Since receiving the glove, Jack had dedicated all his available time to delving deeper into the mysteries of Aetherion. Fascinated by the personal connection he felt with the technology, he began to explore its limits and unravel its secrets, learning more about his unique role in wielding it.
In his workshop, Jack activated Aetherion's holographic interface, analyzing the device's intricate structure. The data displayed highlighted a key element essential for the glove's functionality: Elythron, a rare material with unique energy-conducting properties.
Aetherion's voice guided him through the discovery.
"Elythron is the core of my functionality. Extracted and processed in its pure form, it enables the channeling of Ether energy. The conduit is an extension of the user, and its properties vary depending on the genetic lineage."
Jack, astonished, asked, "What does that mean?"
"The DNA of each user determines the glove's unique configuration, optimizing specific abilities. Your Done lineage grants you advanced molecular manipulation and gravitational energy control capabilities."
Leaning closer to the hologram, Jack studied the projected details. In one corner of the display, he noticed a sequence of genetic data.
"Does that mean other lineages could have different abilities?"
"Correct. Your grandfather designed Aetherion to provide each generation with an adaptable tool. Different users may access specific functions based on their inherited traits."
Inspired, Jack decided to test new applications of the technology. Along with the glove, he had received the black granite-like box from Zoryan. Using Aetherion, he discovered it was composed of 60% Elythron. A gift even greater than the glove itself. With the matter printer and Aetherion's guidance, Jack created a prototype of a mini-conduit: a simple ring. The system successfully channeled Ether energy but at a reduced intensity. However, without an AI to perform the necessary calculations for complex operations, it didn't work effectively for him.
Could it work for someone else? The thought intrigued him. If Aetherion could adapt technology based on lineage, perhaps he could create similar tools for others. The idea of granting others a connection to Ether opened new possibilities.
Excited by his progress, Jack decided to invite Tsukiko to his workshop to test the ring-conduit. Preparing everything meticulously, he added a special surprise: the first real coffee produced from his agricultural project.
When Tsukiko arrived, her curious eyes scanned the equipment in the workshop.
"I hope you didn't call me here just to clean a control panel, Jack," she said with a wry smile.
Jack raised a tray holding two steaming cups of coffee.
"Not exactly. I have something special for you. Real coffee. Not Cofit."
Tsukiko took one of the cups, looking at him with incredulous surprise.
"Real coffee? Jack Done, if you're joking with me..."
She brought the cup to her lips and took a sip. Her eyes widened immediately.
"This is incredible! How did you manage this? I've missed real coffee so much..."
Jack smiled, satisfied with her reaction.
"My plantation in the agricultural sector. I used Mantara techniques to accelerate growth and optimize the beans' flavor. But this is just the beginning."
Moved, Tsukiko set the cup down and hugged Jack enthusiastically.
"Jack, this is probably the best surprise I've had since coming to the station. Thank you."
Jack froze for a moment, surprised by her gesture. At the same time, Aetherion's voice chimed in:
"Ether level at 400%. Awaiting instructions."
Tsukiko glanced at the glove, then at Jack, surprised.
"What was that?"
"Ah… nothing. I'm glad you like the coffee. But that's not all. I need your help."
He pulled out the ring and held it out to her.
"This is a simplified conduit. I created it using Elythron. I think it might work for you."
Tsukiko took the ring, examining it with curiosity.
"Jack, you know that for us on Earth, a ring has… other connotations?"
Jack raised an eyebrow, not immediately understanding.
"Other connotations? This is just a technological experiment."
Tsukiko laughed, slipping the ring onto her finger.
"Relax, Jack. I'm joking. Let's see if it works."
Jack guided Tsukiko, explaining how to channel energy through the ring.
"Focus on an intense emotion—anything that comes naturally. Visualize Ether energy flowing through you, gathering around the ring."
Tsukiko tried, closing her eyes. At first, nothing seemed to happen. Jack placed a lightweight box in front of her.
"Try moving it with your thoughts. Imagine the energy lifting it."
After a few minutes of concentration, the box remained motionless. Tsukiko opened her eyes wide, surprised.
"It's not working!"
"I expected that!" Jack exclaimed. "Now try something else. Jump and visualize yourself becoming lighter."
Tsukiko gave a small jump but didn't feel anything different.
"Nothing. Let me try something else."
She focused intensely. The ring began to glow faintly, and patterns appeared on its surface. She clasped her hands together, and a small flame erupted between them.
"A flame! Jack, I did it!"
Jack looked at her, astonished.
"That's impressive, Tsukiko. You have a natural affinity for this. I think Ether is activating something inherited."
Tsukiko nodded, smiling.
"My family descends from an old line of samurai. There are rumors that our ancestors could control fire through their katanas. Maybe it wasn't just a story."
Jack grinned.
"It seems Ether has brought a part of that legend to life. Incredible."
"Try something else. Imagine Ether channeled through the ring strengthening your muscles. Squeeze this sphere while maintaining the energy flow."
"Are you sure? I won't break anything important?"
"No, no. It's a hand dynamometer. Please, give it a try."
Tsukiko took the sphere and began squeezing it. Jack watched in astonishment as the glove displayed the force output.
"200 kilograms-force?! I don't believe it!"
"I can do more!" Tsukiko said, but a drop of blood trickled from her nose.
"Stop! Look at your nose! I think I understand why the glove has an integrated AI. Without computational assistance to stabilize Ether, the strain on the human body is too great."
"Even so, Jack, this technology is amazing. It feels like magic!"