That's Not Good Enough

Ruby's heart sank upon hearing his conclusion, but contrary to what she anticipated Jake just laughed at himself with contempt and defiance,

"But in the end, it just means we're too weak. My master Cekt Mogusar told me about a legendary creature from System A0 named Wilderth, just like my last name. Its Bloodline is unofficially rated as Grade 17. What I retained was not the alleged invincibility of this creature, but that the Digestors leave it and the planets under its protection in peace. Corruption doesn't seem to have a hold on this Aether beast."

He stepped toward her and grabbed her shoulders, staring her straight in the eye,

"So don't give up. It's definitely possible to overcome the Corruption. Even if I'm wrong about everything, there's definitely a way. In the meantime, I'm going to focus on my Bloodline and Aether Spells and aim for that Grade 17 or get as close to it as I can.