AETHER PHYSIOLOGY SYSTEM
1. What Is Mana?
In this world, there exists something called Mana—Aether that has already been filtered by the body.
Aether is the raw energy that fills the world, and Mana is the refined form of Aether that has passed through the user's internal processes.
The process:
The body absorbs Aether from the air or environment.
It then enters the Aether Core (the energy center).
The core filters it and produces Mana.
Mana flows into the Aether Channels.
Finally, it is directed into magical techniques.
That is why not everyone living in a world full of Aether can automatically use magic.
2. Source of Magic: Aether to Mana
All magic in this world originates from Aether, which then becomes Mana.
Raw, invisible energy particles that flow like air—felt only by those trained to sense them. Through an internal process, that raw energy is transformed into Mana via the body's Aether Core.
Aether has three properties:
Cohesion: shaping, binding, forming structures
(used for barriers, magical constructs, body reinforcement)
Flux: flowing, moving, triggering change
(fire, wind, lightning, offensive magic)
Echo: spiritual resonance
(telepathy, detection, contracts, summoning entities)
Not everyone possesses a balance of all three.
3. Levels of Aether Users
Aether users are classified based on the capacity of the Aether Core within their bodies.
Dormant
– No core, or the core is too weak to function.
Spark
– Capable of using basic spells.
Crest
– Able to use two Aether properties at once, although the balance between them depends on the user.
Aegis
– Can manipulate Aether on a large scale.
Dominion
– Able to create large-scale phenomena and influence the political balance of kingdoms.
4. Bodily Components in Magic
This system contains three energy organs:
A. Aether Core
Location: near the heart or at the navel (depending on race).
Function: filters Aether and refines that raw energy into Mana.
The stronger the core, the greater the user's magical capacity.
B. Aether Channels
A network resembling meridians.
They carry Mana throughout the body or toward specific focal points (hands, eyes, fingers, weapons).
If the channels are too small or fragile, magic cannot be released.
C. Aether Veil
A thin layer of natural energy that protects the body from magical erosion.
If the veil is damaged, the body becomes vulnerable to mana backlash and various ailments.
5. Void Drain
The most feared phenomenon among all Aether users.
What is Void Drain?
Void Drain is a condition where the Aether Core drains energy beyond its limits.
The energy channels collapse, and the core begins consuming the body's organic energy to replace the lost Aether.
In other words,
Magic devours the user's own body.
6. Types of Void Drain
Void Drain is divided into four levels:
• Level 1 — Minor Void Drain
Symptoms: dizziness, brief fainting, minor injuries in the energy channels
Recovery: about 1–3 days
Not dangerous, but painful.
• Level 2 — Internal Void Drain
Symptoms: burning sensation in the organs, difficulty controlling magic, blurred vision, weakened muscles
Recovery: about 1–2 weeks
The core may crack if pushed too hard.
• Level 3 — Critical Void Drain
Symptoms: cracked core, torn Aether Channels, constant trembling, full-body pain, and difficulty using magic
Recovery: about 4–8 weeks
Risk of permanent loss of magic ability.
• Level 4 — Absolute Void Drain
This is a catastrophe for any mage.
Symptoms: core shattered, unable to produce Mana, complete loss of magic, accelerated organ aging, and the body may die within hours without aid
Permanent effects: future magic becomes impossible, energy channels cannot be repaired, and the body remains weakened forever
Only 1 in 10,000 cases survives.
7. Causes of Void Drain
Overcasting—forcing spells beyond the core's capacity.
Damage to the core caused by enemy magic attacks or anti-magic weapons.
Extreme emotions that destabilize Aether (anger, fear, stress).
Dangerous artifacts—weapons or rituals that drain mana.
Long battles—core exhaustion eventually breaks the veil.
Contracts with Echo entities that are too powerful.
8. Mana Recovery
A. Natural Regeneration
All users automatically absorb Aether from the environment.
Regeneration speed varies based on talent, core strength, mental condition, and location (some places are rich in Aether).
Normal recovery: 2%–8% capacity per hour.
B. Aether Wells
Natural sites that produce massive amounts of Aether.
Types:
Luminous Well: fast recovery (royal training camps)
Sacred Well: sites of ancient rituals; only nobles may enter
Recovery can reach 30%–70% per hour.
C. Aether Crystals
Condensed energy stones.
Benefits: instantly refill mana, heal weakened energy channels
But overuse may trigger Mana Overflow (an energy eruption).
D. Aether Meditation
A basic technique for every mage.
Effects: stabilizes the core, strengthens the veil, and doubles recovery speed.
9. Mana Overflow
The opposite of Void Drain.
It occurs when the body absorbs Aether too quickly, or when the core is too weak to contain the energy.
Effects:
An uncontrollable burst of energy—users may explode or burn themselves from within.
Usually happens to novice mages using powerful artifacts, individuals in Aether Wells without proper control, or victims of absorption-type magic.