"Every human body... carries a tainted core from the moment of birth. But that core... is also the key to power."
Old Vilam sat by a dim flame, staring at the boy who had survived the Black Mill battle.
His body was torn, blood dripping from open wounds — yet his eyes burned with questions.
Vilam sighed, his voice raspy with age:
— "I suppose it's time you learned how this world truly works, Kilan."
Every human is born with an invisible core… the Core of Sin.
The Core of Sin is not physical.
It is a complex fusion of regret, desire, hatred, and weakness.
It dwells within the heart — yet does not beat.
It is born with every child… and grows with them.
And the more sins they commit… the purer the core becomes.
Those who learned to peer within themselves discovered how to extract a single, pure drop of "Raw Aether" from this core.
That drop… can be transformed into an Aether Serum.
But...
"Aether is not a gift — it is a curse. Every user must face a reflection of their distorted truth."
Aether Serums are concentrated essences of power, distilled from the Core of Sin.
They can be injected into the body or fused with the soul, transforming the user into something... other.
They are classified into Ranks:
Serum Ranks:
Gray – The first rank. Grants minor enhancements.
Indigo – Boosts focus, speed, and reflexes.
Crimson – Where supernatural abilities begin to manifest.
Golden – Rare. Bestows a single, unique ability.
Divine – Near-mythical. Fuses the body with raw Aether.
Forbidden – Serums drawn from fully corrupted cores.
Use leads to madness… or godhood.
Vilam closed his eyes for a moment, then said:
"These serums, Kilan... are just different faces of the same beast. Don't chase them unless you're ready… to pay your full price."