Vlad's statement about bloodlines was correct. Bloodlines are indeed a cornerstone of individual strength and identity in the new world, especially in human civilization. A powerful bloodline can accelerate advancement through the levels, grant a myriad of abilities, and enhance the strength of one's descendants.
According to Asmael's memories, the most powerful families in human civilization are very cautious with their bloodlines. They would not allow their descendants to mate with someone from a weak bloodline.
As for Vlad and Jormungandr having a Guardian Tier Bloodline, that was not true. Jormungandr had no bloodline at all, and Vlad's Thunder Lord Bloodline was so thin and feeble that it could at most be considered a Mortal Tier Bloodline. The key to their power was their Depravita Racial Heritage, but revealing that would raise too many questions, and Vlad did not trust them enough to share such important and sensitive knowledge.
After that, Vlad turned to Mirena, and the woman took a deep breath before speaking to the group.
"My name is Mirena Goldstier. I am a Level 1 Mage. I do not have a bloodline, but I have a Gift named Magnetic Master. I can take control of the metal around me, and if I use my magic, I can make them accelerate and attack with great power."
Vlad had already seen the woman's ability, but it was the first time for most of the group, and they looked at Mirena with awe. The ability to control metal with one's mind was certainly amazing and seemed straight out of a comic book.
"Well, I am Cazan Goldstier. I am a Level 1 Warrior. I also lack a bloodline but have a Gift named Metallic Embodiment. It allows me to transform my body into living metal for a limited time. This transformation not only grants immense strength and defense but also radically enhances my physical capabilities as I can move much faster and strike with greater power."
Once again, the group was surprised by the brother and sister's amazing Gifts. Vlad also thought the same since those Gifts had immense room for evolution, and during his transformation, Cazan had an even stronger body than him.
Of course, while Cazan's body was stronger, that did not mean he could defeat Vlad, not to mention that such a fantastic ability was bound to consume a lot of energy.
Vlad then turned his gaze to the scrawny soldier who was the first to step forward. The soldier immediately adopted a formal position as he saluted and spoke.
"Frank Northstar. Level 1 Mage. I have a Gift named Ember Shot that allows me to generate and discharge small, concentrated projectiles of fire. However, besides their speed, the fire projectiles are not very useful, and even Magic Missile is stronger and consumes as much magic. I normally fight from the sidelines, firing from there using my spells."
Unlike the metallic brother and sister, Frank's ability left much to be desired and did not seem particularly useful.
Frank knew that his Gift was not really practical, and he no longer took it into consideration for his power, but he chose to reveal everything he still had as a sign of goodwill.
"Your Gift is very weak indeed. However, there are no useless Gifts; even the weak ones can find themselves extremely useful if you know how to harness their power."
Vlad's words brought a small smile to Frank's face, and the young man nodded. Even if it was just to encourage him, the soldier was glad, but things were not over.
"There are several ways to improve a Gift. Since they are born from our souls, channeling your Origin Force into the Sea of Consciousness will improve it. If you choose the right magic path and use the correct tools, your Ember Shot could become a truly mighty ability that would become the core of your power.
I have some ideas, and once we return to the Silent Wind Military Base, I will help you."
If Vlad's words had encouraged the man before, now they filled him with thrill and excitement. One thing was to give a vague idea that your power could rise, and another completely different was to show you a path on how to improve it.
It was not just Frank who grew excited since everybody in the room could not help but smile. They chose to follow Vlad for plenty of reasons, such as the power he could unleash, his bravery against dangerous enemies, the kindness he showed to the weak, and his brutality toward evil. However, it would be a lie if they did not say they also expected the man to help them grow stronger with his sea of knowledge.