Aether

**Aether** is a remarkable and corrosive substance with powerful maturgical properties, akin to a serum, that has woven its enigmatic allure into the fabric of Nexonia Prime. It has gained notoriety as a captivating elixir, captivating the hearts and minds of Ruj's rebellious youth. During the reign of Draven, a notorious crime lord, Aether was distributed as a street drug in the dark underbelly of the underground nation.

As the future unfurled, Aether became the lifeblood of the Societas Renegare, a society on a relentless mission to restore the long-lost megacorporation.

## Overview

Aether is an exceptionally potent liquid, so potent that even a mere contact with the skin can evoke a whirlwind of emotions in its subjects. This emotional cascade manifests as a radiant spectrum of colors, each corresponding to the emotions experienced. Although frequent application can lead to physical alterations, the allure of Aether has grown stronger over the years due to rumors that it grants its users unnatural abilities. However, excessive use can result in grotesque mutations, making it a double-edged sword.

Much like the crystals it was created from, Aether is a bright purple liquid that radiates a soft, vibrant purple glow. It is shown to be addictive and is known to be flammable, producing bright pink flames when it combusts or ignites through an external source. Although most users tend to either drink the drug directly or inject it into the bodies using syringes, it can also be inhaled in gas form, as demonstrated by the Aether Brutes.

Aether, when consumed in moderate amounts, quickens the healing process and elevates the user's physical condition. Larger doses offer the promise of superhuman strength, speed, and durability. However, a full dose triggers a grotesque transformation, causing the user to expand significantly in size. This transformation is both nightmarish and excruciating, resulting in a marked reduction in cognitive faculties and heightened aggression throughout the drug's effects. Users become agitated and experience intense pain while morphing into monstrous beings.

Prolonged and excessive Aether use leads to the gradual deterioration of the skin and muscle tissue. Users develop physical abnormalities, such as enormous tumors and blisters erupting from their flesh. The drug temporarily tints the user's eyes in shades of pink, purple, or blue, while veins may appear dark purple. These color changes often produce an ethereal, luminous effect, accentuating the drug's mystique.

## Trivia

### General

* The largest source of **Aether**, is not on Ruj, but rather on the nation of Avarshi.
	+ Some say Aether was a far more wicked version of Dark Ice.
* It is as potent as Nextech. Sometimes, It can disable the latter when Aether is used as a weapon.
* Salazar Progektö consumed so much Aether that he became addicted with it, and the substance itself flowed through his veins, and his left arm becomes mutated as a side effect.
* Despite its glaring side effects, it is incredibly helpful as a medicine to heal severe injuries, when consumed at a low dose.
* Iceborns had a hard time clearing the deposits of **Aether** since 3021.
	+ If Ashe found out that her country has Aether, she would've likely lead the charge to destroy them all.
* Madeleine was indirectly responsible for eliminating 62% of all Aether deposits in her country.