Chapter 110: Learning How To Use Ather Energy
As the night grew deeper, the flames rose higher into the sky. One by one, everyone tossed their precious belongings into the fire before walking around it as if they were dancing.
The beat of drums echoed throughout the tribe, while cheerful songs filled the air. Maeve didn’t know the words at first, but after listening for a while, she found herself singing along with everyone else.
Before she knew it, she was laughing and hopping around the bonfire with the other women, their hands linked together. Their laughter was bright and carefree, and for a moment, Maeve forgot that she had once hated the thought of living in this world.
Not far away, Cerus and several of the men were busy preparing the animals they had hunted. They worked quickly, skinning the beasts with practiced hands before cutting the meat into thin strips. The thinner slices would dry and smoke more easily over the bonfire, helping the meat last much longer.
The rich smell of smoked meat slowly spread through the air, mixing with the scent of burning wood. Every now and then, sparks drifted into the night sky, disappearing among the countless stars above.
"Goddess, I’m really glad you came into this world," Zini said after they finally stopped dancing around the fire and sat together to enjoy the freshly cooked meat.
Maeve’s smile grew so bright that her eyes curved into gentle crescents. "I’m glad I came into this world too."
The rest of the night passed peacefully, filled with warm laughter, good food, and the comforting company of the people around her. By the time everyone returned to their huts, Maeve’s heart felt lighter than ever, and she drifted into a deep, restful sleep.
===
Early the next morning, everyone began working to strengthen the tribe’s defenses.
Maeve stood in the middle of the gathering with the blueprints spread out on a flat wooden table. Around her, dozens of tribe members waited patiently, ready to listen.
"Today, we’re going to build everything exactly as these blueprints show," she said. "Some of the designs may look strange, but please trust me. Every part has a purpose."
Everyone nodded without question and then Maeve pointed at the first drawing. "These wooden logs will become the frames for the hidden pits. Make sure they’re buried firmly so the ground won’t collapse before a beast steps on it."
She then picked up a bundle of vines. "These vines will tie the frames together. They’re flexible, but they’re also strong enough to hold everything in place."
Next, she pointed at the sharpened wooden stakes. "These stakes will be placed at the bottom of the pits. If a wild beast falls in, it won’t be able to climb back out easily."
Maeve picked up a long, flexible tendon that had been cleaned and dried beforehand. "This is one of the most important materials," she explained. "Unlike rope, this tendon can stretch and snap back into place without breaking easily. That’s why we’ll use it in the trap’s trigger."
She then moved on to the next items, explaining how the binding nets and the magic alarm stones worked.
"The binding nets are meant to slow down wild beasts," Maeve explained. "Once they’re triggered, they’ll wrap around the target and hold it in place long enough for our warriors to respond."
She then picked up one of the smooth stones. "These are the alarm stones. Before we use them, each one must be filled with your Aether Energy. After that, we’ll place them near every household and in other important areas around the tribe. If something enters the protected area, the stones will warn us immediately."
The tribe members listened closely, making sure they understood every instruction. Once she finished explaining all the blueprints, Maeve looked around at everyone.
"After this, Ikarus and Axan will be in charge of the hidden pit project," she said. "I’ve already explained everything to them, so if you have any questions, you can ask either of them. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Goddess!" the tribe answered in unison.
After finishing her explanation, Maeve turned to Cerus, who had been listening from the side.
"We need to fill the alarm stones with our Aether Energy," she said.
Even so, there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Ever since Ikarus had shared his golden blood with her, she had gained the ability to use Aether Energy, but she had never had the chance to properly learn how to control it.
She rubbed the back of her neck with an embarrassed smile before looking at Cerus. "Can you teach me how to use Aether Energy?"
Cerus blinked in surprise before a wide grin spread across his face. "Of course!" he answered without hesitation. "I thought you were already going to ask."
"Let’s move somewhere more comfortable first," Cerus said. He gently rocked Lior in his arms before adding, "We can leave Lior with Nyx for a while."
Maeve nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."
The two of them walked toward the center of the settlement, where Nyx was helping several women organize the smoke beef into the clay jar.
"Nyx," Cerus called.
Nyx turned around with a smile. "Yes?"
"Can you watch Lior for a little while?" Cerus asked. "Maeve wants to learn how to use her Aether Energy."
"Of course." Nyx carefully took the little boy iinto her arms. Lior blinked sleepily before grabbing a strand of Nyx’s hair with her tiny fingers.
Nyx laughed softly. "I’ll keep him safe. Don’t worry."
"Thank you," Maeve said with a grateful smile.
Once they were sure Lior was comfortable, Cerus led Maeve toward a quiet space just outside the busy work area. The sounds of hammers striking wood and people talking faded into the background, leaving only the gentle breeze and the rustling leaves around them.
"This should be good," Cerus said as he stopped beneath the shade of a large apple tree.
He picked up a smooth stone from that they had collected and handed it to Maeve. "Before you try filling the alarm stones, you first need to learn how to feel your Aether Energy. If you can’t control it, you’ll either waste too much of it or fail to activate the stone at all."
Maeve looked down at the stone in her hand and nodded seriously. "I’m ready."
Cerus smiled. "Good. The first lesson is simple."
He stepped behind her and gently adjusted her shoulders. "Close your eyes."
Maeve did as she was told.
"Now," Cerus said softly, "don’t think about forcing the energy out. Just breathe normally and pay attention to your body. Ever since Ikarus shared his golden blood with you, Aether Energy has been flowing through you. You just haven’t studied it yet."
Maeve took a deep breath. The world around her gradually became silent, and she focused on the warmth deep inside her body, searching for the energy Cerus was talking about.
For several long moments, Maeve felt nothing. She frowned slightly, trying harder to sense the energy inside her body.
"Don’t force it," Cerus said gently. "The more you try to grab it, the harder it is to find. Just let it come to you."
Maeve let out a slow breath and relaxed her shoulders. This time, instead of searching for the energy, she simply focused on her breathing.
Little by little, a faint warmth began to bloom in the center of her chest. It was soft at first, almost like the warmth of sunlight on her skin. Then it slowly spread through her body, flowing into her arms and fingertips.
"I... I think I can feel something," Maeve whispered without opening her eyes.
Cerus smiled. "Good. That’s your Aether Energy."
The warmth in her chest continued to flow, becoming clearer with every breath she took.
"It feels... alive," Maeve said in a low voice.
"It is," Cerus replied. "Aether Energy responds to your thoughts and emotions. The calmer you are, the easier it is to control."
"Now, imagine that warmth gathering in your hand," Cerus instructed. "Don’t rush it. Let it move naturally."
She did exactly as he said and the warmth slowly drifted toward the hand holding the stone.
At first, nothing happened. But after a while, a faint golden glow appeared between her fingers.
Cerus’ eyes widened with surprise. "You’re a natural."
"What?" Maeve asked, still keeping her eyes closed.
"Most people spend days just trying to gather their Aether Energy into one place," he said with a small laugh. "You did it on your first try."
Maeve blinked in surprise. "Really?"
Cerus hummed. "Yes. But a Goddess like you definitely won’t have any trouble doing it."
Maeve opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say anything, Cerus spoke again. "I know, I know. You’re not a Goddess," he said with a grin. "But you’re special anyway."
His attention then returned to the stone in Maeve’s hand. It was glowing even brighter, and before she could channel too much Aether Energy into it and make it shatter, Cerus gently took it from her.
"You did such a great job!" he said as he held the stone up closer to his eyes.