"The sky, once a symbol of human ambition, is now a vast, unyielding void. Its minions of distant eyes shimmer with an eerie glimmer, indifferent to mortal dreams. To conquer such nothingness—or everything—is a delusion, a cruel torment, a weight too heavy to bear."
Yet even that weight crumbles in front of the tense: cold rigid air stagnant and unmoving giving mr.otto's quint office which may seem to exudes a Victorian charm, with a soft yellow-beige theme. The air is filled with the faint, comforting scents of chocolate and vanilla, almost as though they are meant to soothe the harsh thoughts lingering in the space.
Two plush sofas sit parallel to one another, their deep cushions inviting but stern in their silence. Between them rests a low-set, sleek black table, its surface polished to perfection but barren of anything personal, reflecting the calculated nature of its owner. At the heart of the office, Mr. Otto's desk commands attention.
A dark wooden structure, carved with subtle Victorian detailing, stands proudly against the modern backdrop. On its surface, a laptop hums softly, an odd inclusion among the antique trappings.
Through the large window, what was once a familiar sky has been replaced by something far more unsettling—a vast, empty void Swerling like wisps of lights indistinguishable from the canvas it been painted upon .
The white expanse having been defiled with a deep, jagged crack running through it, as though reality itself is slowly splintering. The crack reveals a dark sky, thick with nothingness, yet faint hues of pink swirl in the depths, adding an eerie touch of colour to the void.
The atmosphere inside the office is thick, heavy, as though the weight of the universe itself is collapsing inwards, pressing against the fragile walls of this space but Xu-er felt a tinge of warmth deriving from his past experience with mr otto a stern but kind man who deeply cared for his students .
Mr. Otto's head turned in a smooth, deliberate motion, his sharp gaze softening as it settled on Xu-er. His lips curled into a faint, tired smile—one of quiet relief, yet laced with an exhaustion that contradicted Xu-er's comparatively healthier complexion.
"Good to see you awake, Zixu. How are you feeling?"
Xu-er shifted slightly, his expression unreadable at first, before his lips parted in a dry, almost detached response.
"Well… it's odd. Being an arm down." His voice lacked self-pity, only quiet acceptance. "But rather than dwell on that, I'd prefer to know what's going on. I got the general gist from Eshan, but…"
Mr. Otto exhaled, his fingers tapping lightly against his desk.
"A misfortune, truly. But while you were unconscious, we managed to organize our efforts—get some structure in place. We've also gained some insight into the Wall and its… mysteries."
"hmm. If there's anything specific you need from me, just ask."
A heavy silence settled between them, stretching uncomfortably within the quiet elegance of the Victorian office. Xu-er's face remained composed, but something in his eyes betrayed deeper contemplation—an unspoken weight pressing against his thoughts. Finally, he broke the silence.
"Mr. Otto, I was wondering if I could get access to a report on our progress—specifically this AER. And… I'd also like to request my own personal quarters."
Mr. Otto's brows furrowed slightly at that last request. He leaned back, exhaling as if choosing his words carefully.
"The report shouldn't be an issue. But personal quarters… space is limited. There are a few available options, but the only truly vacant area is the isolation building next to the field." His voice carried a note of hesitation, concern flickering across his face.
Xu-er remained still, his expression unreadable. The isolation building—originally used to punish tardy students—was spacious enough for living arrangements. But its location posed a serious risk if the creatures lurking beyond the field fence were truly as dangerous as theorized.
And yet, to Xu-er, that didn't matter. The privacy it offered was something he would not give up.
"If it's about the creatures, I sincerely doubt they pose any real threat. If basic weapons can deal with them, they can't be that dangerous." He met Mr. Otto's gaze, his voice calm yet firm. "You don't need to worry about me."
Mr. Otto studied him for a long moment, his fingers steepled together. The concern in his eyes didn't fade, but he did not argue.
The choice had already been made.
Knock, knock.
A continuous, obnoxious sound echoed through the concrete space as the cabin's hard wooden door was struck repeatedly. The air was thick with dust and the faint scent of old wood and metal. The walls were bare concrete, their surface uneven with faint cracks running along the edges where paint had long since peeled away.
The fluorescent lights overhead flickered inconsistently, leaving the corners of the room steeped in shifting shadows. A single, narrow window near the ceiling allowed a sliver of dim light to seep in, but the usual sight of the sky had been replaced by the unrelenting white void, broken only by that jagged, unfathomable crack exposing the swirling pink-tinged darkness beyond.
Against the farthest wall, a cot—dragged in from the infirmary—was covered with a makeshift mattress made from foam gymnastics mats cut into form, layered with cloth and drapes. A heavy wooden desk, once belonging to a forgotten teacher, had been repurposed into a personal workspace.
The surface bore scratches and ink stains, but it was sturdy, its drawers filled with loose notes, salvaged pens, and a flickering desk lamp that cast elongated shadows against the wall. Next to it, a second hand chair with one uneven leg wobbled slightly, but it remained the best option for sitting.
The sound still rang through Xu-er's new humble abode. Moving towards the gate to his "majestic palace," his hand grasped the metal knob, turning it, opening the room to the outside world and its harsh wind or so would be the case if not for the white wall.
A petite girl stood in a casual, playful manner, her golden blonde hair silky and smooth, lying in a relaxed position. She exuded a profound beauty that would captivate any young man about their wits. Well, it would, however, Xu-er had no such reaction. He knew the true nature of this girl.
An annoyance.
"Heya, missed me?" Yue's slender, soft hands waved in an ecstatic manner, a mischievous smile greeting Xu-er's unimpressed gaze.
"What do you want?"
"What, can't I come to see my dear friend? I mean, Eshan got to talk to you, so why not me?" Yue attempted her best shot at puppy-dog eyes, her light blue eyes piercing Xu-er's harsh demeanour.
"Look, Yue, much as I love unexpected visits, I don't. So unless you've got a reason for barging in, maybe take your boundless energy somewhere else?"
"Look, there's nothing to talk about, and I've got things to do. Just head back to your place, alright?"
Seemingly ignoring his attempts to get her to leave, Yue hopped and hummed her way into the cabin, exploring it before taking her seat on the hospital-style cot, making herself comfortable.
"Seriously? Huh, ok fine. Just don't break anything or disturb me—I need to do something important."
"As if there's anything to break here. Your room sucks, there's nothing." She stuck her tongue out in an overly childish manner. "What you working on?" She propped herself up from her laying position on his bed.
"Top-secret nerd stuff. If I told you, I'd have to—actually, nah, I just don't feel like explaining it."
Closing the wooden door, its rough dark surface comforted the cold room, sheltering it from the veil's harsh white light. Moving to take his seat at the old desk, he flicked through some files covering the topic he was most inquisitive about—AER.
Research Report on Aetherion (AER) Properties and Observations
Author: Dr. Adrian Weber, Hallowmere Academy Science Department
Date: October 15th
Abstract
This report outlines the preliminary findings regarding an unknown energy phenomenon referred to as Aetherion (AER). AER is a non-traditional energy that has been observed to interact with individuals carrying certain anomalous markings (scriptures). Despite being undetectable through conventional electromagnetic, thermal, or particle detection methods, indirect experimentation has yielded measurable effects that suggest its presence and influence.
Introduction
Following the emergence of the enigmatic barrier surrounding Hallowmere Academy, a subset of students has exhibited unique physiological and cognitive phenomena after contact with an unknown environmental factor (scripture markings). The existence of AER was first hypothesized upon observing inexplicable biological enhancements, minor material alterations, and energy manifestations that could not be attributed to any known physical force.
Experimental Approach
Since direct measurement of AER through traditional scientific instruments proved ineffective, alternative methods were devised to study its effects. The following experiments were conducted to ascertain the properties of AER indirectly:
Experiment 1: Electromagnetic Interference and Optical Refraction Test
Objective: Determine whether AER interactions cause disturbances in electromagnetic fields or light refraction.
Method:
A vacuum-sealed chamber was used to eliminate external environmental interference. Subjects with known scripture markings were instructed to activate their abilities within the chamber. High-precision lasers and electromagnetic sensors were deployed to observe any disruptions or shifts in frequency.
Results: No measurable electromagnetic interference was detected. However, laser diffraction patterns displayed erratic fluctuations in wave coherence, suggesting localized alterations in space at the quantum scale. This implies AER may interact with fundamental forces in a manner not yet understood.
Experiment 2: Thermodynamic Entropy Manipulation
Objective: Assess whether AER use correlates with changes in entropy within a closed system.
Method:
A thermally isolated chamber was used, containing a substance with a known heat dissipation rate (supercooled nitrogen gas).A subject ( Nerissa Yue Carter) was asked to use his scripture to manifest an exothermic reaction in the chamber. Infrared thermal imaging monitored any deviations from standard thermodynamic behaviour.
Results: A brief but significant reduction in entropy was recorded within the chamber during scripture activation. Temperature gradients reversed momentarily before stabilizing, suggesting AER may facilitate localized energy redistribution without heat diffusion. Experiment 3: Quantum Probability Perturbation via Double-Slit Experiment
Objective: Investigate whether AER alters probabilistic behaviour at the quantum level.
Method:
The classic double-slit experiment was performed using a coherent photon source . A scripture holder (Nerissa Yue Carter) was asked to activate her ability while positioned near the apparatus. Photonic wavefunctions were recorded via high-speed quantum detectors.
Results: Anomalous fluctuations in wavefunction collapse were detected. Observed particle patterns deviated from expected probabilistic distributions, suggesting an external force affecting quantum coherence. This further reinforces the hypothesis that AER is neither electromagnetic nor material but operates on an informational or conceptual level. Discussion & Hypotheses
From the experiments conducted, we propose the following:
AER does not conform to known energy classifications such as kinetic, thermal, electromagnetic, or nuclear. Instead, it appears to function as an interactive field that alters local reality at a conceptual level. Scripture activation acts as a conduit for AER, enabling anomalous effects that defy classical physics, including biological acceleration and perceptual distortion.
AER interacts with space-time and probability, allowing for controlled perturbations at the quantum scale, potentially explaining its role in scripture abilities. Further studies are required to establish a framework for AER mechanics, potentially linking it to phenomena beyond standard physics, such as quantum consciousness or hidden variable theories.
Conclusion & Future Research
While AER remains beyond the scope of direct measurement, its effects are observable and reproducible under controlled conditions. Moving forward, the priority will be to refine measurement techniques, develop predictive models, and understand the fundamental principles governing scripture interactions. Collaborative efforts with individuals possessing scripture markings may provide additional insights into AER's underlying mechanisms.
Signed,
Dr. Adrian Weber
Hallowmere Academy Science Department
Xu-er tapped his fingers lightly against the worn wooden desk, countless chains of logic and interpretations of the report's contents flowing through his mind like a river—turbulent and unresting. It felt like far too much for Xu-er; despite the slick and optimal wording, he was lost, unable to decipher what it could truly mean. All these chains of questioning and evaluation had led to a single, seemingly objective fact.
AER is something beyond understanding.
Well, not yet, but he highly doubted that someone like him—severely underqualified—should even lay his gaze on something this complex, let alone help. He wasn't a researcher. Hell, he wasn't even a STEM-based pupil.
"No point in beating yourself over it. It's all just science mumbo jumbo, this and that."
Yue's soft voice cut through the tense atmosphere forming around Xu-er, seemingly drawing him out of his own mind.
"Yeah, I know. Not like I was expecting to get it. But Yue, this scripture… what does yours do exactly?"
"What? Straight into interrogating me? well does stuff " She shrugged in a dismissive manner, her posture relaxed. Yet, for the briefest moment, a strange hint of trickery gleamed in her eyes . To anyone else, it would have gone unnoticed, but not Xu-er—he knew her too well.
"Stuff? Like what?"
"Don't lie to me. You're a bad liar, you know."
"Oh, well, it lets me make things happen. So far, I know I can, like, generate heat on a small scale by imagining a reaction outputting heat. Honestly, I don't know too much myself." Her voice remained playful yet carried a tone of sincerity.
Sighing, Xu-er pushed some strands of his onyx hair back—now loose and free, his braids undone by the course of time. Slouching in his seat, he let out a soft grunt of frustration and annoyance.
Tururururu, tururururu.
A ringing intruded upon the silent room.
"Yes… oh, okay, I'll be heading over. Bye." A short, one-sided conversation had started. Xu-er was merely a spectator, much to his comfort.
"Well, our little meet-and-greet has to end. Mr. Weber called me—he needs some help. So, see you soon." Blowing a kiss in his direction, she quickly made her exit from the stage.
"She's so weird."
Breathing out to himself, Xu-er closed the door, which had been stripped of its duty and left gaping.
Resting in his not so comfortable bed; He let out a slow breath, eyes lifting toward the cracked sky outside his narrow window. The vast void swirled endlessly, the pink hues at its edges shifting like an open wound in existence. The world itself was breaking, and here he was, reading a report trying to classify why.
"Aetherion…"
"Does understanding it even matter?"
If AER was beyond normal comprehension, then no number of carefully written reports would change its nature. It was an unknown force, something that bent reality to its own whims. Wasn't it better to simply accept it and test limits through trials , rather than waste time trying to explain it?
And yet, Xu-er couldn't ignore the quiet itch in his mind. The need to know, to unravel the laws that governed this foreign power. If understanding it meant gaining even an inch of control over his fate, then maybe it was worth the effort.
His fingers traced the edge of the report as he exhaled.
"Science seeks to explain. Cultivators in fantasies seek to conquer. But me… what am I seeking?"