As in any strength system, the Level System has bottlenecks. These thresholds signify substantial increases in power, abilities, and understanding and represent critical points in a cultivation journey. For both the Warrior Path and the Magi Path, the first threshold presents itself at Level 6.
Up to Level 5, Warriors and Mages remain in what is known as the Mortal Tier. In this tier, while they are capable of extraordinary abilities unless they possess extremely powerful bloodlines or Gifts, they are still considered normal life forms, limited by the constraints of mortality and capable of limited destructive power.
However, at Level 6, a new world of power and abilities opened up as they ascended to the Champion Tier. Not only do their bodies’ internal structures and constitutions improve greatly, but they also gain access to advanced techniques or abilities that surpass the basic skills learned in earlier levels. Those with great talent learn to harness their energy pool in a much more refined way.
A Champion could kill dozens of average Mortals without a problem unless those people had extraordinary abilities and a good battle plan, as seen in the Silent Wind Military Base fight.
The second threshold is at Level 11, where one could be considered a High Champion. At this stage, a Warrior or Mage begins to master integrating their abilities into more complex and powerful forms. Here, warriors and mages begin to explore specialization paths that align with their talents and goals.
Even if the creature at the mountain’s peak did not have unique abilities or talent, as a High Champion, its power would still match that of Arasbus or maybe even higher. Although Vlad was more powerful now, he knew very well that the only reason he managed to kill the Abyssal was due to the demon’s deep wounds and exhaustion.
’If there is a Lightning Core, it will definitely be at the zenith of the mountain, and I doubt whatever creature lies there will just let me get it,’ Vlad couldn’t help but sigh as he realized the complications of his plan. However, there was no room for retreat as he needed that core to improve his force’s power to a proper kingdom.
Vlad turned his eyes toward the two Vikings, and the power of the A.I. Chip flooded their bodies before giving him a detailed analysis.
[Beep! Scanning target.
Secondary strength system detected. Classifying it as the Totemic System.
A secondary energy pool was detected. Vitality enhancement nature, similar to Force.
Target scanned successfully
Energy Pool (Force): 3.4
Energy Pool (Totem): 8.9]
Vlad’s eyes widened as he saw the stats of the young woman. She was a Level 5 Warrior, yet her body was already nearing the level of a High Champion!
[Beep! Scanning target.
Secondary strength system detected. Classifying it as the Totemic System.
A secondary energy pool was detected. Vitality enhancement nature, similar to Force.
Target scanned successfully
Lineage: ??? (Champion Tier)
Energy Pool (Magic): 19.6
Energy Pool (Totem): 7.1]
The stats of Grey Hawk also impressed Vlad. Despite being a Mage, the totems and bloodline granted him a very powerful body, and the second energy pool seemed usable as fuel for spells.
However, a sharp light appeared in Vlad’s eyes as he noticed the difference between their strengths. The totems on the old Viking seemed more developed yet weaker. Of course, Vlad would not ask the duo about that since it would be the same as revealing that he was scanning their bodies and unveiling their secrets.
After saving all the information about the totems in the A.I. Chip database, Vlad smiled at the duo. "Since we are both heading to the zenith of Nagan Mountain and our goals are completely different, how about we team up?"
Although a High Champion was dangerous, Vlad was confident in his and Jormungandr’s chances of victory. However, if there were a chance to diminish the risk, he would take it.
Freya stared at Vlad for a moment, but before answering, she posed an important question: "How will we divide the resources and spoils of the journey?"
Vlad had anticipated this and already had a plan. "The common resources we find will belong to whoever detects them first. As for carcasses and corpses of enemies, we’ll ensure we target different prey, and the spoils will go to whoever makes the kill. Finally, I won’t ask for anything from the High Champion at the peak, and you won’t request any part of the Lightning Core."
Vlad’s arrangement was flawless, and there should be no problem, but Freya couldn’t help but frown as she heard the part about resources and the "finder’s keepers" situation. "Are you sure you want the resource distribution to work like that?"
Vlad couldn’t help but smile at the question. The young woman was clearly worried that he would be at a disadvantage due to the lack of experience harnessing magical resources that had not existed in Terra before the apocalypse.
"I appreciate your concern, but don’t worry; I have a great hunter with a good nose on my team." Vlad glanced at the small yellow cat on his shoulder.
A sharp light appeared in Jormungandr’s eyes since that was obviously a lie, but a boastful expression appeared as he puffed his chest and played along. "Boss is right. My instincts and insight match those of an apex predator. I will be kind and leave something for you two."
A strange expression appeared on Freya’s face as cats and a good sense of smell were not usually connected, but she no longer cared about that and nodded. "I accept your arrangement. Let’s march together through this mountain."
Vlad and Jormungandr, along with Freya and Grey Hawk, began their journey through Nagan Mountain.