#Thrymmology 03
[The following is an excerpt from Kepler's latest article on Thrymmology, "On Glunite, Shards, and Lancers"]
We usually use the term "Lancer" to refer to the superhumans who started appearing after the Smash-Up. However, it is worth noting that this group一that is to say, individuals adapted to glunite一already existed in various Shards long before their discovery in Acme. In Balamtok, people like this are known as "Messengers of the Gods” and act as symbols of divine will. In Aesir, they are known as Valkyries—protectors both of warriors and gods. In Yong, they bear an even more mysterious title, though ordinary citizens call them “Xian," meaning "immortal." In Acme, of course, we use the term “Ember.”
Let us now set aside the concept of “Lancers” and instead explore "Embers." Their origin has nothing to do with the Smash-Up; in fact, Embers have existed since intelligent life first came into contact with glunite. Even the toy monsters we encountered recently could be considered a type of Ember. For them, glunite is more than what gives them power: it is their very being, the substance that literally makes up their bodies. It's the energy that drives them, and the medium through which they transform the world. This is why, in academic circles, we prefer to use the term “Ember” to fully encompass this category of individuals. Their original bodies have long since been consumed by glunite, and what exists in the Shardverse today一what we experience and interact with一is nothing more than a mass of conscious glunite in a constant cycle of deconstuction (as a fire burning itself out) and rebirth (as embers can be kindled anew).
We are keen to know: are Embers a more evolved, more refined form of life? Or are they instead a dead-end path leading to rapid extinction? The introduction of Windwalker to Acme has provided new insight into these questions. This Ember has endured for thousands of years, yet he maintains a relatively stable mental state and retains the ability to alter the material world. His existence suggests that the influence of Embers on the Shardverse may well outlast human civilization as a whole. And yet, these beings appear to lack the self-awareness that would enable them to shoulder such responsibility. We posit, then, that the true nature of Embers is unfortunately negative: they are natural disasters endowed with humanity, brought into existence by glunite itself.
The failure of the K-series cloning project signals that humanity's current level of technology is incapable of creating safe, fully controllable glunite entities on par with natural Embers. As long as they exist, these immortal beings pose a serious threat to humanity and the greater Shardverse. Fortunately, Acme's Lancers have not yet exhibited such tendencies一however, humanity cannot and should not place their survival solely in the Lancers' hands. As a pioneer of humanity and the pinnacle of technological advancement, Kepler must assume the responsibility of eliminating danger from the Shardverse. The advancement of our technology and knowledge is essential to safeguarding humanity's future.
