"These are the rules of the Ethersphere, and it's crucial that you pay close attention if you want to avoid meeting your demise within seconds of your arrival," Chief of the Defense Force, Edward Karigal, disclosed, his gaze sweeping over the soon-to-be cadets, fully aware that not all would emerge unscathed.
Pressing on, he elucidated, "The Ethersphere is a realm of illusions, a place where reality takes shape based on perception. Do not be deceived by apparitions, and trust not everything your senses convey. The line between truth and illusion is thin…"
"…you'll encounter monsters and people alike, but, as I mentioned, they're not real; mere illusions crafted to test your mettle."
"Must we resort to violence against these people? How can we be certain they're not real, especially given our limited knowledge of the Ethersphere and its origin? How can we discern what's illusory in a realm that remains largely mysterious?" Darren being the curious one asked for certainty.
Chief Karigal's focus shifted to the young boy who spoke, offering a nod before addressing the entire assembly.
"Exercise caution and do not play too smart in a situation like this. In certain situations, you may find yourself compelled to eliminate these illusory figures for your own well-being, so it's best you just consider them as part of the trials of the Ethersphere — mere illusions…"
Chief Karigal waited for a few second then continued,
"Once you step into this realm, you will each face your trials on your own. It's crucial to grasp that this doesn't entail executions, only trials. Prepare to confront a reality that could manipulate your emotions if you're prone to sentimentality or challenge your pride if arrogance defines you. Within the Ethersphere, illusions extend beyond the visual; concepts, emotions, and memories may take tangible form. Do not be trapped by false attraction; discern reality from enchantment — it is imperative…"
He looked around the room, hoping they were all understanding everything he was saying.
"…Now, consider this a warning. Time in the Ethersphere dances to a different tune; moments may stretch or compress and reality itself may twist. Stay vigilant!" he cautioned.
"I've heard there are echoes of the dead in there!" Alistair exclaimed.
Chief Karigal affirmed with a nod. "We've all suffered losses due to the Zyronox attack, and this is where emotions come into play. You will confront your shadows of the past, now twisted by the Ethersphere's magic to keep you from going further. Many who enter the Ethersphere end up faltering and ensnared in that particular trial…"
"…not to mention, the lingering echoes of the Departed. Some may offer assistance, while others aim to mislead, hoping you'll join them in their failure. That's the extent of my knowledge on the matter. Exercise discernment because not every voice serves as a guide."
Collective nods signified their comprehension.
"Why don't we go ahead in talking about our powers?!" a boy interjected with a grin.
"It's a reward post-surviving the Ethersphere trials, and the nature of these powers depends entirely on your innate affinity and how you overcome the trials. The positive factor is that some of these abilities will manifest from the outset…"
"It's a different world—approach it as if you're in a game where reaching and surviving the final level is paramount. You acquire Aspects and Attributes that aid in battling monsters. While luck may not always be on your side during Aspect acquisition, no Aspect is rendered useless in the Ethersphere's domain. I'm certain you all comprehend the types of Aspects I'm referring to."
Unanimous nods signaled their understanding.
"Do all you can to survive because you're more useful here on Earth. When you do, you will be halfway to becoming an Ascendant, at which point you can join our efforts to eradicate the monstrous entities that have overrun the world…"
"How did these creatures come to be? Where do they originate?" Darren probed. "Things don't just materialize out of thin air, right?"
Chief Karigal met Darren's inquiry with a stoic expression. "It remains a mystery."
Darren blinked, diverting his gaze, sensing the weight of Chief Karigal's scrutiny like an ant under a magnifying glass.
Turning his attention back to the cadets, Chief Karigal commanded, "Prepare to open the Ethergate," then shifted his gaze to the youngsters. "Form a line and enter one by one to commence your trials."
A collective gasp echoed as the Ethergate unfurled, catching the kids off guard. The dark, swirling vortex emerging before them instilled a sense of unease, its ominous presence triggering fear among the young cadets.
Lucius sighed as the line formed, proceeding towards the gate, which swallowed each of them in turn.
"I'm going to die! I always knew my destiny was death!" lamented Darren persistently from behind.
"Quit your whining, D, it's seriously giving me the creeps," Lucius snapped, shooting him an annoyed glance.
"We are both going to die, Lucius. Just accept it…"
Upon entering, Lucius was immediately drawn into the vortex, letting out a scream as darkness enveloped him.
Then, a voice echoed.
[Aspirant! Welcome to the Ethersphere. Prepare yourself for your first trial.]