The pieces of a grand tapestry were slowly coming together, and Eren knew that he stood at the heart of a larger, intricate web of this power struggle.
Kino had managed to recover from her mental fatigue to a great extent, a fatigue she felt after utilizing two soul-based arrays. Nevertheless, she still felt the lingering effects due to her depleted spiritual force, which was gradually replenishing. She gently pressed her fingers against her forehead as if attempting to alleviate a lingering headache before resuming her explanation.
"Intent-based magic, as I previously pointed out, grants demons a significant advantage. It's no wonder that mana-harnessing entities are drawn to the allure of demonic powers.
Kino carefully articulated the consequences of harnessing demonic powers, emphasizing their ability to magnify one's strength to the point of experiencing a profound rebirth. However, she warned of the peril that awaited those who willingly embraced these tempting powers, as their pursuit often led to the completion of Faustian Contracts. These contracts, in turn, permitted demons to materialize in the shared battlefield of the mortal and supernatural realms, where divine and demonic forces clashed in fierce conflict.
Eren contemplated for a moment before seeking clarification, "So Hex magic was created as a means to counter demon magic. Since both are forms of intent-based magic, Hex magic aims to level the playing field for both sides. Am I understanding correctly?" He reflected on his own experiences using the Hex gear, acknowledging the power it provided through magic amplification. However, he had decided to reserve its usage for dire situations, aware that its continuous utilization would drain him both spiritually and mentally.
Recognizing Eren's potential to become one of the most prominent Hexers of his generation, Kino felt compelled to provide him with detailed explanations and further assistance. After all, he had inherited her Master Illvar's legacy, making it her duty to support him to the best of her abilities. Adjusting her hair and clearing her throat, the homunculus proceeded to share more insights.
"The gods sought something extraordinary to empower their devout followers in the fight against demonic rankers, enabling the protection and growth of divine faiths. However, most gods lacked the resolve of demons and preferred to avoid direct involvement due to their own reasons.
Inspired by Elder Seed Artifacts, they created Hex gear. This is why Hex artifacts are often referred to as pseudo-Elder Seed Artifacts in certain worlds," Kino explained, her gaze fixed on Eren. She had learned of Aleph's quest for an Elder Seed Artifact and wanted to ensure that Eren possessed the knowledge to make informed decisions. While she was captivated by Aleph's sudden appearance, she aimed to support Eren as well, ensuring he wouldn't unknowingly enter into an unfavorable Faustian Contract.
Eren's consciousness had been in slumber when Aleph emerged to survey the world of Gilaahan, leaving him oblivious to the concept and significance of Elder Seed Artifacts.
"Kino, please explain what the Elder Seed Artifacts are," Eren humbly requested, bowing lightly to Kino. He understood that acquiring such information was not easily attainable. Typically, one would have to align themselves with a specific faction or pay a hefty price to gain access to such knowledge.
Eren was already preoccupied with establishing his own mercenary unit and burdened with a substantial debt, leaving him with limited options. He hoped that Kino would show compassion upon learning about his circumstances and share this information with him, considering he was the holder of Illvar's legacy, who had been Kino's master. This, coupled with Kino's prior decision to divulge everything she knew, influenced her to smile at him before proceeding.
"You needn't be so humble, Eren. I was already planning on telling you," Kino reassured him. "Regarding the Elder Seed Artifacts, it is said that in ancient times, there existed an entity known as the Demon Emperor, the original possessor of the Elder Ichor Bloodline. Before his demise, he left behind numerous legacies scattered across countless worlds. These legacies, created with his own blood as a key ingredient, are known as Elder Seed Artifacts or simply Elder Artifacts.
They say that most of the Elder Seed Artifacts can basically select their masters and merge with worthy individuals, designating them as Elder Seeds—the inheritors. These artifacts are said to be so potent that they can even attract the attention of gods and Demon Princes.
Almost every Elder Seed Inheritor has left their mark in the history of their respective worlds due to the immense power they wield. The Elder Artifacts defy common understanding, granting a pure form of magic. They are considered the pinnacle of magic across all existing worlds," Kino explained earnestly, her voice tinged with excitement, her desire to possess an Elder Seed Artifact evident in her eyes.
Eren absorbed the information slowly as his gaze fixed on Kino. After a moment of contemplation, he voiced his question, "Kino, if Elder Seed Artifacts are so powerful, why don't the gods create them themselves or search for them to directly bestow upon their followers instead of distributing fake copies? If they are truly gods, shouldn't they have the ability to do so?"
Kino chuckled, dispelling Eren's doubts. "These gods are not as omnipotent as you may imagine, Eren. They, too, have their limitations.
Moreover, Elder Seed Artifacts are incredibly rare to the point where one could search hundreds of worlds and not find a single clue about them. They are illusive and have the powers to hide themselves. Even gods and demons seek these artifacts, which is why you wouldn't typically see gods gifting them to their most devout followers, regardless of their faith," Kino patiently clarified while her gaze shifted to the illusionary sky created by the Hexers' Ground.
Kino's lips pursed as she delved into her own contemplations before continuing.
"As for why gods are unable to create their own counterparts to the Elder Seed Artifacts, the simple truth is that they lack the ability to do so, Eren," Kino explained. "The Hex artifacts, often referred to as pseudo-Elder Seed Artifacts, were conceived as an attempt to replicate the process without the crucial component—the Elder Ichor Bloodline.
While they are based on the Elder Seed Artifacts and grant access to intent-based magic for ordinary individuals, the Hex artifacts can only harness a fraction of the immense power possessed by the original artifacts.
Nevertheless, the various cults of gods recognized the potential of Hex artifacts in their struggle against demonic forces. Thus, these artifacts were mass-produced and distributed among the followers of gods to safeguard their faiths.
Although they pale in comparison to the true Elder Seed Artifacts, the Hex artifacts are relatively easier to create and distribute, making them a favorable choice for gods to bestow upon their devotees."
Kino patiently unraveled the intricate layers of history to Eren, shedding light on the emergence of the Hexers' Creeds. These organizations, she elucidated, were born from specific faiths but gradually distanced themselves from divine influences, forging their own path in the process.
This was how The Hexers' Creeds were created in the beginning.
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