Weeks bled into months as Vel and Anya delved into the forgotten knowledge gifted by the Guardian. The orb pulsed with an ethereal light as they held it, its surface swirling with intricate patterns that seemed to shift and flow with a life of their own. As they focused their minds, the patterns resolved into detailed visions – Spasian warriors manipulating Aethel with effortless grace, channeling its energy into defensive shields, devastating blasts, and intricate energy constructs.The learning process was arduous. The visions, though detailed, were fragmented, glimpses into a lost art form. Deciphering the nuances of Spasian Aethel manipulation required patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of their own connection to the energy.Anya, with her meticulous mind and natural affinity for control, proved to be an adept student. She quickly grasped the theoretical aspects of Aethel manipulation, learning to channel the energy into precise, focused bursts.Vel, on the other hand, struggled with the more nuanced techniques. His connection to Aethel, while powerful, was raw and untamed. He yearned to unleash its destructive potential, a yearning fueled by his growing anger towards the Xhosians.Lyra, informed of their decision, took on the role of mentor. Though initially skeptical of their unorthodox approach, she was impressed by their dedication. She provided them with additional training exercises, challenging them to manipulate Aethel in ever more intricate ways.One evening, as Vel wrestled with a particularly complex maneuver, frustration mounting within him, Lyra approached him."Patience, young Vel," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Mastering Aethel is not about brute force. It's about understanding, about dancing with the energy, not forcing it to your will."Vel lowered his head, his hands crackling with uncontrolled Aethel. "I know," he muttered, "but sometimes, I just want to unleash it all, to feel that raw power coursing through me."Lyra placed a hand on his shoulder. "Anger is a powerful emotion, Vel," she said, "but it can also cloud your judgment. The Xhosians thrive on chaos and destruction. Don't let them turn you into something you're not."Vel took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions churning within him. He looked at Anya, who was practicing a complex energy weave, her focus unwavering. A pang of admiration mixed with envy washed over him."How do you do it?" he asked, his voice filled with a hint of defeat. "You seem to have this under control."Anya smiled, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence. "It's about understanding the flow, Vel. Imagine Aethel as a river. You can't dam it or force its direction. You have to learn to guide it, to become one with its current."Vel closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of Aethel within him. He imagined it not as a raging fire, but as a flowing river, its energy ever-shifting, ever-changing. Slowly, he began to loosen his grip, allowing the energy to move more freely.To his surprise, he felt a surge of control, a sense of connection he hadn't experienced before. He opened his eyes, a newfound confidence radiating from him."I think I get it," he said, a smile spreading across his face.Lyra beamed a hint of pride in her eyes. "Excellent, Vel. Now, let's see if you can apply that newfound control to some practical exercises."The following weeks were marked by steady progress. Vel, with a newfound understanding of Aethel, began to master the intricate techniques displayed in the visions. Anya, building upon her theoretical foundation, honed her ability to manipulate Aethel with precision and finesse.One day, as they were practicing their newfound skills, a tremor shook the Ascended Plane. Alarms blared, and an announcement crackled over the intercom."Attention all personnel," the voice boomed. "Unidentified energy signature detected near the ruins of Aetherium. Xhosian activity is suspected. Prepare for battle stations."