Life in the human domain usually followed a strict routine, one that very rarely got disturbed, especially on a Monday.
People would wake up in the morning, go to work if they had jobs, or work from home if that was their situation.
Youth or teenagers would head to school, while the others took care of whatever tasks filled their day—from chores, errands, or studying.
It was a rhythm everyone was used to.
But today was utterly different. Today, that routine had been shattered.
Ever since the war between the Ravensteins, Alverians, and Stellaris had ended, a certain anticipation had been building up.
Every single citizen across the domain had been waiting for this moment—
The Verietaga Nexus.
It was an event that only came around once every ten years.
The excitement was at an all time high, but so was the anxiety. It was a day people looked forward to but also feared.
It was make or break, and for many, it meant facing the harsh truth of where humanity stood in the midst of the other races. And according to history, it wasn't a good position.
On the day of the Verietaga Nexus, there were no obligations— no work, no responsibilities. The entire domain was given one simple task: to watch.
From Sector One to Sector Ten, different groups gathered around massive screens that had appeared everywhere around the domain.
The streets were filled with people, crowds forming as hover cars and airships parked wherever they could find space.
Families crowded into living rooms, while others packed into bars, parks, or town squares. It was a domain wide holiday, but the atmosphere felt anything but relaxed.
The tension was palpable, the kind that settled into one's bones.
Everyone was waiting for the same thing: for the blank screens to light up and the Nexus to begin.
In past Nexus events, there had been a domain wide competition to select the apex—a chance for the entire domain to get to know their apex champion before the main event.
But this year was different. There had been no introduction. Instead, one name had already spread like wildfire, igniting rumors and excitement across all ten sectors.
Atticus Ravenstein.
The stories surrounding him were endless. He was a mysterious figure and a recluse, someone who almost no one had known until recently despite being such an important part of the Ravenstein family.
Information about him was scarce, but this only served to fuel the speculation.
From person to person, the rumors continually shifted, details distorted and soon exaggerated.
Some said he was unbeatable. Others claimed he had powers no human had ever seen before. And while most of these stories were exaggerated, one fact remained consistent: Atticus was a talent unlike any before.
In Sector 3, the Ravenstein estate was buzzing with movement. The Ravenstein family members had gathered in droves, the excitement almost tangible.
Avalon, Anastasia, Sirius, Lyanna, the elders, and the sanctum masters all sat quietly, their eyes locked on the enormous screen in front of them.
It felt like a grand theater, with the entire family assembled together to witness the Nexus event.
For most of them, this was more than just an event—it was a moment of immense pride. The apex of this generation had been selected from their family!
In Sector One, at the academy, the scene was much the same.
Despite it being Monday, there were no lectures.
The members of the White Omen Division had gathered outside in the plaza, their attention glued to the massive screen set up in the center.
At the front of the crowd stood Aurora Ravenstein, her fiery red eyes focused on the screen. She crossed her arms over her chest, her expression unreadable.
She had been waiting for this moment, though she kept her thoughts to herself. Behind her, Nate, Lucas, and the others stood quietly, their excitement palpable.
Nate's heart was pounding in his chest, his hands shaking. He couldn't wait to see that monster on the screen!
The White Omen Division had grown a lot since Atticus left, and the paved floors beneath their feet only showed how far they had come.
But despite all the progress, none of them had forgotten their leader. Forgetting that monster would be like forgetting a limb. Atticus had left a mark on them— one that time couldn't erase.
In the Battle Maniacs Division, the energy was even more intense. Kael Stormrider, with his brown hair and the eight sheathed swords strapped around his waist, stood with a massive broadsword resting on his back.
His body radiated an intense amount of battle intent, an aura so thick it forced the others in his division to give him space. He couldn't help it; the thought of seeing Atticus face off against the other races had him fired up.
In the Lumindra Division, a floating purple construct hovered in the sky, with Zoey standing atop it. Her flawless beauty, a beauty that could cause wars, seemed almost insignificant next to the intensity in her eyes.
She stared down at the screen below, her thoughts completely hidden from view.
Inside the academy, the teachers had gathered in the same room they had used for the leader's summit.
Harrison, Isabella, Jared, and others sat quietly, their eyes locked on the screen. Jared had heard the stories of the Ravenstein-Stellaris war, but it hadn't meant much to him.
Despite what many might think, he wasn't obsessed with family. That's why he was in the academy in the first place.
Isabella sat beside him, her thoughts unreadable, while Harrison, as always, remained silent. This had been what Isabella had wanted: for Atticus to represent them. Now, she couldn't wait to see the result.
Across the domain, similar scenes were playing out. People everywhere were on edge, their attention completely focused on the blank screen in front of them.
And then, finally, the screen flickered. The blankness was replaced with the image they had all been waiting for.
The Verietaga Nexus had begun.