The Etherverse The Realm Choosing Ceremony

[Scene: Morning in the Lucent mansion. Floating sigils pulse slowly outside the glass dome. Inside, Luan’s body — now Eirlys — sits at the edge of a hovering bed, glaring at the mirror.]

Luan

(muttering)Ugh. My hair shines like it’s trying to blind a planet. Is this what royalty feels like?

The door opens. Luan’s parents step inside. The former Lucent looks as regal as ever. Uan follows behind with a soft gaze.

Luan's Father

You need to prepare.

Luan

For what now? Another emotional speech? Or is it brunch with ghost royalty?

Uan (Luan’s father²)

The Realm Choosing Ceremony. Every Etherian attends at seventeen. It’s tradition

Luan

This body’s seventeen. I’m thirty-two and very overqualified.

Luan's Father

The citizens must see you. Questions will rise if you don’t appear.

Luan

(sighs and stands)Fine. I’ll wear the floaty cape. But if someone tries to bow at me, I’m kicking them.

Eimi

I think bowing’s a compliment here—

Luan

Then I hope you enjoy getting booted with royal dignity.

Scene Shift: The Etherverse Academy — Ceremony Hall] A massive circular platform hangs in the void. Students stand in rows, dressed in ceremonial robes. Glowing runes rise like stars around the dome. Luan (Eirlys) enters in silver-trimmed violet robes. She walks with a calm, regal posture but her mind races.

Luan

Okay. Breathe. Act like you belong. Nobody here knows I’m a scientist stuck in a teenager’s space prince.(thinking)

A voice calls from the side.

？？？

Took you long enough, starboy.

She turns. A tall figure leans against a crystal column sharp eyes, confident grin. It’s Jiang, Luan’s best friend.

Jiang ( MC's friend)

You always this dramatic after holidays?

Luan

Only when I come back from the dead. You know how it is.(smirking, tone shifting to sly and casual)

Jiang ( MC's friend)

Still full of jokes, huh? I missed this version of you.

Luan

Yeah, I missed me too. (fake-grinning)

They move toward the center dais. The crowd quiets. An ethereal figure floats upward the Ceremony Guide.

Ceremony Guide: Today, those of age shall choose their realm the force that will shape your Etherverse path.

Jiang ( MC's friend)

Still deciding?

Luan

Not anymore.

One by one, students step into the glowing circle. Fire, Time, Abyss, Astral… When it’s “Luan’s” turn, the platform quiets. Everyone watches.

Ceremony Guide:Luan of the Lucent lineage. Step forward.

Luan

Here goes everything.(thinking)

She steps into the seal. Runes spiral around her. The light flares — silver and pale blue.

Voice of the Realms (echoing): Caelith.

Gasps ripple through the crowd.

Whispers from students nearby: "Caelith? Isn’t that the realm of the current Lucent?" "Wait… how does he have affinity with that?" "I thought the Lucent bloodline disappeared…"

Jiang ( MC's friend)

Caelith? Didn’t expect that. But it suits you sky’s always been your thing.

Luan

I do like a good view from above.

From the shadows of the balcony, cloaked nobles whisper.

Courtier

Courtier (to another):The former Lucent’s child returns… and chooses Caelith. Should we inform the council?

Courtier

Other (narrowing their eyes): No. Not yet. But keep watching. Something’s... off.