Three days after the assessment...
"System, ya know what? I've been wondering—what's so special about mana purity?"
[That question can be answered with the Eye of Knowledge.]
"Ah, right."
Luke slipped on the glasses, half-expecting some flash of magic—but they were just ordinary frames.
"Okay, so how do I use this thing?"
[Simply channel your mana, then either think your question or focus on one that can be answered.]
"Thanks."
He concentrated on the question What's the importance of mana purity?—and the drain hit hard.
"Ugh… I think I've burned through most of my mana already."
[That's correct, Host. For your current rank, such a question should be impossible to pursue. But with your 100% purity, it was just enough to get a full answer.]
As the system spoke, the knowledge settled in his mind:
Mana purity measures how closely one aligns with mana's fundamental essence—the force woven into the world's elements and laws. The higher the purity, the deeper one's bond to nature's order, granting greater command over elemental forces and universal principles.
- At roughly 1% purity, the gap between the user and ordinary beings is negligible. They barely scratch the surface of mana's true nature, with limited control and no grasp of the world's deeper mechanics.
- Once purity hits 80% or higher, the user stands head and shoulders above most cultivators and mages. Their mastery lets them shape the world more directly; their connection to elements and laws grows strong enough to forge their own place within the natural order.
- But 100% purity is legendary—achieved only by a handful of beings like the ancient Elf King. At this level, one becomes a child of mana itself, their very being an embodiment of pure magical energy. Mana is no longer just a tool; it is an extension of will. Reality bends to their command, as their intent becomes indistinguishable from the world's own.
With such mastery, they wield mana effortlessly, molding it to their desires. Their authority over elements and laws is absolute—even the strongest dragons and divine beings would bow before one who has bridged the gap between self and the universe.
"System… how the hell did I end up with this broken but absurdly strong body?" He gasped, staring in disbelief. "My foundation's even sturdier than the protagonist's—the one who's supposed to become the world's apex?"
How is that possible?
[Host, I do not know the answer to that.]
"Huh? So you're not as all-knowing as you make out?" He chuckled, sliding the glasses back into their case.
[Even the Eye of Knowledge couldn't reveal this to you. The being behind your body's origin is far more terrifying than you can imagine—I can barely fathom their nature or motives.]
"Wow…" Luke breathed, setting the case aside.
"But system—if I end up fighting the protagonist, you won't get in my way, right?" A slight grin tugged at his lips before he even realized it.
[Host, mortal conflicts mean nothing to me. This world is insignificant in the grand scheme. If you fall, I fall with you—but I will not interfere either way.]
"Good." Luke didn't notice the subtle shift in his demeanor, but his core traits were reshaping him from within.
Traits are what make every existence unique—not just strengths or abilities, but the very essence that sets one apart from any copy or mirror. Even small habits like how someone sits, or the way they think—these are part of the unchangeable foundation that defines a being. They are both a source of individuality and the bedrock of life itself.