[The laugh would not have been unexpected, to be honest. It had been less of a threat and more of a general stance. It was better to make that clear right away than not to say anything at all. He just gave him a look in response to Emet's bold assumption.]

Now, why would I need to do that? You're powerful enough to figure out something so basic without my help. It wouldn't do any good to undermine your abilities, now would it?

[Sorry, he's not giving you any leeway.]

Aether is more than useless here; it doesn't exist. Dreamotion is basically the substitute for aether here.