"Controlled by different laws? What does that mean?"

[It simply means that Astralums of this type don't operate in the same way as others.]

"How do they operate?"

[Let me explain with an example. Imagine there's a level 1 individual with a fire Astralum who comes into contact with another individual who also has the same Astralum but is level 5. Are you following me so far?]

"Yes."

[Great. Now, let's say the level 1 individual is amazed by a technique the level 5 individual uses, one that lets them cover their body in flames, and they want to use the same technique. What would happen?]

"It would fail," Tom calmly responded without needing much thought.

[Why do you say that?]

"There are several factors that make it impossible, but to name a few: differences in Etherium capacity, experience, and Astralum knowledge. Additionally, it would be impossible for a lower-level individual to use a high-level technique."

[Correct,] the voice replied, sounding somewhat pleased with Tom's answer, before continuing.

[However, there are exceptions to this rule, and Astralums of the deviant type fall into that category.]

Upon hearing this revelation, Tom was momentarily shocked. It contradicted everything he knew. However, after a moment, he began to feel excited. After all, he also possessed a deviant-type Astralum, so he was pleased. But the next words from the voice extinguished his excitement like a bucket of cold water.

[However, there's an issue with deviant-type Astralums.]

"What is it?" asked Tom.

[I imagine you already know, but to progress from one level to another, you have to pass through the sub-levels in between those levels. It's after passing these sub-levels that an individual can unlock the seal of the next level. However, deviant-type Astralums don't have sub-levels, so-]

"So someone with a deviant-type Astralum can never surpass level 1," Tom said, cutting off the voice. He was afraid of such an outcome and asked another question, hoping it was this rather than what he had just said.

"Or is the problem that those with deviant-type Astralums need to progress from one level to another without going through sub-levels?"

The voice sighed before saying:

[Unfortunately, no. Deviant-type Astralums have neither sub-levels nor levels. The only reason individuals with a deviant-type Astralum even reach level 1 is that they need to unlock the first seal to awaken their Astralum; otherwise, they wouldn't even be capable of reaching level 1.]

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Analyzing what the voice had just said, Tom found a flaw in this reasoning and exclaimed:

"If what you're saying is true, then how come I'm at level 1?"

[What are you talking about?]

"I was able to use my time Astralum well before unlocking my first seal. If what you're saying is true, I wouldn't have even been able to access level 1."

[Your case is quite special considering your family,] the voice responded.

Now it was Tom's turn to ask the voice, "What are you talking about?"

[All you need to know is that your case is different from others, which is why you were able to use your 'Astralum' before unlocking the first seal. However, apart from that, you remain like the others and cannot go beyond level 1, at least for now], the voice explained.

Hearing this, Tom fell silent and began to ponder the implications of such a limitation. It's important to remember that with each seal unlocked, there's an increase in all abilities, whether physical or mental.

So, not being able to level up meant that Tom would forever have the physical attributes of a level 1, which was a serious drawback for a close combat fighter like him.

'But of course, it's a drawback only if we focus solely on the inability to level up. Apart from that, having a deviant-type Astralum also has its advantages. I can use high-level techniques even with my current level,"'Tom thought.

As he continued, he considered another issue and asked, "If I can't level up, then my Etherium capacity won't increase either. So, what good is it to use a high-level technique if I can only use it for a second?"

[It won't be the case. Every time you manage to create or replicate a new technique, your Etherium reserves will increase. So, you don't have to worry about that. In essence, a deviant-type Astralum is a package with advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to you to maximize your power.]

"I see."

[But there's also another way to increase your Etherium reserves without waiting for a new technique.]

"Oh, really? What is it?"

[You've already experienced it. All you need to do is absorb cores from monsters.]

"Ah, that's right," Tom acknowledged.

[This brings us back to the help I mentioned earlier, the ability to have information about yourself and your evolution is just a bonus. The real help I was referring to is even better than this,] the voice explained.

"Wasn't that the help she was talking about?" Tom wondered, hearing what the voice had to say. For him, having information about his evolution or his Astralums was priceless, so he thought that was all.

[If you look next to your Astralums, there's a counter,] the voice continued.

Tom looked at the floating screen and indeed saw the counter, which displayed: [0/200].

"Yes, I see the counter. What's its purpose?" Tom asked.

[You know that someone absorbing a core from a monster with the same Astralum as them could gain an enlightenment that helps them progress in controlling their Astralum, right?] the voice inquired.

"Yes," Tom confirmed.

[But as you surely know, it's impossible for someone with a different Astralum from the monster to whom the core belongs,] the voice continued.

Tom confirmed once more.

[Well, the help I'm offering you is to get the results of the first case, even if you don't possess the same Astralum as the monsters whose cores you absorb.]

"Huh?....So, if I understand correctly, I can get an enlightenment when absorbing the core of a monster that doesn't have the same Astralum as me?" Tom asked.

[Correct. However, to do that, you need to fill up this counter,] the voice replied.

"How do I fill the counter?" Tom asked excitedly.

Unfortunately, the next words from the voice slapped away all his excitement.

[With what do you think? Of course, you need to fill it with monster cores.]