"Papa look!" Maria exclaimed, stuffing newspapers into my father's lap.
Headline: "Tragedy Strikes: Alder Biopharmaceuticals Tower Devastated in Mysterious Celestial Catastrophe"
"Bright Light From the Skies: Enigmatic Incident Claims 35 Lives." He read out loud. "A pity."
"Is it, though?" I asked, sitting straight across from him, the smell of my mother's cooking entering my nose. "I mean, he was your rival, so isn't this a good thing?"
"Absolutely not, Lucio," he asserted, embarking on his lecture. A sip of coffee and a leisurely puff of his cigarette preceded his words. Seated in a chair, he loomed above others, his coal-black hair meticulously styled in a neat comb-over, a well-groomed mustache framing the determination beneath his nose.
"Don't forget Lucio, no matter who, we are all human." I found myself annoyed, biting my teeth down to not make it obvious, "do you understand, son?"
"I understand papa!" Maria blurted out, writing in a small notebook as she murmured our father's words to herself. "Lucio, do you understand?"
Paying no heed to him, I turned my focus to the tumultuous scene at the stair's summit. My other three siblings made their descent. Raph, or Luna, descended casually in pajamas, while behind her, the true disturbance unfolded. Lorenzo, with ease, carried a resistant Alex over his shoulders, both impeccably dressed in formal suits.
"Need help with breakfast, mom?" Luna offered. "Thank you." She responded, signaling for her to come into the kitchen. "Lucio," my dad looked at me again, "Alder may be dead, yes. But his company still exists. I take no pride in his death, and I wouldn't even if his company went rock-bottom."
"Got it, Dad," I responded, my mind a whirlwind of confusion. Setting the newspaper down, my father moved to the kitchen counter, seating himself with a casual air reminiscent of a diner. "Here you go, esposo," my mother said, presenting a plate of chorizo and eggs layered over one another, a flour tortilla positioned beside them, along with bacon, a triangular slice of toast, and of course, a fork.
"Thank you, mi amor." He replied, tearing a part of the tortilla and grabbing a handful of whatever.
Maria and I got off our butts, and sat down on the far end, that way our parents could sit next to each other. Everybody got the same plate, except for Lorenzo who had his chorizo, egg, and bacon wrapped into a burrito, with refried beans and Spanish rice sitting on the side of the plate.
"Oh," Lorenzo mumbled between bites, "Lucio, Luna... I had a little chinwag with some acquaintances of mine. Word is, they can grease the wheels and get you two in today."
"Get us in what?" I asked, taking my time with the food. "What else," he scarfed his burrito down, gulping loudly, "the academy."
'Great, the academy.'
Or to be more precise, the Windsor Military Academy. Every major city in the world has a military academy, and ours happens to be the number one ranked in Amerith, and second in the world. Most schools through eighth grade tend to just have programs that help system users. However, it's high school where the military takes over, focusing purely on the improvements of abilities and recruitment to the military.
The only general studies class that carries over is history, the reason being that the more one levels up their intelligence, the more knowledge they gain of things such as math, language, science, and more.
In Amerith, it's four years before graduation. However, some who are considered to be prodigies, like Lorenzo, will be taken out of the academy and straight into the ranks of one of the military branches. Considering the country is at war with Montag, the country directly bordered to our north. The war started three years ago when they invaded us. Since it started, the Volarian Kingdom has funded them in fighting us. Apparently, Queen Victoria Chambers, the seventh Child of Wonder, is anti-imperialist. She's only one year older than me, and was crowned at age ten when her father, the previous king, fell ill. And with no sons, and as the eldest daughter, she took the throne.
"Better hustle those taste buds, they'll be here soon." Lorenzo babbled, finishing up his plate, a burp sounding through the air. "Don't tell me…" I moped.
Before I could even finish my plate, a knock hit the front door. "I got it, I know them!" He placed his dish in the sink, and jogged to the front door and opened it. At the door stood a man and woman, both in military uniform.
"Captain Sombra, we've come on behalf of Principle Kennedy." The man flatly stated, holding out his hand for a handshake, Lorenzo taking it. "I am First Sergeant Jackson, and this is Staff Sergeant Labrada. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."
"Please," Lorenzo chuckled, rubbing his head. "I can't refer to you guys by military title at my home. Please, no formalities."
"In that case sir, my name is Xavier."
"And I'm Paloma."
"Marvelous! Pleasure to make your acquaintance, friends. I go by Lorenzo in these parts. Now get out from that snow, come on in."
Taking off their damp hats, they walked in, my parents also going to give them greetings. "This is a beautiful family here, sir." Xavier flattered my parents, "why thank you." My father responded, still smoking his cigarette.
As the soldiers stood next to each other, there were four ways to tell them apart: first, Xavier stood a head taller than Paloma; second, her eyes were cherry red, unlike Xavier's espresso eyes, akin to his skin; third, Paloma's fingers were covered with shining rings, whilst Xavier's single ring on his finger stood out, glistening; fourth, Xavier appeared to have a scar running across his nose, whereas Paloma's skin looked untouched. Also, they both tapped their feet on the ground, yet neither shared the same rhythm.
"Are these the two, then?" Paloma wondered, her hands on her knees as if we were children. "Yes, my brother Lucio and my sister Luna."
"It's nice to meet the both of you." She shook Luna's hand. I remained seated, examining my hands. 'Who'd have thought those seven would share such a thing.'
Last night, after using my right sigil, I completed the quest.
[Main quest completed.]
[150,000+ EXP]
[Progress to next level: 190,000/243,000 EXP]
[Processing reward…]
[Reward granted.]
[Reward: Many years ago, the first God of creation, ◼️ ◼️ ◼️, became [error], resulting in a punishment. On a faraway planet known as Earth, morality was a huge issue, but so was faith. Nearly every planet in the universe with sentient life knows of the first God. Earth however struggled, multiple religions developing. Even after the first God made himself known, the humans feigned ignorance and denied. As punishment for those who sin, he disallows them from entering Heaven. The Seven Children of Wonder are sinners, sent here from Earth as punishment.]
'Is this truly a punishment? Heck, compared to the fiery pits of hell, this place is practically a Sunday stroll.'
[False.]
'Then pray tell, how is Hell not worse than here?'
[That was not part of the reward. Figure it out yourself.]
'Tch, damn thing.' Annoyed, I rapidly tapped my finger on the counter. 'Well, whatever. That's definitely some interesting information. But still, why give them so much power if this is supposed to be a punishment?'
"Excuse me," I looked up, Paloma tucking her hair behind her ear, "It's Lucio, isn't it?" I begrudgingly answered, "it's nice to meet your acquaintance ma'am."
"Yes, likewise. But I imagine you're wondering why we're here?" I nodded my head. "It's really quite simple. You see, both you and your sister possess great skills, and your potential from what we've seen is very high." She took a pause, grabbing an envelope and handing it to me. "Your sister will be enrolled into the Windsor Military Academy."
"Wait, what about Lucio?" Lorenzo questioned, "I requested they both be accepted."
Paloma walked past him and grabbed her hat. "Apologies Lor-...Captain Sombra, per request of the higher ups, Lucio Sombra has been rejected." She put her hat on, Xavier handed an envelope to Luna and shook my parents' hands, "Apologies Mr. and Mrs. Sombra, but I'm afraid Poloma and I have to head back to the academy."
My parents acknowledged the fact, Lorenzo still in disbelief. "So my son. You still handed him an envelope, what is in there if not a letter from the Academy?" My father asked, opening the door for the two to walk out.
"Truth is, we don't know either. We were just told to deliver it and leave. We were also instructed to let you guys know that Lucio has a decision to make regarding the contents of the letter. Other than that, we know nothing." Xavier added. "Nada."
"Yes, yes, we understand." Mother said. "Stay safe, you two."
As they stepped down the stairs, Paloma looked up one last time, "Thanks. You guys stay safe as well."
The door shut.
"I guess this means things didn't go like you thought they would. You may be the youngest captain ever, but don't forget. Even you have limits."
"You don't get it dad," Lorenzo leaned against the stairs, rubbing his forehead, "There's just no reason to deny Lucio. He's a high level for his age. I guarantee with just his level alone he'd rank in the top ten percent of the school as a freshman. It just doesn't make sense."
"Who's to say his talents have gone to waste? He has a letter, no?"
Lorenzo looked up at me, then back to dad, and sighed, "You're right."
"Hear that, Lucio? Open it up. And read aloud."
I slid my finger through the envelope, glancing up at Luna and mother, both giving me looks of reassurance. Once opened, I placed the envelope on the counter and unfolded the letter, clearing my throat.
The letter read,
"Dear, Lucio Sombra.
RE: SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM- DRAFT NOTICE
This letter is to inform you that you have been selected for military service under the provisions of the Selective Service Act. Your induction is necessary for the defense of our nation.
You are hereby ordered to report for induction at the following location:
MidVale Marine Induction Hub.
MidVale, Amerith.
Date and Time: September eighth at midday.
Please ensure that you bring the following items with you:
This notice
Identification (e.g., Driver's License, Passport)
Social Security Card
Any relevant medical records
Failure to report for induction as ordered is a violation of the law and may result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
If you believe there are grounds for deferment, exemption, or postponement, please contact the Selective Service System immediately at [Contact Information] to discuss your circumstances.
Your cooperation and service to our country are appreciated. We wish you the best during your time of service.
Sincerely,
Dexter Chase
Major General
Selective Service System."
"Hey, that's the same day Luna's going to the academy!" Alex added, speaking for once. Maria, who was sitting next to him, nodded her head in agreement.
Mother placed her hands over her face, leaning on the counter opposite to Luna and I. She fretted. "Not another boy of mine."
"Wait a minute…" Lorenzo's face lit up, my father consoling mother. "Yes," Luna began to confirm, finishing her plate of food. "Lucio's been drafted."
"My dreams come true! Hahaha!" Lorenzo rejoiced, tackling Alex for no reason. "L-Lorenzo get off!"
As the two wrestled, Maria distanced herself from them, and stood next to Luna and I. She dug into her pouch, grabbing her little notebook and pencil, "So they're drafting people? Even Lucio'll go." She started to write. But what, I don't know.
I met Luna's gaze, our lifeless eyes creating a magnetic pull akin to a moth to a flame. However, hers concealed a truth beneath a facade, a pretense waiting to be unraveled.
"Don't get nervous."
"I won't."
Luna smiled, standing up to put her plate in the sink, "It'll be okay, mom. Lucio's strong. And Lorenzo will protect him." She threw a look at Lorenzo, who immediately stopped his childish antics. Alex rolled away whilst expecting more, but Lorenzo didn't.
"M-My hair…" Alex mumbled.
Lorenzo went and hugged our parents and whispered, "I got him ma. Leave him to me. Hell, I'll take him today."
She slapped him in the chest, "Trying to take my baby away from me?!" She teared up, making her way for me.
She embraced me, warmth and all. I was caught off guard, and I saw Luna grin at my discomfort. Despite that, I saw no reason to defy, so I also hugged her.
My father tore her off me. But not before she could leave a big smooch onto my forehead.
Misunderstanding the mood, Lorenzo also charged at me, yelling as he did so. "You're gonna love it!" He attempted to hug me, my foot meeting his face, "Fuck off."