Ether Shaper

I held it in my hands— a star no bigger than a grain of sand. The energy within it could probably wipe out Astoria if released. I expected to be obliterated just by being this close to it, yet instead, I felt at peace. It was a part of me, and it would grow with me.

Maybe one day, it would be as vast as the sun.

It floated on its own toward the center of my soul. The farther it moved away, the brighter it became, until its light forced me to close my eyes.

When I opened them again, my wounds were gone— so was the weight that had been pressing down on me. My soul's space was bathed in light, a breathtaking sight. My soul and the ether within it resonated in harmony, becoming one. The higher my soul rank grew, the more it could contain.

The cloud that had been supporting me vanished after setting me down. It was over. I had survived. Soon, I would have to leave my soul and return to the real world. I could feel that I was free to leave whenever I wanted, but before that…

I raised a hand, and a white orb gathered in my palm. It was an unknown substance. I didn't know what it truly was, but it felt like a fusion of my soul and ether.

I focused on the sphere and spoke a single word:

"Nephele."

Instantly, the orb evaporated, and a faint white mist surrounded me. I willed it to rise and take the form of a cloud, and it obeyed.

I spoke another word:

"Igros."

The mist transformed into a milky-white liquid. I commanded it to disperse into raindrops, and it complied.

I gathered it all back into my hand, watching as the droplets rose and reformed into a liquid sphere.

I pictured a two-handed sword, then declared:

"Stereos Sword."

The water solidified, and a white blade materialized in my grip. It was sturdier than any weapon I had ever seen. I ran my finger along the edge, and a thin line of blood surfaced.

This sword… it could probably cut through concrete like butter.

I dissipated it, and a ring appeared on my left hand.

"What's this?"

I tried to take it off, but no matter how much force I used, it wouldn't budge.

It seemed to be made of the same material as the orb, engraved with intricate symbols I had never seen before. Yet, whenever I tried to decipher them, a sharp migraine struck me.

When I attempted to create a dagger, the ring vanished from my finger, reshaping itself into the weapon. And the moment I dismissed it, the ring reappeared.

I would learn more once I was out of here.

Overall, I was satisfied with the resonance I had gained. It gave me great versatility, and I was already imagining all the future possibilities. Once I got out, I would need to train to master this power.

I had almost forgotten… I needed to give it a name.

Hmm… The moment I thought about it, a name surfaced in my mind.

My resonance would be called: Ether Shaper.

"Ether Shaper… quite bold."

That voice again.

"Have you considered my offer?"

A silence stretched before a chilling laugh echoed around me.

"Hahaha… You truly are something. Prove your worth to me, and I may reconsider."

Before I could answer, I felt myself fading away— but not before hearing one last whisper from the voice:

"Entertain me, Sirius. Show me the world that you and I wish to create."

---

How did it pull me out of my own soul?

And more importantly… where am I?

It's pitch black.

I feel something pressing against me… It's unpleasant.

This sensation… sand?

Was I buried?

So I'm alive again…

Before celebrating, I need to get out of here. But how? Digging with my hands would take too long.

Ah, right.

"Nephele."

The ring vanished, and mist burst forth.

Now, I just have to blow everything away.

"Nephele Burst."

The mist shot upward with immense pressure, clearing the sand from around my head.

I bent my knees and jumped.

What the hell?

I just leaped over five meters… effortlessly.

My body feels enhanced— almost at the peak of human capability.

I can tell that I could lift a car without much trouble.

Even my senses have sharpened.

I'll need training to get used to this new body.

Hmm…

Something's coming.

Fast.

And its presence is strong.

Perfect.

I was just looking for a warm-up.