The year was 2050. The world had changed forever. Ten years ago, mysterious portals known as "The Rifts" appeared, spewing forth monstrous creatures known as the "Kraelion." These beings ravaged the planet, forcing humanity to adapt and evolve.
In response to the Kraelion threat, humanity discovered that certain individuals possessed unique abilities, known as "Essences." These Essences allowed people to wield incredible powers, such as elemental manipulation, telekinesis, and super speed.
To quantify and understand these abilities, the "Essence Ranking System" was developed. This system graded abilities from SSS (Legendary) to F (Failed), providing a clear hierarchy for comparison.
In the city of New Eden, 17-year-old Ethan Thompson prepared for another day at Vanguard Academy, a prestigious school that trained youngsters to become warriors against the Kraelion. Ethan lived with his mother, a former scientist who had lost her husband in the early days of the Kraelion invasion.
As Ethan dressed and headed downstairs, his mother handed him a bowl of steaming hot oatmeal. "Eat up, Ethan. You need your strength for school."
Ethan took a bite, savoring the warm, comforting taste. His mother smiled, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and hope.
"Ethan, I know you're worried about your Essence. But you're a bright kid, and you'll find your place at Vanguard Academy. Just be careful, okay?"
Ethan nodded, feeling a familiar pang of insecurity. He had yet to awaken his Essence, a fact that made him feel like an outcast among his peers.
As he finished his breakfast and grabbed his backpack, Ethan's mother handed him a small, sleek device – his Echo Watch. The watch displayed his Essence Rank: F.
Ethan took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling of inadequacy. He knew that his journey was just beginning, and he was determined to prove himself, with or without an Essence.
The walk to Vanguard Academy was uneventful, with Ethan lost in his thoughts. As he approached the school's entrance, he noticed a group of students gathered near the main gate. They were staring at a girl with striking blue hair, who wore an Echo Watch with an Essence Rank of SS.
Ethan's curiosity was piqued. Who was this new student, and what made her so special?
As he watched, the girl turned toward him, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. Ethan felt a shiver run down his spine.
Suddenly, the academy's alarm system blared to life. "Attention, students! We have a Kraelion sighting nearby. All students with Essence abilities, please report to the training grounds for deployment."
Ethan's heart sank. He was Essence-less, but he knew he had to do something. He glanced at the blue-haired girl, who was already heading toward the training grounds.
Without hesitation, Ethan followed her, unsure of what lay ahead. Little did he know, his life was about to change forever.