[ Zephyrios ]
— Divine abode of the god of Hope —
Within a vast chamber of soft light, a middle-aged man stood quietly, his silhouette calm and dignified. The hall, though immense, felt neither cold nor distant. Its walls, smooth and pearl-like, pulsed faintly with an inner glow—an energy neither mechanical nor magical, but something gentler, like the heartbeat of a living world. Transparent panels hovered silently along the upper arc of the room, displaying shifting constellations and luminous symbols, responding to thoughts rather than touch.
The air was warm with serenity. The floor, made of pale, matte crystal, absorbed footsteps without echo. Simple benches lined the sides, curved in graceful arcs, and at the far end stood a small altar—unadorned, yet radiant. Everything in the room seemed built not to impress, but to comfort. This was not a throne room, but a haven. A space where hope could take root without fear.
It was the divine hall of the God of Hope.
The identity of the man kneeling in the divine hall was anything but ordinary. His right foot was folded beneath him, and his hands were joined tightly into a sphere, as if in silent supplication. A brilliant blue light enveloped him — not harsh, but alive, as though it responded to his very soul.
This was no ordinary man. He was Elyon, the god of hope — who, with all the force of his dwindling divinity, made one final request: to summon those who might restore hope and transform the world.
The blue light pulsed once… then again, stronger. Around the man, the air began to shimmer, as if space itself was bending to his will. From his joined hands, threads of radiant energy unraveled, weaving symbols into the air — ancient, glowing, and alive. Each one pulsed with meaning, with intent. Then came his voice — low, solemn, and steady, echoing not in the hall, but in something deeper, older. A call sent not to heaven or earth, but beyond.
"To those whose hearts have not yet broken…
To those who still carry light… Come."
[Parallel Earth – The Ordinary World]
On Earth, four individuals had been chosen by Elyon. They were the ones marked by his power — the only ones who carried the hope of changing the world of Astra.
At that moment, none of them knew what fate had in store for them. An unexpected journey awaited them, one that would bind them to a world unknown.
[Indian Ocean – Comoros Islands – Grande Comore, Moroni]
The Comoros — an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, nestled in the Mozambique Channel beside Madagascar. Among its four islands, Grande Comore was home to one of the Chosen.
In a modest house located in the Sahara, district of the capital, an argument echoed between two brothers.
The house itself was simple, built in a traditional architectural style typical of the region. In the living room, two boys were yelling at each other.
One of them, short — barely five-foot-three — was in truth a young man. He had dark skin, a face that might have been handsome if not for its neglected state. A thin beard and mustache framed his mouth with little care, and his coiled hair crowned a head that embodied the stereotypical image of an African youth. His frame was full but not overweight — more the mark of a lazy teenager than anything else.
The second was lighter-skinned, with a faint brown hue. He was likely of mixed descent, as his hair too curled tightly on his head. His expression was neutral, unreadable. If he smiled, perhaps he could turn a few heads. A full head taller than the other, he was slender, without excess fat. His smooth face, untouched by facial hair, betrayed a boy still in the throes of puberty.
— Adam, listen to me! I told you to stop going out — you're in the middle of exam season! Do you want to fail again and have to repeat the year?!
Haven't you learned anything from last time?!
— It's fine, I trust myself. Don't worry, I'll pass for sure. And besides, you can't stop me from going out.
Even if you're my big brother, I won't accept your orders.
— Abdi, please. I'm bored, and I've already studied. You saw me studying. I'm just going to hang out a bit at Natuq's and then I'll be back. You can come with me if you want—you stay inside too much anyway.
The older boy hesitated. He had always spoiled his younger brother, especially since their parents had passed away. Thankfully, their older siblings were there to support them. Otherwise, who knows what might've become of the two of them?
In the end, his expression softened—but only for a second. He quickly put on a stern face again and warned his little brother:
— Alright, fine. But when you get back, you'll study for two more hours. If not, forget about going out again. Deal or not?
He looked at him with a teasing smirk, giving him a clear choice: go have fun now, but study even harder later.
Since he was preparing for the national middle school exam, there was no room for laziness.
His younger brother was smart, but he tended to slack off. Laziness ran in the family. The two brothers liked to blame each other—half in jest—to push one into action while the other took it easy.
_______
And yet, the two brothers cared for each other. Despite their many arguments and disagreements, a sincere bond united them.
Their parents had left them too soon. They hadn't had the chance to grow up by their side or truly get to know them.
Fortunately, their father had other children — their half-siblings. Of course, they were legitimate children from a previous marriage.
A rather common phenomenon in the Comoros, where men could also be polygamous. Their father wasn't one of them, but he had remarried several times before finding love again — their mother.
Thanks to the unwavering support of their siblings, they had no real troubles. They grew up like the others, went through hardships, and experienced both sorrow and joy.
Their schooling was taken care of; they were well housed and fed. Their siblings genuinely cared about them, often talking and organizing things together.
However, the lives of the two brothers took an unexpected and unprepared turn. It was a mystery to those who knew them — two boys who mysteriously vanished without a trace.
As the shouting grew louder in the living room, a vortex of blue light suddenly appeared over the younger brother.
— Shhhhhh!
The light emitted a confusing sound to their ears. The older brother, panicked, threw himself at his younger sibling. They were both terrified by the surprise of the day; they had read stories about this kind of thing before, but reality was now striking them mercilessly.
They knew it was a supernatural event, but at that moment, they just wanted to escape.
— Adam, I can't pull you out of this! For God's sake, what the hell is this?! Are we being punished? Damn, my body hurts!
The older brother tried with all his strength to pull his younger brother free, but it was impossible. The vortex of light had formed a sort of shield, and the younger brother was motionless inside.
Disaster struck — the older brother had both his hands inside. His whole body hurt, especially his arms. He felt like his body was being pressed against the shield without his will.
Unable to do anything, the two brothers vanished from the house.
The older brother's body, unable to push his younger sibling away, was being mercilessly crushed.
Adam noticed they were no longer in their house.
They were now in a place that looked like outer space, with twinkling lights around them resembling stars.
However, the situation was critical.
Without taking the time to admire the scenery, he saw his brother struggling in front of him.
— "No! Abdi, let go of me, your body won't hold up! What's going on?
And where are we? Damn it!"
Panicked, the boy did his best to escape the vortex of light and help or push his brother away.
He didn't know why, but he was safe while his big brother was in great danger.
He had no time to think about what was happening — he just wanted to help the person he loved most.
"Boom, bam!"
He struck with all his might, but nothing happened. It felt like space itself was resisting him — something strange under normal circumstances, but he paid it no attention.
Tears streamed down his red eyes as he stared at his brother.
— "Adam, looks like I've run out of luck… Urgh!"
Pain overwhelmed his senses, his body being crushed against the vortex. Abdillah knew death was near.
— "Please, be careful wherever you end up. I don't know… Aaaarggh! Fuck! Whatever's happening to us, never forget — you're my little brother.
Use your head and live happily. Don't neglect yourself! Got it?!"
Using his last strength, the elder shouted firmly at his little brother. If he had to go, his brother needed to learn to fend for himself — otherwise, life would crush him.
Abdillah's body was destroyed, shredded like raw meat.
No blood splattered on Adam, who was protected inside the light vortex.
The pieces of flesh disappeared into the void. The teenager reached out his hand but couldn't touch anything.
The young boy's eyes were empty.
His brother — who had been with him since birth — had just died before his eyes.
He thought he had been unlucky, but at that moment, he felt abandoned by God.
He didn't see it, but a faint purple light appeared on his chest.
God hadn't forsaken him. Unbeknownst to him, a surprise awaited at his destination.
A few minutes later, he fell into a deep sleep.
Strange changes were already occurring in his body.
✦✦✦✦✦
Their disappearance remained a mystery to their family.
Some believed it was an abduction, but they were never found.
Maybe, someday, the truth would come to light.
Their loved ones would search to solve what they called a "runaway," but no one could have imagined the incredible truth.
But that's a story for later.
As one of the Chosen was already on his way due to a twist of fate, three others were about to face the same destiny.
[ United States — California, Los Angeles ]
In the Santa Monica district, a middle-aged man had just awoken from sleep.
He was in a rather luxurious hotel room — the elegance and simplicity of the space reflected the wealth of its occupant.
The man had a thick but well-groomed beard. His rugged face and hardened expression revealed a life shaped by trials, despite his affluence.
His physique was well-maintained, with a muscular build worthy of an Olympic athlete.
Quite imposing, he stood at six feet and a half (1.84m).
The man's name was Clayton Rumray, a seasoned U.S. Special Forces veteran, had left the field after a career-changing incident. Now retired and wealthy, he roamed the country, taking in the land he had once fought for.
And this day was an unforeseen turn in his life, a plan beyond his control that would thrust him into a world unlike any he had known.
******
— Urgh ! I slept so well… It's making me long for the field. So what does the world hold for me today ? Perhaps I'll pay a visit to some old friends or their families.
The veteran had no family of his own, but he loved company and was always eager to help anyone he encountered on life's journey.
With his affluence acquired from the risked investment he made to have earnings. He became unexpectedly rich in 3 years following his retirement.
Millionaire, he changed his life and many others around him in his hometown in Colombus. Hospitals, schools, roads—he had a hand in it all. For Clayton, these were tangible proof of his existence in the world.
— Today, I should pay a visit to Mac and see how he's fared since losing his left arm. I might have to help him, whether he wants it or not—even if it makes him hate me.
« I enjoy life, despite death and all the tragedies of this world. Even so, life is worth living… Even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference. »
The middle-aged man rose from his bed, wearing only a pair of shorts. He began his morning routine, washing up, before slipping on a simple gray T-shirt and an old faded pair of jeans.
The only accessories that hinted at his wealth were a simple, rather discreet watch from A. Lange & Söhne, a masterpiece of German watchmaking—luxurious, precise, and accessible only to those with the highest means. On his face sat a pair of Ray-Ban glasses, classic and understated, adding an air of effortless sophistication.
Clayton, in his twenties, was still naive when he enlisted. Coming from a poor background, he had always retained his humility. Later, in the conflicts he was thrust into, he faced a world for which he was unprepared. At times, he was defender; at others, aggressor—but he always carried out his duty faithfully. He was nothing more than a soldier, powerless to change the larger course of events.
Yet Clayton never lost sight of his humility, and it even shaped the way he lived. Despite the opulence he now enjoyed, he remained modest, finding pleasure in life without excess. He had never been particularly extroverted, disliking the spotlight or being thrust into social networks and public attention after his retirement.
« I am ready to go ! If my wife was there, it would be perfect happiness with her by my side. Gina, sorry. I can't still be really happy without you but I'll make others less sad than me. »
Before the middle-aged man could step out the door, he had prepared himself—credit card in his wallet, and, of course, in the land of freedom, a firearm at hand. After all, he was a former veteran.
But just as he was about to open the door, something incredible happened. He hadn't seen it coming at all. One could say it was the kind of event no ordinary man—or anyone on this planet—could have possibly anticipated.
He was thrown into the void of space, wracked by a searing pain, certain that death was coming to claim him. Yet why did it hurt so much?
Before he could even comprehend what was happening, he vanished. From that moment on, Clayton Romeray disappeared from Earth. No one knew what had become of the wealthy, formidable man.
On Earth, a former military veteran had vanished—gone without a trace. A wealthy man with a heart of gold, a philanthropist who had touched countless lives, now lost to the world. Yet, far beyond, in the universe of Astra, hope had been kindled. A benefactor, one who would never have imagined setting foot on foreign lands, now unwittingly becoming the harbinger of change.
___________
[ Void — Unknown Spaces of the Astra Universe ]
« God… what's happening to me? This pain… it's… it's worse than anything I've ever felt on the battlefield. I… I would have preferred a bullet… anything… And yet… I'm still conscious.
Damn it… I've gone completely blind. My vision… gone. Did I… have a heart attack? Or something worse? I… I can't even—no excuses. Not at forty.
Today… today is just… a terrible day. Unlucky… truly cursed, one could say. My chest… it's… pounding, burning… I can barely think.
But… but at least… at least I'll get to see Gina again. Somehow… somehow, that thought keeps me from losing it completely. »
As his consciousness sank into darkness, Clayton felt a comforting softness, a warmth in his chest—as if, despite the state of his body and the loss of awareness, he could feel better than ever. It was as though he had been granted this so-called inner strength, an unexpected change unfolding within him. Astonishingly, he would realize only later, upon awakening, that he was no longer the same man—and that he was no longer on Earth.
The second Chosen, without incident, was on their way to Astra. Two more Chosen remained.
✦✦✦✦✦
[ Lyon, France — Suburbs ]
Sofia Leclair walked up the cobbled path toward her parents' house, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the quiet street. In her hands, she carried a small basket of fresh bread and herbs she had picked from the university's community garden—a simple gift for the people who had raised her with care and patience.
The house was modest, a warm brick building with ivy climbing its walls. Birds sang lazily from the nearby trees, and the soft hum of life in the suburbs seemed to welcome her. Sofia felt at ease. For a moment, all the struggles of her university projects, campaigns for local parks, and long walks along polluted riverbanks faded into a comforting normalcy.
— "Mom, Dad, I'm home!" she called softly as she stepped onto the porch.
No answer came. The air felt… heavier than usual. The birds were silent now, and a subtle shiver ran up her spine. She frowned, setting the basket down, brushing her hair back from her face. Something was off.
Before she could turn the handle, a faint, shimmering light appeared near the front steps—a flicker almost invisible, yet undeniably alive. The air around her vibrated softly, like a whisper brushing against her skin. Sofia took a cautious step forward.
— "What… is this?" she murmured.
The light expanded rapidly, forming a small vortex that hummed with a strange energy. The world seemed to bend around it: the cobblestones beneath her feet rippled, and the ivy on the walls quivered as if caught in an unseen wind.
Instinctively, Sofia raised her hands, feeling an unfamiliar pulse of warmth in her chest. Fear and awe collided in equal measure. Her heartbeat raced, but curiosity anchored her. The light seemed to call to something deep within her—a power, a destiny she had only felt in fleeting dreams.
And then, with a force that left her breathless, the vortex expanded, surrounding her entirely. In an instant, the quiet street, the familiar house, even the sun itself, disappeared.
Sofia Leclair was no longer in Lyon.
Her feet hovered above a vast void of twinkling lights, stars stretching endlessly in every direction. Yet, the pulse of warmth in her chest remained, stronger than ever, guiding her toward an unknown purpose.
"Where… am I?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
And somewhere, in the boundless reaches of Astra, the threads of fate began to weave around her, marking her as one of the Chosen.
Sofia was filled with astonishment and surprise. Yet, without noticing, her mind sank into darkness, unconscious and unaware. Meanwhile, the fourth and final Chosen was soon to make their way to Astra.
✦✦✦✦✦
[ Osaka, Japan — Suburbs ]
Hana Takeda stepped out of her small apartment, the soft hum of early morning filling the quiet streets. The air smelled faintly of wet asphalt and blooming cherry blossoms, a reminder that spring was just beginning. In her hands, she carried a small thermos of tea and a folded notebook with sketches she had been working on late into the night—tiny plans for a garden she wanted to create in her neighborhood, a gesture of calm in a life that often felt solitary.
Her apartment building was modest, the kind where everyone knew everyone's comings and goings, yet Hana had always kept to herself. She was polite, quiet, helpful when needed—but never close to anyone. A life of soft routines, with just enough interaction to feel human, yet never enough to feel attached.
— "Morning, Ms. Takeda," a neighbor called as she passed the small alley that led to the main street.
— "Morning," she replied with a polite bow, smiling faintly, though her mind was elsewhere.
Hana paused at the corner, the sunlight glinting off the glass panels of a nearby convenience store. It was a day like any other, and she felt a rare sense of calm. After a decade of working at a small graphic design studio, taking care of her aging parents, and recently recovering from a breakup, her life was simple—structured, predictable, and quiet. She liked it that way.
But just as she took her first sip of tea, a strange warmth crept up her spine, unaccompanied by any wind or sound. The air around her shimmered subtly, like heat rising from a pavement in the distance, yet closer—closer to her. She blinked, startled, as the world seemed to ripple ever so slightly, distorting the buildings, the cherry trees, even the cobblestones beneath her feet.
— "What…?" she murmured, stepping back.
The warmth intensified, coiling around her chest and radiating outward. In her mind, a strange pull, almost like a heartbeat, seemed to beckon her forward. Her notebook trembled in her hands, the tea steaming violently, though the air was still.
Then, without warning, a vortex of soft golden light appeared before her, pulsating gently yet irresistibly. It expanded quickly, surrounding her entirely. Her body felt lighter, her feet lifting from the ground as if gravity itself had loosened its grip. Panic clawed at her chest, but a deeper part of her, a quiet intuition, urged trust.
The world she knew—Osaka, her street, her morning routines—vanished in an instant.
Hana Takeda was no longer on Earth.
Above and below, all around, stars and cosmic hues stretched endlessly, the void of Astra welcoming her. The warmth in her chest—a strange, comforting pulse—guided her forward. A soft voice, neither male nor female, neither distant nor near, whispered through her consciousness: "Chosen. Your path begins."
Her eyes, wide with wonder and fear, reflected the unending light of the universe. Hana knew, instinctively, that her quiet, ordered life had changed forever. Something within her had awakened, something she had never known.
"Where… am I?" she whispered, her voice trembling, carrying the first hints of awe, of destiny, of something far beyond the life she had once known.
____________
Profile of the protagonists
Name: Adam Mohamed
Age: 15
Origin: Moroni, Grande Comore, Comoros
Life: Adam is a teenager preparing for the BEPC national exam. He lives with his older brother Abdillah and their half-siblings. His days are a mix of school, chores, and hanging out with friends.
Personality: Curious, loyal and emotionally open; Adam is quick-witted and bright, with a playful streak. He cares deeply for his family.
Flaws: Easily distracted and occasionally lazy; overconfident at times.
Appearance: Taller than his older brother, slim and energetic, dark skin, curly hair and expressive eyes. His posture and movements show youthful vitality.
Inner Value: Beneath the teenage impulsiveness lies a resilient, compassionate heart—one that will grow into courage when challenged.
* Name: Abdillah Mohamed
( anomaly/ bound to Adam's body )
Age: 19
Origin: Comoros Islands, Grande Comore, Moroni
Life: Abdillah is a university student, currently on vacation while helping his younger brother, Adam, prepare for the BEPC exam. He lives in a modest family home with his siblings, having grown up in a supportive but ordinary environment after losing their parents. Despite his introverted nature, he is deeply attached to his family and values their bond above all else.
Personality: Abdillah is introverted, observant, and caring, but he tends to be rebellious and impulsive. He rarely expresses his emotions outwardly, preferring to act thoughtfully (though sometimes impulsively) rather than speak. While protective of those he loves, he often struggles with self-discipline and procrastination, a trait shared with his younger brother.
Imperfections: Abdillah can be too withdrawn, stubborn, and occasionally careless in his daily life. He struggles with motivation, often giving in to laziness, and sometimes lets his impulsive nature get the better of him.
Physique: Slightly smaller than his younger brother, Abdillah has a normal, average physique—not particularly athletic, nor overweight. His dark skin, coiled hair, and thin facial hair reflect his African heritage, while his appearance overall is tidy but not meticulously maintained.
Inner Values: Despite his outward apathy at times, Abdillah is compassionate, deeply loyal, and protective of his family.
Abdillah's loyalty and protectiveness define him. While he isn't naturally altruistic, he is capable of deep care and decisive action for those he considers close—especially family and innervallers. His selective devotion and inner impulses make him complex and unpredictable.
Abdillah's loyalty and protectiveness define him. While he isn't naturally altruistic, he is capable of deep care and decisive action for those he considers close—especially family and dear friends. His selective devotion and inner impulses make him complex and unpredictable.
Name: Clayton Rumray
Age: 46
Origin: Columbus, Ohio, USA
Life: A retired U.S. Special Forces veteran who found unexpected financial success through investments after leaving the field. He now dedicates much of his wealth to philanthropy in his hometown—schools, hospitals and infrastructure—while keeping a modest personal life.
Personality: Loyal, steady, disciplined and quietly compassionate; Clayton leads by example rather than words.
Flaws: Haunted by combat memories and personal loss; can be guarded, rigid, or slow to trust.
Appearance: Tall and muscular, rugged features with a well-kept beard and bits of gray at the temples. Dresses simply but carries discreet signs of quality.
Inner Value: A rock of calm and perseverance—his duty-driven compassion makes him a guardian figure among the Chosen.
Name: Sophia Leclair
Age: 27
Origin: Lyon, France
Life: A university student and environmental activist working on local conservation projects. She lives modestly in Lyon and balances studies, community work and small personal pleasures.
Personality: Empathetic, deliberate, and determined—she leads by care and moral clarity.
Flaws: Prone to overcommitting and can be emotionally overwhelmed by responsibility.
Appearance: 1.68 m, chestnut hair at shoulder length, hazel eyes; simple, practical style suited to fieldwork and community events.
Inner Value: Sophia's empathy and conviction make her a moral center—her courage comes from caring.
Name: Hana Takeda
Age: 35
Origin: Osaka, Japan
Life: Lives quietly in Osaka, works at a small studio/bookshop, cares for bonsai and leads a measured, routine life after a recent breakup. She enjoys calligraphy, neighbourhood projects and simple community ties.
Personality: Gentle, patient, observant—she comforts others through quiet presence.
Flaws: Tends to be passive, doubts her own worth and avoids conflict.
Appearance: 1.63 m, shoulder-length wavy black hair, warm brown eyes; simple, slightly vintage wardrobe.
Inner Value: Quiet resilience and compassion: ordinary life, extraordinary heart.
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Hello, dear readers!
I'm excited to share that this is my very first original novel, and I'm putting my heart and soul into it. For those of you who have followed my fanfic "Users of the Sacred Swords in the Land of Souls", don't worry—I'm continuing that story too. But this new project is my main focus, and I can't wait to take you on this journey.
Your support means the world to me. I don't have a Patreon yet, and I'm not planning to start one immediately, but your comments, feedback, and encouragement would be incredibly appreciated. Every thought you share helps me grow and motivates me to keep going.
If this story reaches all 15 chapters, I will consider opening a Patreon to share even more exclusive content with you. For now, thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy following the adventures of the Chosen!
And please note: English is not my native language, and this is an experiment for me, so I apologize in advance for any mistakes.