"Rii doesn't necessarily manifest in its raw form," Liana explained, her voice calm but clear. "Wielders use it through what is called their Second nature of Rii, better known as their affinity. Affinity determines how one's Rii takes shape, like fire, mist, or water, to name a few."
Ser scratched his hair, visibly confused. "I don't quite understand."
Liana raised her index finger while smiling softly. "Let's take an example. Imagine someone whose First nature is Transmitting and whose Second nature or Affinity is Fire. Using their Transmitting nature, they can channel Rii to release flames. The amount depends on their Will's capacity."
A small flame flickered into existence above her finger, dancing gently in the air.
Ser's eyes widened in awe. " Another question!" he said, his tone rising with curiosity.
Liana chuckled and gestured for him to continue.
"Then, how can we know which affinity we possess?"
"Good question!" Liana joyfully exclaimed. "Unlike your first nature, which can belong to more than one section, human can possess only one Affinity."
She continued, her tone becoming more thoughtful. "In fact, not every Wielder has a Second Nature. Those without one rely on something called Rii Potent. But since you do have a Second Nature, you do not need to worry about that for now."
"I do?" Ser asked, his tone confused.
Liana with a soft smile, nodded.
She leaned back in her chair. "Do you remember when I channeled your Rii to affect the leaf?"
Ser nodded.
"What happened?" Liana asked.
"The leaf burned around the edges." Ser replied.
"How did it burn?"
Ser tilted his head, thinking. "Because of my affinity?" he said uncertainly.
Liana nodded, smiling. "Exactly. So, tell me, what do you think your Affinity is?"
"Fire, since it burned the leaf?" Ser guessed.
Liana shook her head. "Wrong. Think carefully, Ser. If your Affinity were fire, the entire leaf would have turned to ash. But it didn't, did it?"
He frowned. "Maybe that is because of my first nature. The middle part did not burn because I infused it with fire."
"You are not entirely wrong," She said patiently, "but infusing the leaf with fire would still eventually scorch it completely."
Ser sighed in defeat. "Then what is my affinity?"
"If you had looked closely," Liana said, "you would have notice that the leaf did not just burn. It vibrated. That reaction means your Affinity is Lightning."
"Lightning?" Ser repeated, his eyes widening again.
Liana nodded. "You see, Second Natures aren't always something one is born with. They can also be formed; by connecting an Affinity to your Will. But it is an extremely dangerous and forbidden process, outlawed by the World Wielders Association."
Ser's brow furrowed, clearly not satisfied. "But still… how can a vibration mean lightning? Couldn't it mean something else? How can you be so sure?"
Liana smiled knowingly. "You are right, Ser. Normally, I would not assume so quickly. But your case is… far from ordinary."
Ser grew quiet, uncertainty showing in his face.
"You see," she continued, "as I mentioned before, an Affinity can form when an element connects with your Will. You, Ser, were struck by lightning once, weren't you?"
Ser's eyes widened slightly. "I… was."
"Then that explains it. That lightning connected with your will and shaped your affinity. That is why I am certain."
Ser leaned back, finally understanding. "Ahh, I see," he said softly, his tone clear and thoughtful.
"Now, moving on." Liana said softly.
"There is more?" Ser asked, raising a brow.
"Yes, there is." She replied with a faint smile.
Her tone then shifted, calm yet serious. "Tell me, Ser, do you know what ruins or beasts are?"
Ser shook his head.
"Then, listen carefully. "She said, leaning slightly forward.
Ser nodded quietly.
"First of all, Beasts are unthinking creatures that roam this world. They are wild, instinctive, and violent, doing whatever their nature demands of them. Ruins, on the other hand, are the remnants of ancient lands that existed thousands of years ago. There are countless ruins scattered across the world, but among them, eight hold the highest importance. They are called The Eight World Ruins."
She paused briefly, letting her words settle. "Each of these ruins lies on a different island, scattered across the seas."
"I have a question!" Ser exclaimed suddenly, raising a finger.
Liana chuckled and gestured for him to continue.
"What makes these eight ruins different from the others?"
"Again good question!" she said with delight, before her tone grew solemn again. "Over a thousand years ago, those ruins were once known as The Eight Great Nations. But everything changed when humans and other races began a massive extermination of beasts. The slaughter was so vast that the beasts neared extinction. That was when eight beings appeared, creatures so powerful they commanded all remaining beasts, each ruling over a vast horde."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "These eight were the first beasts ever known to possess true intelligence. They became known as the Eight Singularities; the only recorded beings ever classified a Calamity -class throughout history."
Ser's eyes widened slightly as she continued.
"Each Singularity destroyed one of the Eight Great Nations, reducing them to wastelands. The very lands they destroyed are now their domains; ruins that still carry traces of their immense power. That is why they are called the Eight World Ruins. Each ruin is said to still house its respective Singularity, a being capable of destroying the world itself."
She folded her arms. "As for the other beasts, not all were wiped out. When the nations fell, the slaughter ceased. Now, the beasts that live within those ruins are called Colossal beasts; they can wield Rii. Those outside the ruins are simply called Beasts, unable to wield it."
Ser listened closely, his eyes heavy with curiosity and unease.
"Most wielders," Liana went on, "spend their lives exploring ruins; searching for relics, lost Rii sources, or even clues about the Singularities. Those people are called Wanderers."
Her gaze softened as she added, "And, Ser… the island we are standing on now was once one of those Eight Great Nations.:
Ser froze, his voice trembling. "Th-That means..."
Liana chuckled lightly. "Don't worry. The Ruin Beasts won't come here. The other beats fear the intelligent life; they keep their distance outside the forest."
Ser exhaled, relief washing over his face, though unease still lingered in his eyes.