Warcasket - The Sons of Mars: A Progression Sci-fi Fantasy Story

Chapter 10 - Tyson and The House of The Red Moon

Hello, I trust you'll find enjoyment in this chapter, which spans ten pages in Word, promising a substantial read for all. Interestingly, my recent chapters seem to range from ten to twenty pages, adding depth to the unfolding narrative. Crafting this story has been an absolute delight, and I'm eagerly anticipating what the future holds.

In the pipeline is the creation of bespoke artwork for the book cover, with a vision for something truly distinctive. Drawing inspiration from Japanese light novels, I'm considering commissioning artwork for select scenes within the chapters. Perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, there might even be the possibility of a manga or webcomic adaptation—an exciting prospect that I look forward to exploring.

If anyone is aware of potential collaborators, don't hesitate to reach out. I appreciate everyone for being a part of this journey with me. Best regards, and may you all have a wonderful day!

https://ko-fi.com/lmfranklin

The room was veiled in silence, a gathering of sons haunted by the shadows of their departed fathers. Rain painted the windows with its melancholic strokes, and Tyson found himself entranced by the watery dance outside.

His visage, a juxtaposition of beastly features and human-like eyes, turned toward the rain-soaked panorama. In this moment, the thoughts of the frontier-born Henryk flickered briefly through Tyson's mind. But now wasn't the time for contemplation; it was the time for decisive action.

"So, you wish to join House Mars?" The question lingered, echoing within the room. Tyson hesitated, and an unexpected shiver coursed through him. A peculiar occurrence, considering the season was summer, and they stood within the halls of House Mars. Or what remained of it.

No, Tyson corrected himself mentally. This wasn't truly House Mars; it was the specter of what once thrived. A graveyard now, the corpses cleaned but the scars of battle left to fester.

The Academy, a revered institution in the vast expanse of the solar system, drew myriad aspirants. Some sought bureaucratic roles within the empire, while others yearned for a transfer to different worlds, chasing dreams of a better life.

Tyson's thoughts danced through the memories of House Neptune's entrance, the grandeur of Venus's manor, and now, the desolation of his home planet's mansion, bathed in the emperor's nuclear fire. He surveyed the faces around him, the boys who might determine his fate.

For a fleeting moment, he pondered their birthrights but promptly checked himself. He, a mutant, had no grounds for scorn. The possibility of acceptance remained distant. Seated on a worn-out couch, or the remnants of one, Tyson observed the room. Its former grandeur, now ravaged by war, spoke of a desperate need for recruits.

As five pairs of eyes fixated on him, Tyson sighed, a heavy exhale laden with the weight of uncertainty.

"Yeah," he replied.

"Why'd you sigh like that?" Ed inquired.

Tyson lifted his gaze to meet Ed's, surrounded by eyes that held a spectrum of emotions—from neutrality to annoyance and distrust. Unlike his reception at Neptune, he hadn't faced harassment here, yet the air was charged with a mixture of curious glances and guarded expressions.

Ed's words danced with jest, a smile etched on his face, as Ty perched on the remnants of a decaying couch. Before him, Edward had assumed the role of spokesman for House Mars. A peculiar bunch, thought Ty, observing the varied faces that lingered behind Edward. There was an oddity in their midst—a deviation from the typical Martians. Secrets were once their allies, but now, survival demanded exposure.