As the future approached, on January 1st, when another civilization descended upon this planet through the widening cracks in the earth, they would generate a substantial amount of Synergy.
The gap would enlarge, producing an immense concentration of Synergy, even prior to the arrival of the Tower.
At that time, the abundance of synergy potential would rival that of nuclear weapons.
The sheer amount of energy available in the environment would have the capacity to transform any other forms of energy completely into Synergy.
Heat, light, waves, and other forms, which are already in abundant amounts and not reaching the level of synergy leakage, would remain intact.
However, if a high concentration of energy were to be directed and missed, or if it created a tornado of synergy, it would become denser.
Given the nuclear power producing the explosion, containing fire and other types of energy, it would instantly transform into synergy.
It would be like a small cloud of Synergy that was giving a small amount of awakening and reaction among the people, which would enlarge, covering a larger area around the world, resonating more with the people and creating more awakened individuals with the potential for strong abilities.
Until then, however, Avendial had not given nuclear weapons any serious consideration, as the overall levels of Synergy in the atmosphere were incredibly low.
So, technically, using them right now would be a fatal mistake that could create a war.
"Then wouldn't that mean that my abilities will also...?" Aria began to ask, her curiosity piqued.
She had been trying to assess the conditions for awakening but had been met with messages indicating an insufficient amount of Synergy.
Wouldn't the increase in Synergy levels following the expansion of the cracks allow her to finally gauge people's awakening conditions?
"...Yes, but how will you utilize such a vast amount of water from the ocean if you're only equipped with a glass?" Avendial responded.
In a straightforward manner, he attempted to clarify that her ability to store Synergy was inadequate and limited.
Given the scale of Synergy needed for her power, her current vessel was simply too small.
Thus, even with a dense concentration of Synergy around her, she would struggle to harness her abilities effectively.
"Can't I just draw it directly from the ocean?" Aria questioned, tilting her head in confusion.
If it was merely a matter of requiring large amounts of Synergy, wouldn't it be feasible to tap directly into the environment instead of needing to store it within her own body first?
"Huh? You do realize, don't you, that ocean water is salty and cannot be used directly?" Avendial replied, recalling stories from the past.
He had heard of several individuals attempting to access Synergy directly from their surroundings, only to fail—sometimes tragically.
He clarified that the frequency of Synergy in the environment differed entirely from that of a human body.
Without the specific ability to adjust these wavelengths, no one could freely harness Synergy from the environment without first synthesizing it within their energy vessels.
Even in Croceaus territory, the Synergy they utilized had already been synthesized within Rivia's body before being employed by them; they had never accessed it directly from their surroundings.
As a result, they remained unaware of the intricacies of this theory.
Even in situations where Synergy was abundant, they would never have been able to utilize it directly from the environment.
"Eh? Then how am I supposed to transition from a glass to a bucket?
And beyond that, maybe even a pond?" Aria asked, puzzled as she sought clarification on how she could enlarge her vessel.
"I see... so that's why you are recruiting Empyreals ahead of time," Aecilia remarked, her understanding deepening as Marquess explained his rationale.
It became clear to her that Avendial's approach—first finding Leo, then seeking out Dr. Etrinia, and later Aria, Amrita, and others—was about preparing for the inevitable battle.
Anyone in his position, knowing their world was on the brink of destruction, would instinctively prioritize assembling a strong army.
"Yes, but Aria wasn't among those I intended to recruit... it was personal," Avendial added, lowering his voice to sound more convincing to Aria.
She looked down but then abruptly flinched, lifting her gaze to meet his.
Her eyes shimmered with a hint of crimson, a sign of her awakening ability, and they reflected the warmly lit room, illuminating the man who smiled at her with a soft, genuine expression.
"...I see," Aecilia narrowed her eyes as she observed both his expression and Aria's.
She recalled what Avendial had said about wanting to win Aria's trust.
Aecilia refrained from probing further; she couldn't shake the feeling that he might be trying to manipulate her as well.
Not manipulation in the sense of lying, but rather the possibility of withholding the truth.
"You're not excluded either, Aecilia," Avendial said, perceiving the depth of Aria's expression.
He turned his attention to Aecilia, offering her a similar look of sincerity.
However, unlike Aria, who continued to stare at him, Aecilia frowned, narrowing her eyes as if she found the whole situation too cringeworthy.
"...What's with that face?" Avendial asked, slightly tilting his head, mischief dancing in his eyes, clearly expecting a response from her.
"It's not going to work on me," Aecilia replied, shaking her head and rolling her eyes.
She felt a need to test the waters, skeptical of whether she could be fooled as Aria had been.
It wasn't that she didn't care for him; it was just that expecting to believe he harbored genuine feelings for her after revealing his origin from the future was a stretch.
Not a chance.
"Fine then. So, Aria, I hope you don't resent me for yesterday. I just wanted to help—"
"I know."
"Let's leave then, Miss Aecilia. Our work here is done," Avendial said, rising from his seat and buttoning his suit jacket, his hand resting casually in his pocket as he headed for the door.
Aecilia stood as well, exchanging glances with Aria.
She noticed Aria seemed entranced, hesitating and not pressing for any answers about what the future might hold.
Aecilia was eager for her to ask more questions, but given the shock Aria had just experienced—coming to terms with the fact that Marquess Avendial appeared indifferent toward her—Aecilia felt a pang of frustration.
Deep down, Aecilia understood that Aria was already too ensnared in her emotions.
It wouldn't be long before she called out for him, even before he could reach the doorknob.
"W-wait!"
'Bingo.'