9 Marc Triem 1 (1/2)
”What is the difference between the three types of cores?” Edward asked as they finished the discussion regarding Spheres.
This time, Johan took a few moments to consider his reply.
As Johan explained, a picture coalesced in Edward's mind as he charted the relations between the three types of cores.
”Growth rate, lowest to highest, Aether, Spirit and Monster.”
”Artifacts can be activated by Aether and Spirit.”
”Spheres only activated by Aether.”
”Monster cores cannot activate either.”
”No notable differences between the Aether cores of various races.”
”Aether and Spirit cores can form a resonance which allows a spiritual contract via use of the right monster core.”
”Only grade 5 and 6 monster cores can provide an ability for artifacts/sphere users.”
”Some users prefer to socket a monster core into an artifact with a main socket system.”
Johan paused at the last point while his lips curved as if something humorous presented itself.
Edward raised a brow atJohan's expression. Johan coughed, ”It is a good thing that Divine artifacts cannot accommodate a main socket. I mean, that amount of potential power in one man's hands. It is disturbing to consider. Can you imagine, the power balance between nations determined by a single individual?”
Edward's face mimicked Johan's for a moment before his eyes misted over ”There are plenty of instances in my world where one man has determined the fate of a nation at history's cross sections. Just because they do not wield a divine artifact does not mean their impact to the nation was any lesser than divine artifact users.”
Johan raised his glass in response.
”I understand the relation between the three cores now, regarding Aether cores...” Edward asked as he sipped water.
This time, Johan did not pause before launching straight into an explanation, Johan described a system whereby the Aether core functioned as an intermediary which draws Aether power from the realm. The power is then channeled into artifacts to allow it to manifest in various different forms and effects.
”Aether cores are rated on a scale of 1-12. 4 and above are considered suitable to be combatants. Most Aether core holders are between 1-9. A qualitative difference exists between 9-12. Many of history's strongest have been known to have a rating between 10-12.”
Johan than followed up on addressing the key factors of an Aether core. The volume of energy it is able to draw in, the processing of said energy into power and manipulation of the power.
Johan stopped and mused for a moment before continuing on how the ability to draw and process Aether power is determined by how strong one's Aether core is. Most drawing and processing conducted under combat conditions are done in an instant. Manipulation is dependent on one's skill and not dependent on core strength.
”Is there not a way to overdraft the drawing and processing?” Edward asked while appearing to be deep in thought.
Johan's face turned grave as he answered, ”There is, for example via the usage of the ability Ignition, one can overdraw the volume of aether energy and process it. There is a heavy price to pay for using that ability though.”
Refilling the water in both glasses, Edward then asked how strong combatants with an Aether rating between 10-12 are.
Johan replied that as a rough benchmark, a person with a rating of 10 would be able to output the same amount as 10 persons with a rating of 4 under combat conditions. Many combatants that have reached Adamant classification have been noted to have a rating between 8-12.