Prologue
In the far reaches of the universe, an unprecedented event disrupted the order of the stars. It was called the Cosmic Cataclysm. No one knew the origin of the colossal energy wave that burst forth like a dying heart at the center of the galaxy. Its devastating shockwave ripped planets from their orbits, destroying some and scattering others into a chaotic new solar system. Earth, once a silent observer of the cosmos' mysteries, was swept away in this cataclysmic surge.
But this upheaval was not solely destructive. A strange energy, later named Starlight Essence, infused Earth. It transformed its ecosystem and its inhabitants. Some humans began to develop incredible powers, tied to the cosmic energy. These abilities were rare and seemed to select their bearers based on criteria no one fully understood.
Years passed, and humanity adapted to its new environment. Amidst the interplanetary chaos, new alliances and hostilities arose. Earth, though strengthened by its chosen few, had to negotiate its place in this fragmented galactic system. The Alliance of Worlds was born—a fragile coalition of planets striving to restore some semblance of order. But every order carries within it the seeds of discord.
The Introduction of the Protagonist
On a windswept plain bathed in shimmering hues, a lone figure stood against the horizon. Rafael D. Ryu, eighteen years old, was one of the rare humans touched by the Starlight Essence. His eyes gleamed with golden hues whenever his powers awakened, and a strange energy seemed to vibrate around him, like an invisible halo.
Rafael lived in the ruins of what had once been a grand human city. New Bastion, as it was now called, had become a metropolis built on human technology and fragments of extraterrestrial artifacts uncovered after the Cataclysm. However, the balance there was fragile, and tensions were rising between the humans gifted with powers and those without.
"Rafael! Stop daydreaming!" a familiar voice shouted.
The young man turned his head to see Myra, his best friend, running toward him. She was small and quick, with short hair and boundless energy. Unlike him, Myra had no powers, but she made up for it with her unyielding courage.
"If you spend another day wandering around here, we're going to be late for the convocation!" she exclaimed, stopping in front of him.
Rafael sighed. Today was a special day. All the chosen ones in New Bastion had been summoned for an extraordinary meeting. The Council of the Alliance had sent envoys to speak with them. Rafael had no idea what they wanted, but he was certain of one thing: this encounter would change his life.