Æstherfall as it is known, is a world unlike any other—a place where the mysterious ore known as æsther covers the land, its luminescent glow captivating all who behold it. But this ethereal substance is not merely a spectacle for the eyes; it holds within it the potential for both great power and peril.
Æsther, a composition of unknown and fantastical elements, defies the boundaries of conventional understanding. Its very presence on Æstherfall has shaped the fate of the planet and its inhabitants. Emitting a soft, otherworldly radiance, æsther blankets the landscape, casting an enchanting glow upon the land.
The ore's composition remains a mystery, a blend of ethereal energies, arcane minerals, and enigmatic components that elude the grasp of human comprehension. It is a culmination of elements that exist beyond the realms of scientific understanding, a confluence of fantastical and unknown substances.
One of the most captivating aspects of æsther is the energy it generates—a potent force that defies conventional power sources. This otherworldly energy pulses through the ore, radiating power and potential. It possesses the ability to fuel any machinery made from the very alloy itself.
Pure æsther possesses a distinctive grey, metallic appearance, characterized by a lustrous sheen that imparts a shimmering effect when it catches the sun's light. The ore's surface has a smooth texture, hinting at the immense power it contains.
When subjected to appropriate adjustments and manipulations, this ore can be utilized to harness the arcane energy of the planet, making it available to all. It is indeed a remarkable material, even in its natural state.
The versatility of æsther renders it an excellent resource for fabrication, yet its exceptional feature is determined by its geographical origin. Researchers and scientists have classified the ore into various colors, which typically vary depending on the location from which it is obtained. The known six colors of æsther are brown, blue, red, yellow, black, and white.
The most common æsther amongst others is the brown æsther. It covers almost the entire planet and is the energy source for the native wildlife. As hard as a diamond, it is the best energy conductor compared to the others. It is widely used in construction and engineering projects due to its abundance, durability, and practicality.
Blue æsther has a fluid and translucent appearance. Also known as liquid metal, it can be manipulated like liquid when a certain frequency of energy is applied, while still being as durable and strong as the pure ore. Harvested from the floors of the seven seas, not many people know how to fully utilize this color of ore. To manipulate it into something useful is not cost-efficient.
Red æsther can be found close to a region with significant volcanic activity. It emanates a warm glow and gains a fiery hue, as it absorbs the energy from nearby seismic movement. This type of æsther possesses the ability to generate and manipulate intense amounts of energy. The main element for a Gear's core.
Yellow æsther is often used in the creation of medical equipment as the energy it produces contains regenerative and healing properties for carbon-based life forms. It is also crafted into jeweleries, as it exudes a soothing aura, making it a prized possession among those seeking peace and tranquility. Yellow æsthers are found in deserts and places where the ore is in direct sunlight.
White æsther is naturally located on the highest mountain peaks. It emanates a gentle breeze and is lighter compared to the other colors. Usually mixed with other colors of æsther, it is the only æsther ore that can be used as the base to make æsther alloys. Normally fashioned into wings or used to create levitation devices due to the ore's buoyant nature, its versatility makes it a valuable resource in the planet industries.
The rarest of the æsther is the black æsther. There are no specific locations where it can be found, but it is perhaps the most valuable of all. Only a lucky few have ever seen black æsthers and its properties are as mysterious as the the planet itself.
However, this remarkable element is not benevolent for all. While it may bestow incredible power, it is inherently fatal to humans. The ore's harmful nature poses a grave threat to foreign lifeforms.
Merely touching æsther would result in lethal electrocution, as its energy currents surge through the body, bringing about severe consequences. Humans, despite their curiosity and desire to harness æsther's potential, are unable to interact with it directly. The reason why Gears were invented in the first place.
Yet, the native inhabitants of Æstherfall, the nathkin possess a unique physiology that enables them to withstand the electrical energy generated by the planet. They can safely touch, handle, and interact with æsther, utilizing its power for various purposes, while remaining unscathed.
Despite their tolerance to the energy generated by æsther, nathkins cannot consume them to use as their sustenance. Their body has not adapted to process the ore as a source of energy or sustenance. Instead, they rely on other types of metal as food.
As interplanetary travelers stumbled upon the planet Æstherfall eons ago via stargates, humans found themselves facing the daunting challenge of understanding and interacting with æsther. Unfamiliar with its properties, they initially suffered the consequences of its lethal energy currents.
However, through ingenuity and perseverance, humans developed advanced protective suits and technologies that safeguard them from æsther's electrical fields. These specialized tools, known as Gears, are intricate exoskeletons designed to shield humans from the lethal effects of æsther while allowing them to harness its power.
The creation of Gears marked a turning point for humanity's exploration and exploitation of æsther. These suits are composed of a combination of æsther alloys, insulating materials, and energy regulators. They provide a protective barrier that isolates the wearer from æsther's electrical currents, allowing them to handle the ore safely and utilize its energy.
Equipped with Gears, humans can venture freely on the planet's surface, extracting the ore and using it for various purposes. The harvested æsther is utilized in a multitude of industries, from energy production and advanced technology to medicine and transportation. Its applications are vast and diverse, limited only by the imagination and technological capabilities of those who seek to harness its power.
The study of æsther has become a field of great scientific interest. Researchers and scholars from various disciplines converge on Æstherfall to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic ore. They seek to understand its composition, its unique energy properties, and its potential for shaping the future of technology and the very fabric of reality.
While æsther holds incredible promise, it also poses significant risks. The uncontrolled manipulation and mishandling of its energy can have catastrophic consequences. The volatile nature of the ore demands careful regulation and responsible usage to prevent disasters.
As the inhabitants of Æstherfall continue to explore and interact with æsther, they walk a fine line between unlocking its potential and respecting its inherent dangers. The allure of its power and the mysteries it holds continue to beckon, promising untold wonders and advancements for those who dare to delve into its depths.
◈◈◈
Alex's parents' voice trembles with anger and concern as Dr. Ahmed reveals the shocking truth. It took them by surprise and are hoping for the news to be false.
「 Aideen 」
"Wait, you're telling me that there is æsther inside my son's body?"
「 Matthew 」
"You gotta be kidding me, doctor."
Dr. Ahmed, the doctor in charge of Alex at the GOD medical facility, tries to calm them down. He explains that during Alex's sleepwalk incident, they discovered unusual energy signatures emanating from his body. Further investigation revealed the presence of æsther within him.
Aideen's fury intensifies, her eyes narrowing as she demands an explanation for how this could have happened and what it means for her son. Dr. Ahmed, maintaining his composure, explains that æsther is a mysterious and powerful ore with extraordinary properties, and its interaction with human biology is not fully understood.
He assures Aideen that they are doing everything they can to understand the situation and ensure Alex's well-being. The GOD medical facility has advanced equipment and expertise in dealing with æsther-related phenomena. They are closely monitoring Alex and conducting extensive tests to assess the effects of the ore on his body.
Aideen's anger begins to wane as it is replaced by concern and confusion. The situation dawns on her, and she realizes that the GOD medical facility is her best hope for answers and solutions.
Dr. Ahmed, seeing Aideen's shift in emotions, reassures Alex's parents that they will keep them informed about any developments regarding their son's condition. He emphasizes their priority of ensuring Alex's safety and well-being while unraveling the mysteries surrounding the presence of æsther within him.
Reluctantly, Matthew and Aideen place their trust in Dr. Ahmed and the medical staff at the GOD facility. The path ahead is uncertain, but the two of them hold onto hope that they will find a way to help their son.
「 Matthew 」
"Please help him, doctor."
"He is the only son I have."
「 Dr. Ahmed 」
"We will, Mr. Carmen."
"Don't you worry,"
A heavy sigh is let out by Matthew and Aideen after the meeting with Dr. Ahmed, as the full extent of Alex's condition is revealed. As the doctor concludes everything and is about to leave, he stops abruptly, and turns toward Alex's parents once again.
"By the way..."
"I was told to inform you to stop by the procurement office before you leave."