As if having been afforded the time to familiarize themselves with their status screen, the system continued its explanation.
In the grander realm of existence, all power stems from Forces, abstract concepts that govern the universe. These Forces dictate the very fabric of reality, influencing both natural phenomena and metaphysical constructs. They are divided into three tiers based on their scale, impact, and relevance to existence.
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Supreme Forces
These remain as the overarching cosmic forces, such as Chaos, Time, Space, Light, and Darkness. They transcend all others and do not require additional categories, as they encompass everything beneath them.
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Grand Forces (Major Forces)
Grand Forces are the broader, universal categories under which Minor Forces exist:
Elemental Forces (Natural)
* Fire: Embodies destruction, energy, and rebirth.
* Water: Represents adaptability, fluidity, and life.
* Wind: Governs freedom, swiftness, and unpredictability.
* Earth: Symbolizes stability, growth, and resilience.
* Ice: The frozen stillness, embodying preservation and lethality.
* Lightning: The raw power of energy, speed, and precision.
* Metal: Represents strength, refinement, and endurance.
* Wood: Governs nature, regeneration, and connection to life.
* Magma: The fusion of Fire and Earth, representing primal chaos and transformation.
* Steam: A blend of Water and Fire, symbolizing pressure, energy, and change.
Abstract Forces (Unnatural)
* Gravity: The binding force that governs attraction, weight, and space.
* Sound: Vibrations and resonance, governing communication, destruction, and subtlety.
* Poison: Lethality through decay, toxins, and sabotage.
* Healing: The power to restore and sustain life and vitality.
* Mind: Embodies intellect, psychic abilities, and control over thoughts.
* Dreams: The ethereal force of imagination, illusion, and the subconscious.
* Emotion: Governs feelings, empathy, and manipulation of others’ states of mind.
* Fate: Tied to destiny, probability, and the manipulation of outcomes.
Cosmic Forces (Natural/Unnatural Hybrids)
* Starfire: A blend of Light and Fire, representing celestial energy.
* Void: The absence of energy, embodying nihilism and destruction.
* Eclipse: A blend of Light and Darkness, symbolizing duality and balance.
* Radiance: Pure energy derived from Light, encompassing purity and overwhelming power.
* Shadow: Derived from Darkness, governing stealth, fear, and obscurity.
* Starlight: The essence of distant cosmic illumination, representing hope and guidance.
* Storm: The fusion of Wind and Lightning, embodying chaos and unstoppable force.
* Plasma: A volatile fusion of Fire and Lightning, representing high-energy destruction.
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Minor Forces
Minor Forces are the more specialized, localized expressions of the Grand Forces. They offer variety and adaptability, while also providing clear paths for evolution.
Derived from Fire
* Ember: The faint glow of fire; small but enduring.
* Blaze: A raging inferno with overwhelming destructive power.
* Ash: The aftermath of fire, embodying decay and the promise of renewal.
* Heatwave: The radiance of heat and oppressive energy.
* Inferno: An uncontrollable surge of flame and destruction.
Derived from Water
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
* Ripple: Small yet persistent; subtle influence over the environment.
* Tide: Represents strength in cycles, control, and inevitability.
* Mist: The ethereal aspect of water, embodying concealment and subtlety.
* Rain: Nurturing and cleansing, representing renewal and abundance.
* Flood: Overwhelming and destructive, a surge of unstoppable water.
Derived from Wind
* Breeze: A gentle, agile force representing subtlety and grace.
* Gale: A violent wind, symbolizing power and freedom.
* Whirlwind: Chaotic and focused, embodying unrelenting motion.
* Zephyr: The lightest touch of wind, quick and elusive.
* Tempest: A furious storm, embodying destructive potential.
Derived from Earth
* Stone: Unyielding and reliable; the foundation of strength.
* Sand: Adaptable and shifting, representing transformation.
* Crystal: The refined and pure form of Earth, symbolizing durability and beauty.
* Mud: A blend of Earth and Water, symbolizing versatility.
* Mountain: Immovable and grand, representing dominance and fortitude.
Derived from Lightning
* Spark: A small burst of energy, quick and surprising.
* Bolt: Concentrated and powerful, embodying precision.
* Current: The continuous flow of energy, representing consistency.
* Charge: The buildup of potential energy, ready to unleash.
* Thunder: The sound of Lightning, embodying resonance and power.
Derived from Abstract Forces
* Echo (Sound): Reverberations with lasting impact, subtle yet pervasive.
* Venom (Poison): Precision in toxicity, representing slow, calculated destruction.
* Pulse (Mind): Small, continuous bursts of psychic influence.
* Thread (Fate): Subtle manipulation of outcomes, weaving paths of destiny.
* Aura (Emotion): A field of energy affecting those nearby, amplifying or suppressing emotions.
* Fracture (Gravity): Localized anomalies in gravitational force.
* Lull (Dreams): A calming and hypnotic influence, leading to vulnerability.
Hybrid Minor Forces
Hybrid Minor Forces are combinations of elements or concepts, giving rise to unique expressions:
* Magma (Fire + Earth): Volatile and primal, a blend of heat and solid mass.
* Steam (Fire + Water): Pressure and energy, representing transformation and power.
* Hurricane (Wind + Water): Destructive storms with relentless force.
* Quicksand (Earth + Water): Traps and subdues through deceptive stability.
* Phantom (Light + Shadow): Ethereal and elusive, blending visibility and obscurity.
* Stasis (Time + Space): Immobilization and control over movement.
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Potential Force Evolution Path
Each Minor Force has an evolutionary trajectory depending on its alignment and the wielder's mastery:
* Example Evolution:
* Ember → Flame → Inferno → Fire
* Ripple → Tide → Flood → Water
* Breeze → Wind → Tempest → Storm
Everyone calmly took their time to digest the information just presented about Forces and Aether by the System, occasionally glancing at their own status screens as if to compare their Forces with the details provided.
Following this revelation, the participants were unsure why the System chose to mention these aspects, that is, the System highlighted that some Forces are significantly more powerful than others. If these Forces were to be ranked, many participants could make an educated guess about which ones would be at the top. However, intriguingly and unbeknownst to the participants, the System chose to reveal the weakest known Force in the multiverse—Breeze.
As for the unfortunate individual aligned with the Breeze Force, he once again found himself perched atop a tree. The reason for his elevated position was prowling just below—a wolf-like creature. It was considerably larger than any wolf found on Earth and far more mischievous than seemed necessary.
Oh, but best believe, for every second Kei was up in that tree, he ran his mouth. Forget there being a language barrier between human and monster, the wolf understood the intention of every word he rattled off.