Granite City; A Manaverse Novel, Book 1

Prologue: Initialization

Year 2XXX

The yellow sun sat, flowing through space as it has done for billions of years. For the first time since its creation, a shift in the cosmic waves of stardust occurred, and traces of Manaether flowed through the small solar system.

The mystical energy began to alter the system in subtle ways. Not the least of which was expanding the goldylox ring. Yet, none of the people living on the third planet noticed a thing.

After a few decades, the density of Manaether reached a threshold. Vibrations in space created three rifts. From these rifts, the figures emerged. Each was considerably different from the next.

From one rift that expelled light almost as bight as the sun, stepped a feminine figure. Their skin made them almost invisible, but a closer look would reveal that they had a skin tone identical to the space around them. They had swirling shapes that resemble galaxy's and bright pinpricks of light all over their exposed flesh. Their hair flowed down their back loosely, looking like the milky way as it cut between glorious golden wings. Their eyes were a radiant yellow, similar to the sun that floated nearby.

The portal to their right expelled a empty black that almost absorbed light instead. The humanoid figure that stepped through was no better, almost a black hole. The only part of their shape that didn't give off the impression of sucking everything in was their eyes, mouth, and horns. The scorching red eyes blazed like a red giant and were offset by the deep water blue horns that erupted from their forehead. Their sparkling white teeth were sharp and predatory.

The last figure to emerge from the final rift was the oddest of them all, if only because they looked so normal. They were an elf and not even a graceful one. Some would say they were a human with pointy ears instead. They wore a navy blue dress skirt and blouse with a slender black neck tie. Their hair was a deep brown color and their nose was long a slender.

The three examined one another and a pressure that could destroy planets settled on each in turn as they felt the others' gazes. They each resisted the urge to shudder under the divine inspections.

Normally in the Manaverse, this kind of inspection was considered rude. Yet, a Divinity Ranker could never be too careful when dealing with others on their level.

When the black hole of a figure spoke, all other ambient sound the others heard was silenced. Their tone was deep and gravelly.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Ophelia. I see the System let you upgrade to the big leagues."

Despite the intent to make them feel small, Ophelia smiled at the statement and it was like a wave of warm comforting air brushed past the others, bringing with it new life. Their voice was melodic and brought with it a rush of pleasant impressions.

"I have no doubt that I am ready if I was tapped for the position, Enyalios."

Enyalios responded with a smirk. "We'll see. Being the Prime Deity of Death, Destruction, and Chaos is always easier. Especially for a new Prime." The words carried a subtle threat carried on fine Divine Control.

Not only were they calling Ophelia weak and saying they would be crushed, Enyalios was also implying Ophelia would fail and be returned to the Que, losing their Divinty in the process. Ophelia smiled. As they opened their mouth to speak, the elf interrupted.

Their voice was flat and basically normal. At least, as normal a being floating in outer space could be without there being any air. "Clearly, you two are going to be a pain in my ass. Cut out the pissing contest and let's begin the Initialization process."

Ophelia's form shifted and they became a regular human woman. She became slender and exotic. Her hair was still silver but her skin was a deep blue instead of cosmic. Her eyes were now only a soft yellow. She was wearing an elegant evening gown that was a muted resemblance of her previous skin tone that revealed plenty of skin. "Thank you, Themis. You are quite right. The humans will start to notice the changes soon."