Omniphage of Apathy

The Praesit glided to a smooth halt at the designated platform, its doors sliding open with a faint hiss. The bustling plaza outside was alive with activity. Pedestrians moving in graceful streams, holographic displays advertising the latest fashion trends, and the subtle hum of other Praesits docking in synchronized motion.

Minafallen is home to students and people who either finished graduating or are still graduating. As a city, it was home to a lot of centers that didn't involve students alone.

Standing at the heart of the plaza was Lumeris Atelie, the city's most prestigious boutique store. Its elegant facade of crystalline panels reflected the sunlight in a cascade of colors, giving it an ethereal glow. Above the grand entrance, holographic script shifted gently, displaying the store's name.

"Wow," Elyonari murmured, craning her neck to take in the towering boutique. "This place is... stunning."

Vastarael stepped beside her, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. His masked face tilted slightly upward as he examined the store, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"You've got good taste, Princess."

She shot him a playful glare.

"Stop calling me that. We're both students now, remember?"

"Force of habit," he replied with a shrug, gesturing toward the entrance. "Shall we?"

_____

Inside, the store was a kaleidoscope of luxury and artistry. Rows of outfits floated in midair, displayed on holographic mannequins that rotated slowly to showcase every angle. Each section of the store catered to a specific style; formal, casual, traditional and avant-garde, with items tailored to different species and cultural aesthetics.

The air was filled with a subtle, calming fragrance and soft instrumental music played in the background.

Elyonari's eyes sparkled as she took in the array of choices. She darted toward the nearest display.

"Look at this!" She exclaimed, pulling a floating hanger closer. It held a sleek, azure gown with intricate patterns that shimmered like starlight.

Vastarael chuckled softly, following her. "You're like a kid in a candy store."

"I do not know what a candy store is but...don't you get excited seeing all this?" she asked, holding the gown against herself and twirling to face him. "What do you think?"

He tilted his head, his eyes scanning the dress.

"It suits you. But isn't it a bit formal for everyday wear?"

"It's not just for everyday," she countered, rolling her eyes. "A girl needs options. Also, how come you're so normal with me? A lot of guys would actually be stuttering."

"I have three mothers who treat me like I'm their only son and three sisters who have a brother complex. You get used to it. Also, I'm supposed to be asking that question."

"Oh. That's... rough."

"Tell me about it—where are you going?"

Elyonari quickly moved to another section, pulling out a variety of outfits. Casual dresses, fitted jackets and even a bold crimson jumpsuit. She tried them on one by one in a nearby fitting room, stepping out each time to twirl and strike a pose in front of Vastarael.

"Too flashy?" She asked, gesturing to a golden tunic that sparkled with every move.

"A bit," he replied, leaning against a nearby column with his arms crossed. "You might blind someone. And I'm wearing a mask."

She burst into laughter, her melodic voice catching the attention of other shoppers.

To the staff and workers of Lumeris Atelie, the presence of two divine beings in their boutique was nothing short of extraordinary. Royals were extremely rare in any setting, but to see them not in grand palaces or formal events, but here, casually browsing clothes like any ordinary customer, was surreal.

The atmosphere inside the store shifted the moment Vastarael Richinaria and Elyonari Mintheris stepped in. They were the children of gods, walking amongst mortals and immortals.

For the people of Anqerise, the Dynasties of Richinaria and Mintheris were not just rulers but divine extensions of the divine. Dynasty Richinaria, as the last remaining royal bloodline of the revered Aeterium race, was seen as the living embodiment of principles that the continent held sacred.

Their very existence was proof of divine favor, a bridge between the heavenly and mortal realms. Dynasty Mintheris, as caretakers of the World Tree Mintherenia, were deeply tied to the spiritual and natural balance of the world. To the inhabitants of Anqerise, they were stewards of life itself, their lineage carrying the blessings of the tree that connected all existence in Spheraphase.

In many ways, worship of the gods and Nexuses in Anqerise wasn't just an act of reverence, it was a way of life.

For Mortals and even lower Immortals, these divine beings were untouchable entities, far removed from their day-to-day struggles. But to see their descendants, the literal embodiments of divine will and power, casually walking among them?

That blurred the lines between divinity and mortality in a way that was both thrilling and humbling.

The boutique staff found themselves paralyzed with a mix of disbelief and anticipation. To be graced by these two was an opportunity. The gods' children didn't visit just any establishment, after all. Their presence here would mark Lumeris Atelie as a place of significance, a boutique worthy of divine recognition.

The ripples of this encounter would be felt far beyond Minafallen. Reporters would clamor for details, fashion enthusiasts would flood the store and students from the academy would undoubtedly gossip for weeks about the royals' choices and their interactions. The workers exchanged glances, unsure if they should approach or remain distant, but one thing was clear.

This was no ordinary day for them.

Actually, this year, all the Seventh Enlightenment Students were divine. This was the first time in millennia this happened and it was causing a bit of rumors and chaos in the academy city.

In the boutique, the two divine royals moved around checking outfits, completely unaware of the impact they were having.

"I just noticed that Anqerise has humans and elves alone. Or is it just me?" Vastarael asked as they waited for the workers to find more outfits for them to try.

Elyonari turned her head toward him, an amused smile tugging at her lips.

"You're not wrong. Anqerise is predominantly humans and elves, though other races do exist here. They're just... extremely rare."

"Rare? Why?"

"Wait. You're a prince. You never knew?"

He shook his head, "I mean, I didn't know elves existed until I read it in a book. I thought this world is full of humans alone but... there are more races too."

Her expression shifted, her amusement giving way to something more contemplative.

"It's because of the meritocracy system," she explained. "Most of the other races... don't like it. They despise the idea that status, wealth, or bloodline doesn't guarantee privilege here. In Anqerise, you rise by your achievements and your contributions, not by birthright. That's the foundation of our society. And while humans and elves thrive in it, others... don't."

Vastarael nodded slowly, his mind piecing together the implications.

"So that's why I've barely seen anyone who isn't human or elven. What's the ratio like?"

Elyonari's eyes narrowed in thought.

"In terms of the world's population, about eighty percent of humans live in Anqerise. Ninety nine percent of elves worldwide live in Thereia, which is almost all of the elven population in the world."

"Damn."

"Yeah. And humans and elves together make about ninety nine percent of Anqerise. The remaining two percent? That's the other races. Dwarves, Orcs, Fae, even a few Therianthropes and Demons. But they're scattered and they rarely integrate fully into Anqerise society."

He tilted his head in thought before he asked;

"Why do humans and elves coexist so well here? Other places I've heard, they're either indifferent to each other or actively hostile."

Elyonari chuckled, the sound light but tinged with pride.

"That's one of the reasons the meritocracy works here. Both races are strong in their own right, but more importantly, they respect each other's strengths. Humans are adaptable and driven. They'll work themselves to the bone to achieve their goals. Elves bring longevity, wisdom and, a deep connection to the natural and spiritual world. Together, we've created a society where both qualities are valued."

"And the other races?" Vastarael probed.

"They see it differently," she said with a small shrug. "Many of them come from cultures where power, hierarchy, or tradition hold sway. To them, a meritocracy feels... unnatural. Orcs, for example, might feel slighted if their warrior heritage doesn't automatically place them above a human scholar. Dwarves value craftsmanship and bloodlines so highly that the idea of competing with humans in other fields doesn't appeal to them. Even Fae and Therianthropes often see us as... well, beneath them."

"Arrogance."

"Pretty much," Elyonari replied with a faint smirk. "But for humans and elves, it's the opposite. They've built this land together, rising side by side. It's not perfect of course but... the system rewards effort and skill, and that's something both races appreciate."

"So humans here... they're strong?" He asked, his voice thoughtful.

"Very," Elyonari affirmed, even though it was rhetorical. "Anqerise humans actually aren't the fragile kind you'd see elsewhere. They're tempered by competition and necessity. Many of them train in essence manipulation, combat or specialized trades. You've seen the Rise Borough, haven't you? You know what I mean. Humans who make it to Upper Rise aren't just strong but extraordinary. The same goes for the elves who succeed here."

"And the ones in Lower Rise? I've never been there because of... family reasons."

He didn't want to say that his family didn't want them to be ambushed there, especially because forgotten gods like Stephos existed there.

"They're rising. That's the beauty of our system. It doesn't matter where you start. What matters is where you're headed. That's why humans and elves here respect each other. They understand the value of effort."

Vastarael nodded again, silent for a moment as he processed her words. On Earth, humans were based on wealth and stats. But Anqerise was... different. It was a unique blend of resilience and progress, forged through cooperation rather than domination.

"My Lord, My Lady, here are the outfits you... requested..."

Elyonari rose up from her seat and looked at the outfits. She took a few more and gave them to the nervous woman with a bright smile.

"Please pack this up and teleport it to the dorms," Elyonari said as she took out a black credit card. "Use this to pay. You do deliver outfits to the dorms, right?"

"Uh... yes! Yes we do! We do this a lot for the other students and those who live in the city..."

"I should pay too—"

Elyonari shook her head. "No need. I'll pay for it. I'm choosing your outfits so it's right for me to pay. That is not up for discussion."

He wanted to disagree but...

Who was he to refuse? The girl was as rich as him too. She was a princess too.