JustABoy

Fifty years ago, the gods issued a warning—the Underworld will be unbound in two centuries, unleashing an apocalyptic catastrophe upon both Earth and Elysium. To prepare, humanity was granted access to Elysium, a realm of magic, monsters, and ancient power. Through the Soulweave System, humans could grow stronger, their abilities transferring between worlds. But death in Elysium was absolute, and the struggle for survival was merciless.

Now, with only 150 years remaining, Earth has fractured into a dystopia ruled by factions that control access to Elysium’s resources. The Nightspires lead brutal expeditions, the Dawnbuilders refine Aether to sustain Earth, and the Bridgers maintain a delicate balance between the two realms. Meanwhile, the rogue faction known as The Unbound seeks to force the apocalypse forward, wielding forbidden magic to accelerate the collapse of reality itself.

Elias Varian, a chemist and alchemist, has spent his life studying Aether, bridging the logic of science with the chaos of magic. But when an experiment with Void energy mutates him, he loses the ability to return to Earth through sleep—physically stranded in Elysium with a body unraveling under an unknown affliction. Hunted by those who fear what he is becoming, Elias must navigate a world that no longer sees him as human.

As the countdown to the Unbinding continues, forgotten truths resurface, ancient forces stir, and the gods remain silent. But something else is watching—waiting.

When the Underworld breaks free, will humanity rise… or shatter?

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I am writing this novel purely for fun and a curiousity of wanting to try something new. I will not be asking you guys to donate to or motivate me by anything that costs real money as that is not my aim or goal. I will do my best to make as many readers satisfied with my work but i need your support and honest reviews about my book. If you believe there is anything lacking in this novel please coment it as I am doing this without any prior experience. I sincerely thank you for spending your time on my work.
-JustABoy

Dual Eternity: Fractured Dawn

Aether Cores are the foundation of magic, technology, and power in both Elysium and Earth. Their influence extends across professions, factions, and combat, determining the fate of civilizations and the strongest among mortals and monsters alike.

Professions That Primarily Rely on Aether

Alchemists & Artificers

Extract and refine shattered cores to create potions, catalysts, and enchanted artifacts.

Engineers & Dawnbuilders

Integrate Aether Cores into magi-tech, powering energy grids, shields, and weapons.

Do not store Aether within their bodies.

Use refillable wands and staves embedded with Aether Orbs to cast spells.

Depend on Intelligence, not stored Aether, for effectiveness.

Warriors & Physical Classes

Absorb Aether directly to enhance strength, speed, and durability.

Their power is determined by Arcana, which increases Aether capacity.

Aether Core Tiers & Their Power Levels

Found in lesser creatures.(Comparable to Rank 0 and 1)

Used for minor enchantments and basic energy sources.

Harvested from stronger beasts. (Comparable to Rank 2 to 3)

Provide enhanced weaponry, spell efficiency, and mid-tier magi-tech.

Obtained from powerful monsters. (Comparable to rank 4 and 5)

Serve as the foundation for advanced potions, elite weaponry, and high-level gear. Also used in fuelling city scale technology.

Extracted from apex predators. (Comparable to rank 6 to 8)

Contain immense energy, powering legendary artifacts and country-wide defenses.(Each kingdoms in Elysium possess one)

Tier 5 Cores (Strongest)

Harvested from mythical beings.(Comparable to rank 9 and 10)

Capable of fueling planetary grids and weapons that reshape solar systems. (1 exists in each planet that has aether, like Elysiums planet core)

Aether in Combat: Elysians vs. Humans

Both Elysians and Humans wield similar weapons, but the materials differ.

Aether-conducting metals allow energy to flow, strengthening strikes or adding elemental effects and more effective attacks.

Elysians naturally channel Aether into their weapons, while Humans relied on infused materials to replicate this at the beginning stages. After which it was only used as an added bonus to their power

Elysians project spells directly through their Aether Core. Mages must use external Aether Orbs in wands and staves to do the same, they require intelligence stat for weaving spells rather than arcana stat as it only increases the aether reserves of the body.

Why Elysians Hold the Advantage

Their Aether regenerates naturally, allowing sustained combat and they have a larger reservoir of aether which is their core.

Their cores let them seamlessly combine long range spell magic and physical prowess.

Humans must carefully manage their Aether reserves to avoid exhaustion.

How Elysians Absorb Aether

Their Aether Core continuously draws in Aether from the environment. Elysians can eat monster cores, magical plants, and raw Aether, replenishing their energy far more efficiently than humans.

Direct Contact with Aether Sources

Humans and Elysians can absorb Aether by touching a core or magical source, though this is slower than passive absorption.

The Risk of Aether Overload

Absorbing too much Aether too quickly can lead to:

Core Instability – Temporary loss of control over magic.

Mutation – Uncontrolled changes in body or abilities.

Aether Burnout – Permanent weakening or destruction of the core.

Elysians evolved with Aether Cores from birth, making them naturally attuned to magic.

Humans must manually refine Aether through potions or Aether-infused weapons.

Aether Cores: The Power Behind Magic & Technology