Aether — the nature's energy. The unseen force that flows through the world of Aetherion.
It runs through every living being on the planet, existing within their bodies as a quiet, constant current. From the moment of birth, people are bound to this energy, carrying within them the potential to use it, shape it, and grow alongside it.
For centuries, Aether has been the silent foundation upon which civilizations have risen and endured.
It shaped the way people lived long before they understood it. What began as instinct—an unspoken connection to the energy within—slowly became knowledge, then discipline, and eventually a way of life. Generations passed down techniques, refining how Aether could be drawn, controlled, and applied without breaking the balance that sustained it.
Kingdoms learned to live with it... Including the Kingdom of Aurelian.
The capital of Aurelian revealed itself like a living structure of light and stone.
As Renn passed through the grand gates, the world beyond unfolded into a vast engineered harmony—streets paved with pale crystal-veined stone, buildings rising in layered symmetry, and floating Aether crystals drifting slowly above districts like silent guardians.
Every structure carried the signature of Aether's power: Aether crystals embedded into everything. Not as a central source of power, but as distributed fragments of stability. Bridges held themselves in suspended balance. Lanterns floated without flame. Even the air felt measured, as though the city itself was maintaining its own equilibrium.
A knight beside him glanced briefly. "First time seeing the capital?"
Renn nodded once.
"You'll get used to it," the knight said.
The flow of candidates led him toward the Capital Square.
It was massive—far larger than anything in Eldermire. Hundreds of applicants filled the open space, forming long lines that moved toward a series of organized booths beneath a high-arched structure.
Above them, floating crystals rotated slowly, casting shifting light across the square.
At the center stood the Registration Hall.
Renn joined the line.
Around him, voices filled the air—some confident, others nervous, many trying to hide both.
A young man in front of him turned slightly.
"You here for the trial too?" he asked.
Renn glanced at him. "Yeah."
The man grinned. "Same. Name's Taren. From the southern ridge villages."
Renn gave a small nod. "Renn."
The line moved forward. One by one, applicants stepped to the booth.
"Name and origin," a knight repeated with practiced ease.
"Kael Draven, East Province."
Stamped.
"Next."
"Lio Vance, Silver Coast."
Stamped.
"Next."
Eventually, it was Renn's turn. He stepped forward. The knight at the booth didn't look up immediately, writing on a sheet before speaking.
"Name."
"Renn."
The knight paused.
"…Full name."
There was a brief silence.
"Renn Valehart."
The knight's hand stopped. Only for a moment. Then it continued writing.
"Origin."
"Eldermire."
The knight stamped the paper and handed it forward.
"Proceed to Aether Attribute scanning."
Renn moved to the next station.
At the center floated a smooth, translucent sphere—the Aether Orb. It hovered steadily, faint energy pulsing within.
A knight stood beside it, addressing the gathered candidates.
"This is the Resonance Orb," he said. "It will reveal your Aether Attribute."
He gestured toward the sphere. "Place your hand on the orb. Your Aether will respond in color."
He pointed toward a nearby candidate. "Begin."
A tall man stepped forward. He placed his hand on the orb. A sharp red light burst outward.
"Blade Attribute," the knight announced. "Combat reinforcement."
The man smirked slightly, stepping aside.
Next, a woman in a dark cloak approached.
Her hand touched the orb. A soft violet glow spread like mist.
"Veil Attribute. Stealth and concealment." She nodded quietly. Renn looked at the girl. The girl glanced at him back and then moved on.
Taren stepped forward next.
He took a breath. "Alright… here goes."
His hand met the orb. A sudden yellow flash pulsed outward.
"Pulse Attribute," the knight confirmed. "Speed and energy burst."
Taren blinked, then laughed. "I'll take it."
He stepped aside, looking back at Renn. "Your turn."
Renn stepped forward.
The square seemed quieter now. Not silent—but slower. He looked at the orb then placed his hand on it.
For a brief moment—
Nothing happened.
Then the sphere trembled. A low hum spread outward. The light inside twisted. And then— It erupted.
A blinding golden radiance burst from the orb, flooding the entire station. The intensity forced nearby candidates to step back. Even the knights shielded their eyes as the light expanded beyond its bounds.
The floating crystals above the square flickered in response. The air itself felt… disrupted. The golden light did not stabilize like the others.
It surged.
Alive.
Uncontained.
Silence fell. No one spoke or moved. The examiner stared at the orb, confusion clear on his face.
"…This is not recorded," he muttered.
He checked the readings again. Nothing matched. No category. No classification. Only light.
He looked at Renn. Then at the sheet.
After a long pause, he pressed the stamp down.
NO ATTRIBUTE RECORDED
The sound echoed louder than it should have.
Whispers spread instantly.
"What was that…?"
"Gold?"
"That's not a known type…"
But no answer came. Renn removed his hand.
The light faded slowly, as if reluctant to disappear.
Far above the Capital Square, within the quiet of the throne room, a knight captain knelt before the throne.
"Your Majesty," he said. "An anomaly was recorded during Aether assessment."
Seated above, King Darius Viremont held a single sheet of paper. He had already read it.
His eyes rested on one line.
Name: Renn Valehart
The king's expression did not change. But slowly.
A faint smirk formed.
Not of surprise, but of interest.
"Valehart huh…" he murmured.
The paper remained in his hand. And for the first time in a long while. Something in Aurelian had drawn his full attention.