03. Ranks
The body of a person during its gestation will begin to undergo certain supernatural changes, which not even the most brilliant minds of the current era have been able to explain. One of those changes is the 'Meridians', a total of nine small points spread throughout the body.
The 'Meridians' are of great importance in the field of 'cultivation', since if a person aspires to become a 'Master of the ether', a title that is given to any person who can make use of said energy.
These nine points during the first ten years of a person's life would be in constant growth and development, so if a person tries to manipulate the 'ether' through the 'meridians' before they are fully developed it can have serious consequences. . .
From becoming a crippled and bedridden person to death itself.
So the best age for every child to take their first steps towards becoming an 'Aether Master' is between 11 and 12 years old. However, some esteemed families would begin imparting other knowledge to him sooner, apart from nourishing his body with precious elixirs and concoctions.
The 'Masters of the Ether' is divided into six great ranks of power, where each rank has its own merits or achievements, as well as its great changes in the person's body. These ranks were from lowest to highest viz.
- Mortal Rank (Human)
- Fighter Rank
- Master Fighter Rank
- Battle King Rank
- Enlightened rank (Semi-Holy)
- Holy Rank
The 'Masters of the Aether' would manipulate energy through manuals and special techniques. Each manual and technique was different from another and in a way 'unique'.
Some manuals and techniques have certain conditions to be used, however, there is no doubt that the gains are much higher. These manuals and techniques are divided into two classes, 'Flow Manuals' and 'Fighting Techniques' or 'Aether Skills'.
The 'Flow Manuals' were the main base and importance of every 'Master of the Aether', if he aspired to become a great recognized figure. Since it was through these manuals that it was dictated how much 'ether' the person could collect from the air and be able to use it in his favor within his body.
For its part, the 'Aether Skills' were training techniques, manipulation, and control of 'ether' to use it externally in his favor. These abilities were the ones that were commonly used for fighting and moving at high speeds, among other uses they have.
'Flow Manuals' and 'Aether Skills' are rated on the same scale used to measure the value of Elixirs, Weapons, and Treasures, among other high-value items.
- One star (human rank)
- Two stars (fighter rank)
- Three stars (master fighter rank)
- Four Stars (Battle King Rank)
- Five stars (illumination range)
- Six Stars (Holy Rank)
The 'Masters of Aether' is the main force of all races, though just by being a 'Master Fighter' he could be considered someone to be reckoned with. Since the true strength of the different races was the number of 'Saints' they had on hand.
Each 'Saint' would have enough strength to wipe out a kingdom without a problem, as well as be able to move between the ends of a continent in a matter of a few hours.
Although the 'Dark Races' would have their own energy system with different names, this undeniable fact still did not change.
Reinhard was sitting in his seat paying attention to the class taught by Ilonka when she stopped her movements to the side of her desk. In front of everyone, she just placed a finger on her desk and everyone witnessed it split into two parts.
"The 'Aether Masters', no matter who they are, will be revered and cherished by everyone... Even if he is a commoner, esteemed families have to give him a good look."
Opening his eyes, Reinhard had various thoughts and ideas running through her mind as she looked at the two parts of the desk, which were now collapsed on the floor.
What would have happened, if instead of the desk there was a person?
…
Quickly the first month passes since the beginning of Ilonka's classes, all the children could not hide their mood hoping to get a good grade.
Of the 30 children under Ilonka's leadership, only 7 failed. At the back of the room, Ilonka hung a blackboard containing a total of 15 different names, these names belonged to the 15 children who obtained the best scores from the three groups.
As Reinhard expected, he was able to take first place without much trouble. In fact, even Ilonka was a little surprised to see the point difference between him and second place.
His achievement only caused a small chain reaction among his peers, especially those who come from a prestigious families in the empire.
Out of 15 names, only 3 of them were commoners. Which didn't surprise Reinhard much, after all, they already had a huge advantage over everyone else.
The 7 children who failed her exams were punished with ten lashes each in front of the whole class. At this point, no one had a different expression on her face, other than indifference, boredom, and amusement.
***
Today, Reinhard and all the children were led by Ilonka into a large room that contained many shelves with different weapons, from swords, spears, maces, and axes. Even firearms, such as rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
*Clap*
"Alright, today your routine will start to go into phase two. Everyone can choose two different weapons to train from today."
"However, remember that once you choose you cannot change them"
After saying those words, Ilonka gave them a total of fifteen minutes to choose their weapons.
*hum*
With a little tune in his head, Reinhard walked through the shelves looking at various weapons, the ones that piqued his interest were held in his hand to give him a few little sways to see if they fit him.
Each child during all this time had had an increase in their strength, each one had the strength of a teenager in their 15 years after all the food they were given was quite special according to some words I hear from the nobles.
Reinhard glanced at the various firearms hanging on the shelves with considerable interest. One of the weapon models he saw was the same kind of weapon that the military carried the first day he reincarnated.
It had an appearance like the ancient weapons of his previous life.
The weapon had a length of 120 cm, as well as several parts made of some dark gold and gray-colored metals, as well as some parts in dark brown wood. What gave its design was a kind of lines between the assembly of the body in gold and the barrel covered in wood. His scope was a classic iron sight that would be found on any weapon without attachments.
His supplier was a metal drum, which had some missing parts that gave the appearance of lines. Which glowed light blue.
"T.E-I power rifle. ¿Do you are interested?"
hmm?
Hearing the very familiar voice coming from behind me, I turned my gaze to see Ilonka who was walking behind me.
His face was as expressionless and strict as ever, however, this time I could see a little interest in his eyes.
"No ma'am!"
I responded with the military salute that we had learned in camp, which was to cross one arm in front of the chest and form a small fist in the area of the heart.
*hum*
"I recommend a smaller gun"
Leaving those words hanging in the air, Ilonka turned her back on me as she left towards the area where those who finished choosing their weapons were located.
'So I caught your interest~'
Looking at the weapons on the rack, I had trouble not ruining my little smile.
Taking a quick look, Reinhard decided on one of the polearms.
The weapon that he decided to choose Reinhard, had an appearance similar to the weapons used in jousting tournaments. The handle of it is 45 cm long, while the large cone-shaped blade was about 100 cm long and 20 cm in circumference at the widest part, which covered the handle.
The weapon, despite being from the spear family, use was much more similar to that of a rapier than the versatility of a conventional polearm.
Seeing the weapon that Reinhard chose, many of the children had strange looks, showing their disdain and mockery. However, Ilonka had a twinkle in her eyes as she noticed a certain peculiarity.
'I only feel sorry for his enemies'