68: The Secrets of Energy Tiers

The soft glow of the console illuminated Alex's face as he leaned forward, searching the vast network for more information about energy manipulation. He had learned much from the AI and his own experimentation, but there were still gaps in his knowledge—things he needed to understand if he was going to push himself to the next level. He had mastered the basics of energy arts, but the concept of energy tiers was still shrouded in mystery.

The search results flickered across the screen, showing forums, ancient texts, and research notes. The topic of energy tiers was hotly debated among mages and energy manipulators, but as Alex skimmed through the pages, one thing became clear: no one truly knew the full extent of the energy tier system.

"Energy tiers… from 1st to 10th, so they say," Alex muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the information. "But no one knows where the end truly is."

He opened a detailed forum post that seemed to have gathered a lot of attention. The post was from an experienced mage who had spent decades studying the energy tiers and their limits.

The post started with a basic explanation, something Alex was already familiar with, but as he read further, the complexities of the energy tiers began to unfold.

Tier 1 Mages: At the 1st tier, a mage's energy capacity is roughly equivalent to 1 megawatt. This is the starting point for most energy manipulators, allowing them to influence their surroundings within a 10-meter radius. Most basic energy arts—such as small repairs and minor elemental manipulation—are performed at this tier.

Tier 2 Mages: At the 2nd tier, the energy capacity doubles to 2 megawatts. Along with this increase in power comes an expansion of range. A 2nd-tier mage can influence their environment within a 20-meter radius. Energy manipulation becomes more efficient, and their ability to store and control energy is greatly enhanced.

Tier 3 Mages: This is where things start to get more interesting. A 3rd-tier mage has an energy capacity of 6 megawatts, and their range expands to 60 meters. This tier introduces the ability to harvest natural energy, such as lightning from storm clouds or energy from natural environmental forces. This allows mages to replenish their energy reserves from the world around them, significantly boosting their capabilities in prolonged battles or tasks.

Alex's eyes widened as he read further. The post continued with more speculation about the higher tiers, but the writer made one thing clear: no one had ever been recorded to have surpassed the 5th tier.

Higher Tiers: According to the post, the theoretical energy capacity for a 4th-tier mage would be around 24 megawatts, and their effective range would reach 240 meters. For a 5th-tier mage, the capacity would skyrocket to 120 megawatts with an effective range of 1,200 meters. However, no documented case existed of anyone achieving this level of power. The writer hinted that the true limits of energy manipulation were unknown and that the so-called "10th tier" might just be a myth passed down through the generations.

Alex leaned back in his chair, processing the information. So far, no one had even reached the 5th tier, and most powerful mages operated around the 3rd tier. That meant those who could manipulate energy on a grand scale, like harvesting natural energy, were already at the pinnacle of known power.

"What about those who go beyond?" Alex muttered, scrolling further down the post.

The post shifted into speculation, with various theories from mages and researchers. Some believed that the 6th, 7th, and higher tiers could grant control over even larger natural forces—like storms, tectonic shifts, or even the energy of the planet itself. Others speculated that the human body might not be able to handle the amount of energy required to reach those tiers, leading to fatal overloads or physical collapse.

"No one has the exact numbers," Alex thought, his fingers tapping the console. "They don't know where it ends… if it ends."

He found another post, detailing the intense training and meditation required for mages to break into the next tier. According to the writer, the jump between the 2nd and 3rd tier was particularly difficult, as it required the mage to not only increase their energy reserves but also develop the skill to harvest natural energy. Many mages spent their entire lives stuck at the 2nd tier, unable to make that leap.

The implications of what Alex had just learned were clear. His own energy capacity was still developing, and if the post was accurate, he might be somewhere between the 1st and 2nd tier in terms of energy manipulation. The AI had helped him develop faster than most, but the true challenge lay ahead.

The ability to harvest natural energy at the 3rd tier was particularly intriguing. If Alex could tap into that, it would solve many of his current limitations. No longer would he have to rely solely on limited sources like the energy-absorbing mat. He could draw from the natural forces around him—like lightning storms or geothermal energy.

"AI," Alex said, his mind already working on how to take advantage of this new information. "How close am I to reaching the 2nd tier in terms of energy capacity?"

The AI responded instantly. "Your current energy capacity is equivalent to 1.8 megawatts. You are nearing the threshold of a 2nd-tier mage, but further training and energy absorption will be required to cross into the next tier."

Alex nodded, considering his options. For now, the energy absorption mat was his primary method of increasing his reserves. The mat could transfer energy to him, and he'd been using it regularly to push his capacity closer to that critical threshold. But the idea of expanding his range and tapping into natural energy was something entirely new, something he couldn't achieve just yet.

"How do I start harvesting natural energy once I reach the 3rd tier?" Alex asked.

The AI processed the question before replying. "Harvesting natural energy requires an understanding of how to attune your energy field to the forces around you. At the 3rd tier, your range will expand to 60 meters, allowing you to interact with larger energy sources such as cloud lightning. Once you attune your energy field to the natural environment, you will be able to absorb and store that energy, supplementing your reserves."

Alex's mind raced as he thought about the possibilities. With the hidden base being built in the mountains, they were surrounded by natural forces—high winds, lightning storms, and geothermal activity. If he could tap into those forces, his energy reserves would become nearly limitless.

But for now, his immediate goal was clear: he needed to reach the 2nd tier, and then push forward toward the 3rd.

Closing his eyes, Alex focused on the energy stored within him. He could feel it, coursing through his body like a warm current. He concentrated on expanding it, pushing it to the limits of what his body could handle. It was still a far cry from what he had read about the upper tiers, but it was progress.

"AI, how long would it take me to reach the 2nd tier if I focus on absorbing energy daily?"

"With your current energy absorption rate using the mat, it would take approximately 3 to 4 weeks of focused practice to reach the 2nd tier. However, more advanced sources of energy absorption could reduce this time significantly."

Alex considered this. For now, the mat provided a steady supply of energy, but the real breakthrough would come when he reached the 3rd tier and could tap into the natural environment around him. It was a long-term plan, but one that would pay off immensely if he stayed on course.

He imagined what it would be like to stand on top of a mountain, absorbing the raw power of a lightning storm. At that level, his droids wouldn't need constant recharging, and he would be able to fuel his operations with ease. The thought sent a shiver of excitement down his spine.

As Alex closed the search window, he felt a surge of determination. The energy tiers were both a goal and a mystery, but he was confident that with the AI's help, he could surpass the limits that had held others back for generations.

No one had broken past the 5th tier, but Alex had no intention of stopping there. The 10th tier might be a myth, but if anyone was going to find out where the true limits of energy manipulation lay, it was going to be him.

For now, his focus was clear: expand his energy reserves, master his range, and prepare to push beyond what anyone had ever achieved. And with the base being built in secret, he had the perfect place to train.

He glanced out the window, his eyes narrowing at the snow-covered horizon. The hidden base in the mountains was just the beginning.