Prologue – System Initialization
Darkness stretched endlessly.
Then came the sound of a bell.
Aether's eyes flew open as he gasped for air. Above him lay a brilliant blue sky, untouched by smog or steel. The wind carried the scent of pine and distant flowers.
"…Where am I?"
A chime echoed in his mind.
[Initializing Aura Ascension System…]
A translucent blue screen appeared before him.
Name: Aether Lux
Status: Reincarnated
Objective: Survive
His breath caught.
"No way… This is—"
In the distance, ivory towers pierced the sky.
Beacon Academy.
Aether stared, his heart pounding.
"I'm… in RWBY."
The screen flickered again.
[Main Quest Unlocked: Enroll at Beacon Academy]
Reward: Aura Activation
Aether laughed softly, equal parts awe and disbelief.
"If this is real… then I can save them."
The system responded immediately.
[Warning: Altering destiny carries unforeseen consequences.]
He clenched his fists, golden determination shining in his eyes.
"Even so," he whispered, "I won't let tragedy win."