Aether

Aether is a formless, evolving artifact that becomes Kim Hajin's most adaptable weapon, defense, disguise, and equipment reinforcement.

History

Gari Mountain hidden stage

Hajin enters Gari Mountain Dungeon's hidden stage before Tomer can reach it and defeats the witch carrying Aether. The artifact is initially identified as mystic, formless, and evolving. Hajin keeps its existence hidden when possible, but it soon begins reacting to danger on its own, moving his body, forming weapons, and reinforcing the Desert Eagle. (Chapters 30, 39, and 80)

Adaptation with its wielder

Aether accumulates additional traits as Hajin develops it, including aesthetic judgment used in his crafting and the ability to mimic surroundings as camouflage. Its defense can be overwhelmed by sufficiently strong attacks, so it is not an absolute barrier. Even after separation from Hajin's equipment, it recognizes him, returns to his body, and resumes changing form. It remains among the defensive tools he carries at the end of the supplied story. (Chapters 144, 219, 337, and 368)

Abilities and properties

• Its lack of a fixed form lets it assume shapes desired by its user, including weapons, cloth, armor-like coverage, and environmental disguises. (Chapters 30, 202, 219, and 337)
• It can adhere to another weapon and strengthen that weapon's attack power; later firearm forms explicitly fuse Aether with the Desert Eagle. (Chapters 30, 137, and 364)
• Its functions evolve with its owner and awakening state, but the text does not establish a fixed ceiling. Powerful attacks can still break through its protection. (Chapters 30 and 219)

Ownership and custody