After the dreadful revelation, the Historian glanced at Cetas who had a glint of fear reflecting within his eyes. Cetas, who was sitting right-side of the Historian who was located on the table at the far edge, shifted his body uncomfortably.
The Historian then warned:
"That's why you must be careful in choosing your Origin, child. It is crucial to the nourishment of an individual if they wish to climb the path of a Zealot."
Cetas nodded, his eyes wandering around the intricate details of the wooden-table, admiring it with unfamiliarity. Then, the Historian continued once again, "In the early stages of being a Zealot, mastering the specific type of Origin that they possess is a venture to what we call as ascending. So, once you've partaked on an Elemental journey, then you must familiarize yourself with its concept. Only then will you have an access to ascension."
"Basically, an ascension is the process where a Zealot moves above the levels of Zeal. I've mentioned that the lowest level is Spark, right? So, once you've met all the requirements and familiarized yourself with the Origin, fulfilled your Flourishes, then you will have the opportunity to become a Seeker. Besides that, the existence of Stratas can prove a complexity in ascension."
"In order to ascend from one Strata to another - Unblemished to Acumen, for example - a Zealot must perform a task that we surface-dwellers call as a ritual."
With curiosity, Cetas focused his gaze on the Historian's eyes as he continued to speak.
"A ritual can vary from individual to individual, it solely depends on the Zeal and individuality of a Zealot. Worry not, an Unblemished's ritual is usually not that difficult. It can range from something simple such as enhancing your stamina for 30 days, to a more difficult ritual such as defeating a low-leveled Dreadspawn."
"Once, you've succeeded in accomplishing your ritual," the Historian softly clapped, "Then, congratulations! You've already become an Acumen of the lower level."
"Take note, with each Strata climbed, the ritual becomes more and more difficult. As I've mentioned, Skadi is on the verge of ascending to a Pathfinder, however, her ritual is not of mundaneness. Her ritual is finding a spirit of the winds, which is located at the deepest parts of Poseidon Depths."
"As for the uniqueness of Empyreans.. I'm afraid that information cannot be delved upon you right now. When you've become a Pathfinder then I will give the exact details and information to you from the best of my knowledge. Think of it as a privilege for now, you should feel lucky- aha!"
The old man then stood up and excused himself to get a glass of water, Cetas was relieved to have a brief time for contemplation. Just a couple of minutes ago, he had just been able to understand Heliosian, and now.. he was learning about a concept of an energy deep within every individual.
It was.. very overloading.
Cetas inwardly mumbled in the language of depth-dwellers, Once I've reached deep inside myself, only then will I become a Zealot like Skadi and the others. However, I must choose one of 3 Origins and stick to a singular path. Then, I'd unlock the sublevels called Flourish and only once I've utilized all three will I meet the requirements to ascend. Even then, I would need to familiarize myself with my chosen Origin and partake in a mysterious ritual.
What after that? What is my purpose for venturing on a path of a Zealot? Wouldn't it be too risky for me to do so?
Somehow, Cetas felt conflicted. However, a longing deep inside of him suddenly flared up. A longing for uncovering the mysteries behind his identity, a longing to search for his long-lost home, and a longing to finally return. Since he had already seen how dangerous the seas were, Cetas felt obligated to get stronger in return.
After a couple of minutes, the old man returned and sat in his usual position. Then, he squinted his eyes and spoke profusely, "Now.. Where did I stop? Oh- right.."
"I've already told you about the existence of Origins, yes? Now, a Zealot isn't merely limited to their Origin. In rare cases, your Zeal merges and forms into a unique byproduct. Think of the doctor, Jones, he harnesses a Zeal called Ether Zeal which is a product of Physique and Elemental Zeal. Once you've unlocked these combined Zeals, you can also enhance them using your Flourish."
"Although they are quite rare at the start, as you climb the levels of Zeal you will be exposed to these byproducts frequently. As such, almost everyone on the crew of Skadi possesses some sort of combined Zeal."
Curious, Cetas asked the old man, "Does that include you?"
The Historian smiled as if revealing a deep mystery within him, then after 2 seconds he answered:
"That does not include me. I am a master of the Metaphysical Zeal. I do not have uniqueness nor any byproducts of my Zeal. Also, I have not taken anything other than Metaphysical. Hence why my body is so weak and is now succumbing to old age."
With a hint of pride in his eyes, the Historian added, "I do not have any regrets whatsoever.."
Cetas saw his face, looking arrogant but invigorating at the same time.
Thus solves the mystery as to how the Historian possesses a vast amount of knowledge. No wonder! His exposure to the Metaphysical Zeal must've increased his capacity of information. Not only that, but his mastery of Zeal is awe-inspiring. Cetas, in amazement, complimented the old man in his mind.
The Historian continued:
"There are many combinations of Zeal and byproducts that are quite common among Zealots. However, some contain uniqueness that have not yet been exposed to the world. We are still searching for these unique Zeal that contain no presence in this period in time."
"Trailing off topic, our period today is the Sun Era 103 - the Age of Kings and Rulers. Dating 103 years prior, is the Age of Mystics, otherwise known as the Eclipse Era which lasted 500 or so years. Way before that was the Moon Era, which information up to this day is still being unearthed. But it is known that the Moon Era is known as the Age of Dread, where Dread Himself descended upon the lands and seas. Thus, causing the rampage of Dreadspawns and being consumed by one's Zeal."
The Historian shifted his head to the right, staring at Cetas with concern.
"I do hope that you get used to these terms as they will prove to be useful in your time here at the surface."
Cetas nodded in response, "Understood.."
"Good. Then, I'll give you a brief understanding of the world's surface as you are probably still unfamiliar with it. Our world consists of 5 main continents that I've briefly mentioned: Helios, Verdigian, Sylis, Reverie, and Nero."
"Although there are still islands which can be considered as countries, these 5 continents serve as the main trade of commerce, serving as the source of agricultural and economic strength."
"The continent you are in right now is Helios. It is the most abundant in land and the sun shines bright on it. It is said that the history of Helios' name stems from the Bringer of Light, not to be confused with the Zeal Level Bringer. The Bringer of Light brought gifts upon the land, sacrificing His own body to make it prosper. There are various sides to this story but it is said that His name was Helios, hence the continent's name."
"As for the others, I do think that you will understand each and every one of them in time. I'm sure that you will travel to them in the near future. However, I've heard recent reports that Verdigian has closed its borders, making it so that people from the outside and inside cannot enter or leave."
"Also..", the Historian briefly paused and reached forward, tapping Cetas on his forehead with his two fingers, "There."
"I am quite tired of speaking so I've imparted information about the Continent's hierarchy to your own mind. This weary body of mine seems to get weaker with each passing day. Perhaps I should unlock a Physique Zeal with my Flourish. Haha, that wouldn't be too bad!"
"Well then," the Historian stood up and bowed his head lightly, "I shall rest these bones of mine, child. Please do communicate with the others, I am sure that they will find your newfound comprehension to be.. exhilarating, especially Skadi.."
"If you may excuse me.."
As if limping, he struggled with walking. The Historian very slowly made his way towards a room with an antique wooden door adorned with intricate ancient patterns. Seeing this, Cetas stood up from his seat, and moved his body towards the struggling old man.
He felt that it was only proper to do so.
Noticing him, the Historian was taken aback, "My, my.."
Cetas supported the old man from the side as they made their way to the antique door. Then, after a few minutes, Cetas and the old man arrived and opened the door for him.
Cetas imitated the old man's action - bowing lightly. With gratitude in his voice, he said, "Thank you for taking your time with me despite your troubles.."
As if he were in a petty mood, the Historian brushed off his words, "Pah! I do not need your gratitude. Consider this as a debt, you must repay it by working on the farm like the others!"
Then, the old man entered the room and closed the door swiftly.
Cetas looked perplexed but moved on to search for the crew members of Skadi.
Behind the antique door, the old man sat on the side of a soft bed, carefully moving his legs in a safe manner. Under his breath, he muttered, "What a kind child."
He looked towards the direction of the door.
"Hm.. I wonder.."