Simon was enlightened by the words of Instructor Valdin, and it answered some of the questions he wanted to ask.
’So, basically, there are extremely rare resources that can increase a demon’s affinity grade, but depending on the resource type, the increment might be little, massive, or unrealistic.’
’But for these artificial methods like the Shadowgrave Clan’s method, they can grant a demon an affinity, but it won’t be able to break past the natural limit of that demon.’
’But I have some other questions I need to ask.’
Without hesitation, Simon decided to ask the questions he had when he saw that Instructor Valdin was done talking.
"Is there any side effect when using an artificial method to gain an affinity one did not naturally awaken? Like maybe, ruining one’s foundation or causing hidden injuries?"
Instructor Valdin looked at the researcher to his right who was wearing a white mask with a red diagonal cross on it.
"Why don’t you answer that question, Researcher Mahan."
Researcher Mahan was slightly taken aback for a moment, but he didn’t lose his composure.
"Excellent question young man."
He paused for a moment and adjusted his mask from below, making Simon to feel that such a sight would be better if he was wearing glasses and raised it instead.
"To be honest, despite the advancements we’ve made, using an artificial method to advance your affinity grade or to gain an affinity cannot be compared to using several natural resources."
"Just like the name, using natural resources would make your upgraded or new affinity feel natural, while using an artificial method would feel artificial... It would feel like you have an extra arm or an extension in you that’s not meant to be there."
Simon tilted his head slightly with slightly raised brows despite the words of the researcher.
’You have still not answered my question.’ He was not impressed by how the researcher was dodging his actual question, and the researcher could see it in his eyes.
The researcher coughed softly.
’What sort of coldness and indifference are in those eyes. It’s so uncomfortable to look at.’
The researcher wondered inwardly, then he finally answered Simon’s question.
"Nobody’s foundation would be ruined or damaged if you use our artificial method to gain shadow affinity, and you won’t have hidden injuries. Our method is one of the best methods to gain an artificial affinity, and that’s because we focus only on a single element compared to other academies and organizations. There are some methods that would ruin an individual’s foundation."
"In the past, we used to have cases of death. But now, we don’t have such anymore because of the many advancements and precautions we’ve developed."
The expressions of some of Simon’s classmates changed when they heard the word-death- but Simon was not surprised by it.
"Then, can I ask another question?"
Researcher Mahan nodded. "You can."
"Is it then possible for one to have an affinity for all the elements since there are resources that can grant one an affinity they didn’t naturally awaken?"
Researcher Mahan remained silent for a moment, then he laughed, catching Simon and the rest off guard.
"Goodness me. Forgive me."
Researcher Mahan stifled another laughter, then he inhaled and exhaled deeply as he tried to get himself.
Simon glanced at Instructor Valdin, but he saw that their class instructor only had his arms folded without saying or doing anything.
"Oh my. I can’t remember the last time I had a good laugh honestly."
Researcher Mahan shook his head, then he continued speaking.
"You’re not the first person to have such thoughts and ambitions. Many demons have thought of such a thing since it seems possible, but I can tell you that none have succeeded."
Simon said nothing and just listened attentively. He wasn’t bothered by the researcher’s laugh since he genuinely needed knowledge and he was also interested.
"Aside from the affinity or affinities a demon awakens during their Coming of Age Rite, a demon can at most obtain three new affinities, and these three new affinities are going to place a lot of strain on the demon."
"Let me explain it to you guys. When we say one has an affinity, one does not just feel a connection with the elements from out of nowhere."
"No. We’ve come to realize that there are actually elemental planes, and these elemental planes are behind a gate. This is all hypothesis, we are not 100% certain yet."
"As I was saying, when we say one has affinity for a specific element, it just basically means how wide can that person open the gate to that specific elemental plane."
"For instance, somebody with a F grade affinity would have a very small opening in that gate. While somebody with a S grade affinity would have a very wide opening in that gate. In fact, the gate might be fully opened."
"And if one has the legendary grade above S grade, it would most likely be that the gate is non-existent to them. It would be like their home."
"That is what we strongly believe an affinity is. How wide can you open the gate to this elemental plane you have a connection with."
"Our unique method can create an artificial connection with the gate, and our method can also assist in widening the opening of the gate, but once we reach the individual’s limit, we cannot widen the gate anymore. A natural treasure can do that with ease."
Researcher Mahan paused so as to catch his breath, and Simon patiently waited.
Although the researcher had not answered his question, what he had said was something he never knew in the past.
It was very interesting to him.
"Alright, as I was saying, there are elemental planes and affinities are just how wide one can open the gates to these planes."
"Now, if you want to know why it is impossible to have an affinity for all the elements, it’s because of two words- weight and incompatibility. "
"Having an affinity for all the elements means you’re carrying the weight of all the elemental planes."
"I hope you can fathom just how absurd this combined weight would be?"