Far beyond the blue-green sphere of Fluxion, a metallic planet rotated slowly under the glare of a distant sun. Its surface was jagged and dark, veins of energy pulsing like the lifeblood of a living machine. On the night side of the planet, a massive structure rose — the Obsidian Citadel, a stronghold of the alien military, feared across star systems for its discipline and control.
Inside the Citadel's command chamber, a general paced before a map projection, his multi-faceted eyes flickering with pale light. Holograms of several worlds rotated slowly above the table, including Fluxion,Aetheris,Novaria, solareth,Terragon,Lunaris and Movaria all this continent are labeled Earth.
A lieutenant entered, bowing sharply. "Sir, we've detected three marked on earth''.and one of the blade masters has left for earth''.
''Those bastards never listen to order,how long before he reaches the planet''. One of the aliens asked the lieutenant.
''Four years, ''the lieutenant continued.
"How dare they intrude and kill without authorization?" the general's voice boomed. "This is an offense against order itself. Identify this being."
The lieutenant's claws flexed as he continued. "There are humans, but the energy readings surpass known Tier-One fluctuations. Our initial scans confirm the Marked signature. If unmonitored, it could destabilize planetary energy flow… and perhaps signal toward Earth."
The general's gaze darkened. "Earth? Are you suggesting this Marked is a human on Fluxion?"
"Yes, Sir," the major beside him spoke. "If left unchecked, this could become a wider problem. The Awakened may influence the energy lines connecting planets. The Empire should be informed."
"Then send a messenger," the general commanded. "The Empire must know. The Marked cannot act unchecked."
Outside, the stars continued their silent orbit, indifferent to the ripples of fate being set in motion across worlds.
••••••
Back on Fluxion, sunlight spilled across the rooftops of Ash Lane as Jiro Tensai adjusted his pack. The egg at his waist remained dormant but humming faintly, a constant reminder of the hidden power he carried.
Rein appeared beside him, mechanical arm gleaming faintly in the morning light. "Today, we move to Stoneport District," he said. "You'll rest, recover, and I'll explain the history of your capture before."
Jiro tilted his head, curiosity sharpening his gaze. "Stoneport… that's just a city?"
"Yes," Rein replied. "But it's also a hub controlled by the Obsidian Order, the military faction that initially apprehended you. They experiment on awakened humans — to study core formation, energy flow, and potential combat capabilities. You should consider yourself fortunate they didn't destroy you outright."
Rein's voice roke his concentration . "Stoneport District is under the protection of the Obsidian Order," he explained, pointing toward a fortified gate at the city's edge on his map. Tall walls, reinforced with metal and ether-infused stone, rose high above them. Guards in black armor patrolled methodically, their movements precise, disciplined. "The Order is the military authority controlling Fluxion. They enforce law, protect citizens, and… monitor potential awakenings like yours."
Jiro clenched his fists at the reminder, though he nodded. "So, I was… a subject for them?"
Rein's tone was flat. "Not entirely. They observed, documented, and extracted data. You survived — and for that, you should be grateful. Many others never left the white lab alive."
The journey to Stoneport was long. Dusty highways, fractured roads, and abandoned alleys stretched between districts. Finally, the skyline opened into a bustling urban sprawl, with skyscrapers of concrete and ether-infused stone rising above the horizon.
The streets were alive — merchants, travelers, and adventurers from across Fluxion crowded every path. Languages clashed and blended, creating a cacophony of sound. Jiro noticed faces of every hue, expressions hardened from life, yet carrying energy signatures he could sense subtly through his Essentia core.
Rein stopped at the city gates, the Obsidian Order guards marching in perfect cadence behind reinforced walls. "Stoneport will be your resting point," he explained. "Take this time to recover your strength. Soon, you will leave for Ironveil, where you'll test the abilities your cores can manifest. For now, observe, rest, and understand what it means to carry a core."
Jiro's eyes followed the disciplined guards. "So… they're the ones who studied me before I knew what I was?"
"Yes," Rein said. "And the Obsidian Order's influence extends across Fluxion. They maintain order, experiment, and ensure awakened humans are documented. Today, you rest. Tomorrow, your journey continues."
Jiro exhaled, feeling the hum of his cores beneath his skin — Essentia, Aetherion, Vitanova.Below him, the egg twitched faintly, like a pulse echoing his own. For now, the city was safe.
But far beyond, in the dark expanse of space, the aliens were preparing. Marked humans were not only a concern for their plan— the galaxy was next. And the threads of fate connecting worlds had already begun to pull taut.
******