Corrupted Aetherium appears as jagged, glowing shards of deep purple, with sharp edges that seem to pulse erratically with inner energy. The material gives off a faint, crackling aura, resembling streaks of lightning frozen mid-strike. Its surface is uneven and fractured, reflecting light in chaotic, prismatic patterns, and its glow intensifies in the presence of energy fields, creating an ominous, almost alive appearance. The shards are cold to the touch despite their energetic nature, exuding an unnatural sense of menace.

Corrupted Aetherium is cold to the touch, yet it emits a volatile, electrical energy that crackles unpredictably. The material is highly unstable, prone to releasing sharp bursts of energy when mishandled or exposed to high-frequency vibrations. Chemically, it resists most forms of conventional interaction, being neither soluble nor combustible, but it can destabilize nearby elements or fields. Its energy emission is corrosive, causing rapid degradation of materials or systems in close proximity. It reacts violently to pure Aetherium, generating destructive feedback that can destabilize the environment around it.

Corrupted Aetherium is a critical component in the creation of Subraxian Energy Alloys, specialized materials used in the advanced weaponry, armor, and power cores of the Subraxian Empire. These alloys combine the volatile properties of Corrupted Aetherium with durable metals to create highly resilient and energy-conductive materials.

Additionally, it serves as the primary catalyst in Dark Aether Reactors, where its corrupted energy is harnessed to power ships, constructs, and infrastructure within the empire. In psionic technology, Corrupted Aetherium is integrated into Aetheric Amplifiers, devices designed to enhance the destructive capabilities of weapons and machinery by channeling its chaotic energy.

Though its hazardous nature limits its applications outside the Subraxian Empire, its properties make it indispensable in their technological dominance.

Corrupted Aetherium is exclusively produced within the confines of the Subraxian Empire, as it originates from the deliberate alteration of pure Aetherium through Subraxian processes. While pure Aetherium is primarily found in the Aether dimension and, in rarer cases, in remnants on ancient asteroids or ruins, Corrupted Aetherium can only be created in highly controlled environments.

The Subraxian Empire has established specialized Corruption Foundries on Aetheria’s surface and in orbit, where Aetherium extracted from ancient deposits or harvested from interdimensional rifts is subjected to their dark refinement process. These facilities are often located in regions with high concentrations of raw Aetherium or near natural rift zones that link to the Aether dimension, as these locations provide a steady supply of the unaltered material necessary for conversion.

This exclusivity and its destructive potential make Corrupted Aetherium tightly controlled and unavailable outside Subraxian domains, furthering its mystique and central role in their technological and military superiority.

Corrupted Aetherium does not naturally occur and cannot be traced to any specific ore, tree, or biological source. Its origin lies in the deliberate transformation of pure Aetherium, a substance native to the Aether dimension, into its corrupted form through a refinement process developed by Lord Subrax.

Pure Aetherium, often found in crystalline or plasmatic states within the Aether dimension, or occasionally embedded in ancient asteroids and interdimensional fissures, serves as the base material. The corruption process, involving exposure to destabilizing psionic frequencies and controlled energy manipulations, imbues the pure Aetherium with its volatile, lightning-like properties and malevolent nature, giving rise to the substance known as Corrupted Aetherium. Thus, its existence is entirely dependent on the intentional actions of Subraxian engineers and their arcane refinement techniques.

Corrupted Aetherium, unlike its pure counterpart, is inherently unstable. It does not naturally deteriorate over time but instead reacts violently when exposed to improper containment or significant energy fluctuations. Its "half-life" depends on environmental conditions and usage; in controlled environments, such as Subraxian energy cores, it can maintain its potency for centuries. However, if left uncontained or improperly shielded, it rapidly destabilizes, releasing destructive bursts of chaotic energy.

When used in devices or psionic enhancements, Corrupted Aetherium depletes at a variable rate, directly correlating to the intensity of its application. Once depleted, it leaves behind inert remnants, often brittle and devoid of their original energy signature, rendering them useless for further refinement or reuse. While not radioactive in the traditional sense, its volatility and tendency to emit unstable energy make handling and storage critical to preserving its integrity.

Corrupted Aetherium’s history is intricately tied to the rise of Lord Subrax, who discovered and developed the process of corruption entirely on his own. Before his intervention, Aetherium was known only in its pure form, a manifestation of boundless potential and balance within the Aether dimension. The Ancient Aetherians themselves had no part in its corruption, using pure Aetherium solely to fuel their harmonious and advanced civilization.

When Subrax was resurrected and exposed to the latent power of Aetherium, he sought to manipulate it for his purposes. Through a combination of psionic mastery, technological ingenuity, and relentless experimentation, he created the process to corrupt Aetherium. By introducing instability into its structure and disrupting its natural harmony, Subrax transformed it into a chaotic and volatile form that amplified its energy output at the cost of stability. This transformation turned the once-neutral material into a potent tool for destruction and control.

The corrupted variant became the foundation for the Subraxian Empire’s dominance. Its chaotic energy was harnessed to power weapons of unprecedented devastation, fuel interstellar war machines, and drive the empire's rapid expansion. Subrax's discovery of corruption marked a turning point in history, introducing a material that not only fueled his conquest but also became synonymous with his empire’s terrifying reputation.

Outside the Subraxian Empire, Corrupted Aetherium was regarded with a mixture of dread and fascination. It symbolized the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and the cost of sacrificing harmony for power. Subrax’s innovation remains a pivotal moment in the annals of interstellar history, shaping the course of civilizations across dimensions. It stands as a testament to both the brilliance and danger of those who dare to reshape the very nature of the universe for their ends.

Corrupted Aetherium was first created and harnessed by Lord Subrax, a brilliant and ruthless figure who rose to power after his resurrection on the planet Aetheria. Following his transformation through the energies of Pure Aetherium, Subrax became captivated by its potential and sought to unlock methods to refine and weaponize its power. Through extensive experimentation, he developed a process to corrupt Pure Aetherium, altering its intrinsic properties to produce an energy form that was easier to control and capable of immense destructive output.

Subrax initially deployed Corrupted Aetherium within the burgeoning Subraxian Empire, using it to power devastating weapons, construct war machines, and fuel his armies' rapid conquests. This corrupted material proved instrumental in enabling the Subraxian Empire’s dominance, making it a cornerstone of their technological and military advancements.

The discovery of Corrupted Aetherium marked a pivotal moment in intergalactic history, introducing a material that could rival Pure Aetherium in power but was driven by destruction rather than creation. This duality between the two forms of Aetherium continues to define the conflict between civilizations that seek to wield its potential.

Corrupted Aetherium is deeply embedded in the military and technological fabric of the Subraxian Empire, serving as the foundation for its overwhelming power and dominance. At the pinnacle of its use is Lord Subrax himself, who employs a custom-engineered suit physically integrated into his body. This suit, connected by a network of tubes, circulates liquid Corrupted Aetherium directly into his bloodstream, augmenting his physical capabilities far beyond natural limits. The corrupted energy coursing through him enables feats of superhuman strength and speed, while the suit channels the energy to generate protective force fields and unleash devastating bolts of energy resembling crackling purple lightning.

This technology extends to the rank-and-file soldiers of the Subraxian Empire, who utilize similar, albeit less advanced, enhancements. Foot soldiers are equipped with gear that introduces small amounts of Corrupted Aetherium into their systems, boosting their combat endurance and granting them limited energy-based abilities. The level of enhancement increases with rank; higher-ranking officers wield more sophisticated augmentations, allowing them to harness greater destructive power and reinforcing their status within the Empire's hierarchy.

Corrupted Aetherium's use as a liquid energy source makes it indispensable for powering advanced weaponry, from handheld plasma rifles that discharge destructive beams to heavy artillery capable of leveling entire cities. It also fuels the Empire's war machines, including energy-based tanks and aerial vehicles, enabling them to dominate battlefields.

The Subraxian military infrastructure relies heavily on the controlled manipulation of Corrupted Aetherium, shaping its forces into a terrifying juggernaut of destruction. Its integration into both the individual soldier and the machinery of war reflects the Empire's ruthless efficiency and its commitment to using corruption as a tool of absolute power.

Corrupted Aetherium holds profound cultural and symbolic significance within the Subraxian Empire, representing the ethos of domination, power, and the relentless pursuit of control. Unlike its pure counterpart, which is revered for fostering life and growth, Corrupted Aetherium embodies the Empire’s philosophy of strength through destruction and subjugation. It has become an integral part of the Empire's identity, shaping both its military doctrines and societal structure.

The substance is at the heart of numerous imperial rituals, particularly those tied to military promotion and leadership ascension. High-ranking officials and generals undergo elaborate ceremonies in which greater levels of Corrupted Aetherium are integrated into their bodies through specialized suits or implants, symbolizing their elevated status and dedication to the Empire. These rites, often conducted in the shadow of massive Aetherium refineries, blend technology and tradition, reinforcing the material's centrality to the Empire's way of life.

Among the Subraxian elite, Corrupted Aetherium is also seen as a marker of divine favor, reflecting Lord Subrax's mastery over the corruption process. The material is revered as a gift from their leader, and its use is often framed as a sacred duty. This belief permeates the culture, fostering loyalty and ensuring that the populace views the destruction wrought by Corrupted Aetherium as a necessary sacrifice for the Empire's glory.

On the battlefield, the use of Corrupted Aetherium carries a ritualistic undertone, with soldiers channeling the energy to intimidate and overwhelm their enemies. War chants and ceremonial battle formations often incorporate displays of the material's power, such as synchronized bursts of energy or the creation of temporary force fields, symbolizing unity and invincibility.

Even in architecture and art, Corrupted Aetherium is utilized as a statement of dominance. Monuments, imperial banners, and ceremonial weapons are infused with its signature purple glow, serving as a constant reminder of the Empire’s strength and its leader’s unparalleled ingenuity. Its sharp, crackling energy has become synonymous with the Subraxian Empire itself, a visual and auditory representation of their unyielding grip on power.

Corrupted Aetherium has become the backbone of the Subraxian Empire's industrial and technological advancements, its properties leveraged to create powerful tools of conquest and domination. Unlike Pure Aetherium, which is primarily associated with nurturing and growth, Corrupted Aetherium's volatile and destructive nature makes it ideal for fueling the Empire’s militaristic and expansionist goals.

In manufacturing, Corrupted Aetherium is a critical component in the construction of advanced weaponry, ranging from personal energy rifles to massive ship-mounted cannons capable of decimating fleets. Its unique ability to generate destructive energy makes it irreplaceable in creating devices that harness and amplify its raw power. Additionally, it is used to forge armor and combat suits that integrate energy conduits, enhancing the wearer’s strength and resilience while allowing for offensive capabilities like energy bursts and force fields.

The material also plays a pivotal role in infrastructure projects designed to support the Empire’s dominance. It is used in the construction of massive energy grids and reactors, providing a nearly inexhaustible source of power for the Empire’s cities and warships. Corrupted Aetherium’s stability in its processed forms allows it to be incorporated into the design of refineries, factories, and mobile command centers, enabling the rapid deployment of resources and technology to newly conquered territories.

In refining and engineering, Corrupted Aetherium is combined with other metals and alloys to create highly durable and energy-conductive materials. These are used in the fabrication of high-performance machinery, such as enhanced drilling equipment for resource extraction and reinforced plating for planetary installations. The material’s energy-reactive nature also makes it a crucial element in the Empire’s experimental technology, including teleportation gates and gravitational manipulation devices.

While its industrial applications have driven the Subraxian Empire’s technological superiority, the use of Corrupted Aetherium comes at a cost. The extraction, processing, and deployment of the material often result in significant environmental degradation, reflecting the Empire's disregard for sustainability in its pursuit of power. Despite these consequences, Corrupted Aetherium remains an irreplaceable asset, driving the machinery of conquest that sustains the Subraxian Empire.

Corrupted Aetherium cannot be used directly in its raw state and requires a meticulous refinement process to harness its volatile energy safely and effectively. After the initial corruption of Pure Aetherium—a process involving the infusion of chaotic energy patterns to destabilize its harmonious structure—the raw material undergoes further stabilization in specialized refineries. These facilities are equipped with containment chambers designed to isolate and control the hazardous emissions generated during refinement.

The process begins with energy channeling, where the raw Corrupted Aetherium is subjected to controlled electromagnetic and psionic fields to align its unstable energy for practical use. This step reduces its propensity for uncontrollable surges while maintaining its destructive potential. Once stabilized, the material is often liquefied or crystallized, depending on its intended application.

Liquefied Corrupted Aetherium is used in bio-enhancement systems and energy conduits, while crystallized forms are utilized in weapons, armor, and infrastructure. Each state requires additional refinement to ensure compatibility with the specific technological or biological systems into which it will be integrated.

Throughout this process, advanced filtration and purification systems are employed to separate useful byproducts, such as condensed energy residues, which can be repurposed in other technologies. The refinement process is critical, as improperly processed Corrupted Aetherium can lead to catastrophic energy releases or system failures, making the expertise required for its handling a closely guarded asset of the Subraxian Empire.

Corrupted Aetherium, while losing its psionic potential during the corruption process, becomes a potent source of raw, destructive energy that powers the Subraxian Empire's technological and industrial might. This corrupted form is central to the empire’s weapons and armor, as its volatile properties are uniquely suited for devastation and augmentation. The loss of psionic capacities in Corrupted Aetherium is replaced by an unmatched efficiency in producing kinetic force, explosive power, and sustained energy output.

One of the most prominent uses of Corrupted Aetherium is in the construction of battle suits like the one worn by Lord Subrax. These suits are equipped with intricate systems that transport liquid Corrupted Aetherium through reinforced tubes, directly enhancing the user’s physical abilities by infusing their musculature and nervous system with raw energy. This augmentation enables extraordinary strength, endurance, and reflexes while allowing the suit to project force fields and generate deadly lightning-like energy attacks. Subraxian soldiers utilize similar, albeit less powerful, systems, with higher-ranking officers receiving more advanced augmentations to signify their elevated status.

Corrupted Aetherium also powers the empire’s most fearsome weaponry. It fuels plasma cannons, energy blades, and orbital bombardment systems, where its volatile properties are converted into pure destructive output. In starships, it serves as the energy source for Void Engines, enabling superior propulsion and cloaking capabilities while fueling devastating armaments capable of obliterating enemy fleets.

Beyond its use in combat, Corrupted Aetherium supports the empire’s industrial infrastructure. It powers energy shields protecting planetary fortresses, sustains massive energy grids, and supports advanced cloaking and stealth technologies. Though it lacks the life-affirming and psionic properties of its pure counterpart, its industrial versatility and raw power make it the cornerstone of the Subraxian Empire’s dominance. The corruption process, while stripping away psionic potential, unlocks an unparalleled capacity for destruction and augmentation that defines the Subraxian war machine.

The refinement and use of Corrupted Aetherium generate several significant byproducts and side products, both practical and hazardous. During the corruption process, where Pure Aetherium is exposed to a controlled infusion of chaotic energy fields to destabilize its psionic resonance, a residual material known as Void Residue is produced. This residue is a dense, inert substance with minor radioactive properties, often disposed of in isolated storage facilities or occasionally repurposed for shielding in high-energy environments.

Another byproduct of Corrupted Aetherium is Aetheric Vapor, a volatile gas emitted during energy transfer or refinement processes. This vapor is highly reactive and must be contained immediately, as it can spontaneously ignite or react with surrounding materials, posing significant risks. In small quantities, Aetheric Vapor has been experimentally weaponized in Subraxian labs to create volatile gas grenades or energy traps.

In terms of secondary products, the corruption process often yields Fragmented Aether Crystals, small shards that are less potent than fully corrupted material but still emit a steady, controlled energy output. These are typically used in auxiliary applications, such as powering minor equipment, drones, or backup energy systems for Subraxian starships and bases.

The chaotic nature of Corrupted Aetherium also introduces instability in its energy output, occasionally leading to the formation of Aether Flare Residues, minute particles of unstable energy that are short-lived but highly dangerous if concentrated. These residues are carefully harvested and stored for potential use in experimental weapon systems.

While these byproducts can be useful in specific contexts, their management is critical, as they present environmental and safety challenges. The Subraxian Empire has invested heavily in containment and repurposing strategies, ensuring that even the waste products of Corrupted Aetherium contribute to its war-driven industrial complex.

The refinement, manufacturing, and usage of Corrupted Aetherium are fraught with significant hazards, both to individuals and the surrounding environment. The corruption process itself destabilizes the psionic structure of Pure Aetherium, releasing volatile and chaotic energy that can result in dangerous side effects if not carefully controlled. Unprotected exposure to this energy during refinement can cause severe radiation burns, cellular degeneration, or even death.

In its refined state, Corrupted Aetherium emits low levels of chaotic radiation that interfere with biological systems. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe neurological disorders, including hallucinations, paranoia, and eventual cognitive decline. This makes its handling highly restricted, requiring specialized containment suits and equipment.

The energy released during its use can cause spontaneous environmental disruptions, such as localized electrical surges, minor gravitational distortions, or the ignition of volatile materials nearby. The production of Aetheric Vapor, a highly flammable and reactive byproduct, adds an additional layer of danger, as any containment breach risks catastrophic explosions.

Furthermore, the chaotic energy infused into Corrupted Aetherium eliminates its psionic resonance, creating an unpredictable and inherently unstable material. This instability can result in energy surges or malfunctions in devices powered by it, posing a risk even to those who operate its associated technologies.

The personal use of Corrupted Aetherium, such as its infusion into Subraxian soldiers or Lord Subrax himself, presents biological hazards. Over-reliance on the material leads to physical and mental degradation, as the chaotic energy gradually destabilizes the user’s biological integrity. Symptoms include rapid aging, weakened immune systems, and a heightened likelihood of energy rejection events that can be fatal.

The risks inherent in Corrupted Aetherium make it a double-edged sword—an immensely powerful resource with the potential to wreak havoc on both users and their environment. Its use demands rigorous control measures and exposes the Subraxian Empire's reliance on it as both a strength and a vulnerability.

The refinement, manufacturing, and usage of Corrupted Aetherium have profound and devastating environmental impacts, largely stemming from its inherently unstable and chaotic nature. The corruption process, which involves destabilizing Pure Aetherium, releases harmful energy waves and toxic byproducts into the surrounding environment. This energy can disrupt ecosystems, erode natural structures, and contaminate nearby resources.

During refinement, the chaotic radiation emitted by Corrupted Aetherium alters the composition of the local atmosphere, leading to unpredictable weather patterns, including violent storms and electromagnetic disruptions. These changes can render entire regions uninhabitable, as flora and fauna are unable to adapt to the rapidly shifting conditions.

The byproducts of Corrupted Aetherium refinement, such as Aetheric Vapor and unstable residue particles, are highly reactive and contaminate soil and water sources. This contamination poisons ecosystems, leading to the extinction of sensitive species and creating barren, desolate zones incapable of supporting life. Prolonged exposure to these byproducts can also result in bioaccumulation in surviving organisms, causing mutations and further destabilizing food chains.

In areas where Corrupted Aetherium is extensively utilized, such as battlefields or industrial zones within the Subraxian Empire, lingering energy emissions create long-lasting Aetheric Scars. These are regions of environmental instability where normal energy flows are disrupted, leading to phenomena such as perpetual storms, glowing wastelands, or areas of anomalous gravity. These scars can persist for centuries, preventing natural recovery and marking the land as permanently altered.

The chaotic nature of Corrupted Aetherium also affects planetary magnetic fields and energy grids, destabilizing planetary infrastructure and creating cascading effects that further degrade environmental stability. This makes it a uniquely destructive force, not only for its immediate impact but for its long-term consequences on the ecosystems and planetary systems where it is used.

The Subraxian Empire’s reliance on Corrupted Aetherium underscores its disregard for environmental consequences, prioritizing power and dominance over sustainability. The material’s environmental toll serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in exploiting such unstable and destructive energy sources.

Corrupted Aetherium is a non-recyclable resource that is completely spent upon use. Unlike its pure counterpart, which retains some of its psionic potential even after utilization, Corrupted Aetherium undergoes an irreversible transformation during its consumption. Once depleted, it dissipates into chaotic, inert energy fragments that cannot be reassembled or reused.

This inherent inefficiency reflects the destructive nature of the corruption process, which prioritizes immediate power and accessibility over sustainability. The Subraxian Empire’s reliance on Corrupted Aetherium underscores this philosophy, as its soldiers, technologies, and war machines are designed for maximum impact without regard for resource conservation. The absence of reusability contributes to the material's environmental toll and the relentless demand for new sources, driving the Subraxian Empire's aggressive expansion and exploitation.

Corrupted Aetherium is exclusively controlled and distributed by the Subraxian Empire, which monopolizes its production and use. As a militarized and expansionist state, the empire does not sell Corrupted Aetherium on open markets but instead reserves it for internal use to fuel its war efforts, power its technologies, and maintain its control over subjugated territories.

The material is not considered a luxury or staple in traditional economic terms but is instead an exotic and strategic resource, vital to the empire's dominance. Access to Corrupted Aetherium within the Subraxian hierarchy is tightly regulated, with higher-ranking officials and elite military units granted more advanced and potent applications of the material to reflect their status and contributions to the empire's goals.

Outside the empire, Corrupted Aetherium is a feared and enigmatic substance, its destructive nature and rarity making it an object of both dread and fascination. Black-market trade in fragmented, impure forms of Corrupted Aetherium occasionally emerges, fueled by rogue elements or deserters seeking personal gain. However, such transactions are perilous, as the material is unstable and closely monitored by the empire's security forces, ensuring that its secrets remain tightly guarded.

Corrupted Aetherium requires highly specialized containment systems to safely store and transport it, as the material is both volatile and corrosive. In its liquid state, it is stored in reinforced, pressurized containment units made from alloy composites resistant to its corrosive properties. These tanks are lined with energy-dampening materials to stabilize the volatile energy emissions and prevent leakage.

For storage in its other forms, such as plasma or particulate states, specialized containment fields are employed. These fields are generated by high-energy emitters that maintain precise temperature and pressure conditions, ensuring the material does not destabilize or react unpredictably with the environment.

Because of its dangerous properties, Corrupted Aetherium storage facilities are typically located in isolated, heavily fortified areas within Subraxian strongholds or on dedicated transport vessels. These facilities are equipped with advanced monitoring systems to detect any containment breaches, and automated safety protocols are in place to neutralize the material in case of an emergency. Transporting Corrupted Aetherium requires similar precautions, with armored convoys or shielded starships ensuring its security and stability during transit.

Corrupted Aetherium is a resource of significant contention within the galaxy, and its regulation is a point of strict oversight, particularly by the Interstellar Trade Federation (ITF). This governing body, responsible for overseeing intergalactic commerce and maintaining trade stability, has officially banned the trade, possession, and use of Corrupted Aetherium in all territories under its jurisdiction. The ITF classifies the material as a "Category Black Resource," citing its environmental hazards, inability to be recycled, and devastating potential for misuse in weaponry.

Within the Subraxian Empire, however, Corrupted Aetherium is a cornerstone of their military and technological infrastructure. It is tightly regulated and monopolized by the state, with production, refinement, and deployment occurring only in heavily guarded facilities. Every gram of the material is accounted for, and those authorized to handle it undergo rigorous scrutiny. Unauthorized use or theft is met with immediate and severe punishment, ensuring the empire's control over its most critical asset.

The ITF's efforts to prevent the proliferation of Corrupted Aetherium have led to frequent conflicts with the Subraxian Empire. Diplomatic relations are strained, with the ITF condemning the empire's use of the material while deploying strict blockades and inspections near Subraxian borders to curb its smuggling. Despite these measures, a black market for Corrupted Aetherium persists in lawless sectors and among rogue factions eager to harness its destructive capabilities. These illicit dealings are a constant thorn in the ITF's efforts to maintain galactic peace.

The Subraxian Empire remains unapologetic in its reliance on Corrupted Aetherium, viewing the ITF’s regulations as interference in their sovereign affairs. This dynamic creates a volatile atmosphere, with Corrupted Aetherium serving as both a symbol of the empire's power and a source of intergalactic tension.