The existence of Immortal Fae, that is, Fae with two differing abilities are thought to be a godsend to those individuals who haven't attained Rank 6.
Not only does a Fae grow stronger the higher Rank it is, but the difference between a Rank 5 Fae and a Rank 6 Fae will always result in the Rank 6 being the victor. Even in regards to opposing elements, a Wood Attributed Rank 6 Fae would always win over a Fire Attributed Rank 5 Fae.
That is the division between a Fae Master and a Fae Immortal as well.
Having a Fae with two abilities is what gives Immortal Fae an advantage over Fae without, however, the ability generated during ascension is completely random, and could be something that counters the Fae's other ability.
A Fae that generates an intense heat, may gain the ability to generate an intense cold.
The two abilities can be used simultaneously to promote a greater outcome, however only increase the variability of the Fae Master, not the direct strength of the Fae Master.
The Winter Solstice Salamander, a Fae with an Ice Attribute, should not normally be able to use Time Attribute abilities, yet-.
"There is no other way to explain it. That has to be the answer. The Winter Solstice Salamander came back with me, as a result of me using its second ability. When I awakened my origin essence sea, the Fae automatically came back out, as a result of my awakening.... However, that should mean-".
Arthur closed his eyes, focusing his attention on his origin essence sea.
His origin essence sea was quartz coloured, an indication of his status as a Rank 1 Fae Master. The sea was currently gaseous, completely inert, floating lazily, a single gust of wind would blow the whole thing away.
Being a second-tier talent, Arthur would only have the ability to fill a certain percentage of his origin essence sea.
The sea itself was spread throughout his Mind, Body and Soul, allowing all kinds of Fae, from all walks of life to dwell within himself, regardless of the circumstance or needs of the Fae.
The origin essence sea was broken down into three sections, each measured differently as one's talent could be higher depending on how much of the origin essence sea was connected to the other.
'In my previous life, my origin essence sea was split up into 50% for the Mind, 40% for the Soul and 59% for the Body. Each section can contain 100% depending on the situation, for a grand total of 300%. My talents lay in the Fae whom reside in the Body, and my talent was lacklustre in regards to Fae who reside in the Soul'.
Such a spread was relatively common in the Kovacs Clan, seeing as though the original Ancestor of the Clan was a Fae Master who specialised in physical strength, it was only natural that his descendents would contain some of his traits.
But now-.
'With a second-tier talent the difference between how much origin essence I can contain within my origin essence sea is far greater than what I started with. My Mind can contain at least 70% of its maximum origin essence, and my Body can withstand 79% of its maximum.... However, my soul has increased marginally in comparison to the other two. It has only increased to 52% of its maximum, giving me a total of 201% out of 300%. The very bottom of second-tier talents....'.
Arthur didn't seem affected at all by the existence of his bottom-tier second-tier talent.
In this world existed hundreds, if not thousands of ways to increase an individuals talent. None of them available in such a small region like the Winter Rain Mountain, but in the huge wild expanse outside this mountain range.... There existed wonders thought impossible to the people that lived here.
Arthur had established his own Clan in his previous life. One that had their own Fae Immortals, and their own Immortal Fae as well.
He had seen first hand what these existences were capable of, and what possibilities were hidden behind the curtain.
'At least with this, things won't be as slow anymore. In my previous life it took me almost a dozen years to become a Rank 2 Fae Master. This time, I'll do it in one'.
Arthur had over a millennia's worth of knowledge and secrets hidden within his mind. If he didn't use it, then what good was said knowledge in the first place?
"Randolf Kovacs, first-tier talent. Origin Fae, Crimson Fae!".
Shouts and screams came from the group of young talents beside him.
First tier talents were rare within such a place as Parachenko Village. Perhaps only one or two every decade would come around.
Having a higher talent didn't just mean that the possibility of you reaching a higher Rank was greater, it also meant that the amount of origin essence in your origin essence sea far exceeded that of the other people your age.
For example, out of the 300% that made up his origin essence sea, Arthur could only use two-thirds of it.
300% to 250% made up the first-tier talents.
249% to 200% made up the second-tier talents.
199% to 150% made up the third tier-talents.
149% to 100% made up the fourth-tier talents.
Anything below this was considered a bottom-tier talent, and their possibility for reaching anything higher than Rank 1 Peak was pretty much impossible.
Since Arthur's origin essence sea was 201% filled, he could only use 201% quartz origin essence.
On the contrary, this Randolf Kovacs could use upwards of 250% of his own origin quartz essence.
In an even battle, with both parties using the same Fae to attack each other, Arthur would have the disadvantage.
His origin essence would run out far before his opponents would, leaving him open to an attack.
That was the advantage of having a higher talent.
Arthur could see his Father nodding slightly, glancing to the Elders who were whispering amongst themselves.
They were definitely arguing about who would raise such a talent. Obviously whoever won would receive a higher amount of resources from the Clan, in order to supplement this genius' training.
Arthur wouldn't have to worry about such a thing, seeing as his Father was the Clan Head. So long as it wasn't over the top, or too often, he would be able to get pretty much whatever he wanted.
"Borik Kovacs, second-tier talent. Origin Fae.... Fiend Worm Fae".
"Ratimir Kovacs, second tier talent. Origin Fae.... Bone Sword Fae".
"Alina Kovacs, second-tier talent. Origin Fae.... Silent Butterfly Fae".
Other than Arthur himself, all the other second-tier talents that awoke, were descendents of Clan Elders. All of them could be discerned from the proud, expressions they had on their faces.
When the final young man awoke to a third-tier talent, the talent awakening ceremony had been completed, drawing the event to a swift, yet exciting close.
The Clan Leader stood in front of all these talents, smiling slightly as he nodded his head.
"The Clan will have a feast tonight in celebration of the talent awakening ceremony. All of you, and your families have been invited. For the next week you will focus on nurturing and growing closer to your Fae. Starting on the first day of the Rainy Season, you will all attend the lectures of the various Elders, who will teach you about the fundamentals of Fae. Be ready".
All of the young men and women nodded, heading out of the Awakening Cave with excited expressions on their faces.
Some showed sadness at the lack of talent, while others showed happiness, at the apparent fulfilment of their wishes.
Some were destined to fail, others for greatness. The direction of the Truth is something that all Fae Masters sought after.
"Mother! I have a second-tier talent!".
"Grandfather I have failed you, my talent is only third-tier".
"Elder sister! I have a third-tier talent, same as you and elder brother!".
Arthur stood directly beside his Father, gazing towards the crowd in front of him.
".... You have done well, Arthur".
The fifteen year old bowed, showing a hint of a smile on his face.
"Thank you Clan Leader. Your words honour me".
The Clan Leader nodded before looking down at the book Arthur held in his hands. A reminiscent smile could be seen marring his face.
"Don't ever forget the contents of that book Arthur. It may appear fiction, yet its words and phrases carry meanings relevant to all Fae Masters.... Perhaps one day, you yourself will find out these meanings".
Arthur nodded.
"For some reason Father...."
Gazing up at the sky, the boundless azure was visible, allowing the faintest echoes of the moon to appear with perfect clarity.
"I feel as though I already have".