As the days passed, Aether remained vigilant in the ruins, waiting patiently for Kaelen and his companions to return from their trials. The ancient ruins were still, their silence only interrupted by the faint hum of ancient power. Aether stood near the entrance of the hidden room, his gaze shifting every so often to the dim, glowing symbols etched into the walls, the only indication of the ongoing trials.
Suddenly, a faint rumble disturbed the stillness. A pillar of light erupted from the ground, its brightness piercing through the shadows that lingered within the ruin. Aether's eyes narrowed as he focused on the pillar, immediately recognizing that one of Kaelen's companions had returned. The air around the pillar shimmered, and within moments, Ethan emerged, stepping out from the light.
But Ethan was different.
