Aric and Loren strolled through the lively streets of Valoria, where the Valen family resided. Valoria was a beacon of prosperity within the Auroran Empire, one of its largest and most influential cities.
Despite the technological advancements that had reshaped the world, people in Valoria preferred to live as they had for centuries—clinging to familiar customs and lifestyles but in a more sustainable and pristine environment.
The reshuffling of Earth eight hundred years ago merged lands and peoples, transforming borders and nations in unimaginable ways. The Auroran Empire was formed from territories that once spanned Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.
Parts of what used to be France, Italy, and Spain had fused with regions of Japan and Senegal. Even some parts of Malaysia and Brazil had become integral parts of this vast empire, which now stretched across continents, comprising more than fifty cities, hundreds of towns, and thousands of villages.
The streets of Valoria were wide and bustling with activity. Hovering cars glided effortlessly over magnetic rails, and sleek, silent trains zipped through elevated tracks, transporting people remarkably efficiently.
Despite the availability of teleportation hubs, most people preferred walking or driving, finding comfort in the familiar routines of daily life.
Besides, it was costly for normal people to access those hubs.
The buildings, though modern, had an aesthetic charm that echoed the past. Greenery hanging from terraces and sustainable architecture blended seamlessly with nature.
"You ever think about how this place came together?" Aric asked, looking around the marketplace, where vendors sold a mix of traditional goods and cutting-edge technology. "Valoria didn't even exist eight hundred years ago."
Loren nodded. "A lot of cities didn't. When the Earth was reshuffled, parts of many countries merged. The Auroran Empire was formed out of chaos. It wasn't easy, but they managed to unite. All of it fused into the central region of the empire. The pieces just... fell into place."
"And now it's one of the most powerful empires in the world," Aric mused. "Fifty cities, hundreds of towns, and villages everywhere you look. It's hard to imagine it was ever anything else."
Loren adjusted his glasses. "That's the Emperor for you. He's the one who holds it all together."
"The Emperor…" Aric said thoughtfully. "He's a Paragon, too, right?"
Loren smirked. "Not just any Paragon. Emperor Kael is one of the earliest Novas to reach the rank of a Paragon. He reached the rank of Paragon centuries ago, and he's been ruling ever since. But even more than that, he's got the Twelve Knights of Auroran backing him up."
"Twelve Auroran Knights?" Aric asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Loren continued. "Each of them is at the rank of Paragon, just like Agustin. That's how the Emperor keeps everything in check. If anyone threatens the empire, the Twelve Knights step in, and trust me, no one wants to face them."
Aric looked impressed. "But isn't Agustin one of the strongest Paragons in the world right now?"
Loren smiled knowingly. "Agustin might be one of the Twelve Great Paragons, the strongest people on Earth, but even with that title, he's just one man. The Emperor has the Twelve Knights."
"Besides, those titles are only given to those who participated and secured the top twelve spots in the Battle of the Novas held once every hundred years," added Loren.
"Do you mean they are still Novas on par with the Twelve Great Paragons?"
Loren nodded. "Too many of them. Some chose to live in seclusion."
He added, "The Battle of the Novas showcased power and dominance. For those already in positions of authority, like Emperors, Empresses, Kings, and Queens, there's no need for them to prove themselves this way."
"I see. So we don't know who was stronger between Agustin and the Emperor."
Loren looked around, making sure Aric did not use the topic just so that he would lose focus and lure him to any places that could harm him before replying, "Both sides know their place."
Aric's interest was piqued by Loren's remarks.
Seeing Aric's enthusiasm, Loren continued, "They've chosen to live without crossing each other's borders. Agustin has no plans to challenge the Emperor, and the Emperor respects Agustin's power enough not to provoke him. It's a delicate balance, but it works."
"Still," Aric said, shaking his head in disbelief, "living in a world with people like Agustin and the Emperor… it's like we're surrounded by gods."
"In a way, we are," Loren said softly. "But even gods have rules. The Emperor knows that keeping peace is more important than winning any battle. That's why we've had stability for so long. The Twelve Knights keep families like ours in check, and Agustin knows that."
Aric and Loren rarely called Agustin their grandfather, only when speaking directly to him. They felt hurt by the way he had treated them over the years.
To Agustin, they held little significance. Aric was powerless, while Loren was seen merely as a smart boy.
Aric glanced around the streets, seeing the people of Valoria go about their lives as if nothing extraordinary was happening in the world. They lived in peace, unaware of the delicate balance that held everything together.
It was a strange thought—knowing that such immense power existed just beneath the surface, held in check only by the understanding between Paragons.
"You ever wonder what the Emperor's really like?" Aric asked suddenly.
Loren shrugged. "No one really knows. He's a mystery, even to the higher circles. He doesn't show himself much, only when he's needed. But he's more than just a figurehead. If the empire's in trouble, the Emperor will act. And when he does, the Twelve Auroran Knights are right there with him."
"Guess that's why even Agustin plays by the rules," Aric muttered. "No one wants to go up against the Emperor and his Paragons."
"Exactly," Loren said. "It's not just about power—it's about control. Agustin may be one of the strongest on Earth, but he's smart. He knows that balance is more important than domination. That's why the Valen family thrives—we understand the bigger picture."
As they walked through Valoria, Aric couldn't help but think about how strange and vast the empire was. There was so much power and complexity, yet he was still trying to figure out his place in the world.
"Do you ever feel like you're just… stuck?" Aric asked quietly.
Loren gave him a curious glance. "Stuck how?"
"I don't know," Aric admitted. "Like all of this—the empire, the Paragons, the power struggles—it's too big for people like us."
Loren smiled. "You're not stuck, Aric. You're just figuring things out. Sure, you don't have powers, but that doesn't mean you don't have a place in this world. You just have to find it."
Aric chuckled, though there was still uncertainty in his eyes. "Maybe. But for now, I'm just trying to keep my head above water."
As Aric and Loren reached the city square, they were greeted by the towering screens that adorned the sides of the surrounding buildings. The screens, which usually displayed advertisements or entertainment, suddenly flickered with a bright red banner: Emergency News.
The crowd in the square paused, and a hush fell over the bustling marketplace as all eyes turned toward the broadcast.
A news anchor appeared on the screen, her poised and polished appearance demanding attention. She had striking, professional features—a neatly tied bun of dark hair, sharp cheekbones, and piercing blue eyes framed by a calm yet serious expression.
Her voice was smooth and confident, as natural as if she were discussing the weather, though the gravity of her words was far more intense.
"We interrupt your regular programming to bring you breaking news from the southern region of the empire," she began, her tone measured. "Earlier today, a coordinated attack from a mix of Therians and Avians struck several villages and towns. This is the third such attack in this month."
The screen shifted to videos of destruction—buildings toppled, fires smoldering, and terrified citizens being escorted to safety by soldiers and Novas alike. The devastation was clear, and gasps rippled through the crowd as they watched in horror.
"Fortunately," the anchor continued, "the attacks were successfully neutralized by Isaac Voss, a Champion-ranked Nova. Isaac, known for his incredible power of Geokinesis, used his abilities to bring the situation under control."
The scene changed again, this time showing Isaac Voss, a tall and muscular man in his mid-thirties, standing in the aftermath of the attack. He was covered in dust and debris, but his expression was one of calm confidence.
Behind him, the earth had been shaped into defensive walls containing the remains of the battle. Soldiers and medics were seen assisting civilians, but the worst had clearly passed.
"Isaac Voss has been hailed as a hero," the anchor continued. "His quick response and decisive actions have saved countless lives today. The southern region is now secure, and the threat has been eliminated. We owe him and all those who serve our deepest gratitude."
The screen flicked back to the news anchor, her composed expression returning as the broadcast ended with a final statement. "Citizens of the Auroran Empire, rest assured that we are protected. Heroes like Isaac Voss continue to defend our lands and ensure our safety. Stay vigilant, and remember—we stand united."
When the news finished, cheers erupted from the people gathered in the square. Some clapped, others raised their fists in celebration, and many murmured praise for the Nova who had saved the day.
Loren smiled as he watched the crowd's reaction. "Well, that was impressive. Isaac Voss—Champion-ranked. Not bad."
But Aric wasn't as enthusiastic. He stood with his arms crossed, his brow furrowed in thought. "Impressive? Sure. But why broadcast this? What's the point of telling everyone about an attack already dealt with?"
Loren glanced at him curiously. "What do you mean? It's news. People have a right to know what's going on, right?"
Aric shook his head. "Think about it, Loren. The attack was handled by a Champion Nova. I'm not saying that's easy, but if one Champion could take care of it—even if he's someone like Isaac Voss—it means the attack wasn't as deadly as they're making it out to be."
Loren frowned, processing what Aric was saying. "But it still caused a lot of damage."
"Yeah, it did," Aric conceded. "But they don't need to spread fear like this. Showing the destruction and talking about the attacks are making people anxious, putting them on edge. And for what? To build up Isaac's reputation? They're just using this to make him look like the hero of the hour."
Loren looked thoughtful for a moment. "So, you think they're using him as some sort of influencer—someone to keep the people united behind a common figure?"
"Exactly," Aric said, nodding. "They want people to see these selected Novas as symbols, the glue that holds everything together. Don't get me wrong, it's great that Isaac Voss did what he did, but this feels more like propaganda than actual news."
Loren raised an eyebrow. "You think the empire is trying to manipulate public perception? That's a pretty big accusation, Aric."
"I'm not saying it's a conspiracy or anything," Aric replied, his tone measured. "But why make people live in fear, knowing about these attacks? The Novas could handle it; the military could handle it. The general public doesn't need to know every detail about what's happening out there. They should just live without worrying about monsters tearing apart their homes."
"Interesting," Loren said, intrigued. "So, you'd rather they keep this information within the Novas community or the military, then?"
Aric shrugged. "Why not? The average person can't do anything about a Therian or Avian attack. They're helpless. It feels like telling them all this will only make them more terrified. And fear isn't going to help anyone."
Loren smiled faintly. "You're a lot more perceptive than you let on?"
Aric laughed softly. "I just pay attention, that's all."
The crowd around them continued to buzz with excitement, oblivious to the deeper implications that Aric had noticed.
The news had done its job—reassuring the public that they were safe and that heroes like Isaac Voss would always be there to protect them.
But Aric couldn't shake the feeling that there was more behind the scenes than just a simple Nova saving the day.