Outside the solar system, there was a planet called Antigone.
Its people, the Antigonians, were pure white in color with three glowing pink lines on their heads.
After the devastating attack from Zyphora, much of Antigone lay in ruins. Towers had fallen, flames still burned through the cities, and countless Antigonians had lost their lives.
Their leader, Velthor Prime, summoned every surviving soldier.
They stood in perfect lines across the shattered battlefield.
Velthor Prime stepped forward, his face burning with rage, his voice echoing like thunder:
"Warriors of Antigone! Look around you!"
He raised his arm toward the destroyed city.
"This is what Zyphora has done to our home… to our families… to our people!"
His eyes glowed fiercely.
"They believe Antigone has fallen. They believe we are broken."
He clenched his fist.
"But from these ashes, we rise stronger!"
The soldiers roared in anger.
"We will cross the stars, storm the skies of Zyphora, and make them feel the pain they gave us!"
He lifted his weapon high.
"For Antigone! For our fallen! REVENGE!"
The army shouted as one:
"REVENGE!"
Velthor Prime roared, his voice shaking the battlefield.
"FOR ANTIGONE! ANNIHARA!"
The soldiers lifted their weapons and screamed back:
"ANNIHARA!"
Their voices thundered across the ruined planet, carrying their promise of revenge into the stars.
Deep inside the war laboratory of Antigone, the surviving scientists and soldiers searched desperately for a weapon strong enough to destroy Zyphora.
After hours of searching ancient star records, one Antigonian soldier suddenly shouted,
"Here! I found it!"
Velthor Prime turned sharply.
"Oh… that is good. What is it?"
The soldier stepped closer, holding a glowing crystal sphere.
"It is called the Terranite Core. When fused with our planet breaker cannon, it can destroy an entire planet."
For the first time since the attack, a faint smile crossed Velthor Prime's face.
"Excellent."
But the soldier hesitated.
"There is one problem. It only exists on a distant world called Earth. If we remove it, Earth itself will be destroyed."
Velthor Prime's expression darkened instantly.
His voice turned cold.
"I do not care. My planet burns because of Zyphora. If Earth must fall so Antigone can rise, then so be it."
He pointed toward the stars.
"Go. Bring the Terranite Core to me."
A strike team of Antigonian soldiers boarded a sleek black warship.
Since Antigone was two light-years away, they activated a wormhole engine, tearing open space itself.
The ship vanished into the glowing vortex.
On Earth, in the middle of a busy city filled with glass towers and endless traffic, Alex Carter began another normal morning.
At 25 years old, Alex had a light skin tone, dark-brown eyes, and dark-brown messy layered side-fringe hair that always seemed effortlessly stylish.
His sharp jawline and slim build gave him a calm, confident look—though inside, he was usually overthinking everything.
He worked at a fast-paced advertising company, where creativity and deadlines ruled every day.
That morning, Alex stepped through the front doors of the office building, coffee in hand.
He tapped his swipe card against the scanner.
Beep. Access granted.
He entered the bright office floor, rows of desks glowing under white lights.
After greeting a few coworkers, he reached his workstation and sat down, opening his laptop.
But as always, his attention drifted.
Across the office, at a desk near the window, sat Leah Frost.
Her focus was locked on her screen, soft strands of hair falling near her face as the morning light touched her features.
Alex tried to look away, but he couldn't stop himself from glancing over.
Just then, a familiar voice came from beside him.
"Morning, Alex."
Alex looked up to see his best friend, Noah Reed, standing there with his usual teasing smile.
Alex smirked.
"Morning."
Noah followed Alex's gaze toward Leah and instantly understood.
A grin spread wider across his face.
"Still staring at her, huh?"
Alex quickly looked back at his laptop, pretending to focus.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Noah laughed and pulled up a chair beside him.
"Sure you don't."
Noah asked him with a voice slightly louder than a whisper.
"Did you talk to her."
Alex froze for a second, his ears turning red. He rubbed the back of his neck and avoided Noah's eyes.
"No… I couldn't."
Noah stared at him for a moment, then let out a quiet laugh.
"Seriously? Why?"
Alex sighs
"I don't know"
Alex took a deep breath, his heart pounding.
"What if she ignores me?"
Noah looked at Alex for a second, then smiled reassuringly.
"Why would she ignore you? You're a good guy, Alex."
Alex looked down at his hands, still nervous.
"What if she thinks it's weird? We've barely talked."
Noah chuckled softly and leaned closer.
"That's exactly why you should talk to her. Start simple. Just say good morning."
Alex hesitated, glancing toward where she was sitting.
"And then what?"
Noah grinned.
"Then ask something normal—about work, class, or even coffee. You don't need a perfect line."
Alex let out a slow breath.
"Easy for you to say."
Noah laughed.
"Trust me, the scary part is only the first five seconds."
Alex stayed silent for a moment, then finally nodded.
"Alright… I'll try today."
Noah gave him a proud smile.
"That's my guy."
During break time, the cafeteria buzzed with quiet conversations and the clatter of trays. She was sitting alone at a table near the window, sunlight falling softly across her face.
Noah noticed her first and nudged Alex with a grin.
"There. Your chance."
Alex's heartbeat quickened. His palms felt warm.
"Now?"
Noah smirked.
"Yes, now. Before you start overthinking again."
Alex swallowed hard and looked toward her. She was stirring her coffee, completely unaware of him.
"Okay… okay."
He took a deep breath and slowly walked toward her table.
When he reached her, his voice came out softer than he expected.
"Hey… is this seat taken?"
She looked up, a little surprised, then smiled gently.
"No, you can sit."
Alex sat down, trying to calm his racing heart.
"Uh… how's your day going?"