Astral Era – Year 7635, Day 21 of the Fourth Cycle
A sharp digital beep shattered the quiet of the room, slicing through the air with relentless persistence.
Jake Evernight, fourteen years old, groaned as he stretched an arm out from under the covers and slammed the snooze button with the precision of someone who had done it a hundred times before.
"Ugh... Five more minutes?" he muttered, even though he knew full well that those five extra minutes always turned into a frantic dash to avoid being late.
Beep-beep-beep. The alarm had no mercy.
"Okay, okay, I'm up!" Jake sat up with a jerk, his dark hair a chaotic mess falling over his eyes. Another day, another epic showdown with the alarm clock, he thought, as his feet touched the cold wooden floor.
He stood and walked to the window. From there, the sprawling metropolis of Solaria came into view—a vibrant and chaotic South American-Caribbean fusion of color, sound, and energy. The morning sun glinted off steel-and-glass skyscrapers towering like modern titans, while the distant ocean shimmered gold. The city was already alive: flying cars zipped between lanes, electric bikes cruised the avenues, and people swarmed the sidewalks like ants, weaving through bustling street markets and fashion boutiques.
Jake exhaled slowly, feeling the city's heartbeat in his bones. Solaria was a place where cutting-edge tech and ancient mysticism blended in strange, wondrous ways. And sometimes, he still couldn't believe that a kid with his past had somehow ended up here.
He threw on his school uniform—a white shirt, dark pants, and a blue jacket bearing the Altamira Academy crest. As he got ready, his thoughts began to drift, pulled backward to a memory that had never really left him.
Jake's Memory:
He was seven the first time it happened.
Back then, he and his adoptive family lived in a cabin just beyond Solaria's borders, tucked near a forest that always felt... alive. That morning, the sky had been blanketed in storm clouds, and a strange energy clung to the air. In the middle of it all, something inside him stirred.
He'd been wandering through the woods, curious and carefree, when a warm surge rippled through his chest—comforting, yet impossibly powerful, like the whole universe had taken residence inside him. Instinctively, he raised his hand... and a bolt of blue light shot from his fingertips, striking a tree and leaving it scorched.
"What... what was that?!" Jake had stumbled back, heart racing, confused and terrified. He didn't understand what had just happened—but deep down, he knew it wasn't normal.
In time, and under the careful guidance of his adoptive father, Jeremy, he began to understand. Jeremy brought him to a hidden dojo nestled within the forest. There, an old Kenjutsu master named Hiroshi began training him in the ways of Stellar Energy—a mysterious force that flowed through all living things, but could only be wielded by a rare few.
End of Memory.
Jake smiled faintly as he made his way downstairs to the kitchen. His adoptive parents, Margaret and Jeremy, were already there. Margaret, her brown hair tied in a messy bun, placed a plate of pancakes in front of him.
"Morning, champ," she greeted with a warm smile. "Big day today—your first at Altamira Academy. Nervous?"
"Nervous isn't exactly the word I'd use," Jake replied dryly, slumping into a chair. "More like... existential dread."
Jeremy, a broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard, chuckled as he handed him a glass of juice.
"You'll do fine, Jake. Just remember what we taught you—stay calm, and never let anyone make you feel small."
"I'll try," Jake mumbled. But he knew staying calm was easier said than done.
After a quick breakfast, Jake slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped out the front door. As he walked through the buzzing streets of Solaria, his mind drifted again—this time to the lessons he'd learned in the dojo.
Kenjutsu had taught him far more than just how to fight. It had shown him how to focus, to channel the Stellar Energy in ways he still didn't fully understand. Each movement, each breath, was part of a cosmic dance—one that tethered him to something far greater than himself.
Altamira Academy loomed ahead, all red brick and towering windows. The campus buzzed with students—some laughing, some studying their schedules with intense focus.
Jake swallowed hard. Here goes nothing, he thought as he crossed through the main gates.
Inside, the school looked like any other: rows of lockers, chatter echoing through the halls, the constant thud of footsteps. Jake moved carefully, scanning the crowd, keeping his head low. He noticed a few curious glances in his direction, but he ignored them, more focused on finding his classroom.
Eventually, he stopped at the door, took a breath, and stepped inside. The room was loud—filled with kids his age, some wide awake, others still half-asleep.
A girl with light brown hair and a bright, welcoming smile approached him.
"Hey! You're new, right? I'm Sophia Johnson."
"Uh, yeah. Jake. Jake Evernight," he replied, caught between awkwardness and relief at her friendly tone.
"Cool! Come sit with me," she said cheerfully. "This place is kinda chaotic at first, but you'll get used to it."
Jake nodded, grateful. He took a seat beside her, surprised by how talkative she was. But instead of annoying him, her energy was oddly comforting. Throughout the class, they exchanged jokes and sarcastic comments, and time passed quicker than he expected.
"You know," Sophia said as they walked down the hallway after class, "this school might be a little wild, but I think you'll do just fine."
Jake gave her a small grin.
"I'll do my best. But if anything weird happens, you'll be the first to know. Trust me, I've got a radar for weird."
Sophia laughed and gave him a playful shove.
"Deal, new guy."
After school, Jake headed home, and like always, his day ended at the dojo. Master Hiroshi was waiting—calm, steady, and grounded, a stark contrast to the chaos of the school halls.
"Jake," Hiroshi said as he corrected his stance. "Remember, Stellar Energy is not only for battle. It is an extension of your will and your spirit. You must learn to master it not only with your body... but with your mind and heart as well."
Jake nodded, focusing on the energy flowing through him. Each session was an inner struggle—taming the burning force within—but also a meditation, a moment of peace in an otherwise noisy world.
That night, Jake collapsed onto his bed, completely spent yet quietly fulfilled. Staring up at the ceiling, he replayed the day's events in his mind. Altamira Academy was clearly going to be a challenge... but maybe it was also where he could finally grow—and possibly, just possibly—belong.
This is going to be one hell of a journey, he thought as sleep slowly claimed him.
As he arrived at Altamira—a school bursting with life and color—Jake couldn't help but feel like an outsider. It was his first day as a freshman, and although the nerves were real, his resolve was stronger. Still, in the chaos of day one... things were bound to get awkward.
The next day,
Jake was heading to his first class when he noticed a group of older boys surrounding a younger kid who looked completely intimidated. The bullies were clearly enjoying the situation, laughing and making demeaning comments.
"What do you have there, newbie?" one of the older boys said with a mocking smile. "Do you have any idea where you are?"
From a safe distance, Jake watched as the group laughed while the boy seemed on the verge of tears. I can't let this go on, Jake thought. He decided to step in in a way that would reflect his calm demeanor and intelligence.
He approached calmly, showing no anger, but with a firmness that caught the attention of the bullies. His steps were soft, and his expression remained unchanged, a stark contrast to the chaos around him.
"Hey, guys!" Jake said, his voice clear and relaxed but with a hint of authority. "Can I ask what's going on here?"
The older boys turned to him, surprised by his presence. Jake, maintaining his serene attitude, continued.
"It looks like you're having a bad time. School is for learning and growing, not for bullying others." He leaned toward the scared boy, who looked at him with a mix of hope and relief. "I think everyone here deserves a little respect, right?"
The older boys exchanged nervous glances. The leader of the group, a tall teenager wearing a leather jacket over his uniform, frowned.
"And who are you to tell us that?" he asked in a challenging tone.
Jake smiled softly, never losing his calm. "Just a fellow student who believes in mutual respect. If you're interested, I could help resolve this situation without any more problems."
The bullies, clearly uncomfortable with Jake's calm but direct attitude, began to murmur among themselves. The leader of the group tried to maintain his composure, but his confidence was fading.
"Look, we're not looking for a fight," the leader said, stepping back. "We were just messing around."
Jake nodded, still smiling gently. "Then maybe it's time we let this go. We can all enjoy school without making life miserable for others."
Finally, the bullies walked away, throwing resentful glances at Jake as they left. The scared boy, still trembling but clearly relieved, approached Jake with gratitude.
"Thanks, I didn't know what to do," the boy said softly.
Jake knelt to his height and gave him a warm smile. "No problem. Just remember, everyone deserves to be treated with respect. Let's find your classroom, shall we?"
As they walked toward the classroom, Sophia Johnson, a girl with a contagious laugh and a friendly attitude, joined them. She had been watching from a distance, and upon seeing what had happened, she approached with curiosity.
"How did you do that?" Sophia asked, looking at Jake with admiration.
Jake shrugged, downplaying his intervention. "I just did what I thought was right. It's nothing special."
Sophia laughed and shook her head. "You're braver than you seem. I don't know if I'd have the courage to face those guys."
Jake smiled, feeling a bit more comfortable with his new friend. "Well, we all have to do our part to make school a better place."
Astral Era, Year 7635 – Day 28 of the Fourth Cycle
The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving Solaria in a soft twilight that bathed the corners of the Altamira Prep School in an orange glow. Jake walked with Sophia toward the old building at the corner of the campus, his mind filled with thoughts of the strange occult club.
"Here we are," Sophia said softly, pointing to an old wooden door, slightly weathered. "This is where they meet."
Jake nodded, eyeing the building with a mix of curiosity and caution. If this is related to star energy, it's better not to rush in.
They hid behind some nearby bushes and peered through a broken window. Inside, the occult club was in full session. The members, all teenagers wearing makeshift robes, were surrounded by candles and muttering in a language that seemed more invented than real.
"Now, let's focus on the power of the moon!" one of them exclaimed, dramatically waving their hands over a circle drawn on the floor.
Jake watched closely. This doesn't seem dangerous in itself, but they're definitely playing with something they don't understand. I can't let them proceed without supervision.
Sophia looked at Jake, her eyes filled with a mix of fascination and concern. "What do you think? Is this what you think could be related to star energy?"
Jake furrowed his brow, thinking about how to explain the situation. "What they're doing isn't exactly what I practice, but there is a parallel in the sense that they're trying to manipulate a force they don't fully understand. Star energy is something that requires much more control and knowledge than this."
Sophia nodded, understanding. "So, what do we do now?"
Jake paused for a moment, considering his response. "We can't just interrupt them. They're in their own space, and they don't seem to be doing anything really dangerous, at least for now. The best thing is to keep watching and see if any problems arise."
A few minutes later
Jake and Sophia continued watching from their hiding spot. One of the club members, wearing a more decorated robe, began performing a ritual with more precise movements and a more solemn tone of voice. Something in the way he conducted himself caught Jake's attention.
Could this group be tapping into something deeper?
Sophia, noticing the change in Jake's expression, asked, "What's going on?"
Jake whispered, "That guy seems to have a more genuine connection with the energy than the others. I'm not sure how strong his control is, but it looks like there's something more here."
The group continued with their rituals, unaware of Jake and Sophia's presence. The atmosphere in the room was thick with a palpable energy, though Jake couldn't pinpoint if it was truly stellar energy or just an illusion.
Finally, the ritual ended, and the club members began dismantling their equipment and leaving the building.
Sophia turned to Jake with a look of astonishment. "That was... weird. I can't say for sure what they were doing, but there was something different in the air."
Jake nodded, watching the building as the club members filed out. "Yeah, it was. But for now, I don't think we can do much more than observe and learn from what they're doing. There may be more at play here than it seems, but we don't want to interfere without knowing more."
Sophia smiled, impressed by Jake's approach. "Alright. We'll keep this in mind and see if we can find out more."
As they walked back home, Jake reflected on what he had seen. I'm not sure what they're trying to achieve, but if this becomes a problem, we'll have to intervene more directly.
That night, as he prepared to sleep, Jake couldn't shake the thought of the occult club and the possibility that there was more at stake. If there was something more related to stellar energy, this could be the beginning of something much bigger.
The mystery of the occult club had opened a new door for Jake, and though he didn't have all the answers, he was determined to keep investigating. The enigma of the stellar energy and its connection to current events was becoming more and more intriguing.
Jake Evernight walked through the halls of Altamira Academy in Solaria, trying to ignore the bustle around him. Students were excitedly talking about the upcoming event: the Grand Stellar Tournament, an open mixed martial arts tournament that had captured the attention of the entire school.
Despite being only 11 years old, Jake couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
This is going to be huge..., he thought as he watched students training intensely on the outdoor training field.
"Jake!" a familiar voice shouted.
Jake stopped and turned his head, finding Sophia Johnson, his classmate and only close friend. She was wearing the academy uniform with a red bandana tied around her forehead, clearly ready to join the training.
"Are you ready for the tournament?" Sophia asked with a smile that reflected her enthusiasm.
Jake looked at her with a serious expression, contrasting with the energy his friend was radiating.
"I'm not sure... What can we expect from a tournament probably full of more experienced fighters?" he thought, but instead of sharing his doubt, he shrugged. "I guess so. How about you?"
Sophia nodded, her eyes sparkling with determination.
"Of course! I've been training with Stellar Energy. I want to see how far I can go in the tournament. And you should do the same, Jake. You have enormous potential, even if you don't see it."
Jake tried to smile, but inside, he knew something was bothering him.
It's not just a tournament... There's something else. Something I don't fully understand yet.
At that moment, a group of students passed nearby, whispering and glancing toward the occult club, whose headquarters was a little further ahead.
The building, isolated and almost in ruins, had always been a subject of rumors and mysteries. It was said that the members of the club were obsessed with Stellar Energy, but not in the conventional way.
"They say the leader of the occult club is going to participate in the tournament this year," one of the students murmured loudly enough for Jake and Sophia to hear.
"Really? That weird guy?" another student responded, incredulously.
Jake frowned.
The occult club... That's definitely strange.
Although he had heard about them, he'd never really paid attention. But now, with the mention of their participation in the tournament, something inside him clicked.
Maybe I should find out more.
Sophia noticed the change in Jake's expression and gave him a light nudge.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?"
Jake shook his head, snapping back to reality.
"Nothing, just... maybe we should look into that occult club. Something tells me they might be more involved than it seems."
Sophia looked at him with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"Investigate? Now you care about what's going on there? I always thought you found it boring."
Jake smiled with a touch of irony.
"Maybe it's time to stop ignoring what's right in front of us. This tournament isn't just a competition, Sophia. I feel like there's something much bigger at play."
Sophia slowly nodded, her enthusiasm giving way to a deeper concern.
"Well, if you say so... Should we start now?"
Jake took a deep breath and nodded.
"Yeah, let's see what we can find out."
As they walked toward the occult club's headquarters, a figure hidden in the shadows of nearby trees watched their movements with interest.
His eyes glowed with a dark intensity, as though waiting for the right moment to act.
Zephyr Blackthorn..., he whispered to himself, wearing that enigmatic mask he had carried since he invaded and destroyed Aetheria.
The Grand Stellar Tournament will be just the beginning.
The occult club's headquarters was a small building, almost forgotten, at the farthest edge of the campus.
Its facade was worn with age, with opaque windows and cracks in the walls, giving it a chilling atmosphere that contrasted with the rest of the modern Altamira Academy of Solaria.
Jake and Sophia stopped in front of the entrance, exchanging a doubtful look.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Sophia asked, lowering her voice as if she feared being heard by someone inside.
Jake nodded, though inside, he shared the same concern.
We can't just ignore this, he told himself.
Something tells me that whatever is happening here is connected to the tournament and maybe something much bigger.
"Let's go," he said, gently pushing the door open.
The interior was dark, lit only by a few beams of sunlight filtering through the dusty windows.
The place was filled with shelves stacked with ancient books and scrolls, and the air smelled of incense and candle wax.
A group of students, all dressed in black robes, was gathered around a table in the center of the room, speaking in whispers.
One of them, a boy with black hair and piercing eyes, looked up when he noticed Jake and Sophia's presence.
He was tall, with a presence that radiated confidence and mystery. His features were sharp, and there was something about him that made him stand out among the others.
He must be the club leader, Jake thought.
"Can I help you?" the boy asked, his voice calm but filled with authority.
Jake swallowed before responding.
"We heard that... you're going to participate in the Grand Stellar Tournament. We wanted to know more about you... and the occult club."
The boy smiled, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"My name is Raven Lockhart," he said, offering a slight bow of his head. "And yes, I will be participating in the tournament. But what would two curious kids like you want to know about a club as... particular as this one?"
Sophia stepped forward, undeterred.
"We know you use Stellar Energy. And we're trying to understand what you really do here. It's not just a game, is it?" Her tone was firm, though inside, she felt a flicker of fear.
Raven narrowed his eyes, assessing both of them.
He seemed to be weighing whether he should share something or simply send them away with a warning.
Finally, he decided to speak.
"Stellar Energy is much more than a simple tool. It is the essence of everything that exists. But here, in the occult club, we explore it in a way that others wouldn't dare."
"We seek the line between what is pure and what can be... corrupted."
Jake felt a shiver run down his spine.