After he nodded, she continued, “As a loose analogy, there exists a similar relationship between mana and magic. Magnetic fields, properly manipulated, can be used to generate electricity. Mana is similarly a natural phenomenon. Through various processes, it can be converted into magic. The reason no one on your world had been able to cast spells before the Labyrinth connected to it was not because they lacked ability, but because the mana levels of your world were so low that their bodies couldn’t use magic. Do you understand?”
Remy nodded slowly.
“The more mana a being can safely absorb, the stronger they become. They can increase in levels, gaining attributes and other points. They can increase in rank, something akin to what you call evolution. They can even increase in tiers, completely strengthening their State of Being.”
Seeing his confused expression, she spoke in an assuring voice, “This will all become clear. For now, what you need to know is that Telos has recently connected to the Labyrinth. Which means-”
“Which means,” Remy interrupted grimly, remembering Earth, “there will be monsters.”
“And they will become stronger as time goes on and more mana flows from the Labyrinth into Telos. If you do not grow your strength as well, you will be consumed.”
The gravity of that moment dragged out for long seconds before Remy asked, “Why did you call Earth a ‘mana void’?”
Sariel coughed delicately, “There actually isn’t a true classification for planets such as yours. Mana void is a commonly used term. They are also called ‘Nulls’ or,” she coughed again, “‘sad deserts.’ They all refer to areas that are so starved of mana that creatures within them have their growth and development stunted.”
“I was ‘stunted.’” Remy repeated slowly.
“Not just you,” Sariel chimed in quickly. From her tone, you could tell she was trying to help, albeit failing miserably, “Your whole race and every living thing on your planet. In fact, even the rocks and minerals of your planet were mana-retarded.”
“Hmmm. Mhm. Mhmm.” Remy made a few neutral noises while nodding too fast and processing her words. Sariel had basically just said that the entire Earth was so lacking in mana that they had all grown up bowlegged and nearsighted.
Seeing his distraught expression, Sariel tried to cheer him up again, “You should actually be quite proud. Mana-retarded environments typically do not allow beings to advance to your level of civilization. The low energy nearly always leads to a lack of connection to the environments such beings dwell in. That in turn leads to what is typically viewed as a deviant and self-destructive behavior. That trait can make the denizens of such environments turn on their own families, let alone society at large. The few civilizations that do manage to survive and thrive in such atmospheres are classically so wantonly cruel and vicious that they are viewed as an infectious threat to other civilizations. As such, they are typically quarantined and sterilized.”
Remy blinked, trying to process what she’d just said.
“You, however, seem very nice and respectful,” she concluded with a bright smile. “If you are in any way representative of humans on your planet, then it seems your people beat the odds and survived without turning horribly cruel!”
Remy stared at her incredulously. The accurate and woefully predictive description she had for human history notwithstanding, he wasn’t about to admit that he was indeed from a society that fit her description. No matter how he felt about Earth, he certainly wasn’t about to tell a cosmic being that his former home should be “quarantined.”
“Just as on Earth,” Sariel continued, “your new world will change quickly now that it has been connected to the Labyrinth. Connecting always causes an influx of mana. Monsters and beasts native to the world will rapidly absorb it. Their levels and ranks will increase. The connection will also cause cracks in the skin of reality, allowing monsters foreign to the world to force their way in. Given enough time, even higher tiered beings will appear. Your path will indeed be fraught with danger, but,” she said pointedly, raising one finger into the air, “all is not lost.”
“Unlike Earth, Telos is not a Null Planet. Though its mana levels have been low for millennia, it never fell to the depths of Earth. You, and the tribe you shall lead, will begin as Tier 0, Rank 0, Level 0 beings. The same shall be true of any enemies you encounter, and there shall be an even playing field, at least at first. I have not told you all of this to discourage you, but to encourage you. You must solidify your position quickly and never stop pursuing your power.”
“And how do I get more power?”
“I cannot tell you specifically, but you must never forget: a god is always tied to his followers. You must advance not only your own power but that of your people. It will be a balancing act, to increase both their power and your own. For even if you master whatever lands you settle in, if you remain a Tier 0 god, any Tier 2 or 3 being could render everything you hold dear to ash with just a snap of their fingers.”
Fighting on Earth had left a deep impression on Remy. He knew full well the hopelessness of struggling against a strong monster.
“Would I really be that helpless against a higher tiered monster?”
“There are no absolutes,” Sariel told him with a smile. “It’s the application of power that matters.”
“That’s something I can understand,” Remy said with a nod. “Of course, applying power requires a certain amount of intelligence and common sense, two things that I’ve never been able to take for granted in others. I’ve often wondered how humanity didn’t die out early. It seems like people have at best a fifty-fifty chance to make a smart decision.”
“Forty-two,” Sariel corrected definitively.
“What?”
“Forty-two,” she repeated. “Sapient beings only have a forty-two percent chance of making the right choice at any given moment. That particular question has been definitively answered.”
“Bu-. Bu-,” Remy tried to speak several times, but his mind was imploding with connections. “Are you saying…”
“We don’t have much more time. Heed my warning and increase your power quickly. You have leveled on Earth, so you understand the concept. You must not ignore your cultivation, however. This is how you progress your tier. Your first steps on that journey are called the Rainbow Path. It will require a great deal of time, but it must be done.”
“How long?” he asked.
“It could take a year or more to progress to the first tier.”
“I thought I was supposed to get strong as fast as possible. A year doesn’t sound fast. Isn’t there a better way?”
Sariel developed a coy smile, “It is good that you asked. I have always thought that those who do not seek the light of knowledge are doomed to die in the darkness of ignorance.” Her voice carried the hint of ritual, “As the worthy seek knowledge, so shall it be shared. There is indeed a faster way. On the day you claim your Chosen, a one-time price can be paid to take the first step on the Rainbow Path.”
After she finished speaking a prompt appeared.
You have been provided extra knowledge due to having reached Relationship Rank 2, Kind, with Sariel.