The path of power, the route of universal energy arts, extends all the way to Level 6. Consequently, Level 2 is deemed insignificant.
Existing at Level 2 merely signifies that the individual possesses a functional mind and has engaged in some meditation throughout their lifetime. A Level 2 being holds no profound intricacies to explore.
Upon reaching Level 2, not only does the person's mental prowess advance, but their physical strength also undergoes enhancement. Achieving Level 2 requires expanding and fortifying one's energy core to match the dimensions of an adult human male's fist.
In fact, this represents the approximate threshold for expanding an energy core. It marks the natural constraints for those who lack divine attributes, so to speak.
Naturally, possessing a larger energy core equates to harboring a greater amount of universal energy within the body. The abundance of universal energy opens the gateway to utilizing abilities such as telekinesis or magic multiple times, thereby enhancing one's personal limits.
However, the true distinction arises in the utilization of inner and outer coverings, employed by those at Level 3 and beyond during their battles. This bestows a captivating spectacle of power for onlookers to behold.
The greater the reservoir of universal energy one possesses, the more onslaughts one can withstand without a trace of harm. Essentially, their protective coverings serve as a shield against these attacks.
And accumulating more energy within your body allows it to endure exposure to denser universal energy, consequently bolstering your physical strength.
Universal energy within a person's body continuously cycles. This perpetual circulation is why people can naturally grow stronger even without engaging in specific training. However, relying solely on this natural cycle would only prolong the time required to attain a higher degree of physical power.
The cyclical nature transforms into a recycling process through the breathing techniques employed during meditation sessions. This precise mechanism is what contributes to the densification and fortification of the energy core in people at higher levels.
Analogous to a broken bone remodeling into a sturdier form, the energy core strengthens through this continuous regeneration. This served as one of the misconceptions that a significant number of people from the past held. Yet, in the realm of universal energy arts, this falsehood paradoxically stands as a factual reality.
The recycled universal energy indeed gains incremental strength over time, albeit in minute increments.
The test for a Level 2 was as straightforward as the attainment of the level itself. Just as Triss had mentioned earlier, there existed a power test for it. Initially, it seemed too undemanding to qualify as a true test.
However, an issue arose with Leon.
'I'm not even a Level 2, though.'
Upon discovery of his achievements, particularly the impactful punch that resonated with a bona fide Level 3 guard, a Sand Tier guard, Leon's standing skyrocketed in the perception of others, especially catching the attention of their leader.
Triss's momentary bewilderment at that time stemmed from the realization that the person she presumed was trailing behind her had accomplished something beyond her own capabilities.
The pinnacle of achievement soared into the clouds, elevating Leon to the status of a prodigy in the realm of universal energy arts.
---
Look at their eyes. Is it, like, super tough to swallow as a fact? I get it, I've heard about power dynamics and all, but is it really that rare?
Hey, that guy wasn't even bothering to cover himself up in his aura, just his sword, you know? Well, he did that later when he was really going in for the kill.
Whatever, let's just chill and not say a word.
"Triss, are you sure?"
This leader seriously ain't buying it, huh?
"Yes, leader. He really did it. I'd never lie to you."
"I know that, but... It's truly unbelievable."
"That was exactly our reaction," Belenus also joined in.
Laima dropped the bomb by stating it as a straight-up fact, saying, "William even went as far as double-checking with his familiar to confirm it."
"Yes, leader. We owe our lives to his familiar. So, she's got all the details."
"I see," then the guy calmly approached me, "Good job, Leon. You've exceeded my expectations. You're a true genius in the arts," and I caught a real smile on his face.
I think now's the moment to just nod and say, "Thanks, leader," this should cover it, more than plenty.
And it looks like it totally worked. He just headed back to his seat with that smile still intact.
Now, as these guys are blabbering on about this and that, I need to sort out one thing in my head.
Yooo, my status skyrocketed in his eyes! He might even pitch me to the headquarters or something! Not sure if there's that kind of dynamics in Rebellious, though.
No matter what, being labeled a genius can only bring good stuff my way. Who knows, I might even snag a God's Bane as a mentor in the future. Yeah, let's gooo!!
"Leon, why are you laughing like a total idiot?"
---
"Just punch it."
Upon Claire's insistence, Leon prepared for a big one. His right leg is positioned forward, the left slightly to the rear. The left fist aligned parallel to his shoulder, in close proximity. The right fist mirrored the left, poised to take center stage.
Poooow!!
"Ah!"
"Nice one. Let me take a look, though."
Leon's fist seemingly manifested a painting on the boulder.
The impression it left wasn't overly profound, but sufficient to captivate Claire's gaze. This constituted the power test for a Level 2—crafting a fist-shaped painting onto a boulder. A seemingly straightforward and fundamental trial for an attainable level.
"Triss, now it's your turn."
"Alriight."
Pooow!
"Nice one, Triss."
"Did I pass?"
"Yes, you did."
"Niceee!!"
"Mike, it's your turn."
With ebony skin and matching short, neatly trimmed hair, Mike Fortune shared Leon's stature and age. While Leon considered him a friend, their encounters were sporadic due to their respective commitments to individual training pursuits.
Not only was he a striking young man, but his sense of humor made him someone everyone would desire as a friend.
"Sure, let me do it."
Pooow!
"You passed, too, Mike."
"Let's goo! I'm a Level 2 now!"
"You kids are really great. You rose up really well in a short time."
"Thank you, Miss Claire. But just so you know, my name is Leon, and I'm not a kid."
"Heh, is that so?"
"Since when bro?"
"Leon, just cut the crap, alright?"
"I'm just stating the facts."
"You look a little younger for that, my guy."
"You too? Shouldn't you be helping me right now?"
"I'm just stating the facts, bro."
""Hahahaha!!""
"Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you want."
The abrupt burst of laughter persisted for a few seconds, eventually fading beneath the disapproving glances from Leon. To him, the so-called joke, if it could even be called that, didn't warrant such hearty laughter.
'Are they all idiots?'
"That was a nice one, Mike."
"Great to know that, instructor."
"Now, setting that aside, how much do you know about the Level 3 requirements?"
""Inner and outer covering.""
Triss and Mike received an approving nod from Claire. On the other hand, Leon opted for silence, deeming the question too obvious to warrant an answer.
"Why would I answer this question? She knows that we already know the answer; she's just asking for the sake of asking," this was his pragmatic thought process, and he proved to be accurate in his assessment.
"So, do you know how to achieve them?"
Tap, tap, tap.
"Sorry for interrupting."
"Tch."
Claire's displeasure was as evident as daylight, yet the handsome man remained oblivious to her reaction.
"Seems like you are doing great, Claire."
"I said it out loud so you could understand what I'm thinking."
"Haha, thank you."
He was visually impaired, sharing Claire's height of 1.80 meters. This young man sported the same fiery red hair as Triss, matching not only in color but also in size. His handsome countenance, with a pale complexion, boasted an elevated charm that could potentially captivate anyone with just one glance, especially when adorned with a warm smile.
"So, what do you want, Elrick?"
"The historian asked me to deliver these to Triss and Leon," and took out two cards from his pocket.
"You mean Rosannah?"
"Yes."
In an instant, Triss grasped the significance of that card, and without a moment's hesitation, she lunged towards it, exclaiming, "Money!"
"I thought we were just doing charity."
"Nah, idiot. You get a reward when you go on a mission."
"Yes, yes, you're right, Triss."
"Thank you, Elrick."
"Thank you and nice to meet you."
"You must be Leon."
"How you doing, Mister Dark Knight?"
"It's all good, Mike. How about you?"
"I'm a Level 2 now!"
"Haha, good job there. Keep it up, alright?"
"I will be a God's Bane in the future!"
"We all know you will, and everyone else here too."
"Let's put it this way," Mike, "We're all will be God's Banes in the future and overthrow the Gods!"
"Yeah! That's exactly it!"
"That's better."
"Right, that's great."
'How much is in it, though? I should be getting at least millions.'
---
Later that night.
As usual, Leon engaged in his meditation training.
Ding!
[Congratulations!]
[Your Universal Energy Arts level has been raised to Level 2!]