The pale luminescence that bathed the cavern flickered to life, a new day struggling to be born. But Aether, buzzing with anticipation, had no intention of succumbing to sleep. His mind thrummed with the need to put his theory to the test. With a flick of his wrist, a gust of wind erupted from his hand, extinguishing the dying embers of his campfire.
The cavern, while lacking the sun's warmth, did provide. It offered sustenance – the moonlight hornbristles and fish readily available for the taking. And, thankfully, there weren't any monstrous beasts lurking in the shadows, a luxury Aether wasn't about to take for granted.He checked his meager equipment – a pouch that would hold his water and bait for the fish. Leaving the dragon's slumbering form behind, Aether weaved his way out from the crook of Zephyr's body, heading towards the water ledge. His days had been a steady rhythm of hunting, surviving, and crafting rudimentary tools to make his existence a little less harsh. Yet, a yearning gnawed at him – a longing for the distant sun, the moon's gentle glow painting the landscape in silver, the vastness of the world beyond this cavern.Pushing those thoughts aside, Aether lowered his head, his body disappearing under an archway of white, moss-laden stone. Reaching his destination, he took a deep, fortifying breath. The massive water pool stretched before him, its surface reflecting the cavern's pale light. It extended far beyond his vision, its edges swallowed by the darkness. Above it, the cascading waterfall roared, a potent reminder of his harrowing descent and his unlikely survival. Aether clenched his fists, knuckles turning white, the memory of that fall leaving an indelible mark on him.But today, the fear was overshadowed by a new resolve.A simple theory buzzed in Aether's mind like a trapped fly – all he had to do was activate Dual Cognition and instruct Lumi to project his mana outward for a brief window before his ability sputtered out. A nervous gulp of air did little to calm the frantic pounding of his heart. Steeling himself, he waded into the water pool. The icy water, a stark contrast to the stale air of the cavern, jolted him fully awake as it reached his mid-thighs. He squeezed his eyes shut and whispered, "Dual Cognition." With each syllable, he felt a chilling detachment, his body gradually slipping away while his consciousness remained tethered, sharp and focused.When Lumi assumed control, an unbidden chill crawled down Aether's spine. Seconds ticked by with excruciating slowness, doubt gnawing at the edges of his hope. But then, his eyes snapped open in surprise. The water around him rippled outwards in a mesmerizing dance, shimmering threads of translucent gold materializing like liquid sunlight. With a masterful touch, Lumi, controlling Aether's body like a virtuoso playing a forgotten instrument, clasped his hand. Their fingers intertwined, and the golden liquid pooled around them, crackling with an energy that sent shivers down Aether's non-existent spine.A blinding eruption of golden mana erupted from his very being. Aether, a mere observer in his own body, watched with wide-eyed wonder as Lumi, with practiced ease, untwined their fingers and moved his hands in a swirling ballet of light. An arch of pure mana, breathtaking in its magnificence, materialized before his eyes. 'How?' the question echoed in his mind. From an outside perspective, Lumi's actions might have seemed cryptic, but in the strange, detached state of Dual Cognition, Aether felt a sense of calm wash over him. It was like watching a master artist translate a thought into a tangible creation.But time, a cruel mistress, didn't allow for leisurely observation. The flaw in his ability reared its ugly head, dragging him back into the familiar confines of his body with a sickening thud. A wave of nausea washed over him as a punishing headache resonated through his skull. He tumbled into the water, the familiar coolness a welcome shock against the heat of his exertion. Yet, the water did more than soothe his throbbing head. It reacted to his raw mana, the essence of the pool weaving a calming tendril around his pain, offering a temporary respite. Aether knew this reprieve wouldn't last, but for now, he clung to the fleeting comfort, his mind ablaze with the knowledge he had gleaned from his brief foray into the realm of Lumi's control. He had a blueprint now, a tantalizing glimpse into the mysteries of mana manipulation. And with each foray into Dual Cognition, he was determined to unravel more, to become not just a passive observer, but a true master of his own power.A gasp escaped Aether's lips as he erupted from the water, the icy tendrils clinging to him like memories. He pushed his twilight hair back with a flourish, feeling the cool droplets trickle down his face. Wiping his lashes clear, a flicker of determination ignited in his eyes. Unlike the limitations plaguing his previous abilities, Dual Cognition seemed refreshingly boundless. A wry smile tugged at his lips. This was his golden ticket, a chance to unlock the secrets Lumi held close.He yearned to grasp the intricacies of Lumi's control, to understand the dance of mana that flowed through his very being. How much could he push this newfound power? Only his body, a willing but weary vessel, would be the judge.With a deep breath that tasted of cold resolve, Aether uttered the now-familiar words: "Dual Cognition." His voice echoed in the cavern's vastness, a declaration of intent that hung heavy in the air. He braced himself for the familiar dissociation, the splitting of his being into observer and puppet. This time, however, anticipation crackled through him, a spark waiting to ignite a firestorm of knowledge. He was ready to delve deeper, to push the boundaries of his abilities, and to emerge not just stronger, but a true master of his own power.