom, ready for my final papers.
"Let's get this over with"
6 hours had gone by as the students had finally written the last of their papers and the bell rang, signifying the end of the day. Amid the chatter of the excited teens was Zephyr presumably heading home, after all he had said his goodbyes to those who were departing.
He also needed to take Naomi out for ice cream. As he was going he suddenly tripped causing him to fall amidst the crowd. He tried to get up only to find that his hand was holding something oddly soft.
"..."
He landed on someone, that someone being Nikko Anderson. Not only that but he was also groping her.
"PERVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERT!!!" She screamed with her face burning red. One couldn't tell whether it was from the embarrassment or the rage.
"W-wait, I-" He immediately got uppercut across the hallway.
"Why me?" A partially conscious pervert spoke.
He woke up from the daze and saw that two people were standing over him. One was Arvin while the other was Nikko.
"Are you just going to stand there?" I asked with an annoyed look on my face.
"Yep, unlike you I don't enjoy getting hit." He mockingly said looking over at Nikko.
She was still mad but calmed her demeanor as she outstretched her arm. I took it and got up dusting off the dirt that got on me.
"Before, I forget happy birthday Zephyr." She said, visibly flustered.
"Ready for your surprise." Said Arvin.
"What surprise?"
"Don't tell me you actually thought your two closest friends wouldn't have planned anything for your birthday." Asked Nikko seemingly disappointed.
"Common we'll be late." Said Arvin as he moved about frantically.
"Where are we going anyway?" I asked, hoping it was somewhere cool.
"We're headed for Moon Star cafe!!!" Nikko was overjoyed as she had wanted to go there ever since she was a child, but now she finally could.
"Well, it'd be a waste not to go right?" They nodded in agreement
"Let's do it."
We decided to head straight for the place since we'd waste too much time changing, not to mention the fact that the place was in the busy section of the city. That meant even if we rushed over it would be too late to find any spaces. I ordered an Uber to take us as that would be easier than getting my car. On our way into the urban areas I can't help but ponder how magnificent they are.
It is a picturesque urban city nestled amidst countryside hills, is a blend of modernity and historic charm. Its gleaming skyscrapers and small time businesses streets coexist harmoniously. Bustling streets hum with the symphony of sounds from people and vehicles, while lush parks provide a peaceful escape.
We eventually reach the café and luckily there's a spot open. I always wondered what people loved about this place, and today I was about to find out.
The place looked just as good if not better than any generic coffee shop, offering a multitude of dishes and treats that stimulate the taste buds. It seemed to be able to house 15 people on the outside and 30 in the inside.
As soon as we sat down a waitress came and handed us the menu. I was the one who decided what we were getting, so I decided to get ice cream cupcakes with three milk shakes on the side. Once that was done the two of them were looking at me with disbelief.
"What?"
"You barely ever take any sweets, it's always diet, diet, diet and train with you." Arvin said in a mocking tone.
I felt a vein pop as he said that, with Nikko struggling to hold in her laughter.
"I'll have you know, I'm also taking Naomi out for ice cream later. I've decided to treat myself today." I said with my chest out.
A few minutes of chatting later and our order arrives.
"Alright, let's dig in OW!" Arvin was hit on the head by a furious Nikko.
"We have to sing first." She said.
"Yeah, stop acting like an addict or something."
"But."
"NO BUTS!!!" Zephyr and Nikko yelled at the same time, causing Arvin to back down.
"Ha-"
They were cut off as sirens ran amok across the city. Every denizen of the city knew what the alarm meant, a Raid was coming."
(A/N): A raid is a frequent event in which a fallen angel or a group of them descend upon the earth to cease their boredom. They usually result in death and destruction across the invaded areas.
An explosion could be heard a distance away, as a blood red portal appeared in the sky. Based on its size the portal was ranked one on the chaos scale, meaning that only a small amount of fallen could arrive.
Panic ensued as soon as the alarms went off, the previously civil and peaceful café was now in ruins as people tried their best to escape.
Zephyr, Nikko and Arvin were still shocked by the situation, as none of them made a move. How could they not be? Today was the beginning of the rest of their lives and all they'd wanted to do was have fun. That was the thought running through their minds.
Then the portal opened up, allowing the appearance of a single fallen angel. He was clad in black armor with a spear and shield in hand. He looked around to see the entire area deserted, most people in the area had already made it to the bunkers waiting for military action.
He then saw us, his armor morphed to reveal a massive grin on his face. With an arm outstretched a Qi beam formed at the tip of his index finger. It was then that I snapped out of my stupor.
"GET DOWN!!!" I yelled as I jumped grabbing the two of them and breaking through the glass pane of the shop.
The energy blast moved at rocketing speeds towards us leveling the entire shop to rubble.
The angel showed a sickening smile of self satisfaction as the military arrived on scene. Tanks, attack helicopters, armored vehicles and many foot soldiers filled the area ready to fight. It was clear from the looks on their faces that they knew battle was futile, but that wasn't their end goal. Their end goal is to stall it long enough for the rest of the city to evacuate.
Without a moment to lose they fired at will as an onslaught occurred on the battlefield.
*Cough*
*Cough*
Under the rubble was a bruised and battered Zephyr holding on to an unconscious Nikko. They were nearly buried under the shop, barely managing to survive.
"N-Nikko," he said while trying to get up.
She didn't respond just laying dormant. He had gotten up with some difficulty practically limping towards her. Once he did reach her he cleared some rubble on top of her, trying his best to wake her up to no avail.
"Dammit, she must be out cold." He said with a hint of frustration.
"Z-Zephyr." Someone weakly called out. I immediately recognized the voice and immediately started heading that direction.
"ARVIN!" I called out his name, hoping he would respond.
"H-Here."
He was right ahead of me as I tried to get to him as quickly as possible. Once I got to him my heart sank at what I saw.
"No, this can't be happening." Zephyr commented in disbelief.
Before him was his oldest and closest friend Arvin, bleeding to death as a steel rail pierced right through his abdomen.
I couldn't move as tears filled my eyes. I rushed towards him trying my best to lift the rail to no avail. No matter how much I struggled, the rail just wouldn't budge. In the midst of my effort a moist hand reached out to me grabbing my arm.
"T-There's no way you can lift that thing *cough* just take Nikko and go."
I turned to see Arvins' blood soaked arms reach out to mine, and with a cheerful smile he spoke.
"I don't want you to waste your life saving me, just promise me you'll take good care of Nikko and Naomi."
I couldn't hold back my tears, this can't be happening, this shouldn't be happening. I sobbed uncontrollably as I gripped his arm.
"I promise." He smiled as he pulled me in closer to tell me something.
"I will." That was all I said.
He rested his head and slowly closed his eyes, giving out a final sigh. Arvin had died, albeit it was a peaceful way he was still taken away from this world prematurely.
As his body fell limp I rested his arm which still clung unto mine. I stood up with my fist clenched only to hear a notification in my head.
[3
2
1]
[Required age 16 reached]
[System reactivation complete]
[The system wishes the host a happy birthday]
[Unlocking system attributes]
[Displaying character profile]
[Name: Zephyr Everwood
Age: 16
Level: 1
Exp: 0/100
Stats:
Strength-0
Speed-0
Health-0
Dexterity-0
Intelligence-0
SP: 15
QI: 100
Skills: Bloodlust(0)]
I was dumbfounded despite the current situation. A holographic screen had appeared in front of me displaying a whole bunch of information.
"What the hell is this?" I tried to grab it but I couldn't interact with the screen.
[Host can only interact with the screen to assign points or check their inventory]
"What do you mean by host?" I started getting suspicious, this all seemed like some sick joke.
[The host is the individual who the system has chosen]
If that was the case then why did it choose me especially in a scenario like this one.
[Host is damaged]
[Initialize skill unlock....complete]
[Host has been given passive skill regeneration, it uses up 10 QI]
I suddenly feel a jolt of energy surround my body as it starts to heal itself. With this occurrence I come to terms with what's happening.
"Can I get stronger?"
[Yes, the host can get stronger by distributing stat points into the available stats. Each point multiplies the initial ability by 10 times over for example in the case of intelligence a single point with boost your ability to perform mentally taxing techniques by 10 times over]
I look on in disbelief at the unimaginable possibilities that are presented.
"Do I have any missions to gain points?" Zephyr said this in a dead serious tone.
[The host will be granted a mission as soon as points have been distributed. You can get a maximum of 10SP every time you level up]
I look at the screen with my stats and start distributing my abilities. Once I'm done the first mission is given.
[Name: Zephyr Everwood
Age: 16
Level: 1
Exp: 0/100
Stats:
Strength-5
Speed-3
Health-2
Dexterity-2
Intelligence-1
SP: 2
QI: 90
Skills: Bloodlust(0), Regeneration(10)
Mission: slay the fallen angel within your vicinity
Rewards- 500exp, the passive skill Danger Sense, access to the Divine Training Dimension
Punishment for failure- Death
Time limit- None]
"Perfect, now I can kill you….you dammed angel!"