A girl’s voice resounded clearly through the walls of my room, diverting me from my studies. My room had been filled with books-although I doubt they suspected I could read already-which allowed me to learn more about this new world. Subtly, over the past two weeks, I have been sneaking glances at all sorts of genres when I was supposed to be asleep. The dreariness took its toll on me but it was worth it.

The banging of overly obnoxious footsteps coming closer and closer sobered me from my thoughts once again and I managed to quickly hide the book I had been reading under my pillow. The door opened inwards and one of my younger sisters peaked inside.

“Helwo Cronus,” the platinum blonde hair girl began sheepishly, “Momma wanted me to check on you.”

That was a lie.

My 5-year-old sister seemed to be infatuated with me since I had arrived. From what I could tell she was the youngest of our family before me and she wasn’t used to having someone smaller around. 

“Eliana,” the distorted voice of my mother called out, “Let your brother rest and come help me downstairs.”

“Yes momma,” the disappointed young girl said. Her blue eyes relit quickly though as she promised me, “I’ll be back to play soon brofer.”

With that, she was gone.

Now back to what I have learned. Located on Space Station Hearth, I was fifth in line to the Highstar Throne of Aphelion. The Aphelions were apparently one of the 7 ruling families of the Vestarian Empire and specialized in the management of SSH (Space Station Hearth) which protected the capital planet of Vesta. 

With only minor differences in dialect, I was quickly able to adjust to the few prevalent changes. One major example of this was the fact that the word “family” was replaced by “Highstar” when referring to the 7 ruling families.

Interestingly enough, the Aphelions’ were also the only Highstar to have a Rigel in their ranks. 

As Generals of the military, the title of Rigel was only bestowed to those who possessed enormous strength and unparalleled intelligence. Considered to rival over 10,000 men, Rigels were seen as anomalies among anomalies and the only thing that could stop a Rigel… was another Rigel. My sister, Evani Aphelion, was one of the three legendary beings who held the title of Rigel. 

One for each planet. Now it wouldn’t be accurate to say that a Rigel was bound to one planet or its ruling Highstar but they typically stayed out of each other’s way and managed the forces of their own planet. The only times Rigels came together were in times of war or once every five years for a summit held on Vesta where leaders or representatives of every Highstar met. 

The book I read didn’t say much more about any of the Rigel's powers or abilities except for their names.  Damon of Vesta, Apis of Ptah, and Evani of Pluta. 

Ghaaaaaaaaaaaaa, I screamed out internally. 

The thundering pain of my Orb acclimating into my body was once again acting up. From what I read the pain is a normal part of the process when you're in possession of a higher class Orb.

Apparently, my previous life was missing a bunch more than just more advanced technology. 

This world had magic. Or Star Mana as it was called. This civilization really does love their astronomy.

Anyway, the basis of how Star Mana is measured is quite simple. From birth, every child is formed with an “Energy Orb” more commonly known as an Orb. Through the use of advanced technology, doctors funnel pure mana into the newborn's body which awakens their Orb. Then the mana located inside of the Orb begins to circulate and enforce the entire body. Doctors then measure the output from the Orb-gathered near the Solar Plexus-and can class-based on the output. There are seven classes, ranking from weakest to strongest they are: Class M, Class K, Class G, Class F, Class A, Class B, and Class O.

While the energy radiating from an Orb can be measured, it is much more difficult to determine how many or even if a child will be able to develop an attribute. Even for the most determined mages, without attributes, it is much harder to focus their materialized Star Mana. Fortunately, weapons have been made to help wielders to harness and manipulate mana, though it's unlikely they can reach their full potential. 

Luckily for me, Class A Orbs are considered to harness the third most powerful initial energy source as well as being the most likely to foster multiple attributes. Those in Classes F and B are considered to have a roughly 50% chance of developing attributes while Classes K and G only have a 25% chance. Finally, there is only a 10% chance of obtaining an attribute for those unlucky enough to be born in Class M or for the rare cases of children born in Class O. 

Furthermore, it is possible to advance your Orb Class as you grow older and train, however, there seems to be a limit to even that.

Members of Class M are unlikely to be able to advance to higher classes and are generally not accepted into the military. However, since they make up close to 70% of the Empire’s population they are genuinely left alone… though egotistical slobs are always present no matter what civilization. 

Classes K-F make up the majority of the military and are quite capable fighters. While mages of these Classes may find it nearly impossible to pass Class F, those who worked diligently could advance to A-Class levels. 

Those born into Class A are considered to be wild cards. While possessing significant raw mana and the highest chance of developing multiple attributes is helpful, the actual chance of developing even one attribute is still only 60%. Without one or multiple attributes, Class A mages are considered to be relative to lower Classes. However, those with an attribute-more specifically possessing multiple or even “overpowered” attributes- can rival that of even the strongest of the B-Class and are granted the rank of Lieutenant upon completing military training. Though they are powerful and rival many mages, not once has an A-Class mage at birth been able to advance to the raw Star Mana of Class B or O. 

If you are lucky enough to be born with a Class B Orb your life instantly has multiple roads you could follow. Even the weakest of Class B without attributes are offered prestigious jobs of teaching at academies. Class B mages are instantly offered the position of Second Commander upon completion of their training and generally advance swiftly through the ranks. Three out of Four of the Fleet Admirals are B-Class tacticians. Surprisingly, the fourth is a K-Class. 

Currently, there are 4 O-Class Mages. Three of them being the Rigels. Only two of them were born into it. No other information is stated about the O-Class in the books I read. Nor did it state what the fourth O-Class Mage did.   

I wonder if my sister was one of the mages born into O-Class. If so, how would I ever manage to catch up to an aberration like her?

ELIANA POV:

Silly. My little brother Cronus was so funny-looking. No way I ever looked like him.

“Hellwo Momma,” I said as I joined her downstairs. She wore a pretty dress that had all kinds of flowers on it which told me everything I needed to know.

We were going outside to the garden.

Although we had nice people who helped us, Momma always was the one who wanted to work on the fountain and its flowers. Ever since I was little I remember going out with her and helping to pull weeds or do whatever else she asked.

As we walked outside a nice fall chill blew across my face. I’ve never been to a planet before. But apparently, they had seasons just as we did up here. Although I heard one of my friends say that our seasons are actually “artificial” whatever that means. 

I wonder how it would feel to be on Vesta. I bet the birds would still sing and dance as they did here. I bet the world would be full of color and excitement.

I knelt to the dewy grass around the flowers and looked at one of my favorites. It was a light purple with a yellowish orangish middle. Apparently, it was called an aster flower and they only grew naturally on top of the mountains in Vesta. I could imagine them swaying back and forth as they soaked in the sun.

“How was your brother,” momma asked, distracting me from my imagination.

“Sillwy. But he wooked happy,” I answered with a big grin, “Do you fink he will be able to pway soon?”

“He’s still a baby you know,” Momma answered, killing my grin. She must have noticed though because she quickly added, “But I bet you’ll be best of friends before long. You’ll be his older sister so I’ll expect you to protect him too.”

I thought of all the toy dolls I had cared for over the years. It can’t be that much different. I’ll grow strong and big just like Evanii and I’ll protect everyone. “I won’t wet you down Momma.”

“Oh I know you won’t sweetheart, you’ve always been such a sweet child,” Momma said sweetly, “You’ve never given me trouble like your siblings, that’s why I expect you to keep them all in line.”

I looked at the flower once again, undoubtedly blushing. Thoughts of the future filled my mind. I imagined all of my family living together old as gray with me keeping them all in check. Preventing my sisters from fighting while keeping my brothers in check. Hehe. Silly.