Deviant: No Longer Human

Wang Xiao, still puzzled by her words, pressed further, "But still, wouldn\'t it amplify your strength—or mine? If Aether were to return to the world tomorrow, wouldn\'t we inherently grow stronger?"

"Mmm... It\'s complicated." Aurora sighed, a hint of weariness in her voice. "You see, Aether is akin to a divine element, surpassing all but one entity; it served as our conduit to engage with the world around us, to issue commands, to make them comprehend our intentions in a language they could grasp."

"Consider this: everything around you pulses with life; Aether was once our linguistic bridge to that vitality. It endowed us with the ability to bend reality, bestowed us with what might be called superpowers. It facilitated a deeper understanding of ourselves and the cosmos."

"However, where we stand now, we\'ve mastered interacting without Aether. This approach requires more patience and deeper comprehension, but it proves more efficient. We no longer rely on an intermediary to translate our will."

"Although, this means that each time we encounter a new language spoken by someone from a different culture, we must learn it from scratch, whereas a translator already understood all languages. Every element around us is unique and reacts distinctively; with sufficient dedication, you can eventually master everything in your surroundings."

"But even after millions of years of continuous learning, and achieving mastery in specific domains, the case remains illustrative. For instance, if Naomi has mastered water, transforming it or even herself into water becomes as effortless as breathing for her. In her case, Aether wouldn\'t significantly enhance this efficiency."

"Yet, it would undoubtedly expand the range of abilities at her disposal. She could then delve into understanding and controlling fire, which would be simpler and faster, although direct manipulation of the elements would still surpass such methods in efficiency and control."

"Therefore, if time is not of essence, you can see that we have evolved beyond a dependence on Aether for our capabilities."

"We might say we have even surpassed it."

"Ultimately, if the world were saturated with Aether tomorrow, the decision would rest with each of us—whether to invest more time to deeply understand this force, or to simply harness Aether to satisfy our immediate needs."

"Without Aether, we would find ourselves impotent if our skills depended solely upon it."

"There is no inherent harm in utilizing it, but we have experienced the severe consequences firsthand following its disappearance; our entire civilization was obliterated as a result."

Wang Xiao absorbed her words thoughtfully, pondering his own experiences.

Presently, to move a rock, he focuses on the air surrounding it rather than on the rock itself, a method far more efficient due to the resistance the air presents.

With this technique, he can simulate an effect akin to zero gravity.

However, if Aether were available—an element he has yet to utilize—the process might shift dramatically. He would then channel his energy through Aether, using it to manipulate the air and effortlessly move the stone.

Aether would essentially act as an intermediary, enhancing his interaction with the natural elements.

He also grasped the significance of their adaptation to a life devoid of Aether.

It was akin to imagining a world where water is nearly extinct.

Humanity would face near extinction, unprepared for survival without this crucial resource.

In the desperate remnants of such a world, people would persist, scraping by on what little was left until some, driven by necessity, evolved to thrive without it, discovering alternative ways to sustain themselves.

Now, after thousands of generations, comparing those who evolved with those dependent on water is not straightforward.

Which group is truly better off?

Should water suddenly reappear, would those who have adapted abandon their new methodologies?

Unlikely. Rather, water would be integrated as a mere supplement, an enhancement to their already evolved lifestyles.

Still, he didn\'t understand: Why could he wield Psychokinesis when ordinary people could not?

He understood theoretically that their brains might not withstand the strain, but what was the deeper truth behind it?

"Don\'t overthink it," Aurora advised gently, her voice tinged with a hint of mystery. "There are some truths that can\'t merely be spoken about; they must be experienced. Consider this: if you\'re puzzled about how we can control the elements, it\'s because each element possesses its own consciousness. The weaker will always yield to the stronger, and our consciousnesses are among the most potent.

The rock, the air—everything around us is imbued with life."

"But you won\'t truly understand until you experience it yourself."

Aurora seemed to peer into the depths of his thoughts, addressing his silent queries with an air of anticipation, as if she had long expected him to come up with these questions.

Wang Xiao was somewhat of an accidental chef; he could whip up tasty meals but remained blissfully unaware of the precise quantities of ingredients he used.

He grasped the concept of Psychokinesis but was baffled by its underlying mechanics.

Eleanor, who had taught him, was no different.

She accepted that some mysteries were simply destined to remain unsolved.

After all, you can\'t know what you don\'t know.

As Wang Xiao wrestled with these thoughts, he sensed a click in his mind, like the edge of an enlightenment, yet the breakthrough that he had read about in novels never arrived.

Observing his earnest efforts, Aurora added in, "Even though Aether doesn\'t hold much value for us, it could for you. You might access a broader spectrum of powers, though they may be less potent. The ability to heal others could prove invaluable. And let\'s not forget, Aether is... magical... In its absence, the world has undeniably grown..

weaker."

Wang Xiao shrugged, puzzled by Aurora\'s monologue, completely unaware that the hypothetical scenarios they were toying with might soon manifest into startling reality.

The world stood on the brink of transformation, and at this crucial moment, uncertainty reigned supreme.

Even those privy to the impending changes had no inkling of what the future held.

Who would embrace this new era?

And how many would die in the process?