Chapter 1: Eblonflare and Aetherbane

Lennox found himself trapped in a recurring dream that had tormented him for five years. In this strange dream, he stood on the brink of an extraordinary world where colors blended and swirled in a mesmerizing dance, forming an ever-changing tapestry of shades.

The dream's surroundings were surreal and awe-inspiring. The sky above him was a breathtaking canvas of blues and violets, adorned with delicate streaks of light, creating a celestial masterpiece. Distant stars sparkled, casting a soft glow over the landscape below. The ground displayed vibrant, shifting patterns with every step he took.

As Lennox explored deeper into this dream realm, a profound sense of peace washed over him, despite his growing disdain for this recurring experience. Strangely, it was the only place where he could find peace. However, he was not alone. A sudden ethereal figure moved at the edges of his dream, appearing in his perception.

Lennox's attention was captivated by a distant silhouette, a figure standing in the center of an iridescent pool. Despite encountering it for five years, he remained unsure of its identity and purpose.

Lennox's frustration flared up as the disdain for the dream unfolded once more. 'Not again,' he groaned inwardly. The ethereal figure haunted his dreams for the past five years also, a puzzle demanding his attention. The urge to unravel the mystery surged within him, compelling him to dig deeper, even in his subconscious state.

The figure seemed to radiate ancient wisdom. With each step towards it, Lennox felt a connection that pulled at the depths of his soul. It was becoming increasingly clear to him that this figure held some importance in his life, though the details remained elusive.

...

As Lennox approached the enigmatic figure, the boundary between his dream and reality became hazy. The figure's voice, though faint, carried profound significance. "Lennox," it whispered, each syllable weighted with meaning. "You stand at a crossroads, a vessel of limitless potential."

With a fluid gesture, the figure extended its hand, weaving strands of light into an ethereal thread that stretched endlessly through the dream world. "This thread is yours to grasp," it continued, its voice a soothing melody. "It binds your destiny, bridging realms and bloodlines, transcending the bounds of time."

Lennox couldn't help but interject, his annoyance evident. "Ha!,Ha!...You always say the same things. Maybe if you spoke something meaningful, I would finally understand." These recurring dreams had become more of a nuisance than a revelation. Despite his attempts to shake them off, they persisted, plaguing him night after night. Somewhere deep within, he yearned for the truth the figure claimed to offer. Yet, he remained skeptical of this phenomenon because he knew this dream was known as Aetherbane.

...

Aetherbane was a perplexing affliction that seemed to affect individuals deeply involved in manipulating magical energies or the enigmatic powers associated with the Nexus System, a concept shrouded in secrecy. Lennox had gleaned this information from books in the library, recognizing that this malady was not akin to typical illnesses. Rather, it stemmed from a disruption in the delicate balance between the physical and metaphysical realms, a notion he had encountered in his studies and overheard in whispers.

Initially, the symptoms of Aetherbane were subtle. Those afflicted would experience strange and vivid dreams where reality and illusion intertwined seamlessly. As the condition progressed, these dreams became more intense, blurring the boundaries between the dream world and waking life.

Lennox knew that individuals afflicted with Aetherbane often reported glimpses of alternate realms, echoes of voices from beyond, and a profound connection to the mysterious Nexus System. Yet, despite his relentless search, he found no concrete answers about the Nexus System. Still, he refused to be swayed by it.

...

The mysterious figure had never offered Lennox any explanations. Faced with no other options, he swiftly reached out, his fingertips brushing against the ethereal, shimmering thread for what felt like an eternity.

In that moment, a flood of images rushed through his mind scenes of epic battles, moments of unwavering friendship, and formidable challenges to overcome. To Lennox, these glimpses hinted at an impending journey, the details of which remained uncertain.

Annoyance clawed at Lennox's mind amidst the surreal scenes. 'Release me now,' his thoughts screamed, entangled in the dream's relentless grip. 'Let me awaken!'

The eternal figure emanated an aura of both reassurance and guidance. "Embrace the threads that bind," it murmured gently, its voice a soothing balm. "Within them lies the power to craft your tale, to sail the currents of existence, and to forge a legacy that echoes across the cosmos."

As the figure's words echoed deep within Lennox's soul, the dreamworld began to shimmer and fade, slowly retreating like a tide pulling away from the shore. But just before it completely disappeared, another figure materialized. This new presence had radiant skin that shimmered with the brilliance of countless stars, and their eyes gleamed with the light of entire galaxies, perhaps even universes. However, Lennox remained oblivious to these remarkable details.

Lennox then woke up in his makeshift bed, crafted from leaves, vines, and stones he crafted together. He blinked his eyes open, greeted by the vibrant blue sky above. Drops of sweat clung to his skin, trickling down his forehead. It was a sensation he had become quite familiar with, the outcome of countless mornings spent waking up in a similar condition.

He then got up from his rugged bed, surveying the well-known landscape of the Neary forest, which had been his home for the past five years. With a satisfied smile, he redirected his attention towards the sky. "What a beautiful day," he exclaimed with genuine pleasure, stretching his back. His morning routine always began with this recurring backache.

"Snap!" All of a sudden, a sharp sound emanated from Lennox's back, causing him to wince in discomfort. "Ouch, that hurts," he softly moaned. "Of all days, why now?" he grumbled in irritation. However, as he straightened his posture, the pain gradually faded away.

Lennox then glanced down the hill, deciding that it was a perfect day for a refreshing dip in the nearby river. While making his way downhill, he contemplated his day ahead. 'I hope I find a better job today,' he thought optimistically.

...

Finally, he reached a crystal-clear lake, taking off his worn out, dusty pants and jersey to reveal a body that was accustomed to bathing in this river for over five years.

Standing in the calm waters, Lennox felt the cool embrace of the river, letting out a contented sigh as he relished the refreshing feeling. Peering into the clear depths, he assessed himself. Standing tall at 190 centimeters, he had a slender, agile build, his brown skin absorbing the sunlight. His dark, slightly curly hair, glossy black with a few longer strands framing his face, partially covered one eye in a side part. His robust physique had been sculpted through years of hard work, the result of labor that sustained his livelihood.

Yet, as he examined his eyes, Lennox couldn't shake a feeling of discontentment. "Cursed eyes," he murmured softly, acknowledging the unique color of his irises. They were a haunting shade of deep obsidian black, occasionally glinting with faint hints of violet. Lennox knew that people with such cursed eye colors often caused a strange mix of fear and fascination. It was believed that these Emberflare eyes carried a connection to forbidden knowledge and ancient power, but this connection came at a steep price.

Lennox couldn't help but wonder if someone had imposed these curses on him as a cruel joke. Who would play such a mischievous trick, burdening someone with not one but two curses? It felt like an unfortunate twist of fate that left him feeling profoundly doomed.

After his refreshing dip in the river, Lennox spent the next ten minutes basking in the sun's warmth, contemplating more of his plans for the day in the bustling city. Eventually, he put on his old, worn-out clothes, aware that he couldn't afford new ones.

Dressed in his familiar attire, Lennox made his way back to his makeshift hillside bed. He reached into a hollow in a nearby tree, retrieving an aged, weathered satchel. Upon opening it, he was greeted by a mix of old and relatively newer books, a collection he had gathered over time. He aspired to improve his life by learning what he could during his days alone.

Lennox's fingertips grazed the spines of his books, his mind adrift in the realm of possibilities. "Hmm, what shall I indulge in today?" he mused aloud, "This one, perhaps, or maybe this..."

Yet, just as he was about to immerse himself in a book, a sudden azure glimmer stole his focus it was a letter. His heart leaped in his chest, a rapid drumbeat of apprehension. He scanned the surroundings, his eyes flickering with concern. Silence enveloped him, broken only by the chirping of distant birds. There were no other souls in sight, only the rustle of leaves and the curious gaze of the birds' spectators.

Lennox cautiously retrieved the unexpected azure letter from his satchel. It had a wax seal adorned with an intricate emblem, radiating an aura of authority and mystery. He couldn't help but wonder why this letter carried such an uncommon and potent presence. Gently breaking the seal, a rush of emotions surged through him a mixture of fear and excitement. What secrets did this letter hold, and how would it impact his life?...Did someone bring it?

The letter gracefully unfolded, revealing elegant script that seemed to glide gracefully across the page. Its words exuded both formality and enchantment, leaving Lennox with the impression that this letter contained something out of the ordinary. His fingers traced the letters gently, and his eyes meticulously scanned each line, filling him with a growing sense of wonder.

...

The letter began with the words, "To the person holding this letter."

It continued, "You have been chosen to embark on an incredible journey at Nexus Academy. Your exceptional connection to the Nexus energy has not gone unnoticed. We invite you to join us, discover your true potential, and explore the mysteries of the interconnected realms."

"If you decide to accept, a new and exciting adventure awaits you a journey that will push your limits, challenge your beliefs, and introduce you to a completely different world."

"Please respond with your acceptance by dawn tomorrow, and a guide will be available to assist you. Your path to Nexus Academy marks the beginning of your ascent."

"Embrace the call of the Nexus."

"Sincerely,"

"The Nexus Council"

The words on the page seemed to shimmer, carrying a significance that went beyond mere ink and paper. Lennox's heart raced as he read and reread the letter's contents. At first, he was taken aback, wondering if this might be an elaborate prank. But it felt like this invitation was both an answer to his curiosity and a challenge that beckoned him to venture into the unknown.

"Ha! Is this a joke?" Lennox chuckled, his voice laced with disbelief. "Who in their right mind would do this, knowing what I've been through?" he shouted, his frustration and exhaustion evident in his voice. "Fine, I got your stupid letter. Ha! Very funny," he muttered, his eyes scanning the forest, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the prankster responsible, but there was nothing, just an eerie silence.

Is there really no one out there?

Lennox looked back down at the letter, his eyes scanning its words once more. "I've always longed to change my life, maybe..." he murmured to himself, a flicker of hope kindling in his eyes. He hesitated, allowing himself to entertain the possibility. "This letter, this offer from Nexus Academy, if it's true, I can go." then a certain spark of anticipation lit up his eyes, daring to believe in the prospect of a better future.

Lennox's fingers traced the emblem on the letter's seal, as if trying to unlock its cryptic meanings. The idea of accepting this invitation stirred within him a potent mix of excitement and apprehension. What lay beyond the borders of Mash City? What importance did his "unique connection to the Nexus energy" hold? These questions swirled incessantly in his mind.

"Man, I'm really torn," Lennox said. "The Nexus Council obviously sees something in me that I don't. But if I do go for it, what kind of challenges and adventures am I signing up for? What's my destiny in all of this?" His eyes searched the distance, lost in thought. The idea of wasting his time on a prank weighed on him, but he also held a belief that accepting this letter might be the spark needed to change his life.

Taking a deep breath, Lennox gathered his courage. "You know, this could change everything for me a chance to make my life better." Originally, he had planned to work for a few more years to save up for a move to another city, but he realized that would consume another two or three years, making him 18 or 19 in the process.

After weighing the implications of the letter, Lennox carefully folded the letter and placed it back into his satchel.