Asher Frostvale

To achieve the greater good, we may be forced to embrace the very darkness we sought to extinguish. And in doing so, we risk becoming the shadow that haunts our own light.

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Stars.

The celestial beacons of the universe. They seemed unreachable and eternal, guaranteed to outlive humanity.

However, at this moment, standing on a lone, desolate, rocky hill stripped of all signs of life, a solitary boy gazed up at the sky. His brownish-gray hair fluttered in the dry wind, kicking up loose sand around him, while his dark eyes, which should have reflected the cosmos above, watched as the stars began to vanish.

One by one, they disappeared from the sky. One by one, the galaxy in which his home world floated, and the galaxies beyond it were vanishing.

"Asher… Asher… Are you listening to me?" Blinking, the scene vanished as Asher shook his head slightly and returned to reality. A slightly concerned voice echoed its way into his ears.

Staring at him with a worried expression was an older woman. She looked at him through the reflection of her dressing room mirror, her long, midnight-colored hair being combed by the maid standing behind her.

"Sorry, mother, I was lost in thought. What is it?" Asher replied, causing his mother to sigh.

The two of them didn't share many resemblances, since Asher mostly took after his father. 

"I was asking about your studies. But are you sure you're okay? You were only released from the hospital a few weeks ago. If you need more time to rest, your father and I don't mind. I've been looking into personal doctors we could hire to monitor your health," Asher's mother stated, but Asher simply shook his head and smiled at her. 

"I told you I'm fine, mother. As for my lessons, they've been going well, as usual." He reached for a cup of tea neatly arranged on the table in front of him, sitting alongside a plate of pastries.

"Well, if you say so, dear. Anyway, we won't be staying long at the Schnee Family's birthday party. Your father plans on making a deal with the Schnee Dust Company soon, so he wants to use this as a chance to build a more amicable relationship," Asher's mother said, to which Asher nodded as he took a sip of his tea.

"I see. Should I try to make friends with the Schnee siblings then? They're around my age, and us being friends could help father forge a partnership." Asher suggested without even thinking much about it. However, it only caused his mother's concerned gaze to deepen and she replied.

"I'm sure your father can handle it just fine, dear. If you want to make friends with them or any of the other children at the party, you should only do it if you really want to. Like I said, I don't want you to push yourself." Placing his cup back on the table, Asher shook his head.

"I told you I'm fine, mother. Besides, you only have a few opportunities early in life to build a network with other children who will one day run some of Atlas's largest corporations, it would be a waste to miss that chance," Asher said as he stood up and added, "Anyway, I'll leave you alone and wait with father in the car."

Asher's mother looked as if she wanted to say something, but before she could find the words, her son had already left the room, causing her to sigh once again.

"Are you alright, Madam?" The maid, brushing her hair, asked, causing Asher's mother to nod.

"Yes, I'm fine, Lavi. It's just… Asher's been acting so different ever since he awoke from his coma. He had always been mature for a child because of how we had to raise him. But now, even things that used to make him laugh hardly manage to get a smile out of him. I know it's wrong to say this about my own son, especially after everything that happened, but… He doesn't even feel like the Asher I know." 

Lavi didn't respond to the Madam as she spoke, continuing to work on her hair. She knew that the Madam simply wanted to vent for a moment. However, that didn't mean Lavi didn't have her own thoughts on the matter. 

She had been serving the Frostvale Family for years now, and she had first met Asher when he was still just a baby. In fact, many of the servants working for the Frostvale Family could say the same, and as such, just like their madam, they had noticed the change in the Young Master they had served for so long.

It wouldn't be right to say the Young Master is colder now or more cut off. In fact, he's been interacting with the staff more than he ever did before, but something about each interaction simply feels... wrong. Whenever he talks to us, it's almost as if we're talking to a puppet. But what could have possibly happened for him to change so much? 

That was a question lingering in the minds of both Lavi and Asher's mother.

Asher strolled through the grand, intricate hallways of the Frostvale Family Manor, bathed in the soft glow of the full moon filtering through the glass windows. As he passed, the diligent staff who kept the manor in excellent condition bowed respectfully, and Asher reciprocated with a nod and a smile. Yet, although he seemed present and attentive on the outside, his thoughts were turned completely inward.

Even as he made his way toward the manor's entrance, an inner emptiness gnawed at him, sort of like hunger, yet one that food could not satisfy. Frowning, Asher lifted his hand and stared at it intently.

It looks like that child—no, whatever that 'thing' was, it definitely isn't a child or even human for that matter. In any case, it seems what they said was true; I really did change somehow. Even if I can't see the difference, I'm positive. I felt it the moment I woke up.

Lowering his hand, Asher whispered to himself, "The ability to change my world's fate... It sounds almost too good to be true."

Arriving at the imposing manor doors, they swung open automatically as he approached.

Outside he saw two sweeping staircases arcing around a magnificent marble water fountain. The stairs lead down to the driveway, where a limousine, which was levitating above the ground using a form of gravity dust, awaited. 

Although it was technically a driveway, it would be more correct to call it a road that wound through his Asher's mother's meticulously designed garden, stretching across the vast front yard before leading out to the street.

Waiting next to the limousine's door stood an older man with slightly graying hair, clad in the standard black uniform of a butler.

"Ah, Young Master, is your mother with you?" The butler asked, but Asher shook his head.

"No, she's still getting her hair done; she shouldn't be much longer, though, Lionel," Asher replied. Hearing this, Lionel nodded respectfully and opened the door for him. Inside, a tall, well-built man sat waiting, likely standing at six foot five or more. He held a holographic tablet in hand, examining data figures, and it took him a moment to notice Asher's arrival.

The resemblance between the two was striking, with one appearing to be a younger version of the other. The only noticeable difference was the man's almost grayish eyes, slightly dulled by weariness and dark circles under them.

"Oh, Asher, you're here. Good. I'm guessing your mother is still getting ready?" Asher's father inquired.

"Yes, you know how she is about making sure her hair is perfect every time we go out," Asher remarked. His father nodded. He had been married to that woman for so long, yet that was the one thing that had yet to change about her. 

"Hmm," Asher's father mused, rubbing his chin slightly which was adorned by a well-shaved beard.

"Well, while we wait, let me ask you something. Recently, we've been attempting to expand our transportation services into the Kingdom of Vale. However, as you could guess, it's proven to be quite challenging. Many businesses in Vale are hesitant to trust a business based in Atlas, and those that may be willing already have preexisting agreements, limiting our options for expansion," Asher's father explained, passing the holographic tablet he was holding to Asher.

Asher took the tablet, his eyes quickly scanning the map of Vale, which was littered with markers and diagrams showcasing various stores and businesses already working alongside Frostvale's current or potential competitors. Additional information highlighted their success probabilities of expansion in various sectors.

"So, what do you think we should do?" Asher's father asked, leaning back in his seat as he watched his son take a couple more seconds to study the data presented on the tablet. 

"Well, the historical tensions between Vale and Atlas aren't something we can ignore. Direct confrontation or an aggressive expansion will likely backfire on us," Asher began.

"However, we could take a more indirect approach. We just need to target smaller, independent businesses, instead of major ones. They won't be tied up with our competitors just yet. Offering them better rates than the market average and showcasing the efficiency and reliability of our services could let us slowly build trust with them," he suggested.

His father nodded, considering the suggestion, while raising another question: "But how do we overcome the initial resistance? Even small businesses might be wary of associating with us."

"That's where subtlety and alliances come into play," Asher replied, tapping a few markers on the tablet.

"We can collaborate with neutral third parties or even form temporary partnerships with Atlas businesses that already have a foothold in Vale. This way, we can enter the market under a less controversial banner, gradually building our reputation and separating when the time is right."

"Interesting. But what if those partnerships don't work out?" His father's tone got a tad more serious as he prodded his son a bit more. Asher kept his focus on the holographic tablet, thinking for a moment before answering.

"Then we need to be prepared to adapt. Diversification is key. We can invest in public relations to improve our image in Vale. By that, I mean sponsoring local events, investing in community projects, and even employing local talent. All of that can help shift public perception over time." Asher handed the tablet back to his father as he finished, who now looked pretty serious.

Taking the tablet, he asked another question.

"And if none of that pans out? Should we just throw in the towel?" The question made Asher meet his father's gaze.

"Of course not. If they still refuse to work with us even after that, then we leverage our strengths, and by that, I mean Atlas's transportation technology. We're years ahead of the other kingdoms in that regard, so we'll introduce something groundbreaking to Vale that they can't ignore; they'll have no choice but to engage with us. Even if they have their biases, all businesses exist to make money," Asher said without pausing on a single word. 

Hearing the absolute assuredness in his son's voice, Asher's father smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes as he nodded.

"Good. Sometimes it's about creating a need they didn't know they had," Asher's father stated, putting the tablet away before continuing.

"We'll start with your first suggestion and see how the market responds." Asher nodded in agreement. He didn't mind his father using his ideas, because if he had to guess, his father had probably already thought of everything he'd just suggested; after all, he alongside his mother were the ones who taught Asher everything he knew about business.

Vance and Nillia Frostvale, Asher's parents, were the brains behind Frostvale Enterprises, having founded and built it from the ground up. His father mostly took charge of marketing and sales and his mother leaned towards handling operations and finance. And so, despite lacking the multi-generational legacy that most elite families in Atlas had, they managed to climb their way into the upper echelons of society on their own.

It was an accomplishment that got them interviewed and plastered on the front of magazines as the greatest business couple in Atlas back in the day.

Asher and his father only had to wait in the limousine for another few minutes before the back door opened, and Asher saw his mother get in while saying, "Thank you, Lionel; we'll be out for a while and we've already eaten so you can tell the chefs they're free to leave for today."

Lionel nodded as he closed the door behind her. She took a seat beside her husband, kissing him on the cheek, and then apologized, "Sorry for making you two wait. Are you ready to go?"

Both Asher and his father nodded, as Vance pressed a button on his side of the limousine, signaling to the driver that it was time to leave. The limousine started moving down the driveway towards the automatic gate that led out to the open roads. Atlas was a massive city, serving as the capital of the now-named Kingdom of Atlas.

It sat atop a giant artificial-floating island that hovered above Mantle, a city that acted as the kingdom's previous capital, and the reason why the kingdom had to be renamed from the Kingdom of Mantle to what it was today. 

Atlas was the most advanced city in all of Remnant, boasting innovations like artificial climate control, and being the first to harness hard-light dust technology. It also had a formidable military presence and created the Cross Continental Transmit System that allowed for instant communication across the world, something that had originally been thought of as impossible.

Though I suppose some of that grandeur is lost when you start peeking below the surface...

It was a thought that echoed in Asher's mind as he gazed out the window of the limousine, watching the various towers and skyscrapers that decorated Atlas's skyline pass by. Before long, the cityscape gave way to the sight of the mountain on the left, crowned by the imposing Schnee Manor.

It had a breathtaking view of almost the entire city and was taller than nearly any structure, second only to Atlas Academy, which was nestled in the heart of the city.

The limousine wound its way up the mountain road until it reached the front gate of the Schnee Manor. It was briefly halted by the guards stationed there for a quick check before being granted passage. Despite the fact they had arrived early, a line of cars still occupied the parking area outside the grand entrance.

Some belonged to individuals with close ties to the Schnee Family or the Schnee Dust Company, while others, like Asher and his family, were invited due to their status within Atlas. 

Asher and his father emerged from the car first, with Asher and his father offering their hands to Nillia as she stepped out. Surveying the open doors of the manor, she couldn't help but remark, "The Schnees certainly spare no expense for occasions like these, do they?"

"Of course not. While they may call it a birthday celebration, in truth it's more of an opportunity for them to flaunt their power and wealth, while also serving as a breeding ground for the elite of Atlas to make connections," Asher's father responded to her.

"Yes, I know, but it doesn't feel like much of a birthday party the way it's being hosted," she stated as they approached the entrance of the Schnee Manor. Classical music and lively chatter floated out from the manor to greet them as they drew closer.

Stepping through the large double doors, they were met with the sight of a magnificent chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting light over the grand staircase, which split into two paths up to the second floor. Towering suits of armor flanked the staircase, adding to the mansion's extravagance.

Though the party was just gearing up, with food yet to be served and waiters only circulating with drinks, the elites of Atlas's society were already deep in conversation. The moment Asher's family entered, they attracted more than a few curious glances.

Asher already knew that it was only a matter of time before his parents would be pulled into an onslaught of lengthy conversations, so he decided to excuse himself. 

"Mother, Father, I'm going to go take a look around. I've heard the Schnees have quite the art collection, and I'm interested in taking a look at it." His father only managed to send him a nod before being pulled into conversation by an older gentleman who had approached them.

His mother smiled and said, "Sure, have fun. We'll contact you on your scroll when the concert starts." 

Asher nodded before weaving his way through the crowd that had begun to form around his parents disappearing down one of the manor's hallways. Truth be told, he wasn't all that interested in the art collection. He just needed an excuse to get away, as his mind lingered on memories from his coma and that strange, lingering emptiness he felt. 

If I really do have some kind of power, how do I even use it? Huntsmen have semblances, but whatever this ability is, I doubt it's something like that. 

"Of course, it isn't; I wasn't lying when I said you changed fundamentally. Comparing your new ability to those limited by a local system is almost laughable." The words came from a sudden, childlike voice with an odd undertone that was familiar to Asher. Turning his head, he found the source—a kid who looked about ten, if not a bit older.

They were sitting on a window sill among many lining the hallway Asher was in. The boy appeared normal enough with shaggy brown hair, and multi-colored sunglasses, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. Yet one couldn't help but get an unsettling feeling just looking at him as if his existence didn't quite belong in this world. 

"So you can appear in front of me in the real world too? Then why bother keeping me in a coma for so long?" Asher asked, seemingly unfazed by the child's sudden appearance. The boy playfully kicked his legs back and forth as he answered.

"Hmm? I didn't put you in that coma. Your existence changed, and your mind went elsewhere as it did. You're awake now because the changes stopped, so your being has stabilized and your mind has returned. And no, before you ask, I didn't cause the changes either; it was a... cosmic accident you could say," the boy explained casually, seeming to have read Asher's mind. 

"An accident?" Asher repeated, frowning slightly.

"Yup, a side effect of something else. In fact, it's what causes the destruction of your world. Though technically, it hasn't happened yet—or maybe it has. Time gets weird when you're measuring events across different regions of reality," the boy shrugged.

"Alright, what do you want?" Asher cut to the chase, causing the boy to look hurt, playfully placing a hand over his chest.

"There is no need to be so hostile. We're friends, after all. Aren't we?" With that, the boy jumped down from the window sill and seemingly vanished, only to reappear in front of Asher as if he had teleported. Despite being physically shorter, he floated in the air to match Asher's height and leaned in, staring Asher in the eyes.

"We spent a lot of time together while you were in that coma. You should thank me; without me, you might have gone insane. I kept you company, helped you understand what was happening, and sharpened you into what you are now..." As the boy spoke, his voice deepened slightly, a hidden glint flashing through his eyes behind the sunglasses.

"No... I guess it's wrong of me to say I kept you from going insane. I mean, just how many times did your mind break while you were in that place?" The boy chuckled, his voice echoing through the halls, distorting light as if space itself was trembling.

Still, Asher stared them down, unmoving.

He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before speaking, "Just tell me what you want, ᛗᚩᛞᛟᚱᛁᛟᛃᛚᚢᛗᚾᚨ."

The moment those strange, unusual words that produced no sound left Asher's lips, reality seemed to darken, tilting the world, perhaps even the universe ever so slightly off-kilter.

"Hey, hey! What did I say about using my name? Do you really want your world to collapse even sooner than it's already destined to?" The child pouted immediately as Asher glanced at his slightly distorted surroundings and corrected himself.

"Mori."

At that, Mori's pout turned into a grin. The world returned to normal, and only then did Asher notice that time had stopped. Through the windows, he could see the distant clouds and stars that dotted the night sky, yet none of them had moved, not even slightly since their conversation began.

"That's better. Now, about your question: I'm here to help you. Don't get me wrong; I'm sure you would've figured it out eventually, but then our game would take even longer to begin," Mori said cheerfully, causing Asher to frown as he narrowed his gaze.

"What game? And help me with what? What are you planning?" Asher prodded, but Mori simply held a finger to his lips, responding with a mischievous grin.

"It's too soon to reveal that. Let's focus on your abilities. It's a bit hard to describe; technically, it doesn't even have a name." Mori paused, placing his hand on his chin in thought.

"But for now, you can simply call it the Nexus Space."