Chapter 2 - The Alchemist of Elysium

Elias blinked as his vision adjusted to the soft glow of alchemical lanterns lining the wooden shelves of his shop. Unlike the cold sterility of his Earthside laboratory, his Elysian workspace radiated warmth—the scent of crushed herbs, bubbling elixirs, and the faint hum of Aether-infused ingredients filled the air. Here, Elias wasn't a mere chemist struggling to navigate the monopolized Aether economy; he was an alchemist, a master of potions and transmutations, selling his creations to adventurers, mercenaries, and healers alike.

He stretched, shaking off the exhaustion from his Earthly body. Though he had only just awoken in Elysium, the fatigue from a late night of research still lingered. That was the nature of Soulweave—the invisible tether binding both worlds together. Injuries, exhaustion, and even the lingering effects of consumed potions carried over between Earth and Elysium. A few sleepless nights experimenting with Aether Cores in his lab meant sluggish mornings in his shop.

Elias strode to the counter, where vials of shimmering liquid stood in neat rows, each labeled with carefully penned inscriptions: Elixir of Swiftfoot, Essence of Emberheart, Aetherweave Restorative. His business thrived on quality, and his unique blend of chemistry and alchemy set him apart from native Elysian potion makers. Where they relied on instinct and tradition, Elias applied precise measurements and controlled variables, refining formulas for maximum efficiency.

The bell above the door chimed as his first customer of the day entered. A tall, feline-featured Elysian woman—slitted golden eyes, sharp ears, and a flowing crimson cloak—approached with measured steps. Her kind, known as the Kael'ari, were one of Elysium's native races, inherently gifted in Aether manipulation.

"Human," she said, her voice lilting with amusement. "Do your potions actually work, or are they just diluted water sold to fools?"

Elias smirked, already used to the skepticism. Despite years of human presence in Elysium, many Elysians still viewed them as lesser beings—foreigners without Aether Cores, borrowing power that was never meant for them.

"Try it," he said simply, pushing forward a vial filled with an iridescent green liquid. "Aetherflow Tonic. Restores Aether reserves faster than your standard restorative, with fewer side effects."

The Kael'ari arched a brow but accepted the challenge. She uncorked the vial and drank. A moment passed—then her eyes widened as a subtle pulse of energy coursed through her body.

"Well," she admitted, placing the empty vial down. "Perhaps you do know what you're doing."

"Shocking, isn't it?" Elias replied dryly, leaning against the counter. "Now, are you here to test my skills, or do you need something specific?"

She chuckled, tapping her claws against the wooden surface. "Both. Word is spreading about an upcoming Nightspire raid near the ruins of Ashen Hollow. Dangerous monsters, rare Aether Cores. If I'm going, I'll need a stockpile of potions."

Elias nodded. Ashen Hollow was a volatile region where high-tier monsters lurked, their Aether Cores far stronger than those of lesser beasts. Raids like this were what kept the Nightspires dominant—they monopolized dungeon exploration, securing the best resources before anyone else.

"How many are we talking?" he asked, already moving toward his storage cabinet.

"Enough for a week in hostile territory," she said. "And something stronger—something that can keep me fighting even when my Aether runs dry."

Elias hesitated. Standard restoratives could replenish Aether, but prolonged battles drained it faster than it could naturally regenerate. Potions that pushed beyond natural limits often led to Aether Overload—a dangerous state where magic turned unstable within the body.

"I can make something," he said after a moment, "but it won't come cheap."

The Kael'ari grinned, flashing sharp canines. "I wouldn't expect otherwise, Alchemist."

As he began preparing the order, his mind drifted back to Earth—back to the Void Orb resting on his workbench. Aether Cores had always fascinated him, but Void energy? That was something else entirely. It was a force unrecognized by Elysium's natural order, something beyond the structured balance of magic and science.

Aether rejected it.

But what if he could change that?

Elias shook the thought away as he crushed powdered Emberroot into a fine paste. There would be time for experiments later. For now, he had a business to run—and a reputation to maintain.