"Pray to the goddess Astrea."
The room was filled with the soft murmurs of prayer, the air thick with the scent of burning incense. The villagers knelt before the goddess, their eyes closed in reverence. It wasn't a statue they were praying to, but a humble fragment of stone, said to hold the essence of Astrea herself.
At the front of the room stood the priest, a man of quiet dignity, his robes adorned with symbols of prosperity. The villagers called him a prophet, but to them, he was more—a guide, a healer, and a beacon of hope.
As the session drew to a close, the prophet turned to the congregation, his voice warm and reassuring. "Thank you, my dear friends, for joining us today. Your devotion to Astrea does not go unnoticed."
The villagers rose from their knees, their faces glowing with a mix of reverence and curiosity. They approached the prophet, seeking his blessings and words of wisdom. Once the last of the blessings had been bestowed, the prophet raised his hands, signaling for silence.
"I have good news to share with you all," he announced, a rare smile lighting up his usually solemn face.
The room buzzed with excitement. "What is it, Prophet?" asked an elderly woman, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
The prophet's smile widened. "Do you remember the exam my son, Xavier, took last month?"
Nods and murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. The prophet continued, "He has passed with flying colors and has received a scholarship to enroll in the prestigious Astraeus Academy."
A cheer erupted from the villagers, and the name "Xavier" echoed through the room. But the young man was nowhere to be seen.
A small boy, no older than seven, tugged at the prophet's robe. "Prophet, Xavier is not here. He's skipping the prayers again, trying to lift weights."
The prophet's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. The villagers exchanged worried glances and hurried out of the room, their footsteps echoing down the narrow corridors. The prophet followed, his pace measured and calm.
They found Xavier in a small, secluded courtyard, his face flushed with exertion. He stood before a large rock, his eyes locked onto it with fierce determination. The rock was modest in size, but to Xavier, it represented a monumental challenge.
The villagers watched in silence as Xavier took a deep breath, his muscles tensing. With a grunt, he lifted the rock, his arms trembling with the effort. For a moment, it seemed as if he had conquered his weakness, but then his face paled, and he coughed out a spray of blood before collapsing to the ground.
Panic surged through the crowd. Xavier's weak body and fragile immune system made him vulnerable to even the slightest stress, let it be physical or mental. The villagers rushed to his side, their voices a chorus of concern.
"Xavier! Wake up!"
"Someone get water!"
"Prophet, he's not moving!"
The prophet knelt beside his son, his face a mask of worry. He checked Xavier's pulse, his touch gentle yet firm. After a moment that felt like an eternity, Xavier's eyelids fluttered open.
The villagers breathed a collective sigh of relief. Xavier looked up at the circle of concerned faces, his own expression a mix of embarrassment and defiance.
"Xavier, what were you thinking?" scolded an elderly man, his voice gruff with worry.
Xavier's voice was weak but determined. "I want to become strong. I want to help everyone. I'm sorry I'm so weak."
A middle-aged woman patted his shoulder gently. "It's not your fault, Xavier. You were born with this disorder. Don't let it define you."
The prophet watched the exchange in silence, his eyes never leaving his son's face. After a while, he spoke, his voice soft yet commanding. "Xavier, I need to talk to you in private."
The prophet gently guided Xavier away from the concerned crowd, leading him to a quiet spot under a tall, ancient tree. The tree's gnarled branches stretched out like welcoming arms, providing a canopy of shade and solitude.
"Father, what is this about?" Xavier asked, his voice still weak from his earlier exertion.
The prophet turned to face his son, his expression serious. "Xavier, I have something important to tell you. You have passed the exam you took last month, and you have received a scholarship to the Astraeus Academy."
Xavier's eyes widened in surprise, but not for the reason one might expect. He had spent his entire life in the village, a secluded tribe that shunned contact with the outside world and avoided any form of technology or electronics. The villagers lived simply, harvesting their own crops, tending to their cattle, and crafting their own tools. They didn't use phones, watches, or any modern conveniences. Their days were filled with the rhythm of nature, and their nights were lit by the soft glow of oil lamps.
Xavier's thoughts raced. 'How did I pass the exam? I didn't study for it. I didn't even know what it was about.' He had only taken the exam because his father had asked him to. The academy had sent three professors and ten drones to monitor the exam, which had been conducted right there in the village. The format was multiple-choice, and Xavier had randomly marked the answers, never expecting to pass, let alone receive a scholarship.
"I can't believe it," Xavier muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. "I just guessed the answers. How could I have passed?"
The prophet's voice cut through his thoughts. "Xavier, you need to pack your bags and prepare to leave for the academy."
Xavier's shock deepened. He had never imagined leaving the village. Why should he? Everyone in the village was kind to him, not because he was the prophet's son, but because kindness was a way of life here. Xavier enjoyed this simple, peaceful life and had always assumed he would spend the rest of his days in the village.
Xavier looked at his father, his voice firm but tinged with desperation. "Father, I don't want to go. I want to stay here in the village."
The prophet's expression remained resolute. "Xavier, this is an opportunity you cannot pass up. You must go."
Xavier's shoulders slumped, but he couldn't go against his father's words. Still, the thought of leaving the village behind filled him with dread. He began to grasp at any excuse to stay.
"Father, the scholarship only covers the tuition fees. I'll need a place to stay and money for expenses. Astraeus City is expensive—I can't survive there without money."
The prophet nodded, understanding Xavier's concerns. "Xavier, there is something you should know. Our ancestors invested a significant amount in Astraeus City before it was even planned and constructed. They owned most of the land there."
Xavier's eyes widened in shock. "What? How is that possible?"
The prophet continued, his voice steady. "Do you remember the tradition our tribe has followed for hundreds of years?"
Xavier nodded. "Yes, each generation, someone from the direct bloodline must become the prophet. If the prophet has two sons, one should become the next prophet, and so on."
The prophet smiled gently. "My older brother, Eamon, who lives in the city, is currently looking after all the accounts. He has already been informed about your enrollment in the academy. Eamon will take care of everything, so you shouldn't worry about money or expenses."
Xavier's mind raced, searching for another excuse. "But Father, the tradition... I am your only son. According to the tradition, I have to stay in the village and take the mantle of the prophet."
The prophet's smile widened, and he placed a reassuring hand on Xavier's shoulder. "Xavier, you do not have to become the next prophet. You are destined for something greater... something far greater."
Xavier looked at his father, confusion and curiosity battling in his eyes. "What do you mean, Father?"
The prophet's voice was filled with conviction. "You are destined to become the greatest, Xavier. Your path lies beyond this village, beyond anything we have ever known. This is your chance to fulfill that destiny."
The day for Xavier to leave the village finally arrived. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and sadness as the villagers gathered to bid him a heartfelt goodbye. They surrounded him, their faces a blend of pride and concern.
"Take care of yourself, Xavier," said an elderly woman, her eyes misty. "Remember to eat properly and don't overwork yourself."
A middle-aged man patted Xavier's shoulder. "Stay away from spicy food, it's not good for your health."
Another villager chimed in, "Make lots of friends, but be careful who you trust."
A young woman handed Xavier a small pouch. "Here are some herbs to keep you healthy. And don't forget to visit us when you get the chance."
Xavier nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, everyone. I'll miss you all."
As the goodbyes drew to a close, the sound of an old mechanical car rumbled through the village. It belonged to one of the villagers and was entirely mechanical, with no electronics. The headlights, horns, and other electrical components had all been removed, making it a relic of a simpler time.
Xavier climbed into the car, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and fear. The villager driving the car gave him a reassuring smile. "Ready, Xavier?"
Xavier took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready."
The car rumbled to life, and they set off towards Astraeus City. The journey was long and bumpy, but Xavier's mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of the unknown to notice the discomfort.
As they approached the city borders, the car was stopped by security guards. Xavier showed them the letter he had received from the academy. The guards scrutinized the letter before nodding and allowing Xavier to enter.
"You can't come any further," one of the guards said to the villager. "You'll have to turn back."
Xavier turned to the villager, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for bringing me here. Please take care of everyone back home."
The villager smiled warmly. "We will, Xavier. Take care of yourself."
With a final wave, the villager turned the car around and headed back to the village. Xavier was led to a check-up room, where advanced scanners awaited him. The guards instructed him to stand in a box-like structure, and the scanners hummed to life, casting a soft blue light over his body.
Halfway through the scan, Xavier's vision blurred, and he felt a wave of dizziness. Before he could react, he collapsed, unconscious.
The guards rushed to his side, their faces etched with concern. They quickly moved him to a nearby medical bay, where they treated him with advanced medical equipment. As they waited for the reports to arrive, the guards exchanged worried glances.
"His body is incredibly weak," one guard muttered, shaking his head. "His body won't even be able to have a simple cybernetic such as a scanner installed in his body."
Another guard nodded in agreement. "I wonder how he'll survive in Astraeus City. This place is tough, even for the strongest."
When Xavier finally woke up, he was greeted by the sight of the guards standing over him, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. They handed him a nutrient-rich drink and a small meal, instructing him to eat while he waited for his uncle Eamon to arrive.
About half an hour later, a luxurious car pulled up outside the medical bay. A man in a tailored suit stepped out from the backseat, his eyes scanning the area before landing on Xavier. He approached with a warm smile, extending his hand.
"Xavier, it's good to finally meet you. I'm Eamon, your uncle. You might not remember me, but I've heard a lot about you from your father in his letters."
Xavier shook his hand, his voice steady. "I've seen you in the paintings back home. Father speaks very highly of you."
Eamon's smile widened. "I'm glad to hear that. Come, let's get you settled in."
Xavier climbed into the luxurious car, his eyes widening as they entered the city. Astraeus City was a breathtaking blend of advanced technology and futuristic design. Skyscrapers stretched towards the heavens, their surfaces gleaming with holographic advertisements. Flying cars zipped through the air, their engines humming softly. Aliens and various space species mingled with humans on the bustling streets, their diverse appearances adding a vibrant, otherworldly touch to the cityscape.
After about an hour of driving through the mesmerizing city, the car finally pulled up in front of a grand mansion. Eamon turned to Xavier, his voice filled with pride. "Welcome home, Xavier."
Xavier stood in front of the grand mansion, his eyes wide with awe. He took a step towards the gate, but Eamon quickly stopped him, a nervous expression on his face.
"What's wrong?" Xavier asked, his confusion growing.
Before Eamon could respond, the luxurious car they had arrived in drove away, leaving Xavier even more bewildered.
"Eamon, what's going on?" Xavier inquired, his voice tinged with concern.
Eamon took a deep breath, his eyes darting around nervously. "Xavier, follow me. There's something I need to show you."
With a growing sense of unease, Xavier followed Eamon away from the mansion. They walked a short distance to a towering structure known as the Nexus Tower, one of the many megabuildings that dominated the skyline of Astraeus City.
The Nexus Tower was an architectural marvel, stretching high into the sky with over 8,000 apartments. The lower floors were crammed and cheaper, while the upper floors featured luxury penthouses. The middle floors offered fairly spacious apartments, each with its own bathroom and most with a kitchen.
Aside from residential housing, the Nexus Tower boasted a variety of centralized hubs that provided different services. These included entertainment zones, food courts, stores, market stalls, gyms, and other amenities common to shopping malls. Parking spaces were abundant, and security was provided by rented corporate cops, though crime remained a persistent issue.
Xavier followed Eamon into the spacious elevator, his mind racing with questions. They exited on the second floor and walked down a narrow, dimly lit corridor until they stopped in front of room number 69. Eamon unlocked the door and stepped inside, Xavier close behind.
As Xavier entered the apartment, his eyes widened in disbelief. The room was incredibly small, barely enough to fit a desk and a single bed, but it was empty, devoid of any furniture. The washroom was so cramped that one person could barely fit inside. There was no kitchen, and in the corner, there was a makeshift altar where a small fragment of the rock of Astraea was placed.
Xavier turned to Eamon, his voice filled with confusion. "What is all this? Why are we here?"
Eamon's face crumpled, and he began to cry, his shoulders shaking with sobs. "Xavier, I'm so sorry. This is all I could afford for you. The investments our ancestors made... they're gone. Someone has taken over everything, and there's nothing left."
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Author's Note- I hope you guys liked the first chapter. The prologue will run for a few more chapters. I wanted to flesh out everything perfectly. Your feedback is appreciated.
This novel will be a revenge, sci-fi, system, VR, Space, fantasy creatures, Alien waifus, action, slice of life harem comedy. This will also have lots of lemons, so kids stay away before it's too late.
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