"But you could at least avoid revealing all of Earth's secret weaknesses," Fenric pointed out, his mismatched eyes narrowing as he thought of the carbon monoxide missile that had already struck Earth.
Elixir smiled faintly, her gaze steady. "And who told you I revealed everything? I didn't tell them about atomic bombs. Just five of those could obliterate Earth, reducing it to ashes."
Fenric's eyes widened in realization. "I see. You're holding back."
Elixir nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly. I'm feeding them just enough to keep us alive while withholding the most critical information."
Fenric paced the room, his mind racing. "How can we warn Earth about the impending attack from the Saltins?"
Elixir folded her arms, leaning against the wall. "The missile filled with carbon monoxide should be a clear enough warning. It's not something that happens without reason."
"But what if they don't take it as a serious threat?" Fenric countered, his voice laced with concern.
Elixir sighed, acknowledging his point. "You're right. Earth's governments are fragmented. Unlike here, where your father rules with absolute power, Earth is divided into smaller governments. Some are dictatorships, others are corrupt, and a few are led by good leaders. Getting them all to take our warning seriously is nearly impossible."
A spark of inspiration lit up Elixir's eyes. "I have a plan," she announced, her tone decisive.
Fenric leaned in, curiosity piqued. "What's the plan?"
"You'll go down with the third division soldiers," Elixir began. "Once there, find someone who can be an ally. Together, you'll approach the Space Federation for help. They're our best hope for rallying support."
Fenric nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "And if the Space Federation can't help?"
"Then you head to Jupiter," Elixir replied without hesitation. "Tzedek, the God of the Jupitians, was once the ruling God. If their leader agrees, they might send their armies to aid Earth."
Fenric smiled, admiration shining in his eyes. "You always have a plan, Mom. And I'll use this opportunity to fulfill Grandmother's wish."
Just then, a maid entered the room, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, lunch is ready."
Elixir nodded, signaling the maid to leave. She turned to Fenric, her expression softening. "You know the rule. Everyone must attend meals in the dining hall."
"I don't want to go," Fenric muttered, his voice tense. He dreaded the inevitable insults he would face there. The memory of his last punishment for missing a meal—intense labor in the fields—still lingered.
Elixir placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Ignore whatever they say. One day, all of this will be over."
With a sigh, Fenric followed his mother out of the room. As they made their way down the hallway, a familiar voice called out.
"Hey, Fenric! How are you?" A young woman with blue skin and bright brown eyes ran up to him, her smile radiant. She gave a respectful nod to Elixir before turning back to Fenric.
"Fargo," Fenric greeted her warmly. Fargo, one of the king's numerous daughters, had always been his friend. Despite her royal status and full Saltin heritage, she had never treated him differently.
"I'm good. Haven't seen you in days," he added, genuinely happy to see her.
Fargo's smile faltered. "I've been sick. I couldn't tell you because, well, you know how my family feels about you."
Fenric nodded, understanding the unspoken tension. "I get it."
They continued their walk toward the dining hall, the hallway now bustling with the royal family members. As they approached the grand doors, Fenric steeled himself, ready for whatever insults might come his way. But with Fargo by his side and his mother's words echoing in his mind, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was only the beginning, and he was determined to play his part in what was to come.
****
With the rise of systems, life seemed to have taken a dramatic turn for those fortunate enough to become wielders. These systems granted various skills and abilities, allowing their users to level up and grow stronger, reaching new heights of power and capability. For many, it was a shortcut to success. But, as with all things, there were downsides. The world had become sharply divided between those with systems and those without, leading to rampant discrimination.
Jack walked slowly into the school building, his shoulders hunched slightly as he braced for another day of blending into the background. Unlike many of his peers, he had yet to see the benefits of a system. While his best friend Elisa thrived, Jack remained invisible—a nobody.
The bustling hallway was filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional mocking sneer. Jack kept his eyes down, trying to ignore the familiar taunts.
"Hey, Jack! Hope your system at least gives you enough food to eat, you poor loser!" someone jeered, their voice dripping with mockery. The laughter that followed echoed in his ears, but Jack didn't flinch. He was used to this by now.
As Jack trudged through the crowd, Elisa caught up with him, her presence instantly brightening the space around them. She was stunning, as always, her school uniform accentuating her natural beauty. Her short skirt, crisp white shirt, and knee-high stockings were complemented by shiny loafers that clicked softly against the tiled floor. Her confidence and openness made her the darling of the school, admired by many.
"Hey, Jack! Guess who made it to school before you today?" Elisa teased, flashing a playful grin as they made their way toward their classroom.
Jack smirked, not missing a beat. "Well, one early day doesn't erase your title of 'chronic latecomer.'"
Elisa laughed, gently smacking his head. "Touché."
Their banter was a stark contrast to the cold stares and whispers that followed them. Many wondered why someone like Elisa, who was so popular and admired, would hang out with someone like Jack. Yet, their friendship remained strong, a constant in Jack's otherwise unremarkable life.
"So, what's your first task?" Elisa asked as they reached their classroom, her voice lowering as the teacher had not yet arrived.
Jack hesitated, momentarily confused by her question. "Task?"
"Yeah, from your system," Elisa clarified, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Mine gave me a task already."
Jack shook his head as he dropped his backpack onto his desk. "I haven't seen any task yet. What about you?"
Elisa leaned in, her excitement palpable. "Mine wants me to join a faction. Apparently, we'll be sent on missions to save the world, all under the command of the faction leader."
Jack raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "Saving the world, huh? Sounds like a lot."
Elisa grinned, her enthusiasm unshaken. "It's what I've always wanted, Jack. To make a difference."
The classroom door creaked open, and the teacher stepped in, signaling the start of class. Jack whispered, "I'll check my system after class."
Elisa nodded, her eyes flickering toward the front of the room as the lesson began. Despite the mundane routine of the school day, a new sense of anticipation lingered in the air. For Jack, the day wasn't just another struggle to get through unnoticed—it was the start of something that could change his life forever.