NOVEL WEB Prologue:
Elemental Sense:
The practitioner comes into contact with elemental energy. Using their willpower, if they possess the proper method and sufficient talent, they can reach the final stage of control in about 10 years. In this stage, the practitioner must sense the energy of nature, draw it into their body, and circulate it through their lungs. Over time, the energy begins to settle in the body, enhancing the individual's physical capabilities and preparing the "vessel" for future stages.
The stages within this realm include the enhancement of the blood, organs, skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and nerves. The last stage, nerve enhancement, is the most challenging due to the fragility of the nervous system, but it is also the most crucial because the more advanced stages require great bodily control. The stages must be followed in this specific order to avoid life-threatening risks. For instance, if the muscles are strengthened before the bones, the bones could break, leading to death. Additionally, the stages must be tackled one at a time due to the difficulty of controlling energy and focusing on multiple stages simultaneously, as energy can be lost and dissipates over time.
Highly talented individuals with great willpower and mental capacity are capable of completing multiple stages at once. In extreme cases, some have managed to finish all seven stages simultaneously. Physical training is fundamental in accelerating the body's strengthening process.
Due to the simplicity of this method and the fact that energy accumulation is possible over time, it is common for nearly everyone, even farmers, to find some success at this stage. However, they will never reach higher realms due to the significant requirements for willpower and talent.
Average lifespan: Around 80 years, primarily due to physical enhancements. This depends heavily on the level achieved—for example, someone who completes the "blood enhancement" stage is unlikely to die from conditions like high cholesterol.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Energy Accumulation:
This is an intermediate stage between the "Sense of the Elements" and the "Golden Dan." Those who reach this stage have a special talent for absorbing energy. This phase focuses on absorbing and condensing small grains of energy (similar to sand) within the body.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Golden Dan/Core:
This is the stage where true experts distinguish themselves from others. While the previous realm represents the pinnacle of what a human being can achieve in a lifetime, this realm is that of superhumans. Once the physical transformation is complete, the practitioner is ready to form a core. This process is divided into three phases: initiation, crystallization, and mastery of Prana. The energy grains accumulated previously, through the practitioner's immense will and energy control, will enter a phase known as "fusion," where they merge to form a core, usually located near the heart.
This stage is dangerous, as attempting it without sufficient skill can result in what's known as "blood inversion," where blood vessels rupture due to uncontrolled energy, causing death by internal hemorrhage. Once achieved, the practitioner gains much greater control and precision, unlocking truly superhuman abilities.
By transferring energy from the core to different muscles, one can achieve super strength, super speed, skin comparable to steel, enhanced weapon cutting ability by coating blades with energy, and even the ability to move through the air by creating temporary platforms beneath their feet.
With the proper techniques, Prana can acquire different properties such as, but not limited to: fire, paralysis, poison, kinetic energy absorption (ice), and more. It is said that the only limits for a martial artist in this realm are the purity and size of their core, and their ability to control it.
At full power, a martial artist with a core can fight for approximately two minutes before completely exhausting the energy within their core. However, with proper control and the use of simpler techniques, like slight physical enhancements, they can fight indefinitely due to passive energy absorption. Hunger and sleep can be suppressed with enough Prana, though no one can endure constant stress for too long.
Upon reaching this realm, the body stops aging, keeping the practitioner at their physical peak, even up until moments before their death.
Average lifespan at this stage: around 120 years, after which energy starts to escape from the body. This is thought to be due to the constant stress of controlling it and the inherent limitations of the human body.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Nascent Soul:
The practitioner's will undergoes a qualitative change, achieving greater condensation with energy. Due to the acquired properties and similarities with souls found in mythology, this realm is called "Nascent Soul."
The control of a Nascent Soul far surpasses the conscious use of techniques. What was once deliberate control now becomes an extension of the practitioner's will over their surroundings. Prana, energy, or mana behaves as if it is a living entity around them. Depending on the practitioner's properties, different phenomena can be observed. Standing before a Nascent Soul feels like standing in front of someone in harmony with the world. However, this is a misconception: they do not become one with the world, but instead dominate it through their willpower.
"The leaves seemed to bend in his presence, as if recognizing his sovereignty. The wind lowered its intensity so as not to drown out his voice; the sun dimmed its brightness so as not to outshine him. That entity seemed within reach of everything… that was a demigod in the flesh."
— Captain Daniel, Army of the Empire (The War of the Roses, Ch. 19)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Zenith:
The final known—or rather, unknown—realm is called "Zenith," also referred to as "Heaven." Only three humans have reached this realm, commonly referred to as "Venerables."
The first is the current emperor and founder of the Empire, Venerable Atheron, now 300 years old and hailed as "He Who Cut Through the Chaos." Although many titles adorn those who reach Zenith, it is common for such accolades to be given to those in power.
The second venerable, born 210 years ago, is Nethrim, whose whereabouts are unknown, though it is believed he resides somewhere on the human frontier, defending civilization from the "Ramahti." It is known that he lost his family in an attack by those creatures when he was young.
Noctar is the third venerable and the youngest, though he has already lived through more than 150 winters. His whereabouts are shrouded in mystery, and some speculate that he is no longer among the living (though these are merely the speculations of fools who do not know what they speak of).
Thalion, commander of the Fourth Army, described His Majesty as follows:
"A youthful face adorns his neck, appearing to be around 19 or 20 years old, proof of the talent that led him to reach the Core realm at an early age, as if being venerable were not proof enough of his capability. His eyes, a deep turquoise, are evidence of the overflowing energy within him. Few things can escape his sight.
An aura surrounds him, permeating every brick, every thread of his clothing, every blade of grass, and every breath within the city. His dominion is unshakable, his will inviolable, and his power indisputable. Trying to measure his strength is like trying to measure the vast sky. Only words like 'infinite' and 'vast' seem fitting.
A god made flesh."
Considering that Thalion is an expert who has reached the Nascent Soul realm, I can assure you that his words carry great weight.
----------------------------------------------------------------
— Scribe Roan, Thesis on Human Limits