The air felt heavy.
Aether and the new enemy stood face to face.
"You're not like the others," Aether said.
The man smirked.
"And you're more dangerous than expected."
Without warning—
They clashed.
BOOM!!
The ground cracked beneath them.
This time—
Aether was pushed back slightly.
"…He's strong," Aether thought.
The man attacked again, faster, sharper.
Aether blocked—
But barely.
"…So this is what a real fight feels like."
For the first time…
He smiled.
The fight intensified.
Energy collided.
Space warped.
Aether's eyes glowed brighter.
Memories flashed—
A lonely childhood…
People avoiding him…
Fear in their eyes…
"…Monster…"
His expression changed.
"…No."
"I'm not a monster."
Power surged.
The space around him twisted violently.
"Now I get it…"
"This power…"
"…is mine."
The enemy froze for a second.
"…What is this pressure?"
Aether raised his hand.
Void energy gathered.
"…Let's test it."