"Can you describe how it felt; to have no body?"
Aidan's lips curled up as he said, "It was both great and terrifying. Freeing because I could exist without boundaries, yet suffocating because I was lost in an infinite void. I couldn't feel anything and yet I could feel everything. It makes absolutely no sense. But that's the only way I can describe it..."
Kharon's hand swept over his hair as he said, "How did you find yourself and become whole again?"
Aidan looked thoughtful for a second before answering, "I am not sure. I didn't know what was happening around me. I was first in agony, my body burning piece by piece, my resolve weakening with each passing second, but it soon subsided. After the chaos passed, I simply existed-a free-floating spirit unbound and untethered... I was about to let myself go, to become one with the world. But I remembered you... and several others who I hold dear. And with that, I found the strength to reforge my body, piece by piece from the ashes of who I once was."
"I think I understand... I am glad you were able to successfully complete your ritual. I also need to apologise for doubting in your capabilities."
"Don't apologise, I needed your support. If you hadn't encouraged me, I don't think I would have had the resolve to put myself back together. You helped me greatly in the end. You always do. Now, we can go get whatever you want. I am craving some frostfang popsicles after all that heat."
Kharon gave Aidan a faint smile as he said, "Me too."
The pair suddenly heard clapping as Dorn walked up to them.
"Congratulations on your ascension Aidan. I knew you would do it without any trouble. Your mother will be ecstatic to hear the news. Also, I would like to reward you with a dinner. It's not much of a reward, but it's something."
"I will have to decline the offer. Unless Khar- Raven can join us as well."
"That wouldn't be an issue. I will meet you and your friend at Starfall District, next to the Aetherbloom Conservatory."
"We will be there."
As Dorn slowly walked away, he turned back before saying, "You should take it easy Aidan. Don't push yourself or do anything strenuous for the next few days. It could cause you to become unstable if your aether doesn't have enough time to settle."
Aidan nodded as Dorn left the field. After chatting for a little longer Aidan and Kharon left the open field as they walked through the halls of the arcane association's headquaters. They were filled with statues of powerful wielders and adorned with beautiful decorations. Aidan gave Kharon a brief explanation of the arcane association's origins before they reached the exit.
"So you are telling me that, runic magic was discovered by accident?"
"Not really, a few years after the arcane obelisk crashed on Earth, a few researchers studied the few symbols they knew. The Gods had given them revelations which expanded their knowledge of the arcane. They had been warned by the Gods to not draw the symbols on anything with aether. But a curious young man decided to try it and was able to harnass the power of a rune. This young man proceded to study even more runes with the help of a few colleagues. Many rebuked them for their research but they continued to study the arcane. Once they mastered the basics of drawing runes on surfaces, they tried it on air using their aether."
Kharon listened intently as Aidan told him this. Through learning about the history of runic magic and the creation of the arcane association, he may be able to assimilate quickly with his tier 4 essence core. It was worth a try atleast.
"They were able to successfully use runes with their own aether. This opened many doors and even the Gods who had been opposed to the idea decided to support these researchers. And the ironic part is that, the families of these researchers are now some of the most powerful and influential."
"That really is ironic. From being shunned to becoming the most powerful people. I am guessing that since your family is just well off, you aren't a descendant of one of these researchers."
Kharon teasingly punched Aidan who was suddenly very silent.
"I am sorry if I annoyed you. I wasn't trying to offend you."
Aidan let out a chuckle before he burst into laughter. Kharon looked at him with a puzzled expression as Aidan patted his back.
"I haven't told you everything. The young, reckless man who researched the runic symbols despite the warnings became the most important researcher and as a result, his family now stands as one of, if not the most powerful noble family."
"Ok? I don't get how that's funny."
Aidan looked at Kharon with a melancholic expression as he said, "That young man, was the founder of the Brighthart family. His name was Brighthart Simons. But he took on the name Brighthart and gave it to his descendants..."
Kharon's eyes widened as he slowly understood Aidan's outburst. It most have been quite funny to him that Kharon thought he was only from a moderately wealthy family. But to find that Aidan's family was one of the most powerful in Lunaris Haven was quite shocking.
'Now all of those moments make sense... Aidan's family; the Brightharts must not only possess immense wealth. They are probably in control of a lot of information such as: path rituals, some secrets of runic magic and much more. Their collection of mystic constructs must be overwhelmingly large. Aidan is basically royalty in Lunaris Haven then.'
"I thought you didn't like talking about your family. Why are you telling me this now?"
"I just wanted to. You are my closest friend and I trust you. So I decided to share some knowledge with you. It will also help you assimilate with your tier 4 essence core. The faster we can grow, the faster we will reach our goals."
"But shouldn't we take our time? It is important to cultivate knowledge and experience, for true power isn't just light rays and strange abilities. It is an extension of your understanding, will and mastery over the forces that shape reality."
Aidan's face was frozen stiff as he looked at Kharon. His lips curled into a wide grin as he said, "You sound like an old, wise man now. You really are a century old. Do you have any more words of wisdom oh great, wise sage?"
Kharon used Silent Craft to create a rope. Using Hidden Hand, he made it fly fowards, set to trip Aidan in his tracks. But as Aidan walked into it, the rope snapped in half. Kharon nervously chuckled as Aidan turned towards him with a terrifying look in his eyes.
"Why you little..."
Kharon began quickening his steps as he broke into a sprint; he couldn't run at full speed as he had to avoid attention, but it didn't mean he couldn't run quickly. However Aidan easily caught up to him without passers-by noticing. He grabbed Kharon and started squeezing him in a tight hug before ruffling his hair.
"You know I am a lot stronger now. A little string like that can't even more me, let alone trip me up."
"It was worth the try."
The pair laughed as they went up to several stalls and bought snacks. Aidan bought over ten frostfang popsicles, receiving strange stares from everyone when he ate each one in quick succession without any repercussions.
Kharon silently ate his aethermilk and honey cakes as Aidan bought several items from a small store.
"Here I bought you a suit. And don't worry, it's a special suit which shrinks or grows to fit the wearer perfectly. It also has a few useful charms such as heat and cold resistance. It can even change colour to fit the wearers aesthetic."
"And how much was it? Such high quality clothing must cost a lot."
"It wasn't too much, being a beast hunter is very profitable. I could buy a few more and it wouldn't be an issue."
Kharon looked at Aidan's radiant smile before he decided to ask another question.
"Aidan, I wanted to ask. What exactly did your parents expect of you? I know they didn't want you to go down the path of radiance. So was there another path? And considering your family's background, do you know a lot about runic magic?"
Aidan's smile slightly dimmed as he answered, "My family has always been full of researchers. We begin learning runic magic from birth and with each generation, our understanding expands. I know quite a lot about runic magic, my parents always said I was very talented, so I studied very hard to not disappoint them. However, it led to me being unhappy. That is why I decided to do what I wanted. The Brighthart family rarely has wielders, but the few that do go down this path, usually choose the path of knowledge. It is perfect for remembering and comprehending complex topics."
"Then what made you go down the path of radiance?"
"The path of radiance offers more versatility and offensive power; it also drew me in, I am not sure why. The path of knowledge isn't made for fighting, though it can be lethal if the wielder uses their intellect to create plans and set traps."
"I am glad you chose to follow your heart..."