A/N: Warning - This chapter is a HUGE info dump
Lief rode with the group for several hours until they decided to set up camp for the night. The bright blue moon rose over the horizon as the dim sun set.
Elder Li unpacked supplies from the bags strapped to his Spirit Horse. Several tents, multiple bamboo mats, and dry wood to make a fire. He carefully laid down a bamboo mat, then put the dried planks on top of it. Using his Psyker energy, he created sparks of friction, which ignited the wood and created dancing flames.
"There." He gasped in relief. Advanced techniques like creating friction was not something a First Rate martial artist like himself usually did.
The group huddled around the fire as Elder Li and Yun set up the tents. With clangs of hammers against steel nails, they secured the tents. Elder Li handed out cloaks to the groups, one for each person.
"Senior Xuan, you can have my cloak." Li Feng offered his fur cloak to Lief. "You seemed be cold," he continued, staring intensely at Lief shivering. Despite Lief's stronger body, basic nerve feedbacks such as shivering still responded to the chilling air of the Wilds.
"No, keep it. I wouldn't want to give you frostbite." Lief pushed the cloak back to Li Feng.
Elder Li chuckled. "No worries, senior. The Li Clan has a strong Lineage of Fire." He motioned to Li Feng. "The only people here that need cloaks are you and Yun." The flame seemed to pulse in sync with his breath--a sign of his inherited power.
Lief accepted the cloak, as Feng didn't need it anyway. Besides, he was feeling very cold at the moment.
That night, Lief slept with the rest of the men, Li Feng and Elder Li, while Yun slept in her own, smaller, tent. Staring at the blank black canvas above him, Lief was curious while the others fell to sleep. Rhysa, what's aLineage?
"Saint, it would be more understandable if you knew the entire basic power system. Would you to learn it?"
Of course, Rhysa! Lief thought.
"This will take a while," Rhysa admitted. "Are you ready to spend several hours?"
Sure. I can't sleep either way.
"Administering Basic Knowledge of Psykers." Rhysa beeped. "The "strength" of a Psyker is decided by three interconnected systems." She paused, letting the information sink in before she continued. "They are the Energy system, the Skill system, and the Emotions system. The Emotions system--Sins and Virtues--has been discussed with you earlier. As such, it will not be explained. The Energy system is the pure amount of power a Psyker has, their raw energy. It is separated into exponential tiers from tier 0 to tier 9. Additional raw power, beyond the amount one is naturally born with, can be gained through three known ways. Aging, the Emotions system, and modifications. The effect these methods have on energy reserves depends on pure talent."
"The Skill system is significantly more complicated. This determines Psyker power control and abilities. Skills are separated into five categories: Fluxcasters, Empaths, Shapeshifters, Psychomancers, and Seers. These are ordered from most to least common. The Skill system has four ranks. They are: Untrained, Sacred, Sovereign, and Aspect."
"Untrained ranks are average Psykers, who only use their own inborn abilities. Sacreds are those who have developed their own unique ability, either through training, trauma, combat, or a combination of the three. The Emotions system influences the unique power an individual will awaken. Sovereigns are Psykers who have created a "Domain" where they can set certain rules. The more strict the rules are, the more energy a Domain requires to maintain. Even though Domains might not always be active, the rules of the Domain is always active on the user. The Domain acquired depends on the unique ability. For instance, one Sovereign forbade the use of Shapshifting within his Domain. A highly powerful Domain. Also, at the Sovereign rank, "Relics" can begin to be made from the items a Sovereign uses."
"Aspects--such as Master himself--are the peak of Psyker skill. They have been granted "Authority" over the rules of the world by the Universe Will. As such, their Domains have evolved and do not require power to maintain. Furthermore, they are absolutely immortal. After their physical bodies have been destroyed, their will still remains intact, with all of their power usable. The only difference is that additional energy reserves can no longer be gained. Individuals with high energy can have more practice, and will therefore progress through these ranks faster."
"In addition, something called "Lineages" also exists. These are abilities passed down through a bloodline. For example, the Li Clan's ability to influence existing fire. Another example is the Fallen Great House of Ayers. They possess the ability to create and manipulate water. An example that might intrigue you is the Great House of Eidotrax. Eidotrax can see through most illusions and naturally have limited powers in the path of the Seer."
I understand it now. Lief's thoughts were sent to Rhysa via her Empath powers. However, what are "First Rate" and "Expert"?
"The humans of this nexus use a far more primitive system compared to the standard, which owes to their inferior worldview," Rhysa replied.
"Tier 0 of the Energy system is split into three parts. Martial Artist, Second Rate Martial, and First Rate Martial. Elder Li is a First Rate Martial. Reaching tier 1 of the Energy system and the Sacred rank of the Skill system will grant someone the title of "Expert". Several dozen Experts have emerged in the thousand year history of this nexus." She paused again. "In addition, the lifespan increasing Psyker powers are rare in this nexus, with few reaching the age of 120."
"Would you like information on Relics as well?" Rhysa asked.
Lief sighed deeply. What time is it?
"Two hours past midnight." A quick response. Does Rhysa have a clock inside her? "However, you, as a mutated human, require significantly less sleep."
Continue with the explanation then.
"Relics are special items created by Sovereign rank Psykers. They are objects which have been granted some of the Sovereign's Domain power by the Universe Will. In addition, they are unbreakable. Relics made by Aspects are called "Artifacts"." She continued. "Despite no Sovereign ranks in this nexus, Master has blessed it with four Relics, called the "Heavenly Treasures" by the native populace. The Tempest Snake Bow, Ocean Serpent Scepter, Earthen Tortoise Shield, and Scorching Dragon Saber."
I... see. Lief's mind was drowsy from how late it was. It had been almost day since he'd last slept. At last, the welcoming darkness of dreams overwhelmed him.