Stormborn Castle shimmered in the evening light, preparing for a grand dinner. Inside the dining hall, adorned for the special occasion, the Dominion's most prominent nobles gathered. Aren, dressed in a newly tailored doublet of deep blue velvet, felt a touch out of place amidst all the splendor and formality. The doublet, embroidered with gold thread depicting the Dominion's crest, fit his rejuvenated physique perfectly.

Funny, I used to hate tuxedos and bow ties. Now I'm relearning how to navigate high society. Though, I must admit, this doublet is a lot more comfortable.

Duke Darius, as always, radiated confidence and warmth, greeting his guests with a booming voice and a wide smile. Beside him stood Lady Oriana, his wife, restrained and elegant in an ivory silk gown adorned with pearls and lace. Isla, Valerian, Leo, Kira, and, of course, Jaxx'im, recently arrived from Wintervale, were also in attendance.

The dinner commenced with the usual formalities and pleasantries. Guests exchanged greetings and compliments, discussing the latest news and social gossip. Servants bustled between the tables, offering a variety of dishes and drinks. Aren eyed the unfamiliar delicacies with interest, his senses overwhelmed by aromas he'd never encountered on Earth. Roasted meats sat alongside other savory dishes, and game pies filled the air with a scent that was both rich and alien. Exotic fruits, glistening with an unknown glaze, added a sweet, almost cloying note to the medley of smells. He wondered what they tasted like, these dishes of a world so different from his own. He noticed a deep red wine being poured, its bouquet rich and spicy, unlike any vintage he remembered.

I wonder, is that meat from some local critter, or something more exotic from Wintervale? Hope there's nothing here that'll trigger an allergy, though this body should be accustomed to the food of this world, after all.

Duke Darius, eager to introduce his new nobleman, turned to Jaxx'im. "Allow me to present Sir Aren, our newest guest. He played a vital role in rescuing Isla from mercenaries." Darius launched into the story of the attack on Isla, embellishing Aren's bravery and skill. He described how Aren single-handedly fought off a group of armed mercenaries, using his incredible combat skills and cunning, and how he decided to grant him a noble title under the Stormborn name.

Here we go, Aren thought. Now I'm being painted as a hero, even though I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Gotta play the part.

Jaxx'im gave Aren a long, piercing look, as if trying to see through him. His bright green eyes seemed to glow with an unnatural light. The gaze felt like a scan, and Aren felt a slight discomfort. He usually sensed some kind of aura, emotion, or personality from those around him, but with Jaxx'im, he felt only emptiness.

Strange. I'm not feeling anything. It's like staring into a void. Maybe he's just really good at controlling his emotions? Or is this a characteristic of his kind? He recalled the emotionless drone he'd encountered in Chronos Labs – cold, mechanical, and devoid of any discernible personality. I need to be careful around this blue guy.

Darius shifted the conversation to Wintervale, inquiring about Duke Corvus and the Ether Research Facility. "How fares Duke Corvus? And how are the research efforts progressing in Wintervale?"

"Duke Corvus is an exceptional scholar and a gracious host. Wintervale's Research Facility thrives under his guidance. It houses many Veridians dedicated to scientific pursuits. Since my last visit, the Research Facility has grown into a veritable settlement. Duke Corvus is truly an excellent leader; it is a pity that your relations with him are strained."

I wonder what new theories they're cooking up over there? Interdimensional travel, perhaps? I wonder what would happen if I teleported from here to another world, and they decided to pull me out of the capsule back in Chronos Labs.

"I also bring with me much information regarding the Ether Storms… phenomena shrouded in mystery and danger. Unpredictable vortexes capable of distorting the very fabric of reality. They birth artifacts imbued with incredible power, but the price for that power can be exceedingly high."

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Jaxx'im paused, his eyes flashing brighter, as if he were about to unveil a crucial piece of information. He looked around at the nobles, holding their attention. He seemed less like he was just having dinner and more like he was giving a big speech, making sure everyone was listening.

"My theory has been proven within the walls of Wintervale's Research Facility. The Veridians, dedicated to the study of Ether, have reached a unified conclusion: an Ether Storm is a reaction. The Ether's reaction to abuse."

He raised a hand, as if weighing something invisible.

"Anyone who dares to wield too much Ether in a short span risks provoking a storm. And remember… a storm is always tethered to the location where the abuse occurred. It will erupt where the Ether was used excessively."

Jaxx'im looked directly at the assembled nobles, his gaze piercing and cautionary.

"Be wary of the Ether. Its power is great, but its wrath can be devastating." Jaxx'im cast a brief glance at Valerian, as if singling him out. Apparently, only the general possessed enough power to provoke the Ether's wrath.

Ether Storms? Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. I wonder how dangerous they really are?

"During my journey here, I received a message from Wintervale regarding a surge of Ether activity within your Dominion. A surge of such magnitude that it could lead to an Ether Storm. But as the storms usually occur within a day, we may have been fortunate this time."

This statement caused a ripple of unease and anxiety among the guests, especially Darius, who was responsible for the safety of his Dominion. Darius frowned, considering what he'd heard. "An Ether Storm? That is grave news. We must be prepared for any eventuality. Jaxx'im, tell me more after dinner."

"Incidentally, I have brought a device for measuring Ether tiers. This will give the Dominion its own capability to monitor Ether," Jaxx'im said, casually changing the subject.

Leo perked up in his chair upon hearing this. "Really? Finally, I can learn my true tier with precision! Jaxx'im, when can you test me?"

"Patience, young sir. I have many interesting things with me. Allow me time to prepare a laboratory."

Darius supported Leo's enthusiasm. "Leo and Aren are preparing for the upcoming tournament. Perhaps you could assist Aren in mastering Ether manipulation? It would be of great benefit to him."

Jaxx'im looked at Aren again, his eyes unreadable. "I would be glad to help. Come to my laboratory tomorrow evening. I need time to unpack and prepare everything. I also brought a prototype that I was working on at the Research Facility. This device can help locate Ether artifacts, but its range is currently too limited; it only reacts within 100 meters."

Kira chimed into the conversation, "How interesting, so it could be useful if someone takes it on a journey, and if they're lucky enough to be near an artifact, it will alert them?"

"Correct, Lady Kira, you are as perceptive as always. I am working on increasing its range, so for now, I cannot entrust it to your travelers. Once it is ready, an expedition can be sent to search for undiscovered artifacts."

Darius stroked his beard, already lost in thought, contemplating tactics and the future. "That could greatly benefit our Dominion. In these trying times, artifacts hold particular value, especially if we can find materials of a rare nature."

The guests listened quietly to the Veridian's tale, occasionally gasping and whispering amongst themselves.

Throughout the dinner, Isla pointedly ignored Aren, refusing to meet his eyes or acknowledge his presence. Her anger was palpable, creating an awkward atmosphere. Aren felt uncomfortable. Well, she's definitely upset. I need to talk to her after dinner.

Lady Oriana and Kira occasionally asked questions during Jaxx'im's stories, showing interest in his research and his experiences in Wintervale. Valerian remained silent throughout the dinner, watching Jaxx'im and Aren with a keen eye. His silence added to the sense of mystery and intrigue.

Valerian is acting strange. Why is he watching Jaxx'im so closely?

Aren felt a mixture of curiosity, unease, and excitement. He was intrigued by Jaxx'im's knowledge and his offer to help him learn to wield Ether, but he was also wary of his lack of discernible personality and the potential danger of Ether activity in Stormborn. Despite Isla's coldness, Aren resolved to speak with her again, making one last attempt to dissuade her from her dangerous investigation. If she remained adamant, he would do everything he could to help her, even if it meant going behind Darius's back.

After dinner, Aren decided to wait for Isla to leave the hall and catch up with her for a private conversation. But his plan failed before it even began. Theodore, with a cigar in his mouth, approached him, inquiring about his techniques and how he was settling into the castle. He mentioned his daughter, who had been looking for a husband for a long time, hinting at a potential marriage alliance.

Why does everyone here want to marry me off? Back on Earth, actually getting married was a monumental challenge.