The Age of Reason

My name is Aiden M. Agneia. An eight-year-old kid living under the massive household of the Agneia family—the former Anti-AEGIS heroes who saved the world from a disaster about eight years ago.

Ever since I got myself my own personal workspace and computer, I've decided to dedicate all of my childhood free time to studying more about the past. Particularly about the AEGIS incident which plunged the world into an apocalyptic state.

I've asked Mama and Papa about the details of the case but they just brushed it off and told me only the little part which scratches the surface.

That's why I had to research all of the articles, connect all of the events, and form my own theory of what happened back then.

Unfortunately, there was no luck from my side. Now that the AIs—or, the World Server has been reset to its former state, there was no clear record of the past incident anymore and I can't really risk diving into the lower backend of the Server as that would be selling information to illegal sites.

I might get hacked if I'm not careful with the process. Other than that, it seems like a lot of people have discarded modern technology in this generation and focused more on Astral Energy consumption.

These Astral Energies are like electricities that flow into the roots of the earth. They are mostly converged in a waveform and a lot of people can utilize it just by using Magic.

Yes. You heard me right.

There is Magic in the world that I live in and it's called Astral Art or Astral Magic.

I only have a vague recollection of how Astral Magic works but I've seen Layla and other maids use Water and Air Magic to wash and dry up some of our clothes. Usually, they just do the normal routine of washing it but this time, they're rushing it with magic.

Naturally, there are a few setbacks when using Astral Magic. The first and obvious symptom would be extreme exhaustion or fatigue after using it many times in one day.

I've collected data and recorded how long does a normal person last when using Astral Magic and the result is pretty exceptional. A person can only use pure Astral Magic for one to two hours and it takes about twenty-five to thirty casts before they reach their limit.

Of course, this data might be a good reference point for me to use so that I can calibrate my own progress. Unfortunately, I don't have the right materials yet to develop what I want.

Three years after I received my first-ever computer, I also went to have some self-study about Mama's work.

She told me that she is a former Sphereshine Engineer. If I recall, Sphereshine is the company that developed AEGIS a few years ago before the Great Decline.

These AEGIS are a form of neural-link system that connects the brain of a human to the internet and access the World Server.

Official Meaning [courtesy of Rena M. Agneia]

AEGIS - A powerful automated mind-linking system that is developed by Sphereshine. It is a system that is installed through a person's neural link terminal that gives them access to the World Server's properties and harnesses the dense Astral Energy circulating around the world.

The AEGIS system gives a human the ability to connect with the technology and magic around them automatically without operating it manually.

In short, they're basically like personal gadget that is installed through your brain or something... I'm not quite sure how that works. I might have to inquire with Mama about the usage and how dangerous it is to install a system in your nerves or brain.

But anyway, that system was actually the cause of disaster back then so they took the idea away and destroyed it. Now the AEGIS system is now transferred into a physical vessel that looked like a sword + remote (?)

Yeah, it's pretty weird. Mama kinda turned it into a toy but there's a reason for that. The way it works is that by pressing the button on that sword, the device will turn on and it will display holographic screens and then you can do your thing.

But what about the features? Well, you can strictly say that the features of the AEGIS device are the same as Android or IOS phones these days.

Messages, calls, calendars, alarms, emails, clocks, access internet, etc.

I think the most accurate representation of the AEGIS is that it is like your pocket tablet in a form of a short dagger or sword.

I'm guessing this is the reason why phone companies are increasing their features and uniqueness in order to compete with Sphereshine projects.

But the most distinct and important role of the AEGIS is that you can use this as a remote control or a "Wand". Apart from controlling Astral Magic with it, this new AEGIS simplified device is also helpful in piloting suits called MFUs or Magic Force Units.

They are mechanized battlesuit that uses Astral Energy to function. The very first human to try the mech suit was my Papa.

He is a former human weapon who somehow gained strength by piloting the mechs developed by none other than my Mama. The two of them worked together to make this battlesuit and it tremendously helped them gain an advantage during the Great Decline.

When I asked Papa about it, he said that in order to avoid any more casualties, they have proposed establishing a specific academy or learning center dedicated to training young servants to pilot MFUs while learning Engineering and Astral Art.

And Mama used that opportunity to develop the current AEGIS device which then get mass-produced by the new agency and spread throughout the country.

Because of that, almost everyone in the city has their own AEGIS device. However, not everyone has Magic Force Units.

These mech battlesuits are only given to those who have official licenses or if they are an official student from the Apexaid Academy. There are some people who order their own custom MFUs but only the rich can do it because it's expensive.

By the way, not all people can just use magic whenever or wherever they want using the AEGIS.

Apparently, although this particular topic has been discussed through multiple theses, they still haven't found any answer regard about how humans are susceptible to Astral Energy and how it can influence their innate talents to wield magic.

Layla can freely use her AEGIS device to control Water Magic but that doesn't mean that the other maids can use Water Magic as well.

As far as I'm concerned, Layla and a few maids are good with Astral Art but Millie and Sara apparently don't have enough aptitude for it. They can still summon a few rocks or a droplet of water but that's all they can do.

Meaning to say that the power or effectiveness of Astral Art is not inclined to the AEGIS device but rather, its properties and strength are based on the person's talent or innate compatibility.

Those who have higher Astral Energy from their body can pilot MFU easily.

Mama seemed to have little talent for Astral Art, that's why she is on the developing side. Meanwhile, Papa is a skilled fighter and his Astral Art strength alone can possibly destroy a single country in an instant.

As for me, well...

***

"Alright, let's try this again..." Papa made a forward stance. His hand tilted in front as he wield his AEGIS device around.

Suddenly, a spark of elemental energy erupted out of nowhere. "Firebolt!"

Upon his shout, the electrified flame burst forth through the training yard, razing all of the dummies that he had set up beforehand. Molten flames dissipated into the sky as the firebolt spell exploded. It was a spectacular display of his ability.

"D-Did you see that, my son? That's a first-tier Fire Astral Magic—Firebolt. I combined it with Electric Astral Magic to cause an overload effect and make it twice as strong as a normal fireball. This is what Astral Art can do and you should learn it." He pumped his chest as approached me.

"But Papa, why do you want me to study Astral Art even though I have no talent for it?" I asked.

That's right. I don't have adequate Astral Energy inside my body to actually cast a spell. Mama and I have the same state so we can't really do anything at this point.

Even if I were to learn Astral Art, there would be no benefits as I can't utilize or use it.

"Hmm, are you sure about that?" Papa looked at me with straight eyes as he asked.

"Hmm?"

"You know, there's no harm in learning Astral Art even if you can't use or do it." He added.

"What do you mean? What's the purpose of learning it then?" I got curious about his reasoning so I continued.

Papa then raised his index finger and pointed it right through the side of his head—on the brain.

"If you can't use it, then perhaps you can experiment with it..."

"—!" My eyes widened in surprise. I finally realized what Papa is talking about.

"Astral Art is diverse. Although we have modern technology these days, it still won't be on par with the blessing of our natural world. If you can't use it, then you can use the knowledge for something else, no? Let's say you become an Engineer, how would you respond if someone asked you to create a weapon that has both Fire and Electric Magic on it?"

"It would be a blasphemy for the industry. The Magical Properties of Fire and Electricity are too dangerous for a weapon and they might cause internal conflicts. I will explain to them how it works and how dangerous it is..." I answered, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden explanation.

"Very good. Since you understand the elemental properties of the Astral Art, you can now device or experiment and check their effects on the moment that they are invoked. The knowledge that you have for Astral Art is also beneficial for future Technocrats and Engineers."

What Papa is saying is that understanding the law of Astral Arts would help me devise better solutions to problems that will rise in the future to help people. That is in case I pursue the same path as Mama.

But being an Engineer is kinda limited to materialistic options. I wouldn't be able to discern any problems if I just work alone in my office or something... I guess being a Technocrat is also an option.

"So, I just need to study it?" I asked.

"Yes. I mean, if you want to try again, you can. Maybe you can't bring it out yet because your body is still too small. Perhaps Astral Energy will increase if you reach a certain age." Papa speculated.

"Hmm, I should probably take note of that and study it." I grabbed my notebook and pen and wrote Papa's idea.

"Haha, you really inherited your Mama's keenness. She used to do this note-taking as well when she was young." Papa giggled. Perhaps Mama also thought these kinds of things when she was young as well. I'm not surprised.

After a few more lessons, Papa decided to take a break.

We sat down on a nearby bench just outside the training field. Mama then came outside to greet us while she was carrying Lynn.

Yes. My little sister is now five-years-old and her name is Lynn M. Agneia. She is a cute baby. Her hair color is similar to Papa which is Silver.

Mine is dark brown similar to Mama but there's a strand of silver along my bangs.

"Papa! Big Brother!"

"Ooooh! My sweet baby princess is here!" Papa raised his arm as Mama gave Lynn to him. Lynn then embraced Papa and chuckled.

"Are you two done training?" Mama asked.

"Yes, we've made a lot of progress today," Papa answered.

"Mama, when will I get a lesson with you?" Since Mama is always free during the afternoon, I figured I should also consult her about my technology and her job as an Engineer but...

"Hmm? You want to take a lesson from me?" She tilted her head, a bit curious about my inquiry.

"Yes. I wanted to know more about technology, especially about AEGIS..." I explained.

"Well, I can work with that. But you have to promise me that you'll continue your Astral Art studies as well, okay?" She made a condition but I don't exactly know why.

"Umm, I know I already said this a while ago but, why should I keep training?" I asked the same question again. This time, I wanted to know what Mama thinks and if her answer is different from Papa.

"Because I don't want you to live a sedentary lifestyle..." Mama smiled as she answered.

"S-Sedentary? What's that?

"I noticed recently that you spend most of your time sitting on your computer and studying. Did you know that not having enough physical activity and always sitting is called a sedentary lifestyle?"

"Oh, so that's why..." I guess that makes sense.

"Mmm. Exercise is important as well in our daily lives. If you don't exercise and keep on living like this, your health will eventually deteriorate. Sitting or lying down for too long increases your risk of chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers." She added.

I memorized everything she said and promised myself that I will exercise regularly.

"So, are you fine with this condition? Can you promise me that you will keep training?"

"Yes, Mama!" I nodded happily.

"Alright then. I will also have Layla wake you up early in the morning. You should also avoid sleeping late so that you have enough energy for tomorrow. Understood?"

"Yes!"

"Hee hee! Papa!" For some reason, I noticed that Lynn is pretty flexible at her age and she seems to be more energetic and lively when she's with Papa.

"Hey, Mama..."

"Hmm?"

"Do you think Lynn can use Astral Art?" I asked as I observed her movements.

"Oh? Seems like you've been pretty observant as well. Why do you think so?"

(As well? So Mama has been considering it too... I guess we do have the same mind.)

Mama sat down beside me. We watched Papa and Lynn play together as we discuss.

"Well, biology-wise, I think Lynn might have inherited Papa's innate pool of Astral Energy and talent. The way she moves, even for a three years old, that's quite... energetic." I relayed my reasoning.

"Indeed. When I gave birth to her, she was also very perky and active. As if she's raring to go. And as you said, there's also the possibility that she inherited your Papa's talent. I mean, look how they play together."

I turned to them and noticed that Papa was invoking a rain effect using Water Astral Magic and Lynn is just happily receiving it.

"Mama... Do you think I'm a disappointment?" I turned my head down for a moment. I don't know why I asked that but... there's something in my heart that I can't explain.

"Hmm? Sweetie, why do you ask that? You're not a disappointment. You're a genius with a kind heart." Mama looked at me with a worried expression.

"But, I can't do Astral Magic. And I heard that most people can use it... I'm just... worried that I'll get devalued for not having one. And If that happens, I might stain the reputation of our family..." I explained it the best that I can.

"Oh, sweetie... That's not going to happen. You're not going to stain our family's reputation just because you're not capable of using Astral Art."

"Really? But..."

"Have you seen me use Magic?" I stopped for a while. No, I haven't seen Mama cast any magic. And she doesn't even attempt it.

"No..."

"That's because I can't. You're already aware of it, right?"

I nodded.

"But even so, have you seen anyone here disrespecting me or fighting me? Have you seen anyone hating me for not having any abilities? Do the people think I'm a disappointment?"

"No..."

"Then that means, you're not too. You see, sweetie... Not being in the spotlight is sometimes the most positive and careful option in this kind of world. Your Papa is famous because he is a Hero, but do you know who made him like that...?"

"It's... Mama..."

"That's right. He is the light and I am his shadow. He is the lead, and I'm the support. Every achievement that we've achieved up until this point was because of our hard work. If he wasn't there, there would be no savior. And if I wasn't there, there would be no one to support the savior."

Hearing Mama speak about their connection feels really good. It's just like what I have envisioned.

"So Mama is a support?"

"Yes! And all supports are also important. The reason why I became an engineer is because I wanted to develop and invent something that will be helpful for people. And that includes your Papa's stuff. We, in the supporting role, are the ones that shine whoever is in the lead. Without us, they wouldn't be able to make it."

"..."

"That's why you shouldn't value yourself based on one factor, Aiden. You are special on your own and I can see that you will grow and improve. Astral Magic is just another form of talent. You have a talent that only you can use, and if you manage to do that, I'm sure the people would also appreciate you and love you." Mama placed her palm on my cheeks and stroke it.

"Mama..."

"And do you know what is the most fun part about being a support?" She asked.

"What is it?"

"It's seeing the smile of those you have helped during their hard times. The moment that they feel happy is also the moment that you will feel appreciated. Making people smile is the most important role and reward that you will receive as you go along..."

My eyes widened.

"And once you felt that positivity, you will see how great it is... to get idolized by the people you helped..."