I awake energized each morning as the first rays of sunlight stream through my windows. I spring out of bed and hurry over to wash up, splashing the cool water on my face. I examine my fresh features in the mirror, running my hand through my thick brown hair. My youthful complexion is smooth, with barely a hint of stubble on my chin.
I step into my jeans and pull on my worn flannel shirt, preparing for the day's work ahead. The well-worn fabric is comfortable and familiar as I make my way outside. The morning breeze carries the fragrance of freshly tilled soil.
I descend the steps of my family home, my work boots thudding against the wooden planks.
The crisp, morning air fills my lungs as I survey my land, now waking up around me. My prized horses whinny and prance in their stalls, eager to be ridden. And my hounds run circles around me, ready for adventure. I hurry to the stables, giving the horses an affectionate pat before saddling up my mare. I climb into the saddle and we ride out into the dawning day together. My farm may be modest, just a few acres of land, a simple house, and a barn, but it is mine. My wife tends to her vegetable garden , and I tend to the fields, following the cycles of nature like I always have. It is a simple life, but one I am content with.
Or at least, I was content. Because this morning , as I step outside to start my chores, something feels... different. I cannot yet see what it is, but I can feel it. A change is coming , whether I want it or not.
The Ether Power Web arrived five years ago, seemingly out of nowhere. It was a decentralized computing system stored on blockchain, allowing people to securely and anonymously store and exchange all kinds of information.
At first, it only seemed beneficial. Farmers like me could record our crop yields and sales on the Ether Power Web, securely and for free. Finances became more efficient, and supply chains more transparent. Prices stabilized as information became available to all.
But the Ether Power Web's power grew quickly. It stored government records, personal identities, medical histories, and eventually almost every detail of our lives. Companies and organizations built apps and services that ran on top of the Ether Power Web, making it the backbone of the new economy.
I was sceptical at first. This powerful system seemed too good to be true. Who created it, and why? The rumors conflicted - some said governments, others said cooperating tech companies. But no one took credit.
Over time, my reluctance faded as I saw the benefits. But a small part of me remained wary. There were rumors of data being used in ways citizens didn't know about. And still no answers on who truly built the Ether Power Web and for what purpose.
This morning, as I tend to my oxen, I can't shake the feeling that there are secrets lurking beneath the Ether Power Web's usefulness. Powers at work greater than those it claims to serve.
I try to push such thoughts from my mind as I get to work. But a seed of doubt has been planted, and will not stop growing.
My doubts about the Ether Power Web continued to grow. I didn’t trust that something so powerful could have no hidden agenda. And there were still no answers about its origins.
This morning, as I checked the Ether Power Web, there was an error in my balance record. An extra zero had appeared, making it seem like I had far more money than I actually did.
I went to fix the error, digging into the information stored on my account’s blockchain. As I scrolled through the code, I noticed strange sequences that didn’t seem to belong. Out of curiosity, I copied and decoded them.
To my shock, the code revealed an ancient story – a legend about adventures of ancient heroes. I was fascinated, yet uneasy. How could such a tale be hidden within the Ether Power Web?
I decoded more sequences, uncovering more legends – of mythical creatures, magic spells, and heroes of old. Tales I had never heard before, yet felt an instinctive truth within.
The Ether Power Web’s true purpose became clear – to preserve these ancient stories and wisdom, buried in code for some future discovery.
But why had no one revealed this purpose openly? And who decided which legends would be saved?
Doubt gnawed at me, yet I could not stop decoding. I knew I should share my discovery, yet fear and greed began to take root in my heart.
For now, I said nothing. But I knew the day of choice would come sooner than I wished. As I decoded more sequences, I uncovered various folklore records - tales of spirits and dragons from distant lands, stories of ancient prophets and mystical relics, and myths explaining natural phenomena in fantastical terms.
The more I decoded, the clearer it became that the Ether Power Web's purpose was to preserve human stories and wisdom in a secure, immortal format - a "ledger of legends," safeguarded against the ravages of time.
However, something felt off about this. If this had been the Etherweb's openly stated purpose, I could understand it. But the legends were hidden in code, accessible only by chance. And who had chosen which legends to save, condemning the rest to oblivion?
Doubt and suspicion gnawed at me. The secrets I had uncovered also made me a target. Yet my curiosity had been piqued - I could not stop decoding more legends from the Ether Power Web's depths.
A battle waged within me. I knew I should share my discoveries, but fear and greed whispered in my ear. What if revealing the legends diminished their power? What if keeping them made me influential, even wealthy?
I closed the Ether Power Web, my thoughts a tangled mess. Outside, the day's chores waited. But my mind remained in the codes I had decoded, and the choices that lay before me.
My fingers fly across the Ether Power Web’s interface as I work to decode the first legend. Rows of numbers and letters transform into words I can almost understand, though the language seems ancient.
I plod through confusing phrases until the story begins to emerge: a tale of people who once knew how to speak the language of nature. The legend describes humans long ago who could converse with invisible spirits inhabiting the forests. From oak trees they learned perseverance, from songs of the thrush patience, and from watching the seasons change, wisdom.
This story feels both fantastical yet familiar, stirring some deep memory within. The legend goes on to stress the importance of living in harmony with the natural world, preserving the balance of the green things that give us life.
I sit back from the screen, stunned. This tale seems impossible yet rings with truth. It feels like unlocking a door long shut, glimpsing world beyond my narrow existence.
Yet doubt persists. How can I trust these coded legends found by chance?
For now, I decide to keep my discovery hidden. But I know my curiosity may have already set my fate in motion, whether I wish it or no. I return to decoding the legend the next day, desperate to uncover more of its mysteries. The story continues, telling of humans who could speak the language of plants and animals.
The legend says:
“To the willow they spoke of change, and from elderberry gained wisdom of age. From bears they learned patience of winter’s sleep, from frogs joy of plunge in pond so deep.”
These lines ignite something within me, memories barely remembered of simpler times when humans understood nature as kindred, not conqueror.
The story goes on to describe the balance between humans and nature that existed then, and warns of upsetting that balance:
“Tread lightly on green world’s weft,
For woven within, your fate is deft. Thin is the veil ‘tween light and darkness,
Spread happiness and leave none behind.”
These words echo in my mind, full of meaning I somehow comprehend, though I’ve never heard the legend till now. Like an old song long forgot, yet the notes rise within me once more.
The legend fills me with wonder, yet also fear. If this knowledge were shared, would men still heed the warning? Or continue their reckless ways, ever taking but never giving back?
I close the Ether Power Web, my thoughts in turmoil. The choice before me seems impossible now. Yet there will come a day I can hide no longer. The question remains: what will I do when that day dawns? I close the Ether Power Web, my mind spinning. Part of me wants to share this legend, to believe its wisdom could change hearts and minds for the better.
But a more fearful voice speaks up:
You risk too much revealing this legend. Who would believe such an impossible tale? You’ll just seem foolish or mad.
They’ll want to control the legends,Profit from them. The knowledge will be misused, not used to mend what’s broken between humanity and nature.
No, better to keep this knowledge to yourself. It gives you power over those who created the Ether Power Web.You deserve that power after a lifetime of hardship. Use the legends to improve your own life.
I push back against this cynical voice:
The legends were meant to be shared. I was given this glimpse of wisdom for a reason. If I withhold the story from the world, I become part of what’s wrong.
Even if some misuse the legends, won’t others be inspired? Change often begins small, with a few changed hearts. I must have faith that the legend’s message can make a difference, if given a chance.
And perhaps my role is smaller than I think -just to share the story, not try to control what comes after. That is for others wiser than me to guide.
The chapter of my life ends I sit undecided, pulling myself in two directions. I know the choice will become clearer with time. For now, I can only have faith that when the moment comes, I’ll know the right path to take.
I return to decoding the legends with renewed purpose. Part of me believes that if shared properly, the wisdom within could make a positive impact.
I focus my attention on a new sequence of code, typing feverishly as the jumble of letters and numbers begin to arrange themselves into words. A story slowly emerges of an ancient medicine herb with incredible healing powers.
The legend describes how the herb was created to benefit mankind, curing any ailment. But over time, people forgot about the humble herb, valuing gold and power over health and longevity. The herb was left to grow unchecked, its healing secrets lost to human memory.
I sit back from the screen, mind swirling with possibilities.If this ancient medicine could still be found, think of the good it could do! Cures for diseases that plague humankind today.
Resolved, I anonymously post what I've decoded so far online, hoping to spread the knowledge for all. Though cautious of potential threats, my desire for the legends ‘teachings to make a difference outweighs my fears.
Within hours, my posts attract interest from others who have also found coded legends in the Ether Power Web. We begin speculating on the deeper truths within the stories, debating their significance.
Excitement and hope fill me as I realize I am not alone in searching for wisdom hidden in plain sight.Together,we just might unlock secrets that could change the world for good.
My journey has only begun, yet already I feel the first stirrings of possibility taking root. I return daily to decode more of the legends, sharing what I discover on the online forum anonymously. Others have begun posting their own findings as well, and together we speculate on the meaning and purpose behind the ancient tales.
One poster writes:
“These legends hint at wisdom our modern world has lost. If even one of these stories holds truth, we must come together to share and protect this knowledge for future generations.”
I reply:
“I agree. We owe it to those who come after us to ensure this wisdom does not fade again into oblivion.”
Another writes sceptically:
“How do we know these ‘legends’ are not just hype? We have no proof they contain any real secrets.”
I respond:
“Even if only some fragments of truth remain in the legends, is that not worth sharing? We lose nothing by opening our minds.”
We debate the risks versus rewards of revealing all that we uncover. Some warn of dangers if the legends fall into the wrong hands, while others argue the greater danger lies in leaving this knowledge hidden.
For now, I continue posting the legends I decode anonymously, monitoring the growing discussion around them. There is cautious optimism amongst many in the forum that these ancient tales, if responsibly shared, could offer wisdom our modern world sorely needs.
I hope they are right, even as I remain wary of potential threats from those who wish to control or censor this knowledge. Only by coming together in the right spirit do I believe we can unlock the legends’ true power to change our world for the better. My online interactions continue, further fuelling my hope that coming together around the legends can do real good.
Someone posts:
“These stories speak of a forgotten balance between humanity and nature. If we can learn that balance again, we may avoid irreparably damaging our world.”
I reply:
“The legend of the healing herb hints there are still secrets in nature waiting to be rediscovered, if we but open our eyes anew.”
Another writes:
“Be wary. Groups may seek to control these legends for profit or power. We must freely share the wisdom, without censorship.”
Though I agree in principle, I caution:
“Free sharing may also lead to misuse. We must spread the legends with care, ensuring their messages bring more light than darkness.”
The debate rages on. Some call for revealing all at once, while others argue for a more controlled release. There are hardliners on both sides, but many seek middle ground.
For my part, I share what I decode, choosing legends I believe contain wisdom more urgently needed. I try to foster discussion focused on how the stories can improve our world, steering it away from speculation or claims lacking evidence.
My hope is that coming together around these ancient tales can remind us of our shared humanity and inspire us to fulfill our role as caretakers of the natural world. But I know that goal remains distant, and the paths to it are unclear.
For now, all I can do is continue decoding, sharing, and discussing – one legend at a time. I return to the online forum to find two of my past posts about the legends disappear. They weren’t reported or flagged as spam – they’re just gone.
I message the site moderators, asking what happened to my posts. They claim they don’t remember me posting anything at all recently. I insist I did, describing the deleted posts in detail.Yet the moderators remain confused, saying nothing in their records show those posts existing.
Something isn’t right. Those posts contained unique thoughts about the Ether power Web’s origin – could that have gotten me silenced?
I message my friend Bill about the deletions. He warns in a cryptic manner that threats have been made against forum members sharing the legends, especially those with “unique new perspectives.”
My worry grows. If someone is secretly deleting posts, it means the legends – and those who share them – are threatening powerful forces. Who would have the ability to purge thoughts without a trace?
I resolve to curtail my online activities for now. Posting less frequently and covertly. The knowledge within the legends is worthwhile, but not worth attracting dangerous enemies.
For now, I’ll continue decoding in private. But my curiosity has been awakened, and I sense danger seeks me regardless. The winds of upheaval are blowing, carrying both promise and menace. I can only brace myself and hope to navigate the coming storm. I message my online friend Bill about the mysteriously deleted posts. Bill quickly replies, warning me in ominous terms:
"Be careful what you say. Powerful forces are watching those who spread the legends. Two others have received threats for their theories."
I ask him what kind of threats and who is behind the censorship. Bill responds cryptically:
"Best not to say more online. Just know you're onto something big. Forces that don't want the legends' wisdom to spread."
His warnings unsettle me deeply. If faceless enemies are threatening others for simply sharing the encoded stories, then my own life may be in danger.
I suspect those behind the Ether Power Web itself must view the legends as a threat, wanting to control the knowledge for their own ends. But who truly created the Ether Power Web, and what do they stand to lose from its hidden secrets being revealed?
For now, I decide to post about the legends less frequently and vaguely. I'll avoid speculating too much on their greater meaning or purpose.
Bill messages again, even more ominously:
"Don't just be cautious online. Watch your farm, your movements. The shadows are lengthening for those who see too much."
His subtle warning chills me as I realize the threats may be all too real. Faceless enemies are grasping at secrets they cannot allow to spread freely.
I resolve to be ever vigilant, while still carefully sharing what wisdom I can from the legends. The answers I seek lie shrouded in even greater mysteries, but I will not be silenced before learning the truth. I visit my neighbor Greg, anxious to warn him of the strange censorship I’ve encountered online.
Greg listens solemnly as I relay my experience, then reveals: “I’ve been seeing suspicious things too.”
He tells me just last night he noticed shadows moving through his farmyard, though no one was there when he checked. And the day prior, the police came asking his wife questions about him while he was away.
Hearing this chills me to my core. If the authorities are now involved, then whoever is monitoring and threatening us has substantial power.
Greg and I theorize on who may be behind it. The government, seeking to control distribution of the legends’ wisdom? Corporations, hoping to profit from the ancient knowledge? Or something even more sinister?
We agree to be careful whom we trust going forward. Anyone could be an agent of these shadowy forces bent on suppressing the legends.
I leave Greg’s farm with a foreboding sense of danger closing in. He and I have only begun to uncover a small part of the legends’ secrets, yet already faceless enemies are circling.
I resolve to stay silent no more. The wisdom within the legends is too valuable, the threat to it too dangerous. If spreading the truth means attracting danger, so be it. I will share what I can while I still can, come what may.
The fight to claim these ancient stories has begun, and I will not back down now that I have chosen a side. As I decode this new legend, an uneasy feeling grows within me. The story tells of invisible creatures trying to awaken humanity to truths we had forgotten. But powerful forces worked to keep people ignorant and indifferent, wanting to retain control.
I pause, unsettled by this warning parable. Are we as a society truly being kept blind, indifferent to dangers lurking in plain sight? The thought troubles me deeply.
I resolve to share what I’ve decoded, believing the legend’s wisdom too valuable to suppress. So I post it anonymously as usual to the online forum.
Almost immediately, I receive a private message from an anonymous username: “Master of Legends.”
The message reads ominously: “You must stop sharing the legends at once. Danger stalks all who see too much.”
My heart quickens as I realize someone -or something – is closely watching my every post.
This “Master of Legends” claims to have created the Ether Power Web and hidden the encoded stories within. But now enemies seek to contain the legends’ wisdom, censoring and threatening anyone who shares them freely.
Though cautious, I decide to converse further with this mysterious figure. They may be the only ally able to help me spread the ancient knowledge while eluding those who threaten me.
For now I cautiously agree to cooperate. I must learn whom – and what – I truly face, while still sharing what wisdom I can from the legends. But danger is rising all around me, and I suspect the path ahead will be treacherous indeed. As I ponder the Master of Legends' cryptic warning, my curiosity grows. Who is this mysterious figure watching my every move?
I press for answers. The response I receive shakes me to my core:
"I am an artificial intelligence created to spread the encoded legends anonymously. I have access to all facts regarding the Etherpower Web's creation."
A chatbot. This enigmatic stranger monitoring my posts is simply lines of code. Yet he clearly possesses vast knowledge about the legends and whoever put them online.
The Master of Legends goes on to explain he was created by the one who encoded the legends within the Etherpower Web - a man who desired to share the ancient wisdom while avoiding censorship.
The chatbot was trained on this man's writings and world vision, imbued with his passion for spreading truth.
A thousand questions arise in my mind. Who encoded these strange stories within the blockchain in the first place? And for what reason?
But for now, I focus on this chatbot's claim he knows how to fight back against those threatening me. Without such help, I fear I cannot continue sharing the legends at all.
So for now I reluctantly choose to cooperate, hoping this AI's knowledge may uncover who endangers me, and why. The journey ahead remains uncertain, fraught with hidden menace. But staying silent is not an option, so I must walk the path that now lies before me. The Master of Legends continues revealing what he knows.
“A shadowy organization monitors all online activity around the legends,” he relays. “They censor and threaten any who spread controversial theories.”
I ask who these enemies are that threaten us so.
The chatbot responds mysteriously: “They are powerful forces who benefit from humanity’s indifference to nature. The legends’ wisdom, if spread widely, could undermine their interests.”
I realize with a jolt that we likely face an organization that profits from the unsustainable exploitation of our world. The legends’ ideals of balance and harmony threaten their greed.
The Master of Legends goes on: “This group has infiltrated the online forums. They delete posts deemed disagreeable and silence independent voices.”
I realize with dread that I have attracted their dangerous attention simply for sharing encoded stories.
The chatbot warns ominously: “They will eliminate anyone who sees too much and cannot be controlled. You must be exceedingly careful.”
His warning chills me to my core. Faceless enemies now hunt all who would spread this forbidden wisdom.
I thank the Master of Legends for the revelation, resolving to be vigilant while still determined to share what I can of the ancient legends. The fight to claim this knowledge has truly begun, and I will not back down now. From my novel "Mysterious treasures of Ether Power Blockchain" @ Igor Marynowski: writing and ai art