Diversity, a simple term that signifies the existence of a wide variety of phenomena within a defined scope.
On Blue Star, diversity manifests through the presence of various species, each adapted to unique environments shaped by the planet's diverse geology.
Millennia ago, when Blue Star was formed from the collision and amalgamation of numerous meteors and land masses rich in different minerals, it sparked the emergence of distinct energies.
These energies, influenced by the minerals present, led to the creation of creatures with unique properties.
The atmosphere of Blue Star was subsequently tailored to suit the needs of these newly formed beings.
Mana, the foundational energy pervading Blue Star, renowned for its miraculous property of versatility to convert into any other form of energy, gradually served as the medium through which these land masses developed their own adaptability.
This process in turn generated new properties and energies crucial for the survival and evolution of its inhabitants.
The planet's vast size ensured the inevitability of diverse races to gather into communities, guilds, or alliances, driven by shared benefits and common interests.
However, the question persisted: what would become of species unable to adapt to environments suitable for others?
Enter the crucial role of the planet's diverse land masses.
These regions, infused with varying minerals, mutated surrounding energies into forms most conducive to the life forms they nurtured.
Over millions of years, Mana underwent profound changes, influenced by interactions with native species and their environments.
Certain land masses, catalyzed the transformation of energies into forms like demonic or divine energy, reflective of the nature and needs of their inhabitants.
Demons, with their volatile nature, gradually corrupted Mana into demonic energy, embodying themes of corruption and power.
Conversely, beings aligned with peace and purity, like those harnessing divine energy, purified Mana to its core, using it for healing and enlightenment.
Creatures such as vampires, dependent on blood, developed unique Blood Arts through their interaction with Mana.
Some species, however, evolved independently of external Mana, generating internal energy derived from their own physiology.
This internal energy, though distinct from Mana, owed its existence to it, evolving over time to complement and enhance the abilities of its bearers.
Thus, while Mana played a pivotal role in shaping the energies of Blue Star, the creatures born from its influence evolved diverse energy forms. These forms, each intricately tied to their origins and needs, now exist in completely different states.
"So, you understand this, Ryuk?" Drishti's calm eyes turned towards the young man standing beside her. They were inside the main control room of one of the battleships, which flew at 30,000 feet accompanied by four others.
This energy, he realized, allowed her to execute short-range attacks with remarkable precision, clearly a result of her extensive training in a discipline that demanded deep control over one's body and soul.
"Okay, here are the names, but remember, unlike the universal system, the system used by the Jade Dominion also measures spiritual energy, physical prowess, and mental strength," Drishti explained, aware that he would experience this firsthand once he entered the Jade Dominion. She then began to list the levels.
Body Tempering < Qi Refinement < Foundation Establishment < Core Formation (Golden Core) < Nascent Soul < Soul Formation < Divine Transformation < Void Refinement < Spirit Severing < Immortal Ascension < True Immortal < Saint Realm < Empyrean Realm < Godly Ascension.
"I see," Ryuk nodded, acknowledging the power system. It was similar to what he had read in his previous world, but he dismissed its significance for his current level.
Physically, and in terms of raw energy, he was on par with an Immortal, but he lacked the spiritual energy and mental strength of that caliber to be referred as true immortal.
Thus, while Mana provided him with immense strength, the properties of different techniques and their better utilization through internal energy made a substantial difference.
"Liege, please wear this," a sudden voice interrupted Ryuk's thoughts. He glanced to his side, where one of the cloaked figures stood, holding a black robe with orange stripes.
"...but I am already wearing one?" Ryuk raised an eyebrow, questioning the necessity of the additional clothes. His current attire had properties of auto-clean, aura conduct, and even self-restoration, not to mention its auto-wear feature.
"Liege, we need to blend in with the natives of Jade Dominion," the cloaked figure explained, suggesting they adopt the local dress code.
"We can't keep changing clothes every time we visit a new continent, can we?" Ryuk frowned, casting a glance at the others. They all seemed to be trying to convince him, including Regina and Esme.
'Hm, how would he look in different clothes?' Esme's curiosity was piqued; she had only ever seen him in his black suit.
'I must have my Sword Valley attire in my dimension ring,' Regina thought, eyeing Ryuk's impassive gaze fixed on the offered robe. She contemplated changing out of her army uniform as well.
"Indeed, Liege, but the issue is that the Monarch of Jade Dominion has decreed that no one may wear a black suit." The cloaked man found the decree somewhat baffling but felt it necessary to inform the only man on this ship wearing black suit.
"Huh?" Ryuk's narrowed eyes shifted towards the woman sitting casually on a chair. Her one eye peeked from beneath a raised eyebrow, signaling that it was indeed the case.
'For real?' Ryuk found this suspicious, suspecting it might be a ploy to make him change his usual attire.
"Fine then," Ryuk said, accepting the clothes and deciding to wear them.
"Also, Liege, we will need to depart before entering the airspace of Jade Dominion. Arriving with five battleships would be disastrous," the man informed, not fearing the individuals of that continent but understanding the severity of the situation if they became entangled in a battle.
No matter how weak the enemy might be, the advantage of strength in close-quarters combat with a large number of foes would certainly be an obstacle if their battleships were seen as a signal for war.
"I understand," Ryuk nodded, turning towards the glass window of the battleship.
From afar, with his enhanced sight, he captured the image of a huge landmass, larger than Titanora, with a noticeable absence of mana in the surrounding space. 'So, this is Jade Dominion'