Chapter 8: The Delivery

The neon skyline of Earth Star XXVII painted the night in a dazzling array of lights, with holo-billboards flashing advertisements for new genetic enhancements, combat gear, and interstellar mercenary recruitments. Inside the high-rise apartment of the Graves family, a far more personal discussion was taking place.

The dinner table was set with a hearty meal—nutrient-dense protein synths and organic greens, a luxury for middle-class families. The room's ambient AI adjusted the lighting to a warm hue, making the scene feel almost normal.

But it wasn't.

Orion had returned home after years, and though he feigned normalcy, his parents were seasoned enough to sense something was off.

Across the table, Damien Graves, his father, carved through his meal with the efficiency of a veteran. His physique was hardened—muscles sculpted through years of combat, his left arm a cybernetic replacement from an old battlefield injury.

His Core Civilization was the Iron Legion, a 1-star civilization when he awakened, now evolved into a powerful Evolver-tier force. The Iron Legion specialized in fortification and battlefield tactics, granting Damien enhanced durability, high-speed combat analysis, and the ability to summon mechanized sentries during battle.

Next to him sat Elaine Graves, Orion's mother. Unlike her husband, her build was leaner, but her sharp, calculating gaze spoke of a woman who had survived wars. Her Core Civilization was the Silent Bloom, a rare 1-star civilization based on stealth, assassination, and bio-enhanced poisons. Even at the Evolver stage, her strikes were said to be lethal enough to paralyze a Post-Evolver in seconds.

Between them, Ava Graves, their 12-year-old daughter, radiated boundless excitement. Her Awakening Ceremony was in a month, and for her, it was the most important moment of her life.

And then, there was Orion.

Orion, who had supposedly never Awakened a Core Civilization.

As the dinner conversation drifted between Ava's training and the latest Earth Star XXVII news, Damien suddenly sighed, setting his utensils down. His gaze locked onto Orion.

"Son, we need to talk."

Elaine nodded, her expression softer but equally concerned. "We know you've… had a difficult time out there. And we didn't want to pressure you, but—"

"Your Awakening," Damien cut in. "It still hasn't happened, has it?"

Ava nearly choked on her food. "Wait, Orion hasn't awakened?!"

Orion remained silent, taking a sip of his drink. How could he explain the truth? That his Nameless Abyss was something beyond a simple Core Civilization? That his Awakening had led him into a war between fallen gods, abyssborn entities, and cosmic horrors?

Damien and Elaine exchanged a glance before Damien continued.

"Look, we've been saving up." He tapped his fingers on the table, his cybernetic arm whirring faintly. "We can afford a Late Awakening Potion."

Elaine nodded. "It's expensive, but it'll help force your genetic potential to the surface. If we act now, you might still be able to awaken a 1-star civilization before it's too late."

Orion felt a pang of emotion.

Even after all these years, they still cared so deeply about him. They thought he was struggling, thought he had fallen behind. They were willing to sacrifice their savings just to give him a chance.

Ava, however, was still stuck on her shock.

"Wait… you're telling me all these years, Orion never awakened? How does that even—" She gasped, eyes widening. "Oh no. Are you a… Normal?!"

The table fell silent.

Being a Normal was a death sentence in human civilization. Those without a Core Civilization were permanently stuck as ordinary humans, never able to advance. They were barely fit to be factory workers or manual laborers, let alone warriors.

Orion let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "No, I'm not a Normal."

Ava exhaled in relief, but Damien and Elaine were still watching him closely.

"Then what did you awaken?" Damien asked. "Even if it's weak, we can train it."

"I…" Orion hesitated. "I don't think a potion will work on me."

Elaine frowned. "Why?"

Before he could answer, the apartment's AI assistant chimed.

> [Incoming Delivery: Recipient – Orion Graves]

Everyone turned toward the entrance as the doors slid open.

A Void Express courier, clad in an advanced armored suit, stood in the doorway. His helmet visor obscured his face, but his uniform bore the unmistakable insignia of Divine Priority Orders—a delivery class reserved only for orders sanctioned by cosmic-level entities.

Elaine and Damien stiffened immediately.

The courier extended a black case. "Special delivery for Orion Graves. No sender details."

Orion reached out, accepting it. The moment his fingers touched the case, a strange pulse ran through his veins.

The courier gave a slight bow. "Void Express thanks you for your patronage." Then, he disappeared into the high-speed hover transport, vanishing into the city.

Ava's eyes sparkled. "Whoa! You got a secret package! Open it!"

Orion didn't respond. His hands were steady as he pressed the biometric seal on the case. With a faint hiss, it unlocked.

Inside, nestled in black silk, were three items:

A yellowed paper, its edges slightly burned, as if ancient beyond time.

A small, smooth stone, pulsing faintly with incomprehensible energy.

A black pill, its surface rippling as if it were alive.

The moment his eyes fell upon them, something shifted in the air—an invisible pressure that sent chills through his body.

This… wasn't normal.

This was something far beyond human comprehension.

Damien and Elaine immediately recognized the significance of the Divine Priority Seal.

Elaine's voice was dead serious. "Orion. Who sent this?"

Orion's throat felt dry. "...The Three Goddesses."

Damien's fists clenched. "Why would the Goddesses send you something like this?"

Elaine's expression darkened. "What exactly have you gotten yourself into?"

Even Ava, normally carefree, sensed the gravity of the situation.

The apartment's lights flickered slightly, as if reacting to the objects inside the case.

Orion exhaled. "I don't know yet. But I'm going to find out."

And as he closed the case, he couldn't shake the feeling that whatever lay ahead…

Would change everything.

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End of Chapter 10