35 35: The Power of Destiny

"First of all, you want to know how powerful Destiny is. Know just that what makes them really special is their abilities. There are Seven Destiny Paths, and each path gives different abilities based on the name of the path and the progression level it follows. I don't know much about it so..."

Jin paused for a moment to take a breather before continuing:

"Let me give you a reference to how powerful they are. A Tier 9 Destiny would obtain two abilities. One passive and one active. Any Tier 9 Destiny had surpassed the limits of physical strength a human could achieve. They broke their limit and it could grow into something that can fight Apokalips! Most of the time, a Tier 9 Apokalips could overpower Tier 9 Destiny. However, it depends more on what abilities the Destiny possessed and their utilization of it."

Caleb nodded with a serious expression and couldn't help but think. 'One passive and one active? He actually knows those gaming terms? Just how? Or is it just coincidence?'

"Since we can't gauge their abilities. Just how physically powerful are they, exactly?"

Jin smiled.

"Good question! Tier 9 Destiny can take care of Fireteam alone! What is a fireteam you say? It's a small military unit typically consisting of four soldiers. Of course, these terms aren't being used anymore, unlike in the past. A Tier 8 on the other hand, can annihilate an entire Squad! Which was a small military unit comprised of two or more fireteams, often led by a sergeant in the past."

"There are no soldiers any more?" Caleb asked.

"Do you think soldiers holding firearms can fight Apokalips? No, they can't. Not anymore. They would just become cannon fodders. Now, they use Destiny. Although I don't know the positions or what group terms, they use in the City of Phenos.." Jin sighed. With a shrug, he continued. "Well, back to the topic. A Tier 7 can massacre an entire well-armed platoon: a larger military unit usually consisting of three or four squads, led by a lieutenant or a platoon sergeant. More importantly, Tier 7 Destiny is impenetrable against thermal weapons and most cold weapons!"

'Hmmm... That means, in terms of physical strength, a grade 3 taboo fighter was equivalent to Tier 7 Destiny. However, I wonder what energy are they using. If what he was saying is true, in terms of abilities, the Destiny Power System is more structured and actually gives two abilities!'

Caleb scratched his chin for a moment. A hint of hesitation appeared on his pale face before asking:

"What energy does Destiny use?"

Raising his eyebrows, Jin was silent for a moment, and a confused expression could be seen on his face.

"Energy? What energy? Do you mean Ki? Or Mana, like those novels in the past?"

It was Caleb's turn to be surprised.'What Novels!? Novels exist here in the past!?'

To be sure, Caleb decided to ask. "Novels existed in the past?"

Jin chuckled as if amused. "Yes... Before the invasion of the Apokalips. Various films and novels exist. The technological level had reached the information age. Unfortunately, everything took a step back. Every knowledge database whether soft copy or hard copy was damaged by when the invasions started. Agriculture, technology, etc... degraded. Now, the prosperity in the past was gone."

'Didn't expect that one.'

"So if you're referring to those magic energies like in the fantasy book. No, Destinies don't wield any of them. The abilities of Destiny rely on physical energy to work. So, one has to have excellent stamina as it directly taps the body's physical energy."

Jin explained with a faint smile. Then he gave Tamasai a deep look, which made Caleb wonder before continuing.

"But don't worry. As our body becomes stronger, our physical energy or stamina also increases. Though we don't have to worry about these matters since we're not Destiny yet."

He didn't know it was his imagination. Caleb felt Jin's tone become a bit dejected for a second.

"Got it..." With a nod of appreciation, Caleb stared at the ceiling with a ponderous expression.

'I thought I would acquire a new energy, but it doesn't seem the case. Well, at least physical energy isn't something I lack. What if I use taboo energy to fuel the abilities of Destiny instead? Would they receive a boost? Is that even feasible?'

Caleb felt his palms itch and he couldn't wait to try his idea. If that really worked, it would be a big boost to his combat prowess and it would give him an edge against other Destiny!

'Damn! I'm really a genius!'

"Kid, why the fuck are you smirking like an idiot?" Dunn's voice pulled out Caleb of his beautiful delusion."

Caleb glared daggers at Dunn:

"Damn you! Don't call me a kid! I'm Cal- *Ahem* Johan, okay? Johan!"

Dunn shrugged and scratched his cheek. A bit taken aback by Caleb's intense reaction. Rina and Athena glared at him, while Jin also gave him a look.

"Okay, okay... I didn't expect that you disliked being called like that. But aren't you seventeen years old?"

"Well, quiet guys. Let's continue the topic." Jin intervened.

Fushigiro, on the other hand, just remained quiet on the side as he took another bite of steak. Sometimes, he would listen to the group's conversation, adding insights.

Caleb's gaze happened to land on Fatty, who was winking at him. 'Does this bastard want me to keep a tiger meat for him or something?'

As he thought of this, Caleb sighed. He looked at the other teenagers like him who had kept him company for the last two months. If he can, he actually wants to help them to become strong. He didn't want to see them die one day. He grew a bit fond of their personality.

Andre, who was ambitious but cared a lot about them. Luna, who always looks out for him for some reason. Fatty, who knows how to enjoy life and is a bit foul-mouthed. Clifford who has always had something interesting to say.

"Johan, are you still listening to what I'm saying?" Jin said.

"Uh? Of course!" Caleb nodded.

'Where are we again?'