Dark Aether

The **Dark Aether** (alternatively spelled **Dark Æther**), also known as **Hell**, or the **Dark Side**, is a dimension that exists parallel to that of humanity's. Having existed since the beginning of time, as with its opposite, its influence has repeatedly been felt - it never infected the "other side" until 2023 when a portal was opened in Urkinstan as Operation Death began investigating the realm.

The **Dark Aether** is the central villain and theme within *ShooterofIO 1: Modern Ops* and Air Studios' upcoming 2024 game (that isn't confirmed), where it seeps into the new universe creating enemies that nobody ever knew existed. It began with the Operation Death experience in *ShooterofIO 1: Modern Ops*.

## History

"*A place of "death", you'd never survive!*"
— Announcement post
### Closing the Dark Aether

Sometime in the 1990s, the Dark Aether was closed off.

### Reopening of the Dark Aether

The Dark Aether, an enigmatic and uncharted realm, remained veiled from human observation until recent events unfolded, revealing its existence. This peculiar dimension is characterized by a distinctive color palette, predominantly composed of deep purples and vivid reds, creating an otherworldly and foreboding ambiance. The environment itself seems to pulsate with a strange energy, an essence that is intrinsically linked to the beings that inhabit it.

Central to the Dark Aether's lore are its inhabitants, primarily an array of dangerous creatures known collectively as Zombies. These entities are not mere mindless undead; they exhibit various specialized forms, each possessing unique abilities and characteristics that set them apart. The diversity among these creatures suggests a complex ecosystem and hierarchy within the Dark Aether.

A particularly intriguing aspect of the Dark Aether is its influence on different forms of life. It is said that the very essence of this realm has the power to empower the undead, imbuing them with strength and abilities far beyond normal. In stark contrast, this same essence has a debilitating effect on the living. The presence of living beings within the Dark Aether leads to a gradual depletion of their vitality and strength, making survival in this environment a formidable challenge.

This dichotomy of empowerment and depowerment is a key element of the Dark Aether's mystique and danger. It raises numerous questions about the nature of this realm and its origins. How did such a place come to be? What are the true capabilities of the creatures that dwell within it? And most importantly, what are the implications for the living who dare to venture into this uncharted and perilous territory?

The Dark Aether thus stands as a testament to the unknown, a place where the boundaries of reality blur and the supernatural reigns. It is a realm of endless possibilities and untold dangers, waiting to be explored and understood. For those brave or foolhardy enough to venture into its depths, the Dark Aether offers a journey into the heart of darkness, a confrontation with the unknown, and perhaps, the key to understanding the very nature of life and death.

## Maps

### *ShooterofIO 1: Modern Ops* (2023)

The Dark Aether is enterable through "Dark Aether Rifts" throughout Operation Death. The rifts are only found in the high tier zone (Tier III) and must be unlocked by completing Act One of the map, by completing the first 25 missions in the map.

In order to activate a Dark Aether rift, players must find rare items called Sigals around the map, these are dropped by special enemies within the Tier III Zone or from Reward Rifts from completing Contracts in the high threat zones. Once entered, players have 10 minutes to survive in the Dark Aether, and once the 10 minutes are up, they'll be teleported to the rift portal, which will reactivate after 2 1/2 minutes, which then allows players to reenter the Dark Aether for another 10 minutes.

### Enemies

As many would believe, the Dark Aether is home to multiple different types of Zombies. The enemies include Zombies, Manglers, Mega Abominations, and the Orcus worm boss. The enemies inside the Dark Aether are much stronger than the ones you find in the traditional world of Urkinstan. This is because of the nature of the Dark Aether and how it is structured to birth the undead and give them life.