That scene left everyone shocked; it was a rare sight to see a Terrarian skillfully manipulate his muscles to such an extent that Elaris's gravity bent to his will.
Everyone was surprised—everyone but the student body council, who had already witnessed such skillfulness time and time again.
"Sorry about that!" Joan yelled, dashing across the court toward Nova, with his ever-so-gloomy expression.
It turned out he was trying to show some of his juniors how to play with a peculiar oval object—this world's substitute for football. Powered by lumis, the ball was notoriously tricky to handle.
When not properly controlled, it became a dangerous, uncontrollable force capable of causing a lot of damage.
Nova could personally attest to that.
When he was little, his big sister Neena had tried to teach him. Back then, the ball had gone out of control. Thinking he could land a perfect hit, Nova miscalculated, and the ball made a perfect curve—straight into his junk. He couldn't walk upright for a month. To this day, the memory still sent chills down his spine... and to his junk.
"Are you okay?" Elsa asked, snapping him back to reality as the rest of the student council gathered around.
"Of course! Who do you think he is?" Joan interrupted before Nova could answer, his tone unnaturally cheerful. Underneath his usually gloomy looks, his excitement was palpable—though only those who knew him well might notice.
Nova could tell Joan was as excited for this trip as he was.
"Yeah, I am," Nova finally managed to respond.
"Good," Elsa continued. "Everyone, gather around! Please get your things together, load them onto the bus, and start getting in. We'll be leaving in ten."
Elsa was known for her looks, her red diamond shaped pupils and the black to red gradient color of her hair plus her charismatic attitude made her all the more appealing to the eyes topped off with her unwavering expression a hallmark of the Sleveren Family. She was an overachiever, effortlessly excelling in all pursuit and everyone within the institution including the teachers respected her relentless drive for excellence. That's precisely the reason why when she gave an order it echoed.
As soon as she finished, the group snapped into action, gathering belongings and boarding the bus.
As the bus set out for Gravity Falls, Nova couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Gravity Falls was one of the most beautiful and peaceful places he'd ever known. It felt like something straight out of a dream, with its weird but amazing animals.
Nova's favorite was the [Fyrinas]—named after their soft furs, tiny beings with four wings, two on each side, and crystal-shaped eyes filled with white dots that made it seem like you were staring into a galaxy. And then there was the scenery—Gravity Falls' legendary pool springs, a natural paradise fit for kings.
The institution had assigned four teachers and two security guards for the trip. Gravity Falls, though breathtaking, was not without its dangers. Survival Rule 101 stated that any area beyond the city's protective boundaries was a breeding ground for crime.
This new world, as perfect as it seemed, had its dark sides—as every light inevitably did. The school wasn't willing to take any risks when it came to protecting its precious students.
As the bus left the city[Terran], Nova turned to look back. The city stood tall and majestic, even under the blanket of darkness. Its radiant lights symbolized hope, a beacon guiding the lost to safety. He took one last look before the curtains closed.
Turning forward, Nova noticed Elsa engrossed in her reading, while others were either chatting softly or dozing off. Joan, as expected, was already fast asleep. His slumber reminded Nova of a hardworking father who returned home to rest after providing for his family—though the only thing Joan worked hard on was perfecting his gloomy aesthetic.
Oddly enough, the scene felt safe.
It filled Nova with a comforting warmth. Sliding his hand over his silky silver hair—the signature feature of the King family—he leaned back and let his thoughts wander.
After a few days on the road, they finally made it to Gravity Falls. This was only the second time Nova had ventured to this side of the city. The first time was with his family—a memory deeply etched within him.
It was here that he learned about his family's heritage, a thought that stirred both pride and longing. The silver hair and eyes that all members of his family shared, his tanned skin, and the special birthmark unique to each individual—a mark that set them apart from all other Terrarians.
Nova absently touched the base of his neck where his own mark lay, resembling a blue dragon tattoo. His sister bore her birthmark on her arms—streaks like the stripes of a tiger. Their father, the Family Patriarch, carried the most striking mark of all: a dark thunderbolt under his eyes, exuding an aura of unmatched authority.
Each birthmark was a testament to their lineage, their uniqueness, their strength.
Here, in this very place, Nova had first glimpsed the vast beauty of Elaris. His father had spoken with reverence of their heritage, instilling in him a sense of belonging that still lingered. And now, he thought, here we are again.