Chapter 58: Half way
Luminis looked at Aether as she spoke, he flapped his dragon wings as he came up to Aether, the Human looking Dragon boy looked at his Father.
Aether looked back at the 10 year old looking Dragon boy, as he saw his Yellow and Blue hair of his son moving in the wind. "Do you need something Luminis".
Luminis looked at him as she spoke, with the idea of a child. "Papa have you tryed to draw the bow half way".
Aether blinked as he spoke. "Um what".
Eula also spoke looking at whe son. "Luminus what do you mens by that".
Luminis them spoke as she spoke. "Will me and Klee was playing this ganes she calls fish blasting, and some times she says she hold back the power of her bomb, that is do to her Pyro Vision and everything, so if the Arrows is so strong, why don't you only pull it half way".
Aether just blinked as she spoke. "That makes no sense, the Bow will just have a thud in the ground".
Eula just looked at Aether. "I mens it is worth a shot right".
Aether glanced between Luminis and Eula, mulling over the suggestion. His mind raced as he considered the idea. It was true that the bow's full power was overwhelming—he had experienced it first-hand with the previous shots. But could pulling the string halfway reduce the destructive force while still releasing a potent shot?
He looked back at Luminis, whose innocent expression was paired with an unexpected wisdom for someone his age. It was the same curiosity and adventurous spirit that Aether had seen in himself as a child.
"Alright," Aether said, exhaling slowly, "I'll give it a shot. But I can't promise it'll work the way you're imagining."
Eula smiled softly. "It's worth a try, at least."
With the encouragement of his family, Aether stepped back to the training area. His fingers gripped the string of the golden bow once more, but this time, he deliberately only pulled it halfway back. The bow hummed with a familiar energy, but it didn't feel as heavy in his hands. The wind gently swirled around him, reacting to his Anemo Vision, but this time, he didn't draw on it too much.
"Here goes," Aether murmured.
He released the string, and the arrow shot forward, but this time it didn't have the devastating force of his previous attempts. Instead, it flew with a swift and precise grace, its golden light leaving a trail as it headed straight for the target. The impact was not as catastrophic as before, but it still struck with impressive force, burying itself into the target deeply.
Luminis gasped. "It worked! You didn't break anything!"
Amber, who had been watching from the side, nodded in approval. "That was a lot more controlled. And it hit the target cleanly too."
Aether couldn't help but smile, feeling a mix of satisfaction and relief. He turned to his son, Luminis, who was hovering nearby, looking incredibly pleased with himself.
"You were right, Luminis," Aether said, kneeling down to meet his son's eye level. "Pulling the bow halfway really does work."
Luminis grinned widely, his dragon wings fluttering with excitement. "I'm glad, Papa! Klee was right about using less power sometimes!"
Eula walked over, placing a gentle hand on Aether's shoulder. "It's not always about using all the power you have. Control is just as important as strength."
Aether nodded, reflecting on his son's words. "I think I'm starting to understand that more now. Thanks, Luminis."
Luminis beamed up at his father. "You're welcome, Papa!" he said, his voice full of childlike pride. Then, in a teasing tone, "Next time, try pulling it a quarter way back. Maybe you can get it even more controlled!"
Aether chuckled, shaking his head at the enthusiastic dragon boy. "I'll stick with the halfway point for now. But thanks for the idea, Luminis."
The group continued to watch as Aether took a few more shots, each one more controlled than the last. His mastery over the golden bow was growing, thanks to his son's unexpected insight. With each release, Aether felt more attuned to the weapon, and the power that had once felt so overwhelming now felt manageable.
And as the day passed, Aether couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Not just for the bow, but for the family that supported him, the bonds they shared, and the small moments of growth they experienced together.
The bow might be a powerful and mysterious artifact, but it was the lessons learned and the connections with his loved ones that truly made it meaningful.
Aether then saw the Crit system.
[ New skill unlocked: Archer, this skill boost your attacks when it comes to using your bow and anything shot from a long distance like magic and even guns and even thing like Rock for example, each of these are cover by a golden light and have a high chance to start the 1 million times crit effect for the host]
Aether closed the box as he looked at Amber. "So um, I gess you have no idea on how to improve the whole Half pulled bow".
Amber just looked at hin as she spoke. "No because in all logic this what should happen"..
She did what Aether tryed to do, but the Arrow then just hit the ground. "See this what is ment to happen with normal bow". She then pointed at Aether Golden bow. "that thing is a magic weapon that only you can use my bow is just a normal one".
Aether blinked at the arrow that hit the ground with a soft thud. He then turned his gaze back to the golden bow in his hands, his mind racing. The Crit System had just unlocked a new skill for him—Archer. It was a powerful enhancement that made his attacks with the bow and long-distance projectiles even stronger, with a chance to trigger the 1 million times crit effect.
But the most intriguing part was the fact that this bow was magical—an artifact that only he could wield properly. He had no idea what the true potential of this bow was, but it was clear that it operated differently from Amber's regular bow.
Amber's words were true. This bow wasn't like any normal weapon—it was something special, and as much as she tried to replicate his actions, the magic that infused the golden bow made it behave differently. It wasn't something that could be replicated by just anyone.
"So," Aether began, his gaze drifting to the bow in his hands, "I guess the bow isn't just about physical strength then? It's tied to something deeper, something that only I can really tap into."
Amber watched him, slightly puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Aether glanced down at the golden bow, feeling its magical weight, and the connection he had with it. The sensation of wind swirling around him, the way his Anemo Vision seemed to flow into the bow effortlessly, the way the weapon responded to him—it wasn't just a physical tool. It was almost like an extension of his will.
"I think this bow reacts to my elemental energy, my vision," Aether explained slowly. "It's not just about how hard I pull the string. It's about how I channel my power through it."
Amber raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but still a little confused. "So, you're saying I can't use it because I don't have an Anemo Vision or some special connection to it?"
Aether shrugged. "Maybe not exactly. But I think anyone can use it if they understand how to harness the energy within them. But for now, I think this bow has a unique bond with me."
The Crit System chimed in, a notification popping up in Aether's vision:
[System Update: The Golden Bow responds uniquely to the wielder's connection with the elements. Experiment with different amounts of power and visualize your elemental energy for better control over its abilities.]
Aether closed the window with a small frown. "It's saying I need to experiment with how much power I channel. It's not just about pulling the string halfway. It's about how I channel my energy into the bow."
Amber looked at him, still processing. "That's... complicated."
Aether smiled, feeling the weight of the bow in his hands again. He couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. The possibilities felt endless now that he understood a bit more about the bow's potential.
"Yeah, but it's also pretty amazing, right?" he said, his eyes brightening with the thought of his newfound power. "This thing can do more than just shoot arrows. I just need to figure out how to control it more precisely."
Amber grinned, her usual enthusiasm returning. "Well, if you need a target, you've got me!"
Aether chuckled. "I think we're done with the targets for today. But maybe later. I think I need to do some more experimenting on my own."
Amber gave him a playful shove. "You'll be unstoppable with that thing if you figure it out!"
Aether watched her go, a newfound sense of purpose settling over him. The bow, the Crit System, and his growing connection to his powers—it was clear that the journey ahead would be filled with surprises. But he was ready for them.
With a deep breath, Aether lifted the golden bow once more, preparing for the next step in his training. The bow may have been a mysterious artifact, but with his growing skills and the help of those around him, he was ready to unlock its true potential.
Later that night, as Aether was in a tavern of Diluc, as he was looking at Mona.
Aether drinked his drink as he looked at her. "So did you just call me for a drink or".
Mona just looked at him. "No something is happening, the stars the reacting".
Aether looked at her as he spoke. "What do you mean".
Mona just spoke. "I am calling the Unreconciled Star's".
Aether just srugged and looked at him. "And why should I help, I barely know, I work for shadow guard, we are not friends, and I rather spend tomorrow and the next few days with my Harem then you".
Mona looked as she spoke. "Your another magic user like me and I can help you find your sister".
Aether stopped as he looked at her, as he summoned Albion his sword red blade glinting in the night. "How do you know that".
Mona's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the intensity in Aether's voice. She wasn't surprised by his reaction, given their somewhat strained relationship. She leaned forward, lowering her voice as she spoke.
"I can feel the stars' movement," Mona began, her tone serious. "The Unreconciled Stars aren't just cosmic phenomena— they are deeply tied to certain individuals, and your connection to them is stronger than you think. You can feel it, too, can't you?"
Aether's grip tightened around his drink, his golden eyes narrowing. The mention of his sister, Lumine, always sent a chill through him, a constant ache. He didn't trust Mona, but there was no denying that she had some form of insight into the world of magic that no one else did.
Mona took a deep breath, her expression softened by a mix of determination and understanding. "I know you've been searching for her, Aether. You want to find her more than anything. The Unreconciled Stars are pulling at the fabric of the world, causing rifts in the elements, and I can sense a path leading to her. I can help you—at least, give you direction."
Aether stared at her for a long moment, his sword Albion still faintly glowing in his hand. His heart was racing—partially from the hope that this might be the lead he was looking for and partially from the distrust he still held for Mona's cryptic ways. He let out a quiet sigh, lowering his sword.
"Fine," Aether finally said, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and hope. "But if this is some kind of trick—"
Mona cut him off, shaking her head. "No trick. I don't play games with people's lives." She looked at him seriously, her eyes gleaming with the weight of the stars' influence. "I may not know everything, but this much I do: the Unreconciled Stars are pulling you towards a destiny—one that may lead you to Lumine. I can help you find it. But first, you must understand something."
Aether leaned in, his curiosity piqued despite himself. "And what's that?"
Mona hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "The stars don't align for free. There will be consequences. We can't just pull at their threads without disturbing the balance of the world. You may not be ready for what you'll find at the end of this journey."
Aether was silent for a moment, processing her words. He had been through so much already, and the thought of a new trial—one involving the very forces of the cosmos themselves—was daunting. But the idea of finding Lumine, of being reunited with his sister, was a promise too powerful to ignore.
"I don't care about the consequences," Aether said, his voice firm. "I'll do whatever it takes to find her. If you have a way, then help me. Just don't waste my time."
Mona nodded solemnly, standing up from the table. "Very well. The first step is to follow the stars, Aether. We'll begin the ritual at midnight, when the stars are at their peak alignment. Gather your strength and your resolve, because once we start, there will be no turning back."
Aether stood up as well, finishing his drink in one go. His mind was already racing with the possibilities, and despite the risks, he felt a surge of determination. This could be it—the key to finally finding Lumine.
"Midnight," he said, his voice resolute. "I'll be ready."
Mona gave him a knowing look, as though she understood the weight of what he was about to do. "You'd better be. The Unreconciled Stars don't wait for anyone."
With that, she turned and walked toward the door, leaving Aether to ponder the path that lay ahead. The night was still young, but in his heart, he knew that tonight could change everything.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones and enjoy