Novels2Search
Ephemeral Ether
Chapter 6 - Unseen Forces

Chapter 6 - Unseen Forces

Location: GCU (Golactic Coalation Unit) Stationed in New Arcadia

In the heart of New Arcadia, where gleaming spires touched the heavens, the Galactic Coalition Unit stood as a vigilant guardian. Commander Elara Voss, a formidable Etherial wielder with a reputation for both strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication, oversaw the unit's operations. And being the rank of a master mage she was indeed the most powerful in the city.

As night descended over the city, the Etherial Investigators dispersed across its sprawling landscape. She received a letter from the head of the research unit to meet with her immediately so that where she was headed.

Commander Elara Voss, with her flowing robes billowing in the night breeze, made her way through the intricate corridors of the Golactic Coalation Unit headquarters. The dimly lit passages echoed with the distant hum of machinery and the occasional hushed conversation among the diligent personnel.

Upon reaching the research unit, she found herself standing before the door marked "Research and Analysis." Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and entered a room filled with an array of arcane instruments and Etherial monitoring devices. Dr. Isabella Thorne, the head of the research unit, greeted her with a sense of urgency.

"Commander Voss, thank you for coming," Dr. Thorne said, her expression a mix of concern and anticipation.

"What's the situation, Dr. Thorne?" Elara inquired, her keen eyes narrowing with focus.

Dr. Thorne motioned toward a holographic display that depicted Etherial fluctuations across the city. "We've detected a significant disturbance in the Ether. Unusual readings and fluctuations that extend beyond our usual parameters."

"Commander Voss inquired, “I assume you've already ensured it wasn't the mislanding of an aircraft?”

“Yes,” Throne replied, pushing up her glasses. “The disturbance wasn't as potent as an ethereal aircraft, but it wasn't a level of energy I have seen before in our technology. I would've just marked it off as an awakening, but the energy surge was three times the average of an awakening.”

"And where exactly was the location?"

"It was in the city dump. A few guards reported trespassing around the same time as the disturbance. Although they couldn't give me a description of the trespasser, the only thing they mentioned was a bright purple light covering the person's face."

Commander Voss's expression darkened as she absorbed the information. The city dump, an unlikely site for a significant Etherial disturbance, raised her suspicions. "A bright purple light covering the face? We need to investigate this immediately. Dr. Thorne, gather a team of Etherial Hunters of the Vigil branch and make sure they're equipped with the latest scanning devices. We can't afford any uncertainties in this matter."

The Vigil branch within the GCU (Golactic Coalation Unit) serves as a specialized investigative unit focused on Etherial anomalies and disturbances. Comprising skilled Etherial Hunters, the Vigil branch operates within the shadows, uncovering and addressing threats to the stability of Ether within not only the small city of New Arcadia but beyond.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Commander Voss knew that the situation wasn't anything too large. Small disturbances like this occurred occasionally, whether it was an evolving Etherial beast running rampant on the outskirts of the city or a common criminal causing a stir. While the disturbance was larger than average, it still paled in comparison to the vast and cosmic challenges she had encountered in the universe. It would likely be easily dealt with by her team of skilled Etherial Hunters from the Vigil branch.

Nevertheless, the peculiar mention of a bright purple light covering the trespasser's face intrigued her. Unusual occurrences always warranted a thorough investigation, as the Ether held mysteries that could surprise even the most seasoned commanders. With a decisive nod, Commander Voss issued the order for Dr. Thorne to assemble a team and investigate the disturbance at the city dump.

"Stay vigilant, Dr. Thorne. Report back with any findings," she instructed, her eyes reflecting a hint of the cosmic wisdom she had gained throughout her years as a master Etherial wielder. The unseen forces of the Ether were unpredictable, and every anomaly, no matter how small, deserved attention in the intricate dance of cosmic energies.

***

Location: New Arcadia’s Vigil Branch

In the heart of New Arcadia's Vigil Branch, Don Leonardo, the seasoned leader of the Etherial Vigil, received the call. His office, adorned with ancient artifacts and Etherial talismans, became a nexus of cosmic awareness as he listened to the details of the disturbance at the city dump.

Known for his expertise in unraveling Etherial mysteries, Don Leonardo rose from his ornate chair. His sharp eyes, weathered by years of Etherial hunting, scanned the room where his team of skilled hunters prepared for the impending mission.

"How big of a team do you think I need, Dr. Thorne?" Don spoke into the phone.

"The disturbance was small, but after letting the commander know she wants to investigate, I do believe if you wanted to, you could handle this yourself."

"I see." Don put out the cigarette he was carelessly smoking, "I'll probably take that route. I'll start investigating Immediately and let you know if I find anything."

As Don Leonardo ended the call, a sense of purpose filled the room. the solitary hunter, carefully gathered his tools of the trade, a mere sword, but one infused with the essence of his years of dedication. The blade, adorned with intricate runes, seemed to hum with a resonance that echoed the unseen forces permeating the city. As he strapped the sword to his side, the air around it shimmered with latent energy, intimately connected to the Ether's cosmic dance.

Venturing into the night, the Vigil leader embraced the solitude of his mission. A weariness lingered in his eyes, a testament to the countless beasts and men he had dispatched in the line of duty. Despite the creeping sense of disdain, a burning determination fueled him onward.

With each step, his cloak billowed in the nocturnal breeze, carrying the emblem of the Vigil—a symbol not only of ancient knowledge but also of an unwavering resolve that had weathered the storms of countless battles.

Meanwhile, Alex Mercer, the unwitting catalyst of the disturbance, continued his journey, oblivious to the cosmic forces converging around him. His every step resonated through the unseen realms of Ether, setting in motion a sequence of events that would intertwine the fates of New Arcadia, the Galactic Coalition Unit, and the enigmatic Ethereal Vigil.

The city dump, once overlooked and dismissed, now stood as a crossroads where the destiny of individuals and the delicate balance of cosmic forces hung in the balance. The night held its secrets, and as the investigation unfolded, the true nature of the Etherial disturbance began to unravel, revealing a tapestry woven with threads of mystery, power, and unforeseen consequences.