Alan and Martin advanced towards the robot, their auras expanding as they approached. Alan lunged forward and delivered a swift punch, but the robot quickly blocked it with ease. The robot retaliated with a punch of its own, but Alan was too fast and swiftly dodged the attack, causing the robot to punch the empty air.
Martin had been waiting for his moment to strike. He had formed a massive amount of aether in his arm, preparing for his attack. Seeing Alan move out of the way, Martin seized the opportunity and closed in on the robot, attacking its left side with his aether-powered arm. The robot, taken by surprise, tried to block the attack but was unable to do so completely, and Martin's attack landed with a loud thud.
Alan watched from a safe distance, knowing that his role was to create openings for Martin to strike. Although his punch wasn't powerful enough to damage the robot, it had served its purpose, distracting the robot from Martin's attack. The rematch had just begun, and the two boys were determined to take down the robot once and for all.
Alan and Martin stood there, gazing at their status screen with wide eyes. The points were displayed in bold letters: "98/99." They had successfully taken one point from the robot.
As they prepared for their next attack, Martin readied his right hand, forming a ball of aether in it. Suddenly, the robot leapt at him, causing Martin to jump back to avoid the attack. The robot quickly turned around, sensing Alan behind it. It was momentarily confused, unsure of who to target. Alan was forming up a little power, but it was not enough to damage the robot.
The robot decided to focus on Martin, who had shown he could actually cause harm. Alan stepped back, waiting for the right moment, and both of them synchronized their attacks, hitting the robot at the same time.
The robot was lost in thought for a moment, unable to take any decision, giving them an opportunity to step back and check the screen. The points had decreased to "96/99." Martin was ecstatic and shouted, "Alan, you were right. They can definitely think!" Alan nodded in agreement, adding, "It means we can defeat it as long as we outsmart it."
Martin and Alan stared at the motionless robot, trying to assess the situation. Martin formed more aether in his arm, preparing to attack the seemingly immobile robot. However, to their surprise, the robot didn't react or move at all. They quickly realized that it wasn't taking the bait anymore, and the situation had become more dangerous than before.
Both boys hesitated to attack blindly, knowing that the robot could easily counterattack. After a while, Alan decided to take the risk and charged at the robot. He stopped in the middle, lowered his body, and strengthened his legs to jump at the robot.
The robot reacted quickly and stepped back, kicking Alan as he was flying towards it. Martin stepped forward to distract the robot, but it landed another punch on Alan, sending him flying in the opposite direction. Martin charged towards the robot, but his attacks were too slow and straightforward, allowing the robot to dodge them effortlessly and attack him.
Within a few minutes, Martin and Alan were lying on the floor, unable to move. The robot walked away from them, leaving them defeated and injured.
…
Alan slowly sat up and rubbed his head, trying to make sense of what had just happened. His hands, which had been badly bruised during their fight with the robot, now seemed to be completely healed.
"What the hell just happened?" he muttered to himself.
"Yup. They're gone, like that time," Martin said, still staring blankly at the ground.
Alan turned to him, confused. "What are you talking about?"
"I think our wounds heal automatically now. It started when we left the school, I think," Martin explained.
Suddenly, a screen appeared in their minds, displaying their health status.
Health - 78/99
Alan frowned, trying to make sense of what was happening. "Is this thing talking about our health?"
Martin groaned in frustration. "Forget this shit. Didn't we just lose?"
Alan shook his head. "We just weren't strong enough."
Martin scoffed. "Well yeah, that plan was ass anyway."
"Nope. I think that's the best plan we have for now," Alan said, determined. "We just need more power. That thing has control over an insane amount of aether. Its points went down, probably only for us to know our own strength. I don't think we hurt him at all."
Martin looked at him skeptically. "You know, now that you mention it, I felt the same way when I punched it. It's like punching an iron wall with your bare fist, yet the points went down."
Alan nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Exactly. We just need to figure out how to get stronger."
Martin's eyes lit up as he noticed the flicker of excitement in Alan's eyes. "It seems like you've got an idea brewing in that head of yours." he said.
Alan smiled at Martin's curiosity. "Remember when our auras collided with each other and it made some sparks and few colors?" he asked.
"Right, that was stupid of us. We both lost our cool there," Martin replied, nodding his head.
"Exactly, we panicked and changed colors," Alan said, "but I think that was a sign that our energies can interact with each other."
Martin furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, do you remember what we learned at school, how aether used to be something completely theoretical?" Alan asked.
Martin nodded. "Yeah, I remember. People thought it was the medium which carries light."
"Well, I just realized today the reason they named it aether. It's because of how similar their concepts were. In the past, it was what carried light, though it was never proven, but today, it is what carries some sort of energy."
Martin looked intrigued. "Uh huh. I understand. But what does this have to do with your plan?"
Alan's grin widened. "If aether is actually a medium, then what is this energy we carry?"
Martin thought for a moment before replying, "Okay... but why didn't they teach us this in school?"
"Maybe they didn't know? Nah," Alan shrugged. "I get the feeling that they're hiding so many things from us. Just like this freaking bubble around us."
"Either way," he continued, "I think we all have different kinds of energies within us. Aether is probably for channeling that energy. If I learn how to channel the energy of someone else, then I can allow their energy to go through me. That way, I can be invisible."
"..."
Martin looked at Alan with a serious expression, his concern evident in his voice. "I hate to ask this, but I have to. Don't you think this is just guesswork? You could be completely wrong, you know?" he said, voicing his doubts."
Alan leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms, looking relaxed and carefree. Martin couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern as he considered the reckless attitude his friend seemed to be displaying.
Alan just shrugged, a lopsided grin on his face. "I mean, if I'm wrong, whatever. I'll try something else."
Martin was taken aback by Alan's response. He had a hunch that Alan was being careless, but he understood that it was crucial for their plan. Martin couldn't help but worry about the risks involved, and the thought that Alan could get hurt or even worse, kept playing in his mind.