1 Elliot
**Stellara: A Celestial Tapestry of Wealth and Power**
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, nestled amidst the celestial wonders of the universe, lay a planet of captivating allure. A world of diverse landscapes, thriving ecosystems, and teeming lifeforms that painted its surface with vibrant colors. This was Stellaris, a planet where the boundaries between science and magic blurred, where interdimensional gateways punctuated the skies, and where the very air seemed to hum with the promise of untold possibilities.
In the heart of this captivating world, beneath the expansive canvas of the skies, Stellara unfolded, a celestial metropolis like no other. It had risen to become the planetary capital, a testament to human achievement amidst the stars.
The city's skyline, adorned with towering skyscrapers, seemed to reach out to touch the celestial vault above. The Central Rich District, at the city's core, stood as a testament to opulence and power, its regal government buildings commanding authority over the city's destiny. Within this district, the elite and influential had carved their residences, including the enigmatic City Lord, a figure whose mere presence commanded respect and intrigue.
Radiating outward from this apex of luxury, the Outer Residential Districts formed concentric rings where daily life thrived—a mosaic of races and incomers blending in harmonious coexistence.
Marking the city's outer boundaries, the Market Districts hummed with ceaseless activity. Flanked by towering edifices, these bustling thoroughfares offered a cornucopia of goods and services, igniting the city's bustling economy.
Nestled amidst the grandeur, faction headquarters asserted dominion over their territories, each faction a sovereign entity within Stellara's embrace. Among these, "Aurora Vanguard" stood as an enigmatic sentinel, its history veiled in mystery, yet its influence extended far and wide.
A network of advanced transportation hubs crisscrossed the metropolis, uniting its diverse districts. Hovertrains whisked commuters to distant corners in a symphony of motion, while teleportation stations provided swift access to pivotal locations.
Amidst this celestial tapestry, the city's education district nurtured young talents, forging interdimensional warriors of exceptional skill. Prestigious schools, each tier designed to cater to a different stratum of society, served as crucibles of ambition and potential.
The luminous veins of culture ran deep within the city, a vibrant blend of races and traditions. Stellara painted itself with a kaleidoscope of life, a metropolis teeming with energy. In its labyrinthine alleys, secrets whispered, while ambition burned as brightly as the stars that adorned the celestial sky.
As the planetary capital, Stellara had held the pulse of an entire world within its grasp. Yet, beneath the gleaming facades and bustling streets, mysteries and rivalries had simmered, each waiting to be unveiled in the celestial heart of this grand metropolis.
The Central Rich District, an opulent jewel within the city, was a world unto itself. Streets lined with marble and gold, high-end boutiques and exclusive clubs, the most lavish entertainment venues, and restaurants where culinary artistry met culinary innovation. It was here that the wealthiest citizens and the most powerful factions held court.
"Elliot Rouge is there something more interesting in that book you're reading than my lecture?", a pleasant yet strict voice snapped Elliot out of the book he was reading. It was a book about Stellara city and its power structure.
"No Professor Avensworth," Elliot murmured, not even looking up at the elven lady staring daggers at him.
Professor Avensworth, an elven lady of regal stature, stood at the front of the classroom. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back, contrasting sharply with her emerald green eyes. Her sharp, angular features were framed by the elegance of her pointed ears, and her presence carried an air of authority that demanded attention.
The classroom itself was a spacious, well-lit chamber with tall windows that overlooked the sprawling cityscape of Stellara. Rows of polished wooden desks were neatly arranged, each one equipped with a holoscreen for educational purposes. The walls were adorned with holographic displays, showcasing various aspects of the city's history and culture.
Sitting next to Elliot was his tormentor, Kael. Kael had a shock of raven-black hair that constantly fell into his stormy gray eyes. He had a lean and agile build, and his sharp features gave him a somewhat mischievous and cruel appearance.
Kael leaned toward Elliot, whispering with a sinister smirk, "Heh, snap out of it, Elliot. You're no longer the Vanguard's prince, not since your parents disappeared."
Elliot clenched his fist under the desk, gritting his teeth at the reminder of his parents' mysterious disappearance. The pain and uncertainty still weighed heavily on his heart.
Professor Avensworth continued her lecture, her voice dripping with a tone of displeasure. "Today, we're discussing the political structure of Stellara's Market Districts. I suggest you pay attention, Mr. Rouge. It might help you understand the real world better than your books."
Elliot reluctantly returned his focus to the lecture, his thoughts drifting back to the complexities of the city's power structure. The minutes ticked by, and eventually, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.
As the students gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, Kael grabbed Elliot's shoulder roughly, forcing him to his feet. "Come on, Elliot. You're coming with me," Kael sneered, his tone leaving no room for refusal. He intended to take Elliot to his gang of friends, where he could subject him to further humiliation and abuse.
With a heavy heart, Elliot followed Kael, leaving behind the echoes of Professor Avensworth's lecture and the mysteries of Stellara's power dynamics, at least for the moment.
Elliot followed Kael reluctantly through the echoing halls of the school, his footsteps heavy with dread. The other students parted like the Red Sea, creating a path for the tormentor and his victim. Kael led him out into the back alley, where his gang of lackeys awaited, lurking in the shadows.
"Look who we got here, boys," Kael sneered, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "It's our old friend, Elliot Rouge, the perfect punching bag."
The gang erupted into cruel laughter, their voices echoing off the walls of the alley. Elliot clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening as he prepared himself for the inevitable.
"Come on, Elliot, show us that regenerative power of yours!" one of Kael's lackeys jeered, shoving him roughly.
As the first punch landed, it was as if time slowed down for Elliot. Blow after blow rained down upon him, each one delivered with a brutal force that sent shockwaves of pain through his body. His regenerative ability struggled to keep up, healing him just enough to endure the relentless onslaught.
Elliot's vision blurred, and the taste of blood filled his mouth. He could feel his body bruising and breaking, bones cracking under the merciless assault. The bullies showed no mercy, their laughter growing more sadistic with each passing moment.
Each punch felt like a sledgehammer, bruising, and battering his body. The pain was excruciating, but the torment seemed endless. Elliot's regenerative ability did little to protect him from the sheer brutality of the attack. In fact, it seemed to fuel their sadistic glee, as they relished in the sight of his injuries healing only to be inflicted anew.
Blood trickled from his nose, his lips swollen and split. Bruises blossomed across his face, turning it into a grotesque mask of pain. As the bullies continued their relentless assault, Elliot's vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to spin.
After what felt like an eternity, Kael finally called off his gang. Elliot collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, his body battered and broken. Blood oozed from his nose and split lip, his clothes torn and stained.
"Remember, Elliot," Kael taunted, delivering one final kick before leaving him in the alley. "You're nothing now. Just a weak, helpless kid."
Elliot lay there for what felt like an eternity, gasping for breath, his body a canvas of pain. His regenerative ability had done its work, knitting his wounds and healing his broken bones, but the emotional scars ran far deeper. With great effort, he pushed himself to his feet, his limbs trembling.
As he staggered out of the alley, bruised and battered, he knew that his tormentors had won this round. But deep inside, a flicker of determination burned brighter than ever. Elliot would not remain the punching bag they thought he was.
