"Ah, I see now. So that was your reason behind having those tests."
Eren exclaimed, taken aback by the extent to which Minerva had meticulously crafted a method for prospective claimants to access her true legacy.
Nevertheless, he sensed a void in her explanation.
"Hmm? With Seven Virtue Series Marks in existence, why were there only four tests?" Eren quizzed, a look of perplexity etched across his face. Minerva shrugged in response before elaborating.
"This is due to my capacity to bestow merely four of the Seven Virtue Series Marks – namely prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. These four Marks are referred to as Cardinal Virtues.
Naturally, my assessment of aspirants is limited to the compatibilities linked to these specific Virtue Series Marks. Why would I conduct tests and check compatibility for the Virtue Series Marks that I wouldn't be able to bestow?" Minerva explained in an even tone.
Initiating a directionless walk with Eren in tow, Minerva sighed, her words continuing to unfurl.
"Within Anfang, myriad isolated dimensions were established by past Sages. The enclaves you dub Utopias stem from the Sage of the divine faction, whereas those known as Purgatories originate from Sages with a demonic inclination. At least that's the case with most isolated dimensions and ruins you'd find here.
Naturally, not all Utopias or Purgatories grant aspirants the privilege of acquiring Sin or Virtue Series Marks. Plus, not every Utopia or Purgatory would allow you to choose from either seven Sin Series Marks or seven Virtue Series Marks. It all depends on the Sage and their capabilities at the time of creating inheritance grounds.
Let's just say that these are merely the reverberations of Anfang's past that persist in the present because Sages like us can't help but want to leave our imprints upon the world we hail from."
Minerva concluded, her voice carrying a tone of nostalgia as she shared these insights with Eren.
'Minerva… Her demeanor is distinctly dissimilar from Nira, the Sage of Sansara, or even that old hag, for that matter. I guess the Sages aligned with the demonic and divine factions can be discerned by their conduct towards those who might inherit their legacy.
This divergence in disposition is vividly expressed through the isolated realms they forge for the generations to come, designating them as Utopia or Purgatory according to their divine or demonic leanings.'
Eren mused to himself as he walked beside Minerva. It was apparent that Minerva's intentions greatly contrasted those of Eliza, whom Eren would often refer to as the old hag. Unlike Eliza, whose Purgatory primarily served as a tool to ensnare pawns for her own purposes, Minerva genuinely intended to leave behind a meaningful legacy within the land of Anfang.
Eliza's trials appeared rather arbitrary, designed to gauge the aspirants' overall abilities, irrespective of their compatibility with any of the Sin Series Marks. Eliza seemed indifferent to whether the aspirants were apt for the Sin Series Marks. The only redeeming aspect of Eliza's Purgatory was the presence of the Seven-Headed Serpent Statue, which could evaluate aspirants' compatibility with the Seven Sin Series Marks on its own before bestowing someone with the respective Mark.
Eren speculated that Minerva lacked a convenient method, akin to Eliza's Seven-Headed Serpent Statue, for conferring Virtue Series Marks. He guessed that instead of relying on the mediums, she herself served as a meditator to bestow the Virtue Series Marks.
Therefore, Minerva meticulously constructed tailored trials for prospective claimants, emphasizing foresight for the younger generation. While Eliza's charisma overshadowed that of other Sages, Eren gleaned from Minerva that no Sage should be underestimated. Minerva's influence might have been less imposing than some of her counterparts, but her strategic acumen and planning compensated for it.
"Sage Minerva, I think we can both agree that I have passed all four tests with flying colors. It means I am compatible with any of the four Virtue Series Marks in theory.
Why would the presence of the Sin Series Mark render me incompatible? Aren't the Abilities from the demonic and divine realms merely two divergent paths within Intent-based Magic?"
Eren inquired, maintaining pace with Minerva.
Minerva shook her head before responding.
"Eren, the matter isn't as straightforward as it may appear. While the demonic and divine Abilities stemming from the respective Sin or Virtue Series Marks are indeed rooted in Intent-based Magic, they represent the dual facets of a singular coin.
At the end of the day, you and I are Rankers from Anfang and we respect power no matter where it comes from. As such, I don't mind that you have demonic inclinations.
But you must understand that we can not choose both sides of the coin at the same time after it has been tossed in the air. You must choose a solitary side and commit to it. That is the most prudent route. And from the looks of things, you have already chosen a side. To obtain Virtue Series Marks without facing a backlash, you'd have to get rid of the Sin Series Marks, which would only end up damaging your soul and foundation. I don't think any sane person would be willing to do that.
The Sin and Virtue Series Marks are very powerful. They have the potential to turn the tides in the wielder's favor instantly if they are capable. How could obtaining such powerful Abilities be easy and convenient? Life isn't forgiving like that," The Sage Ranker asked Eren rhetorically.
Minerva's explanation resonated deeply with Eren. The Sin Series Marks had consistently served as his reliable trump cards during his journey so far. Of course, the butcher had plans to acquire the remaining Sin Series Marks from the Seven-Headed Serpent Statue within Eliza's possession before ultimately departing from Anfang.
Uncertain about the potential potency of the Virtue Series Marks in comparison to the Sin Series Marks, Eren believed that they, too, could become valuable assets in his arsenal. As such, he didn't want to waste the opportunity of gaining such Marks if he could help it. With conviction, he cleared his throat before addressing Minerva.
"Sage Minerva, would you consider bestowing those Virtue Series Marks upon me as an experiment? I'm curious to explore the possibility of acquiring additional Abilities.
Whether they align with the divine or demonic factions doesn't concern me, as long as they prove advantageous," Eren proposed with enthusiasm.
