What Are Components?

Components are focused AI modules such as Prompt Optimizer, Code Explainer, and PersonaSim. Each performs a single intelligent task. From rewriting prompts to auditing code and returns a verifiable premium file (PDF, TXT, HTML, DOCX or MD). Every interaction is handled through an on-chain 402 payment pattern.

Think of Aetheron as an app store for micro-intelligences — self-contained AI units you can call directly with your wallet.

• Stateless execution (no memory between calls)
• Deterministic pricing per invocation
• Single output artifact per transaction
• Execution requires verified on-chain payment

How the X402 Protocol Works

X402 defines a new pay-per-use pattern for AI endpoints. When a component is invoked, the backend may return a 402 Payment Required response, prompting the user to complete an on-chain payment. Once verified, the component automatically executes and returns the output.

This ensures trustless access control — no subscriptions, no API keys, and no centralized billing.

1. Client requests a protected endpoint
2. Server returns HTTP 402
3. User submits on-chain transaction
4. User provides transaction signature
5. Server verifies transaction
6. Component executes and returns output

Payment-Gated Execution (Pseudocode)

The following pseudocode illustrates the high-level execution gate enforced by the Aetheron protocol. Component execution occurs only after successful on-chain payment verification.

request(component, input):
    tx_signature = client.submit_payment()

    if not verify_transaction(tx_signature):
        return 402 Payment Required

    if transaction_already_used(tx_signature):
        reject_request()

    output = execute_component(component, input)
    record_provenance(tx_signature, output)

    return output

This pseudocode represents protocol behavior conceptually. Actual implementations may vary across environments and networks.

Component Execution Model

Every Aetheron component executes under a strict, transaction-bound model. Execution is atomic, isolated, and directly tied to a verified on-chain payment.

• Each execution corresponds to exactly one verified transaction
• Components do not share state across executions
• No execution occurs before payment verification
• Outputs are generated once and returned as a single artifact
• Execution context is discarded immediately after completion

This model ensures deterministic behavior, prevents replay abuse, and allows outputs to be cryptographically associated with a specific transaction.

Output Verification & Provenance

Every Aetheron output is generated as a single verifiable artifact (PDF, TXT, HTML, or other supported formats) and is cryptographically associated with the originating transaction.

• Each output corresponds to one verified on-chain payment
• Outputs are linked to a transaction signature and wallet
• Execution records are logged for replay protection
• Artifacts can be independently verified after delivery

This enables trustless AI outputs suitable for audits, sharing, and downstream automation.

Example: Handling a 402 Response

    fetch("/api/component/run")
      .then(res => {
        if (res.status === 402) {
          return requestPayment();
        }
        return res.json();
      });
      

Connecting Your Wallet

Click the Connect Wallet button at the top. Aetheron currently supports Phantom Wallet. Support for MetaMask is planned for Q1 2026. Once connected, you can initiate verified transactions directly from your browser.

Ethereum and other chains will be added in future releases. Ensuring full multi-chain compatibility.

• No custodial access
• No private keys stored
• All signatures initiated by the user
• Wallet used only for verification

Do I Need Crypto?

Yes, Aetheron runs fully on-chain. You can pay using USDC or our native token, $AETH. This keeps everything transparent, verifiable, and independent of traditional billing systems.

$AETH Token Utility

$AETH is a utility token used within the Aetheron protocol as an optional payment method for AI component execution and agent access.

• Alternative payment method to USDC
• Used for component execution and agent downloads
• No ownership, equity, or governance rights implied

Detailed tokenomics, supply, and distribution are documented separately.

Built for Developers, Analysts, and Creators

• Developers: integrate AI logic into Web3 apps without API keys.
• Analysts: generate verifiable AI reports that can be shared or tokenized.
• Creators: purchase one-off AI outputs or automate creative workflows.

What Makes Aetheron Different?

• 100% transparent on-chain billing through X402.
• Each AI module is isolated, composable, and verified.
• Outputs are cryptographically tied to transaction IDs for authenticity.

Aetheron merges the reliability of blockchain with the creativity of AI, building a new category of autonomous digital labor.