Children of The Stellar Severance

I paused and scanned the room to gauge my classmates' reactions. Some looked confused, while others appeared skeptical. However, Ms. Athena's smile remained unwavering.

"It wasn't just visual," I added, speaking with conviction. "I could feel it in the air—the energy wasn't confined anymore. It was raw and free. That's when I realized that whatever illusion you created was gone, and this," I gestured to the classroom around us, "is reality."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of my words settling in. Ms. Athena tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. Then, with an almost imperceptible nod, she replied, "Fascinating."

"You are partially correct, Samuel," Ms. Athena said, her smile widening. "However, one piece of advice when formulating conclusions in the future is to consider the possibility of additional layers. While I intentionally allowed all of you to feel the Aetheric energy flowing back into its neutral state this time, it can also happen without any of you sensing it at all. Also, I can make an illusion feel entirely real at my level, especially considering you haven't even completed your genetic resonance."

Her words hung in the air like a subtle challenge.

"In other words," she continued, her tone both instructional and slightly teasing, "don't assume that what you perceive is always the complete picture. There are ways to obscure even the unravelling of Aetheric constructs. This is something to consider as you refine your observations."

I nodded thoughtfully, her words a mix of validation and a reminder to dig deeper. Around the room, my classmates glanced between us, some still trying to process her explanation while others seemed intrigued by the implications.

"The room before you will indeed be your classroom," Ms. Athena announced, her voice calm but edged with a firmness that commanded attention. She looked around the room, clearly noticing the mixed expressions on the students' faces. "Judging by some of your reactions, it seems these accommodations aren't quite to your liking. However," she continued, her tone sharpening slightly, "allow me to remind you: my purpose here is not to ensure your comfort."

Her gaze swept over the group, lingering just long enough on each student to make them sit up straighter.

"You all have comfortable dormitories to retreat to," she added, gesturing vaguely as if dismissing any notions of complaint. "This classroom, however, is not designed to coddle you. My objective is to shape you into individuals capable of surviving and thriving in your final exam—a trial that will begin approximately one year from now."

Ms. Athena folded her hands neatly behind her back, her sharp gaze scanning the room as she began, "Now, let's shift our focus to today's primary objective. As you all know, you will be undergoing genetic resonance—a pivotal moment in your lives where your connection to Aetheric energy will fully awaken. Before we dive into the specifics, let me provide you with an essential foundation: the origins and impact of Aetheric energy on our universe."

She took a measured step forward, her voice carrying undeniable authority yet tinged with curiosity—as though she was inviting the class to explore the mysteries alongside her. "The arrival of Aether wasn't a sudden explosion; it was more like a cosmic ripple—an event that spread across galaxies like waves lapping at the shores of existence. This wasn't just a scientific anomaly but a phenomenon that redefined life as we knew it. Aether interwove itself into the very fabric of reality, altering the fundamental laws of existence. Time, space, and even the nature of life itself—all became malleable, subject to the whims of this energy."

She paused to let her words sink in before continuing, "Wherever Aether flowed, it reshaped everything in its path. Microorganisms evolved into complex, sentient beings. Civilizations rose to greatness or crumbled into dust based on their ability to harness their unpredictable energy. Species across galaxies experienced evolutionary leaps, unlocking abilities once thought to be merely myth. But this power didn't come without dangers. Those who failed to control Aether often succumbed to its corruption, twisting into grotesque versions of their former selves."

A murmur ran through the class as students exchanged uneasy glances. Ms. Athena smiled faintly, her tone now layered with solemnity. "And then there is the enigma of where this energy originates. Aether is not native to our universe. Its true source lies in a separate dimension—the Aether Realm. This realm exists in a paradoxical state: simultaneously connected to and separate from the material universe. Within it lies the wellspring of all Aetheric energy. It is a place where the rules of physics and reality as we know them do not apply, a realm of infinite potential... and immense danger."

She gestured subtly, her fingers trailing a small spark of energy that dissipated as quickly as it appeared. "When Aether seeped into our universe, it brought with it the potential for both creation and destruction. To those with the strength and knowledge to wield it, Aether offers mastery over reality itself—a path to divinity. But for those who are unprepared…"

Ms. Athena's gaze sharpened as she shifted topics. "This brings us to the genetic resonance you will undergo today. Your resonance is not simply an awakening of power; it is the first step on a path shaped by the trials of the Aether Realm. These trials, conducted within the Aether Realm itself, are deeply personal—they will test your mind, body, and soul. Success in these trials will unlock your unique Aetheric Pathway. This pathway is as unqiue as your DNA itself, reflecting not only your genetic heritage but also the choices you make and the challenges you overcome."

She moved toward the center of the room, her presence commanding every eye. "With the aid of the Ethereal Nexus, you will unlock your unique Pathway and ascend through the Orders of Beings: Awakened, Seeker, Master, Savant, Angel, and, at the pinnacle, God.

"However, failure comes at a cost. Those who fail risk being consumed by the energy they seek, warped into corrupted forms or lost forever.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense, but Ms. Athena's voice remained steady. "Now, I know some of you may be wondering if the classroom you see around you is part of today's test." Her lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "I assure you, this is your true classroom, though I do not expect it to be 'comfortable.' Comfort is not my priority. My priority is to prepare you for the year ahead, where every skill and ounce of resilience will be necessary to face the final exam."

She straightened, her gaze piercing through the students. "So, listen closely and absorb what I am about to teach you. The knowledge of Aether's history, its power, and its dangers will not only guide you in the trials but may very well determine the direction your life takes from this moment forward."

Her voice dropped slightly, as though she were speaking directly to each individual in the room. "This is not simply a lesson. This is your beginning."

As the lecture continued, I found myself only half-listening, my mind wandering over familiar territory. Much of what Ms. Athena was saying wasn't new to me. My upbringing in House Solis ensured that I was well-versed in the history and intricacies of Aetheric energy, its origins, and its profound influence. Tutors, texts, and practical demonstrations filled my days back home, offering me a wealth of knowledge that rivalled even seasoned scholars.

Still, I couldn't let my privilege blind me. I glanced around the room, noting the expressions on my classmates' faces—some were wide-eyed with fascination, while others furrowed their brows in confusion. For many of them, this was likely the first time they had heard such a detailed explanation of the Aether Realm and its impact. Not everyone had grown up surrounded by libraries, personal instructors, and the luxury of time to dedicate to mastering this knowledge.

The thought gave me pause. While I already understood much of what was being taught, my classmates were processing, trying to piece together the puzzle of what this meant for their futures. For some, this lecture wasn't just a lesson; it was a revelation—a glimpse into a world far grander and more perilous than they had ever imagined.

I straightened slightly in my seat, resolving to listen more closely. Even if this knowledge wasn't new to me, perhaps there was something to learn—some nuance in Ms. Athena's words or perspective that could deepen my understanding. After all, arrogance had no place here. The trials would demand more than just book knowledge.