The Clockwork Veil

As I flipped through the book, I was captivated by the beautiful images on each page. Intricate circles combined with different shapes, creating stunning patterns that seemed to come alive. Odd symbols, which looked like ancient writing, danced across the pictures and sparked my curiosity. I became so absorbed in this visual beauty that I decided to go back to the very start of the text.

The opening lines captured my attention: "Could your way of life be bright? Could your action be fiery?"—a quote from the mysterious Archmage Truss. These words inspired me and filled me with excitement. I imagined having a conversation with someone as remarkable as Archmage Truss, eager to learn from their knowledge and hear unique stories they could share. With this anticipation, I felt a strong desire to explore the intriguing journey the book promised, ready to uncover its secrets and insights.

"Ether is like the invisible thread that connects everything in the universe, tying together every tiny piece of matter. Atoms, the small building blocks of everything around us, rely on this mysterious force to hold their parts together, allowing them to interact harmoniously and energetically.

As you embark on your journey in this world, it's important to realize that not everyone has the special ability to tap into the power of ether. This unique talent is a significant part of who you are. In our culture, children often as young as six visit a revered place known as the spirit mausoleum, which is filled with ancient knowledge. Here, they go through a special ceremony designed to determine their potential and connection to the elemental forces that shape our world. Each person is naturally drawn to one specific element, influenced by their upbringing and life experiences, which helps them harmonize with a particular type of ether.

Some people are even born with a remarkable ability to channel multiple forms of ether—sometimes two, three, or even four different types. As they grow up, they may be seen as heroes or villains, their powers becoming more intense and requiring great respect and caution. However, their journey is not without difficulties. I, Archmage Truss, can wield the pure and vibrant flames of fire ether, and although I gained my power relatively quickly, others with the gift of multiple channels face far greater challenges.

For those who dare to master opposing types of ether, a significant struggle lies ahead. The conflicts of elements—like the clash between water and fire, or the battle between light and darkness—create a chaotic environment. Only those who can navigate this conflict have the potential to find real balance within themselves. But pursuing this balance comes with risks; many people find themselves stuck in the tricky space between different levels of mastery, while others may unfortunately succumb to the tough challenges they encounter on their path.

But perhaps, dear reader, you either lack a connection to ether or possess an utterly pure one. Vessels, as they are called, are astonishingly rare and hold the secrets of this mysterious force.

The journey of a walker—those who gather and harness ether—is delineated into three distinctive stages. The first is the lower level, where the initial seeds of transformation are sown. At this fledgling stage, you begin to draw ether into your very being, enhancing your physical form and latent abilities. Yet, the surrounding ether remains untouchable, lingering just beyond your grasp. The next phase, the mid-level, is where true mastery begins to take shape. Here, you learn to mould the ether that swirls around you, bending it to your will as an artist shapes clay. This stage also marks your ascension—a pivotal moment that paves the way for the levels ahead. Finally, the high levels await, but they lie shrouded in the mists of the unknown, for I have merely skimmed the surface. It is within these elevated tiers that you begin to unravel the profound mysteries of higher powers and adeptly manipulate the very laws that govern our world.

Now, let us muse upon the numbers: within the sprawling realm of Anatilos, home to 150 billion souls, only half possess the innate ability to ascend beyond the lower level, even after a lifetime of rigorous training. From the remaining 75 billion, a mere 10 billion may breach the threshold to the mid-level, and within that crowd, only around 10,000 are likely to ascend to its peak. The advanced levels stretch even further into scarcity; as of now, a mere six hundred known advanced-stage walkers navigate this path. Thus, dear reader, be forewarned: the journey is arduous and fraught with challenges, yet an overwhelming number still yearn to become walkers. Each elevation in skill not only enhances abilities but also extends the threads of life; with each ascent, you drift closer to the fabled state of an immortal spirit.

Now that I have ignited your curiosity, let me guide you on how to embark on your odyssey as a walker. Presumably, you have already been evaluated for your potential, finding yourself at the first level of Feeling. Allow me to remind you of a fundamental truth: even if you cannot perceive it now, your body exists in a vibrant sea of ether, as does everything around you. The initial lesson you must grasp as a walker is to "see" ether. How does one achieve this? In my time, scholars would unleash spells upon their students or deliver swift, ether-infused slaps, but the exponential rise in eager learners has rendered such methods impractical; slapping each student would consume an eternity! Thus, we turn to meditation.

To commence effective meditation, seek the gentle warmth of sunlight, allowing its rays to envelop you. Close your eyes and attune yourself to the particles dancing around you. At first, your vision will only extend to those etheric entities to which you are compatible, but by the final stage of Feeling, your perception should broaden to encompass all. However, if you have yet to undergo your awakening ceremony, I urge you to refrain from tapping into the ether; only at six years of age do our eyes attain the clarity needed to perceive its essence."

What a pity, I thought with a sigh. At just three years old, the notion of waiting another three feels like a lifetime. I'm squandering my potential, yearning for a breakthrough—surely there must be something I can do!

I got off the wooden chair and wandered through the dim library. The air smelled sweet from the old paper, and the shelves stood tall, filled with books on history, culture, and monster guides. I noticed some military books with bright covers, but they were too high for me to reach. Just when I felt discouraged, I spotted a dark corner where a dusty pamphlet caught the light. It was titled "Experiment on Enchanting the Ether Compatibly," written by someone named Virty. Curious, I took it from its forgotten place.

As I flipped through the fragile pages, it quickly became apparent that much of the text was either disintegrated or faded beyond recognition. Nonetheless, one phrase leapt out at me, clear as day: "To feel and to bathe is a different thing. If you meditate with your eyes open, strangely you will not feel the ether, but the ether will feel you and bless your body."

The words struck a chord with me, showing that lying in the sun and looking at the vast sky has a deeper meaning, even if it's hard for me to understand at such a young age.

I discovered some valuable insights and started a new routine: sunbathing. Every day, I lay in the sun, enjoying its warmth like a comforting blanket. At first, my parents thought it was strange to see me fall asleep under the sunlight. But after I did it a few times, they accepted my unusual behavior.