"Ummm."
As Vik clenched his fists in excitement, he heard a hushed moan from beneath the blanket, reminding him that Reece was sleeping beside him. Curiosity about Rankers had caused him to overlook her presence.
Lifting the blanket, Vik discovered Reece sound asleep, snuggled tightly against him. Her peculiar sleeping position seemed to maximize space on the bed, and his hand rested on her soft derriere.
Reece emitted a snore mixed with moan, the result of her sensitive spot being tickled by Vik's lightning mana while she slumbered. Playfully, he lightly slapped her bun, considering it a payback for inadvertently taking advantage of him while he slept. Lost in thought, he continued kneading her plush buns.
With the morning still hours away and their guild job starting at 9, they had ample time to rise and prepare.
Vik delved into Eren's memories, seeking knowledge about Rankers. The first rank, Metahuman, marked the beginning for all rankers, but ascending to Rank 2 was no easy task.
Each rank consisted of nine stages divided into three phases: vapor, liquid, and solid. Progression required a mana core to transition through these phases, with each rank encompassing a total of nine stages.
At Rank 1, individuals could only utilize Rank 1 mana in their surroundings. After reaching the solid stage's limits in the Meta Rank, the mana core would implode, commencing the absorption of mana from the next rank in the vapor stage. The process involved passing through three phases to achieve the next rank.
Rank 2 Rankers had access to both Rank 1 and Rank 2 mana, given that their mana cores had already reached that level. However, why would they settle for lower-caliber mana when superior options were available?
Similarly, Meta Rankers were limited to Rank 1 spells, artifacts, and potions, as their bodies and mana cores couldn't support higher-ranked ones.
Amidst these musings, Vik continued kneading Reece's tender backside, reinforcing his understanding of the concepts swirling in his mind.
In his previous life as Viktor Vladimir, he never envied Metahumans, unaware of their true nature beyond possessing superhuman abilities. They were, fundamentally, not much different from ordinary humans. The ease with which Vik, along with others, defeated Triple G demonstrated how mortals could still overpower Metas.
However, Vik discovered a significant distinction between the Metas he knew and those present in this part of the world. Compared to the Metas from Eren's memories, the ones he encountered previously seemed unsophisticated.
"Why am I worrying about Metas and Awakened when I haven't even begun? What must I do to enter Rank 1? That should be my foremost concern."
Recalling his innermost desires expressed to the unknown entity, Vik acknowledged his pursuit of power to live life to the fullest, free from regret. Additionally, he sought the means to seek retribution against Raquel for involving him and his brother in troublesome situations.
"Tory, my brother, if your Lazarus sequence has been completed successfully, you might have become an Osho. Wait for me as I search for you. I'll strive to find a way for you to exist beyond Oasis. I was given a second chance. If it happened once, it can happen again."
Vik narrowed his eyes, engrossed in a multitude of thoughts while simultaneously squeezing and patting Reece's derriere, lavishing it with attention.
"There are several steps preceding Rank 1. First, one must sense mana in their surroundings. Second, they must draw that mana into their body and channel it. Finally, the third step involves guiding the mana within, transforming it into the mana core.
Rank 1 is achieved when the mana core forms beneath the navel for the first time. That's the essence of entering Rank 1, but it's not a one-size-fits-all process. There are both commoners and prodigies among rankers, and Eren falls into the former category."
Vik sighed, empathizing with the struggles Eren faced in this vastly different society. It operated on principles not completely unfamiliar to him, where might dictated right and immense wealth equated to overwhelming power. Eren, at the age of 19, hadn't even reached the first stage of the Meta Rank, which raised concerns within the Elysian city.
Even the girl slumbering beside him was six months younger yet stood at the sixth stage of the Meta Rank. In comparison, Vik found himself significantly lagging behind the standards set within the Elysian city.
"What's even more astounding is the absence of lifespan restrictions in this society. They can live well past 50 years without interference. It's simply unbelievable."