It was a quiet afternoon, the kind that settled gently over the bustling streets like a warm blanket. Traders called out their wares, their voices mingling with the hum of haggling buyers, each trying to secure the best deal while avoiding counterfeit goods. The atmosphere was vibrant, yet routine—a familiar dance of commerce.
Suddenly, a fiery streak appeared in the sky, slicing through the afternoon calm. It hurtled towards Earth with alarming speed, flames licking its sides as it descended. The streets fell into a stunned silence, all eyes riveted to the celestial intruder. What looked like a meteor blazed across the heavens, casting a glow that held the world's collective breath.
Among the awestruck crowd, one figure stood out—not for his fascination, but for his indifference. Jack, a young man of twenty-two, with light skin and slightly pink, curly lips, barely glanced at the spectacle. His slightly pointed nose twitched in mild annoyance as he tried to navigate through the crowd, intent on reaching home. His bushy eyebrows furrowed slightly, but not from curiosity—more from the inconvenience the crowd posed.
Before he could make his escape, the fiery object vanished from sight, swallowed by the horizon.
"I knew you wouldn't stand around for that," a familiar voice teased. Elisa, her blonde hair catching the fading light, joined him with a playful smirk. Her brown eyes sparkled with curiosity, contrasting sharply with Jack's indifference.
"It's a waste of time," Jack muttered, his tone flat and uninterested. "Just another thing falling from the sky."
Elisa adjusted the plastic bag in her hand, her expression thoughtful. "You should try to take things seriously, Jack. Every little thing matters."
Their friendship, forged in childhood, had endured despite Jack's introverted nature and dismissive attitude. Elisa, ever the optimist, had a knack for drawing him out, even if only slightly.
"It's not important to me," Jack replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
They walked on in comfortable silence, their companionship so natural that passersby often mistook them for a couple. Jack's distinctive features—his bushy eyebrows and pink lips—contrasted with Elisa's warm, inviting smile and captivating brown eyes. Together, they were a striking pair, effortlessly drawing attention without trying.
As they reached Jack's home, the television buzzed with urgent news, its bright screen pulling Elisa's attention.
"An object from outer space has been confirmed not as a meteor, but as a deadly missile," the newscaster announced, her voice tinged with urgency. "Experts warn it could release hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas lethal within a five-kilometer radius."
Elisa's eyes widened in shock, her grip on the plastic bag tightening. "So, it wasn't a meteor after all," Jack commented, setting down his basket of market goods. His tone remained casual, almost disinterested.
The broadcast continued, hinting at an unsettling possibility. "Researchers believe the object was constructed, suggesting the existence of other intelligent life forms."
Elisa leaned forward, captivated. "Jack, did you hear that? Other life forms!"
Jack reached for the remote, switching off the television with a decisive click. "It's nonsense," he declared, turning away. "There's no such thing as life beyond Earth."
Elisa sank into the sofa, her fingers idly playing with each other as she pondered. "But it's possible, Jack. What if it's true?"
Jack shrugged, already busy arranging the items he'd bought. "Possible doesn't make it real," he said, his voice a mix of skepticism and finality.
Elisa's gaze lingered on the now-dark screen, her mind spinning with the possibilities. Despite Jack's dismissal, a seed of curiosity had taken root, and she couldn't shake the feeling that the world had just changed in a way neither of them fully understood.
****
A lone figure approached a grand golden gate, its surface shimmering under an ethereal light. As he drew near, the gate creaked open with an otherworldly grace, revealing a realm beyond that seemed untouched by time or corruption. The air was pure, even the smoke rising from the torches lining the vast hallway glowed with a soft, golden hue. The place was magnificent, a fusion of beauty and artifice, and it was the dwelling of a god.
The man stepped through, a gust of wind sweeping past him as if welcoming his arrival. He advanced with reverence, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floor. At the end of the hallway, a radiant platform bathed in brilliant light loomed before him. Bowing deeply, he dropped to one knee, his head lowered in respect.
"Master, I bring news," he announced, his voice steady yet deferential.
From within the dazzling light, a voice responded, deep and resonant, reverberating through the vast chamber. "What news do you bring?"
"Sir," the man began, his tone measured, "the Saltins are preparing to launch an attack on our people."
The air grew heavier as the figure within the light stepped forward, emerging from the brilliance. His presence was both overwhelming and majestic, radiating power that seemed to pulse with the very fabric of existence.
"We must leave this battle to the people," the god declared, his words carrying the weight of divine authority.
Harius, the kneeling man, dared to raise his voice, concern evident in his eyes. "But, Master, our people are not strong enough to withstand the Saltins. They will be annihilated!"
The god's gaze softened, though his expression remained stern. "Be wise, Harius. The Saltins serve a god mightier than I, mightier than any god. Have you learned nothing from Erina's downfall? If I intervene, Saturn will retaliate, and the devastation will be unimaginable. Our armies, our people—everything will be reduced to ruins."
Harius's heart sank, yet he could not remain silent. "Master, we cannot abandon our people to such a fate. Why not grant them the systems we created? They were designed for moments like this."
The god paused, considering the plea. His eyes, glowing with ancient wisdom, finally softened. "It is not a bad suggestion," he mused, nodding slowly. "But the systems must be bestowed upon the young. The old have lived their lives; they cannot fight in this battle.
Harius bowed his head once more, relief washing over him. "Your command will be carried out, Master."
With a graceful motion, he rose, retreating from the presence of the great one. As the golden gate closed behind him, Harius felt a renewed sense of purpose. The burden of the impending battle weighed heavily on his shoulders, but the hope of salvation for his people burned brightly within him.