Vlad’s eyes widened as he heard the words of the small yellow cat. He glared at Jormungandr, urging him to shut up and stop divulging his abilities to the other side. However, he didn’t have time to reprimand Jormungandr, as he felt the gaze of the Vikings, who looked at him as if he were some sort of monster.
"It was really you who made those Runic Sets?" Freya’s eyes were full of shock and awe as she gazed at the young man. She could understand his strength and battle skills—plenty of supreme bloodlines and powerful Gifts in the universe could grant those to even infants and children. Yet, being a Runemaster was something completely different.
Runecrafting, a blend of art and science, was a rare and arduous skill to acquire. It was not a gift or an inheritance but a product of relentless dedication and exceptional craftsmanship. Most who embarked on this path were Mages, drawn to its scholarly nature and the countless hours of magical research it demanded. If Vlad were a mere Rank 1 Runemaster, it would be a feat worth marveling at, but it could be understood and possibly achieved through a stroke of luck.
However, the young man was clearly above that level, having developed what seemed to be Rank 2 runes and displayed them in a Runic Set. Valhalla’s runic heritage was not that deep, but there was no way Freya or Grey Hawk could misunderstand how extraordinary those abilities were.
Vlad stared at the duo for a moment before shrugging his shoulders and nodding. There was no way to hide things now, but it was not a real problem since people would eventually discover the Xaos Kingdom’s runic warriors. Of course, he did not explain where his skills came from, as his identity as a reincarnator was best kept hidden.
Freya’s mind raced, trying to comprehend the magnitude of Vlad’s abilities. It was clear to her that he was no ordinary young man. To have such formidable powers, to be recognized as a World King’s Candidate within a year, and to master Runecrafting in a world devoid of its heritage, it was nothing short of extraordinary. She couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity for this enigmatic figure.
Even the old Viking began to adopt a solemn expression as he understood the caliber of person he was dealing with.
"By the way, you know about my runes, but I have no idea about those tattoos on your bodies. They share some similarities with runes, but their core principles differ." Vlad had been naturally drawn to the tattoos on Freya and Grey Hawk, as he had never seen anything like them, not even in the memories of his Second Past Life.
Of course, the A.I. Chip had already analyzed them, but their complexity was beyond its current capabilities. He only learned that they were deeply engraved into the carrier, much deeper than regular runes, reaching the point where they seemed to penetrate their spirit.
"These are not runes but totems. They are a blessing from the Odinvaldr, physical manifestations of his power and favor that vikings of Valhalla gain by embodying martial honor and striving for physical and combat prowess. As we defeat more powerful enemies, the blessing of Odinvaldr grows stronger, and our totems develop even more, allowing our bodies and spirits to evolve." Freya did not hide anything, immediately replying to Vlad’s question with a sense of purpose and determination, believing in her path and considering it worthy of great honor.
The young woman’s revelation genuinely took Vlad aback. The totems were a marvel to behold, a strength system operating outside the Level System, and seemed equal in power and potential. As he observed the energy flowing seamlessly through the vikings, it became evident that the two systems could harmoniously coexist.
Since it was so powerful and could work in conjunction with the Level System, Vlad obviously wanted it, but he knew it wasn’t so simple. People like the vikings of Valhalla not only worshiped Odinvaldr, but according to Freya, their souls and bodies had evolved thanks to his power, which might be the key behind the totem strength system.
’In the future, as the A.I. Chip grows in strength, I might be able to unlock the secrets of the totems. Fortunately, I have access to Origin Force to fortify my body beyond the Level System, so I do not require it right now.’ Vlad decided to push the matter of the totems to the back of his mind as he carried on to the next and possibly most important topic.
"My goal in Nagar Mountain is to find a Lightning Core. I need it for an important experiment. What are you after?" Vlad revealed his objective with a solemn expression. There was no point in hiding it; if both parties wanted the same thing, it was better to discuss it now rather than inside the dangerous terrain where there would be no room for discussion, only brute force.
Freya and Grey Hawk had also been wondering about Vlad’s goal, worried that it might clash with theirs. But as they heard he was after the Lightning Core, smiles appeared on their faces.
"I do not seek the Lightning Core. My aim is the creature at the mountain’s peak. Our Seers have identified it as a High Champion creature, and I have come here to vanquish it and present its body and soul to Odinvaldr so I can evolve my totems." Freya’s words were resolute, her eyes ablaze with the readiness to confront the creature at the mountain’s peak.
Vlad, however, was not pleased. The vikings’ goal did not conflict with his, but the fact that a High Champion was at the mountain’s peak did make things incredibly more complicated for him.
Although some might think there is no significant difference between a High Champion and a Champion, that could not be further from the truth. If Freya’s intelligence was right, that creature was at least Level 11!