In the 95th year, humanity began to advance rapidly. In the boratories of the nation of Orythia, the Orythians conducted experiments on a mysterious material discovered within a strange artifact called the Ether Core. This core emitted incredible radiation, and its particles could consume surrounding matter and adapt to it. Thus began a blood-soaked, ambitious series of experiments. Seeing the potential unveiled by their scientists’ research, the nation’s leaders ordered tests on living creatures. They found that, if not overused, living bodies could absorb these particles and benefit from enhanced fitness and near-instant cell regeneration. Encouraged by these results, the government and officials pressed to experiment on humans—starting with prisoners. The tests went smoothly and truly produced a new breed of humans. Soon, every Orythian was required to become one of these “new humans.” Some protested, staging demonstrations, but as more subjects reached peak evolution—and even incurable diseases healed rapidly—the protests died down. In just two years, Orythia had developed weapons that converted ether particles into energy, making the Ether Core the nation’s primary power source. Other nations, faced with inevitable defeat, bowed to Orythia’s might. Their technology advanced so swiftly that even the ruling gods took notice.
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[Expnation]
These new humans can absorb ether particles from the air and convert them into energy for their equipment. Since the experiments began, ether particles have been released into the atmosphere around Orythia, making it a sealed state that welcomes no visitors—and no nation dares approach.
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[Scene: God’s Wrath]
In the 103rd year since the conflict between humans and gods broke out, Aetheria entered the darkest chapter of its history. Seven elite captains stood at their respective fronts with a single mission: to hold back the gods’ assault at the most vital points of the new human civilization.
They were known as: The Fangs of Orythia.
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[Scene: War Corners — A Glimpse of the Seven Fronts]
Captain Velhart, “The Iron Fist,” fought in the Sal’grind mountain pass—holding off the Stone and Cliff Lords, who wielded ruins and earth as weapons.
Captain Eira, “The Galebound,” and Captain Izel, “The Starfme,” faced the Sky Lord, supreme among the gods, who summoned meteors and storm-thunder from the heavens. Two captains were needed because his power defied all logic.
Captain Thorne, “The Verdant Fang,” defended the northern forest from the Wildlord, the god who animated trees and twisted roots into living chains.
Captain Harn, “The Thunder Maw,” battled on the central pins against Titanus Gaiorh, the Earthlord, who made the nd ripple as if alive.
Captain Rhyne, “The Thunder Maw,” battled on the central pins against the Earthlord, who made the nd ripple as if alive.
Captain Cael Ardyn, “The Silent Fang of Orythia,” guarded the Southern Sea Fortress from the Sea Lord’s assault—initially thought to be no different from the others, but it proved otherwise…
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[Scene: The Sea Fortress – Cael Ardyn]
The southern sky turned pale. Waves as tall as the fortress crashed in two brutal surges. The first was held at bay by an ether dome synchronized by one batalyon. But the second…
BOOM!!!
The main fortress exploded from behind.
Metal and stone flew through the air. Many soldiers were hurled aside. The dome partially colpsed, and terror spread among them.
Soldier 1:
“D-data was wrong… the sea god… he’s not like the others… this… this is—”
Cael Ardyn (shouting through the rubble):
“THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DATA—WE WERE JUST TOO SLOW TO SEE IT!”
“HE’S ONLY SHOWING WHAT HE’S CAPABLE OF…!!”
Ether cloaked Cael’s body. Voidlight Ether erupted from the base of Aethergrave, his signature bde. As the sky cracked open, the sea god descended from his throne of waves—a colossal water deity bearing currents and whirlpools.
[Cael's Thought - the curse of pushing to far]
"Ether was never the enemy."
"People think it breaks you. That it corrupts the soul. No… that’s not true."
"It heals. It sharpens. It elevates. But like any bde, push it too deep, and it cuts back."
I saw it firsthand. Soldiers in the southern garrison—kids, some of them—standing taller, running faster, eyes lit with that faint ether glow. One of them ughed when his arm grew back mid-battle. Said he felt invincible.
He wasn’t.
Two days ter, his skin began to crack—thin lines of light webbing up his neck. He stopped sleeping. His voice echoed, doubled, like something else was speaking with him.
"He never compined."
Not once. Even when his hand shook holding the bde. Even when he colpsed after the fifth surge.
"I ordered him to fall back. He refused. Said the Sea Lord wouldn't wait for him to recover."
So he fought… glowing like a beacon… and burned out like one too.
I never forgot the sound his body made when it broke.
It wasn't screaming. It was… quiet. Like gss giving in.
The world paused.
Screen fades...
A breath. A sigh.
"I MUST END THIS!!"
Cael roared to the god above, eyes bzing with fire.
The soldiers froze… then Cael leapt, charging the sky.
Csh!!!
Ether bde met divine trident, splitting sky and sea. Water-lightning and ether particles scattered, painting the purple sky with sparks.
Below, the troops rallied. Their spirits ignited by Cael’s courage.
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[Narration – Expnation of Ether]
Ether… is neither magic nor divine power. It is the product of ancient scientists’ desperation and intellect.
Particles that defy logic, consuming reality and reshaping themselves… like darkness taking the form of light.
Ether has no element; it is anti-element. That is why it can match—even surpass—Divine Power.
Yet its use costs both body and existence. Some soldiers showed signs of mutation. Cracks of ether light appeared on their skin from forced over-absorption… but still they fought on.
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[Closing Scene]
Cael and the sea god exchanged blows. But a massive wave from the divine trident forced Cael back. Aethergrave shattered in part, and Cael was hurled from the sky into the sea.
The troops called his name. But the water cimed him. Only a reflection of blue ether light remained…
And then, silence.
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[SCENE – IN THE DARK OCEAN]
Silent. Dark. Ether dust drifted slowly in the frozen, murky water. In the depths, Cael’s body floated motionless. His armor cracked in pces. His sword detached—drifting gently in the stillness.
Ether Sword (Inner Voice – Fragment of Awareness):
“…You’re foolish, Cael… but that is who you are… always caring more for others than yourself…”
Ether particles from the sword glowed, wrapping Cael’s body. Gentle, warm, like a final embrace.
“I can’t… hold on much longer… but I hope… it’s enough for one st hope.”
The ether formed a transparent crystal dome around him. The sword flickered once—then died. Its light went out. It sank, silent and soundless. Sleep mode activated.
