Conversation I

Interested in what Zen wants to ask, Arthur leaned forward as he sat in his chair.

"Let's hear it then."

Zen pondered for a few seconds, sorting out his thoughts and the question he wanted to ask.

"What are gods exactly?"

Although a bit surprised, Arthur still explained patiently.

"Gods are beings that have exceeded level 1000. They were once mortals and can be from any race such as humans, dwarves, elves, werebeasts, dragons and the myriads of races here in the World of Freedom."

"Then can I also become a God?"

Hearing this question, Arthur was not surprised and said, "It depends."

After sorting out his thoughts for a few seconds, he continued,

"There are many variables in order for a creature to become a god. One of them is the said creature's potential. There are many cases where a creature can only achieve up to level 50 or so. It's different depending on the creature."

"However, there are also precious items which could improve a creature's potential so you mustn't be worried about it."

"To be a god, there are many things to consider. Even though a creature has the potential to reach that level, they would still need the strength to break through the barrier that divides the mortals and the gods."

"As I have said earlier, levels can define a creature's strength. However, that is not absolute."

"What truly defines a creature's strength are their attributes. That's why even if a level 4 and a level 6 creature fought, the level 4 creature still has a chance of winning as they don't have that much difference in attributes."

"However, this is also not absolute as the gap in attribute points will widen in the upper levels even if there is only a one or two gap in attribute points between the two creatures."

"The reason why levels can still define a creature's strength was because there would be two attribute points that could be distributed freely for every level up."

"Even if the attribute points gained from levelling up cannot be distributed to hidden stats, they are still very precious."

"Everything that can increase a creature's attribute is precious because it won't stunt the said creature's potential."

Hearing Arthur's explanation, Zen who was listening carefully chimed in with a question.

"Excuse me teacher, but why do you just leave the training equipment outside your place if they are precious."

Arthur chuckled softly and replied,

"There's an item here that wards off creatures, it was only a coincidence that you stumbled your way here upon this place. Besides, those equipment are flawed products."

"Although they can increase a creature's attribute without harming its potential, they are restricted to level 1 players and even then, one would still need to spend hours for a single attribute point. Who would have the patience to do that?"

After Arthur said this, he looked towards Zen.

"Though I said that, it is still undeniable that they are extremely beneficial for those who would be able to use them to their limits."

Zen nodded thought for a while before asking,

"Then about the attack you made to kill the monster last night… Fire Sword Art is it?"

Arthur chuckled as he answered his question.

"Oh right, that attack was an inheritance from our Temple of Fire. It consists of a profound breathing method, as well as a mana-channeling technique to perform."

Seeing Zen's disappointed expression, Arthur chuckled even louder.

"Haha! Don't worry, I have my way to let you learn it even if you don't have mana."

Zen was speechless.

'Is he a sadist? Why does my disappointment make him happy?'

However, he soon became overjoyed.

"Really teacher?!"

"Yes, my precious apprentice."

After confirming that he still had hope, Zen almost danced in joy.

At first, when he learned that he didn't have any traces of mana in his body, Zen became worried and even afraid. Afraid of being useless again as he did in the last 10 years.

Fortunately, he has hope this time. He would cherish this opportunity that came to his life.

"Do you still have questions to ask?"

Seeing that Zen was happy, Arthur could not help but reminisce about his past.

'Hope really makes one happy huh…'

Hearing Arthur's question, Zen came to his senses and pondered silently.

"Hmmm… "

Soon enough, his beloved overpowered title came to his mind.

"Oh right! Teacher, what does the Skill Acquisition Chance that was included in my title's effects do?"

Hearing this, Arthur was quite surprised.

"Skill Acquisition Chance? That wasn't supposed to be included in the title's effects though…"

This matter made Arthur ponder in silence as he tried to think of a reason why this happened.

Zen who was still sitting in the bed, waited quietly.

"Aha! I got it!"

Zen raised his head to look at Arthur while waiting for his explanation.

"It must be because of the Temple of Fire's fortune!"

"Fortune?"

Zen was confused.

"Hmmm… I'm not good at explaining this kind of thing. Let's just say that it's like your merit points. The only difference was the type of benefit it can give and the fact that fortune belongs to a group of people and can be divided by the person with the highest authority within the said group."

"Meaning that because we are the only members of our Fire Temple, as well as the fact that you are currently the only Apprentice of Fire, the fortune of the Fire Temple enhanced the title's effects as it gathered towards it."

Although Arthur's explanation was quite vague, Zen roughly understood the gist of it.

"However, what I didn't expect is the fact that fortune could achieve this effect…"

Arthur thought hard as he found it interesting.