Chapter 9: Perception
In his uncle's vast home, Arner sat on a couch that stretched from wall to wall. His expression was filled with questions… and wonder.
Arner: Uncle, as you said, the Patris test lasts two years. It focuses on physical, mental, and—most importantly—cognitive training… right?
Uncle: Yes, that's what I said.
Arner (to himself): Hmm… but…
Arner: Uncle, aren't there exceptions, perhaps?
Uncle: Yes. For example, fools can possess power and the opposite is true. Intelligence is merely a word that encompasses our mental faculties. But what truly matters, as I've said, is comprehension.
Arner (to himself): So that's it… then there's a chance I could be excluded from the Baropatris? Hmm…
Arner: Uncle, is there another way to gain power?
Uncle (with a serious face, to himself): I don't think he'll fail to become a Baropatris. In fact, I'm certain he will, given his behavior. He searches, he questions, and he's quick-witted. Still, he has a flaw… I think he asked about another source of power out of caution? Or curiosity? Or something else?
Uncle: Well, Arner, there is another system of power—but I strongly advise you against it. Understood? That said, I believe you're more than capable of becoming a Baropatris.
Arner (to himself): Another system of power? But why didn't he say what it was and only warned me? Is there something hidden behind it?… But I'll let it go for now. Uncle looked very serious when he spoke of it.
Card: Arner, I have something to tell you.
Arner turned his gaze toward Card, who leaned against the wall as he spoke.
Card: Arner, didn't you ask about the nature of crystal fields and how one acquires their power—or even what their abilities are?
Arner (to himself): Right… yes, I hadn't realized I was still ignorant of that.
Card continued:
Card: Once your category is determined by your level of comprehension, you enter a field or a rift and begin analyzing the energy around you. The faster and more intense your analysis, the more power is inscribed, and your specialization within your category increases. When you gain power, you create an ability from your own mind—whatever its function may be. You craft your own technique. This happens through a process called Formation, which takes a day or less, depending on the person's comprehension and intellect. During this, the person temporarily loses control of themselves—until the technique is conceived.
Arner's eyes widened, his pupils nearly bursting from astonishment…
Arner (to himself): How strange! So power has a price. First, as Uncle said, trying to enter a field that doesn't match your category can explode your brain. And now Card says that forming a technique causes you to lose control temporarily… Could it be that…?
Arner spoke in a calm voice, after taking a deep breath:
Arner: Card, I have two questions:
First: Can someone lose control of their body permanently—not just temporarily?
Second: Is the creation of techniques limitless? I mean, can anyone create a destructive technique?
Card (to himself): Good. I've steered him away from asking about the other system. Why, Father? You could've just said you didn't know of any other source of power.
Card: Hmm… yes, someone can lose control of their body if they fail to shape their power to match the nature of their technique. As for the power itself, it remains within the limits of the person's category and specialization.
Arner (to himself): Then I must train, as I've been doing with Card and Uncle, to prepare for the Patris test. Then I'll create a technique that helps me on my journey to understand the Map of Evolution… Truly, I must understand it.
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