Chapter 2: Aether Bearer
In the world of "The Phantom's Curse", Aether Bearers are individuals blessed with the ability to control and manipulate Aether, a mystical energy that permeates all things. This energy takes on different forms depending on the bearer's elemental affinity, granting them unique abilities.
Aether Bearers are divided into four primary categories based on their elemental affinities: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Each category has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the abilities of the bearers vary greatly depending on their affinity.
There re other Elemental affinity,that are rare among the other Bearer such as Spirit, Light and Darkness.
Ethan is an Air Bearer, one of the more common types of Aether Bearers. Air Bearers have the ability to control and manipulate air and wind, allowing them to perform feats like creating gusts of wind, forming air shields, and even manipulating sound to a certain extent.
However, Ethan is not just any ordinary Air Bearer. His abilities extend beyond the basic control of air and wind. Ethan possesses a unique talent that sets him apart from other Air Bearers and makes him an invaluable ally to Alex.
Ethan has the rare ability to sense changes in the Aether around him, allowing him to detect the presence of other Aether Bearers and supernatural entities. This ability, often referred to as "Aether Sensing", is extremely rare and highly valued. It's this unique ability, along with his unwavering loyalty and quick wit, that has solidified his place as Alex's best friend and most trusted ally.
Ethan's abilities, while not as flashy as some other Aether Bearers, are crucial in their battle against the Phantoms. His Aether Sensing ability often gives them the upper hand, allowing them to detect threats before they become too dangerous.
Lucas, now in Ethan's body, glanced at the calendar on the desk. His eyes rested on a particular date marked in bold. It was exactly a month away.
'So this body is not Awakened his abilities yet.A month,seem like a perfect timing to get used with this life.'
And after a month,is The day of the Ceremony of Awakening - a significant event in the life of every potential Aether-bearer.
The Ceremony of Awakening is a sacred ritual that marks the awakening of an Aether Bearer's abilities. It's a rite of passage that every potential Aether-bearer must undergo, a day of reckoning that reveals their elemental affinity and sets them on their path as an Aether-bearer.
The ceremony is conducted by the Aether's Keepers, a group of wise and experienced Aether-bearers who have dedicated their lives to guiding and mentoring the new generation of Aether-bearers. The ceremony takes place in the Aether's Sanctum, a sacred location imbued with strong Aetheric energy.
But how does one know who is an Aether-bearer? Every potential Aether-bearer is born with a mark known as the Aether's Sigil, a small, intricate symbol usually located on the wrist. This sigil is invisible to ordinary humans, but to Aether-bearers and potential Aether-bearers, it is clearly visible.
As the potential Aether-bearer grows, the sigil changes color, indicating the approaching time for their abilities to awaken. When the sigil turns a bright gold, it signifies that the time for the Ceremony of Awakening is near.
So, with a month to go before the ceremony, Lucas, in Ethan's body, has a crucial period of preparation ahead of him. He has a month to accustom himself to Ethan's life, to understand his unique abilities, and to prepare for the ceremony that will mark the beginning of his journey as an Aether-bearer.
But he wonder something.
'Should I unlocked my abilities first?'
While the Ceremony of Awakening is a significant event that formally recognizes an Aether-bearer's abilities, many Aether-bearers discover their powers before the ceremony. This early awakening is often spontaneous, triggered by intense emotions or life-threatening situations.
That's what we call Prematured Aether Bearer.
The Main Character in this world,Alex, for instance, discovered his abilities as a Spirit-bearer quite early and has been training and honing his skills ever since.
Spirit-bearers, like Alex, are a unique type of Aether-bearer. Unlike other Aether-bearers who control elemental forces, Spirit-bearers have the ability to communicate with and control spirits. They can see, communicate with, and manipulate various spirits and spiritual energies, making them a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
However, this unique ability also comes with its own set of challenges. Spirit-bearers often find themselves dealing with restless spirits, wraiths, and other supernatural entities that most Aether-bearers never encounter.
'He must have been using his abilities to help those restless spirits since then. Though he didn't even noticed that 'they' have been watching him the moment he used his power.'
Using their powers before the ceremony is a risky move for any Aether-bearer. The moment they use their abilities, they draw the attention of the Aether's Keepers, who are tasked with maintaining the balance between the human and supernatural worlds. If an Aether-bearer uses their powers recklessly, the Aether's Keepers may intervene, issuing warnings or even punishments.
More dangerously, using their abilities can also attract the attention of the Aether's Hunters - individuals who hunt down and eliminate Aether-bearers perceived as threats.
This makes premature use of their powers a dangerous gamble.
It's also important to note that premature Aether-bearers, despite their awakened abilities, cannot see Phantoms until after the ceremony.
This is because the ceremony not only acknowledges their abilities but also fully unlocks their Aetheric potential, allowing them to perceive and interact with all forms of supernatural entities.
At the same time, this also prevent those Premature Aether Bearer from exposed to any dangers they are not ready to face.
Well,Alex is an exception of course.In the moment,he can't see any other supernatural entities such as Phantoms or Wraith,but his Spirit Bearer abilities allow him to communicate with spirits and restless spirits.
Which made him know the existence of any supernatural entities while he communicate with the spirits.
Not only that his control over his power is also very incredible.Again thanks to the kind spirits who teach him ever since he got the abilities.
'That is what you called a Main Character. On the other hand,what should I do now?'
Lucas, now inhabiting Ethan's body, was faced with a confusing decision. He knew how to unlock his Aether abilities without facing any danger like other premature, a shortcut that could give him an immediate advantage.
However, he was also aware of the potential consequences.
Unlocking Aether abilities prematurely can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides immediate access to powers that can be used for protection or to gain an advantage. On the other hand, it can limit the potential growth of an Aether Bearer.
This is because Aether abilities are tied to personal growth and experiences. When Aether Bearers naturally awaken their abilities during the Ceremony of Awakening, they are often stronger and more in tune with their powers. Their abilities grow and evolve with them, becoming more potent as they gain experience and maturity.
Let's just say because the Abilities it self comfortable with their owner.
Prematurely unlocking these abilities can disrupt this natural growth. The Aether Bearer may gain immediate power, but their abilities may not evolve or grow stronger over time. They could reach a plateau, their powers stagnating instead of advancing.
On the other hands,the premature abilities is not comfortable with their owner because of how they are forcefully awakened.
This is just metaphor,the Abilities didn't have any feeling.
However, Alex is an exception to this rule. His unique talent as a Spirit Bearer allows him limitless growth. His abilities evolve and adapt, growing stronger and more versatile over time.
Vrttt,Vrttt
Caught in his thoughts, Lucas was startled by the sudden vibration in his pocket. He pulled out Ethan's phone, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise as he saw the name flashing on the screen.
T-Lex.
A nickname he recognized all too well. It was Alex.
What should he do? Answer the call and risk revealing that he was not the Ethan that Alex knew? Or ignore the call and risk arousing suspicion?
He was caught in a dilemma, unsure of the best course of action.
Weekly Power Status
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