“That’s after level fourteen,” Moe interjects again.
“Thanks,” I note drily, though I did need the reminder since I’m getting a little confused with all these levels and whatnot.
“So as long as I don’t reach level fourteen in my Shadow Domain, it should be fine?”
Lis nods. “There are plenty of Sons of Tenebreis within the Shadow Domain. Of course, the implication is that once you reach the Ascendant Levels, each level-up is increasingly more difficult, and for some even impossible. No one has reached Primordial Levels within the Shadow Domain since Urteos, however.”
Moe leans in just as I ask in a low voice, “What were the Ascendant Levels again?”
“Starting with Level Nine when one becomes a Son of Tenebreis,” she explains.
She’s definitely the better one at this, especially since she’s been transcribing all the information.
“Why is it more difficult, though?” I ask, frowning. Scratching the back of my head, I add, “I came here without a level and I advanced quite easily.”
“You consumed soul energy, Nyk,” Moe says.
“But it’s preciselybecauseof that I’m asking. In Tartareia, only Sons of Tenebreis are allowed to consume souls, so that means once they reach those Ascendant Levels, they should be able to advance fasterbecauseof that soul energy.”
“Yes, and no,” Lis replies. “One.” She puts a finger up. “Sons of Tenebreis are not created equal either. There are the regular warriors, and then there are those belonging to noble houses. Who do you think has more access to soul energy?”
“The noble houses,” I grumble.
She nods. “Two. After you reach the Ascendant Level—Level Nine for you—instead of metabolizing energy faster and better, the body slows down. It might seem counterintuitive, but this is a natural mechanism to ensure there aren’t too many overpowered individuals. Just imagine that—” she laughs,”—the entire universe would be a battlefield.”
“I knew that,” I mutter under my breath in asee-I’m-not-a-total-idiot-type of way.
Moe giggles at me. Lis barely gives me any attention as she continues.
“You are, indeed, lucky, because your genetic predisposition to energy absorption is on the higher end. But that does not mean you will not be met with limitations in the future. As such, my advice for you is to enter Lake Velor as soon as you get out of here. It will double your current level and give you the tools to hide your Abyss Domain.”
“Lake Velor is under constant supervision. How am I supposed to do it?”
“I am giving you advice already. You want a step-by-step plan?” She raises a brow at me and shakes her head.
“We’ll figure it out somehow,” Moe suddenly says and shoots me a look.
“Good. See that you do.” She nods. “Until then, you must learn hownotto reach for your Abyss Level. You must not use it again until the conditions I have told you have been met. Only then can you attempt to level it up.”
“But…” My brows knit together. “I didn’t reach for it this time either. It was…instinct.”
“Then we must take that instinct out of you.”
I stare at her.
“How?”
“If you will allow me, I can put a seal on you so that your domain is not visible to anyone looking. But that will also make it inaccessible.”
“…” I press my lips together. I’ve already had a seal before. I don’t think I can do it again.
“This is different,” Lis continues. “It will beyoursto control. I will give you the key to remove it. When you decide it is time to remove it, you will be able to do it yourself.”
“I—”
“Do it,” Moe whispers. “I think she’s right, Nyk. You don’t want anyone finding out about your domain. Since there’s no Primordial in this case, everyone will be vying for that position.”
“I understand, but… I don’t like the thought of another seal,” I say with a sigh.
