4 Ether Resonance

What was Ether Resonance? The simplest explanation for it would be that it was a process equivalent to the process of a plant undergoing photosynthesis. Humans who were capable of ether resonance could be considered to be a mythical existence. The amount of people who knew about it could be counted only on two hands. Ken was luckily among these chosen few, having witnessed the process itself on a scale visible to the naked eye. Now, he was reliving that experience, seeing his son enveloped in a thick mist of conspicuously yellow ether. Ether was always colorless and invisible to the naked eye, so how could it have suddenly turned yellow?

Heather on the other hand, was a bit more perceptive compared to Ken, immediately connecting the color of the ether to the Edict that Ashley was currently immersed in. "Ken, it's the Edict of the Yellow Emperor! Do you not get it or have you gotten muddled in your old age!" Heather laughed. Ken soon quickly made the connection himself.

Neither of them were as intimately familiar with the concept of the Five Phases as Ashley soon would be, but they were a bit familiar with it since it wasn't like they didn't try to decipher the tablet themselves. How would they ever have known that the reason why Ashley could immediately unlock the secret was because he was an existence capable of Ether Resonance? However, the reality was clear as day for them to see.

"I see... It's possible that only Old Ones can possess the ability to undergo Ether Resonance!" Ken blurted out, watching Ashley begin to absorb the yellow ether furiously, exhaling turbid air as the teen seemed to instinctively regulate his breathing. He didn't recall how that man who absorbed the power of the Edict of Washington began, but he did recall that the power he possessed was terrifying.

The ability to transform ether in the air into an even purer form of internal energy was something that defied even the science of today. It was also that there were simply too few people who were capable of this heaven-defying feat, so it was nigh impossible to actually study and analyze.

Heather was flabbergasted that their own son had been slowly doing this for god knows how long, and due to the accumulated internal energy he was unaware he had processed, unlocking the Edict of the Yellow Emperor was indeed an inevitability.

While Ashley's parents were both worried and excited for what power he would gain, Ashley himself was in a seemingly relaxed state. He was, on gut instinct, able to regulate his breathing, as he could feel endless power borne of ether entering his body. The yellow ether around him was akin to feeling a soft, calm breeze at the beach. It was soothing yet empowering.

After basking in this sensation for a while longer, Ashley suddenly placed both of his palms directly on the glowing tablet before he shut his eyes. The tablet which represented the Edict of the Yellow Emperor vibrated, making a soft humming sound. Warm golden light that seemed to remind one of the soft rays of sunlight entering the attic began to channel through the tablet and enter Ashley's body. Inside the recesses of his own mind, he began to hear a powerful, charismatic yet ancient and wizened voice.

"Child who bears the form of ancient, mystic fairies... A curious existence, a child with the qualities of man and woman... Yet, the true power of the earthen dragon only chooses to reveal itself to you in the form of feminine grace!"

Ashley was dumbfounded, as he was conscious the entire time. He was about to inherit the legacy of the Yellow Emperor, yet he soon realized that the power that would soon basically take full advantage of his looks... And he'd have to take up the mantle of the Yellow Emperor not as a man but as a woman!

This was awkward... Yet, Ashley decided he couldn't complain. Being able to wield the power of nature and geomancy in accordance to the Five Phases was literally heaven-defying. Securing the legacy of the brightest star Regulus was perhaps the biggest blessing to come out of the calamity which was being born as an Old One.

"You, my child, who have suffered since birth without the innate ability or talent to fight, have finally discovered your own true potential. The 'Ether Resonance...' It is something which transcends Humanity's knowledge and science. It can not be described with mere common sense, and should be treated as such!" the voice continued to ring like thunderbolts in Ashley's mind.

Still conscious, the young boy finally started to make sense of things. The voice quickly and succinctly explained the might of Ether Resonance, allowing Ashley to directly absorb the ether in his immediate surroundings and having his body process it again into a superior form of internal energy, and this type of internal energy was actually unique, everyone who was able to achieve Ether Resonance with the environment created their own energy. In Ashley's case, he was able to generate "Fairy Energy."

"The me which speaks out to you is from the generation of your ancestors... The one who gave your kind this almighty technology. I was able to utilize my twilight years to infuse my consciousness into the tablet, waiting years and years for someone to achieve Ether Resonance with this tablet. Fortunately, it encountered you, which was able to attain a near perfect synchronization rate with this Edict of the Yellow Emperor. The culmination of my research and study of ancient Chinese tradition and civilization resulted in this Edict, which would allow its inheritor to train in the ability to bend nature to his will."

Ashley was stunned. He knew he wouldn't become an almighty being right away, but this was far more than he could ever ask for. However, what was said next stunned him silly.

"Unfortunately... Er... The synchronization would result in some side effects. In your language, I... er, could actually be considered a woman? But your biological makeup insists you're a young growing boy. So... er, your physical development may undergo some... Changes."

Ashley was dumbfounded. Would he morph into a woman? As if his mind was read, the voice spoke again which gave him some reassurance. "Fortunately, the synchronization wouldn't do anything drastic as fully changing your biological sex... It would simply just enhance your already feminine looks. I guess what I can say is, you should be prepared to be courted by basically everyone!" Ashley could already feel a massive headache coming.

"The information stored in the tablet should quickly be absorbed by your high comprehension, so I trust you will be able to practice your abilities. The Edict of the Yellow Emperor is built on the theory of the Five Phases. It is too much to go into direct explanation about this right now, and this entire time I have been synchronizing my consciousness so it will also become a part of you. This is the main reason why only individuals who have attained the state of Ether Resonance can unlock the secret behind our Edicts. Ether Resonance is actually how our kind breathed the air in our home world!!"

Ashley was swamped with more and more groundbreaking information. He simply could not believe it. Was this consciousness telling him the alien race of the Primogenitor were actually capable of converting ether into an insane power source?! Just what were they?! He was shocked, but the voice didn't stop there.

"Ether Resonance is also what allows our kind to communicate! Thus, it was an important part of our development and evolution. The Primogenitor was in direct contact with some humans when he was still alive, thus it was possible that he spread either his genetic makeup or had some relations with people here... Thus granting Mankind the ability to attain this state! However, there were simply too many people in the world. Thus it would be incredibly rare."

What the consciousness said made logical sense, the life of the Primogenitor was actually an important part of History class, since it was due to his technology that Mankind was given a second chance at life and prosper without damaging the Earth. Ashley's breathing was calm as the yellow ether around him started to wane, since the process of converting ether into Fairy Energy was nearing completion. Ashley then thought to himself - Then just who the heck were you?

"I know you must be wondering who I am... Or rather, who I was. I was... The Primogenitor's daughter, Nemea!"

Ashley fell back on his butt, stunned. Then the voice went silent and the yellow ether completely dispersed. He looked at his parents who were standing there as if they were looking at an alien.

All Ashley could say to them was...

"I have evolved!"