(Leo's POV, the real world, Arc Ship)
"And what happens when someone surpasses even that? What does it mean to be a Transcendent?" Leo asked, his curiosity piquing as he couldn't even begin to fathom the kind of power a Transcendent-level warrior would wield.
Currently, as a Master warrior, the path to becoming a Grandmaster already felt arduous.
Despite his considerable talents, his progress indicated he'd need at least two more years to reach that stage.
And hence, the idea of transcending even beyond Grandmaster seemed almost mythical, a distant, unattainable horizon.
"Transcendent warriors," Kid began, his usual confidence giving way to reverence, "are on an entirely different playing field."
Kid's voice lowered slightly as if discussing something sacred. "Transcendent warriors are the overlords of planets. They don't just control cities or regions—they oversee entire planets. Their power is the stuff of legends. They can destroy cities in minutes, and their attacks can shatter mountains. Entire armies would crumble before a single Transcendent."
Leo's fingers tapped against the armrest of his chair, his eyes narrowing. "So, they're not just warriors—they're forces of nature."
"Exactly," Kid agreed, leaning forward. "Their names and deeds are etched into the annals of universal history. Even the most powerful organizations treat them as VIPs. No city, faction, or empire dares to disrespect them. At this stage, warriors begin to reverse the effects of aging on their bodies. A Transcendent can live for hundreds and hundreds of years, maintaining their peak condition."
Leo nodded slowly, the weight of the explanation sinking in. "And the gap between a Grandmaster and a Transcendent? How big is it?"
"Massive," Kid replied without hesitation. "The difference between every tier up to this point is about a hundredfold. A Grandmaster might seem invincible to most, but in the presence of a Transcendent, they're little more than a pebble before a boulder."
Leo let out a low whistle, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. "And after that? What about Monarchs?"
Kid's lips curled into a faint smile, one tinged with admiration. "After Transcendents, we reach Monarchs. They're even rarer—a thousand, perhaps less, in the entire universe. Monarchs aren't just warriors; they're the patriarchs of vast clans that span multiple planets. They're the overlords of entire planetary systems."
He paused, his voice softening. "Monarchs are beings who walk with unparalleled authority. They exude charisma, power, and wisdom. Even Gods respect them, and their influence shapes entire galactic territories."
"And their strength compared to Transcendents?" Leo pressed, leaning forward.
"This is where the pattern shifts," Kid explained. "The leap from Transcendent to Monarch isn't a hundredfold. It's about ten times. A significant leap, yes, but not the staggering chasm we've seen before."
Leo's brow furrowed. "So, it's more of a transitional stage?"
"You could say that," Kid replied. "But don't mistake the smaller gap for insignificance. Monarchs command immense power, and their influence is unmatched below the divine tier."
"And beyond that? What about the Gods?" Leo asked, his voice steady but tinged with intrigue.
Kid inhaled deeply. "Demi-Gods….. Gods come after demi-gods, first there are demi gods"
Leo raised an eyebrow. "Demi-Gods? Sounds a bit… over the top."
Kid chuckled softly. "It's not just dramatic—it's fitting. Demi-Gods are beings on the cusp of divinity. Their raw strength though comparable to Monarchs, is bolstered by their nascent understanding of universal laws. It's this grasp of higher principles that sets them apart."
"A Demi-God is about ten times as strong as a Monarch, completing the usual tier system. However, while they're almost divine, living for thousands of years, they're not quite Gods yet, for they can still be hurt by mortal weapons.
So. Theoretically, any (Semi-Divine) level blade that you wield in the world of Terra Nova Online, can hurt a Demi-God, but the same doesn't apply for God's"
Leo's fingers tightened on the armrest.
"Oh?" he said in surprise, as Kid nodded.
"Gods are the apex of existence. They've mastered the laws of space, time, and existence itself. They exist outside the confines of three-dimensional reality. They're not just immortal in the sense of living forever—they are literally untouchable.
They cannot be harmed by physical weapons and have simply transcended every physical limitation of the universe by mastering the laws of space and time."
Leo didn't respond immediately, his gaze distant as he processed the gravity of Kid's words. "So, Gods… they're untouchable. Completely beyond reach."
"Exactly," Kid confirmed. "They are the ultimate beings. Nothing short of another God could rival their power. Their lives are shrouded in mystery, but their influence is felt across the universe. Their mere existence shapes reality."
Leo exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. "So, the journey from Master to Grandmaster is just the start."
Kid nodded. "It's a steep climb, Leo. But understanding the hierarchy is essential if you want to navigate the universe. Each tier brings not just power but respect, enemies and a whole new set of challenges."
"Never underestimate the climb, Leo. It's a path few survive. Not because they are not talented, but because the higher you grow in power the more political turmoil you face.
Gods don't want other individuals becoming Gods if they don't like them, and will do everything in their power to stop someone they don't favor from becoming one.
Which is why the climb to the top largely depends on your backing, and why the universe is linearly divided into a few strongest powers" Kid concluded, as Leo let out a deep sigh.
The politics of the actual universe were much more complicated than the world of Terra Nova Online, and although he was the Emperor and the top dog here, he was soon going to be relegated to the bottom all over again.
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