Aetherians: Rise of GAIDAN.
Centuries ago, the Aetherians first appeared on Earth. No one knew from where they had come—whether they descended from the heavens, emerged from hidden realms, or were born from the very essence of the universe itself. What was certain, however, was their extraordinary presence.
Unlike ordinary humans, the Aetherians possessed powers that defied understanding. Some could manipulate elements, others bent light and shadow to their will, and a few carried strength beyond the limits of imagination. Their purpose was unclear at first, but over time it became known: they existed to protect humanity from monsters, dark forces, and otherworldly invaders who sought to bring ruin to the world.
Decades ago, a child was discovered—abandoned, yet radiant with potential. That child was revealed to be one of the last-born Aetherians. He grew up in secrecy, hidden away from those who feared or sought to exploit his powers. Even among the Aetherians, his abilities were unusual, stronger, and more unpredictable than most.
Five years ago, the child revealed himself to the world under a new name: GAIDAN. With unmatched strength, speed, and the gift of flight, he became the symbol of hope for humanity. More than just a warrior, GAIDAN embodied the ideals of justice, sacrifice, and unity.
But his rise did not come without consequences. His appearance reignited old conflicts among surviving Aetherians, some who believed humanity was not worth protecting. Shadows from beyond Earth also stirred, sensing the presence of the strongest Aetherian yet. For every monster GAIDAN defeated, darker and more dangerous enemies began to emerge, testing both his strength and his resolve.
GAIDAN is not just the strongest of his kind—he may be the last line of defense between Earth and the forces that seek to consume it. Yet, beneath the title, he is still that same child searching for answers about who he truly is, why the Aetherians came to Earth, and what destiny awaits him.
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The Battle and the Aftermath
Hours had passed since GAIDAN faced the Sentinel. For the first time in his life, he lost. Someone had outmatched him. Someone he couldn't defeat. Someone who felt more sinister than any enemy before.
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At the Facility
GAIDAN staggered through the facility doors, blood dripping from his wounds. His once-pristine armor was shredded, his face pale with exhaustion. He collapsed onto the cold floor.
The butlers rushed to his side, dragging him toward the Aether Altar. As its radiant light engulfed him, GAIDAN screamed, the raw energy burning through his battered body. They held him down as his muscles convulsed.
BUTLER 1 (panicked): "GAIDAN, what happened to you?"
GAIDAN (through gritted teeth): "The Sentinel… I was defeated. He's from the country whose war I ended. He's faster… stronger. He countered everything I did. It was like—" he coughs blood "—like he knew my next move before I made it."
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Cut to the Streets
The Sentinel towered above the terrified crowd. His armor gleamed like a weapon forged for war. Soldiers at his side leveled their weapons at the civilians.
SENTINEL (voice booming): "Listen well. Your protector has fallen. Your only chance of survival… is to surrender the Aetherian to us."
Gasps and cries filled the air as people backed away in fear.
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Cut to a High-Rise Tower
Inside a corporate skyscraper, the elite masterminds behind the project watched on massive monitors.
MAN 1 (smirking): "At last. GAIDAN has been humbled."
WORKER (nodding): "Yes, sir. The Sentinel exceeded every expectation."
MAN 2 (cold, serious): "We've spent decades perfecting him. Years of planning, sacrifice… and it worked. Where is he now?"
WORKER: "He should be entering through the portal at any moment, sir."
The air rippled with energy. A portal tore open, and the Sentinel stepped through, his figure half-shrouded in light. His face remained obscured, his eyes glowing faintly as he strode forward in silence.
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Back at the Facility
GAIDAN, still weak, pushed himself off the altar. His fists trembled as he tried to stand, forcing his way toward the door.
GAIDAN: "I have to stop him… before it's too late."
BUTLER 1 (blocking his path): "Sir, no! You're only at 78% recovery. If you go now, you may not survive another fight."
GAIDAN (growling, frustrated): "…Fine. Then at least take me to the computer."
They guided him to the control chamber. Holographic screens replayed the fight in grim detail — Sentinel's perfect counters, his flawless timing. GAIDAN leaned in, his jaw tightening.
GAIDAN (thinking aloud): "No… it doesn't make sense. How could he anticipate me so precisely? Who is he?"
He summoned his drones, their scanners running data across Sentinel's combat footage. The results made GAIDAN pause.
GAIDAN (frowning, unsettled): "…Strange. I'm not detecting any brainwaves at all. No human signature."
The screen zoomed in on Sentinel's glowing eyes, cold and mechanical, yet disturbingly familiar.
GAIDAN (whispering): "…What are you?