The Founder stood over Saruto, then planted his sword in the ground, smoke swirling around him. He slowly raised his hand, and suddenly… a dense aura of energy erupted, wrapping around his body. Then, a shimmering layer formed, resembling a living, intricately shaped shield, as if a breathing being surrounded him.
The Founder's voice reverberated through the space:
"Did you think that by mastering your weapon's forging you could defeat me? Look at this skill; it's called Armoring."
Saruto's eyes widened. He felt a pressure unlike anything he had ever known. This armor wasn't just energy; it was altering the very air around the Founder. Every wave emanating from it threatened to tear Saruto apart.
The Founder removed the heavy metal helmet he had been wearing as a result of activating the Armoring skill, revealing his face clearly. His long purple hair fluttered in the aura, and his eyes blazed like two embers. He raised his hand to his chest and struck lightly, and the aura suddenly intensified until it nearly crushed Saruto.
"This... is true armor," the founder said in a calm but dignified voice. "It has two levels. This is the first level of the armor skill."
He approached with slow steps, each one shaking the ground. "But... that's not its only secret."
He reached upwards, and his purple hair rose, gradually changing. Half of it turned a luminous white, while the other half remained a deep purple.
Saruto stood up, shocked. "Your hair...!"
The founder smiled. "This is what I call... the hair level. Just as armor evolves, hair is a direct reflection of willpower and blood. And it has three levels."
He raised his first finger. "The first level... half purple and half white. It increases power by 50 times."
Then he gestured with the second, his hair turning whiter until it was almost entirely white, leaving only a few violet strands.
"Level Two… White reigns supreme, and violet becomes a mere remnant. Here, the body itself begins to transform into a vessel of energy, increasing power by a factor of 100."
Then, suddenly… the Founder let out a short roar, his hair turning completely white, releasing a massive burst of dark energy. The violet vanished entirely. The ground shook, and the smoke dissipated by the pure, flowing power.
"Level Three… where violet disappears, leaving only pure white. Only two members of the Luin clan have reached this level so far: myself… and the First Founder. It increases power by a factor of 400."
Saruto trembled as he stared at the scene, sweat beading on his forehead, his heart pounding. This wasn't just a display of power… it was a clear declaration of the difference between him and the legendary power of the Founders.
The founder smiled slyly, lowering his aura slightly to give Saruto a chance to catch his breath:
"And now, heir of the Luin... if you ever want to be our equal... you have to forge your own path to keep up with us."