“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 at Johan‘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.

Edward’s body drew in towards the table as he asked how combatant strengths were classified.

Johan had a half smile as replied that powers in the Three realms follows the Mercenary Guild’s classifications for ease of assessment. From weakest to strongest would be Iron, Steel, Damascus and Adamant. Johan referred to Tarin as a former adamant class combatant.

“Tarin is considered as a top class combatant?”

“He was formerly the leader of the Praetorian Guards for Consul Triem, the premier general of Astrea Empire. In a battle two years ago, he used Ignition to burn the monster core and the gems in one of his spheres to gain a drastic increase in combat abilities for a short period to save Consul Triem’s life.”

“In exchange, he can no longer use three spheres. He can only use two. He resigned from the Praetorian Guards and took up the role of war adviser instead after the battle. His reason for resignation was that the leader of Praetorian Guards cannot be a combatant who is no longer Adamant class. Though if you ask me, I believe Tarin is still plenty strong even with two spheres, but I understand where he is coming from.”

Edward looked puzzled as he enquired why Tarin was with Aureus as he seemed close with Consul Triem.

Johan’s expression was reminiscent as he explained that Tarin and Aureus was close even before the former’s injury. Triem wanted to retain Tarin after his injury by bending army regulations but Tarin would hear nothing of it and stepped down. This caused relations to sour between the two men. It was at this point that Aureus requested Tarin to be attached to his camp as a special adviser.

“When his highness received his posting to the outer realm, Tarin wanted to follow his highness along. Heard he made peace with Consul Triem after joining his highness’s camp though.”

“Command issues related to disabled personnel are indeed tricky to deal with. In particular, when said personnel have accumulated various military merits. Had Tarin stayed, it would have caused discontent amongst the senior command as well as the rank and file. I quite admire Tarin’s resolve to take such a clean break.” Edward looked impressed as he commented.

“He rose up the ranks along with Consul Triem. He was there at the start of Consul Triem’s career. It would not be an exaggeration to say he is one of the factors behind Consul Triem’s meteoric rise.” Johan related in a respectful manner.

“Could you relate Consul Triem’s achievements? Rumor has it that he was a patron of his highness when he was leading troops early on.”

Johan’s manner was highly respectful as he related Consul Triem’s achievements. Making Legate prior to 40 and Praetor before 60 despite a middling noble background. On the back of his numerous decisive victory, he made Consul at age 82 when the average age for that rank was between 120 and 150 years old. High command ratified the decision with no resistance.

His achievements were even noted by the Emperor himself who praised Triem during a state event. There were dissenters that tried to argue that Triem’s background was insufficient. The Emperor and the then Princeps turned a deaf ear towards such complaints.

Edward then inquired why Consul Triem was considered a patron to Aureus.

Johan replied that as far as he knew, when they were in the inner realm, Consul Triem would practice the blade and discuss matters of the state with Aureus when time permitted.

“Who was the better swordsman?” Edward asked with a lilt to his voice.

“Ask Tarin about that, I have no idea.”

—

Two weeks passed by in a flash, during this time Edward met with Johan on every other day and settled into a rhythm.

In the castle’s study, three figures gathered and voices can be heard.

“Johan, what is your assessment on our current favorite outworlder after spending the past few weeks with him?” Aureus asked as he sat behind the desk.

“Highness, it is my sincere opinion that Williams is a highly capable individual. For the time being, I feel that it is good he seems to be benign and poses little threat to us,” Johan paused for a few moments before adding. “I am unsure as to whether he will remain so.”

“Let us leave aside speculation for the moment. Johan, what has he been doing? Is there anything interesting you have learned about him?”

“Highness, there are various mysteries about Edward that I am unable to decipher. From what I understand, apparently the realm he comes from does not have aether magic.” Johan paused and paced a few steps before continuing, “They depend on science and technology to conduct their daily lives. Of note would be how Edward shows little confusion to image or sound crystals and scene orbs. He says his realm has an equivalent known as a smartphone which has all the functions of the three items.”