Acarnis was marked by sprawling metro cities, towering skyscrapers, and advanced transportation systems, all powered by AetherTech.
Aksai, masking his presence as a house plant in a small family’s house, noticed that the societal structure was deeply influenced by one’s ability to cultivate Aether and the intricate process of developing Aether Wisps.
The family often discussed the importance of AetherTech and how it played a crucial role in their daily lives.
Devices and gadgets around the house, from kitchen appliances to entertainment systems, were all infused with Aether crystals, making them more efficient and sophisticated than anything Aksai had seen before.
On one occasion, he overheard the parents talking about their jobs. The father worked in an AetherTech research facility, developing new technologies that harnessed Aether, while the mother was a teacher at a local academy, guiding young minds in their Aether cultivation journey.
Aksai marveled at the seamless integration of technology and Aether cultivation in Acarnis.
The path to power here was unlike anything he had encountered before. It was clear that Aether cultivation was the cornerstone of this society, shaping its advancements and influencing its people’s way of life.
***
Aksai was very patient when it came to the task of intel gathering. He waited for his chance to strike up a conversation with the kid.
One afternoon, while Theo’s parents were out, Aksai saw an opportunity.
Theo was playing in the living room, humming to himself as he arranged his toy soldiers.
Aksai, still disguised as a houseplant, carefully transformed back into his humanoid form, making sure to stay out of sight.
“Hello, Theo,” Aksai said softly, stepping out from behind the plant.
Theo looked up, startled at first, but then curiosity took over. “Hm? What…. Who are you?” he asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
“I’m Aksai,” he replied with a warm smile. “An ancient Aether practitioner who has been awakened recently. I’ve been watching you and I think you have great potential.”
“Really?” Theo’s face lit up with excitement. “You think I can be the best Aether practitioner?”
‘I love gullible kids,’ Aksai thought to himself and chuckled.
“Absolutely,” Aksai nodded. “But you need guidance. Someone to help you unlock your true potential.”
Aksai then praised Theo to no end, making the kid believe that he could become a top Aether practitioner because of his inherent talent in Aether cultivation. He convinced Theo that he had chosen him to be his successor after rejecting hundreds of young seedlings like him.
Aksai knew that at Theo’s age, everyone wanted to be special. Kids often imagined themselves as secret agents of some top-grade organization, sent among ordinary kids to guard over them. Such imaginations made kids believe they were special when someone like Aksai told them so for his own benefit.
Theo’s eyes sparkled with dreams. “Hehe… this is great, sir expert. What do I have to do?”
“First, I need you to keep my presence a secret,” Aksai said seriously.
“Not a word to your parents or anyone else. It’s for their safety and yours. The world is a dangerous place, and there are enemies out there – outsiders who threaten our way of life. I’ve been awakened to help someone from the young generation, like you, to fight off these enemies.”
Theo’s mind raced with images of heroic battles and daring rescues. “I’ll keep your secret, sir Aksai. I promise.”
“Good,” Aksai said, satisfied. “Now, I want to make sure I’m always with you.” He raised his hand, and with a soft glow, he transformed into a small, intricately carved wooden ring. “Wear this ring, and I’ll be able to help you whenever you need.”
Theo picked up the ring, admiring its craftsmanship. “This is so cool!” he exclaimed, slipping it onto his finger. “Thanks, sir Aksai!”
Aksai, now part of the ring, could sense everything around Theo.
‘Great. One gullible student acquired. Now I want to see his Aether Wisp Awakening ceremony,’ Aksai thought to himself as he became the kid’s cheat ability.
***
The next morning, Theo, excited about his upcoming ceremony, headed to school with Aksai on his finger.
The ring allowed Aksai to observe everything, and he marveled at the advanced AetherTech integrated into the school building.
The ceremony took place in a large, circular hall filled with students and teachers. At the center was an ornate platform surrounded by intricate AetherTech devices, humming softly as they activated. Theo took his place on the platform, along with other children.
Aksai, through the ring, could feel the anticipation in the air. ‘This is it, Theo. Just focus and trust the process.’
The head teacher, a distinguished woman with blonde hair and an aura of wisdom, began the ceremony. “Today, you will awaken your Aether Wisps. Remember, this is the first step on your journey. So calm yourselves and do your best.”
One by one, the children stepped forward, guided by mentors. When it was Theo’s turn, he glanced down at the ring for reassurance.
‘You can do this,’ Aksai whispered.
Theo took a deep breath and stepped onto the platform. The devices around him started to glow, and a soft hum filled the air. He closed his eyes, focusing inward as instructed.
A bright light enveloped Theo, and the room went silent. Moments later, an ethereal figure emerged from the light – a small, luminous wisp in the shape of a miniature dragon. The teachers and students gasped in awe.
“A dragon wisp!” someone whispered. “That’s rare!”
Theo opened his eyes and saw his Aether Wisp floating before him. He was filled with pride and joy. ‘I did it, sir Aksai! Look!’
“Well done, Theo,” Aksai responded. “This is just the beginning. We have much to learn and many adventures ahead.”
Even though Aksai acted cool, he couldn’t help gulping metaphorically in frustration. ‘Damn it. Is this guy really the protagonist of this world?’ he asked himself.
Aksai had initiated contact with Theo because he wanted to witness the Aether Wisp Awakening ceremony up close. However, he could have never imagined that the boy he had selected randomly would really turn out to be a talented Aether practitioner from birth.
‘I don’t want too many eyes on me. This guy is bad news,’ Aksai thought to himself as he witnessed how Theo was being praised by his friends and teachers alike.
‘I… I need to find some other gullible kid to fool soon,’ he concluded as he continued to act like an ordinary ring worn by Theo.