Rafael sighed. Today was a special day. All the chosen ones of New Bastion had been summoned for an exceptional meeting. The Alliance Council 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.
Accompanied by Myra, he made his way through the city's wide avenues, where sunlight reflected off the glass and steel structures. The streets were unusually bustling; everyone seemed in a hurry to reach the gathering point. Rumors were already spreading: a major announcement was expected.
As he entered the grand convocation hall, Rafael was struck by the number of people present. Dozens of chosen ones, like him, stood there, each unique in appearance and aura. Some seemed perfectly at ease, while others, like Rafael, displayed palpable nervousness.
At the center of the hall, a gleaming metal podium dominated the stage. A man clad in a long black cape adorned with the symbol of the Alliance—a circle encircling a fractured star—stood proudly.
"Welcome, chosen ones!" the man declared in a powerful voice. "You have been summoned today because you are the future of the Alliance of Worlds."
The murmurs ceased immediately, and Rafael felt Myra nervously clutch his arm.
"The Alliance was formed to protect Earth, our home, from the threats emerging in this chaotic universe. But to fulfill this mission, we need you, the bearers of Starlight Essence."
Rafael listened, torn between fascination and apprehension. The man on the podium continued:
"Each generation of chosen ones is crucial to our survival. Today, we need new members capable of defending Earth and upholding the ideals of the Alliance. But this is no simple task. You will need to prove your worth through rigorous trials. Only the most determined will join our ranks."
As he spoke, a giant hologram rose above the podium, displaying images of ruined planets, enemy fleets, and heroes standing against these threats. Rafael realized the enormity of what was at stake.
When the speech ended, the man announced that each chosen one would be individually evaluated in the coming days. Though confident in his powers, Rafael felt a flicker of doubt. What would happen if he failed?
Back home, Myra tried to lighten the mood.
"Did you see that girl with flames surrounding her? She's going to outshine us all!" she joked.
But Rafael remained pensive. His thoughts swirled, shifting between excitement and fear. What if he wasn't up to the task? His father had always told him that those who bore great power often faced a lonely and challenging path. Yet, Rafael felt this opportunity was more than just a chance—it was a calling. He wondered if the other chosen ones felt the same weight, this sense of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders like a shadow.
Rafael looked up at the night sky, scattered with stars. Beyond those lights, unknown worlds awaited them. Part of him burned with the desire to discover what lay within, but another part knew it would change his life forever. He clenched his fists, determined to face whatever awaited him, no matter the obstacles.