*One thousand years ago*
The echoing battle cries of renowned warriors reverberated throughout the land. The incantations of high-ranking human mages filled the air, resounding simultaneously, as they unleashed their formidable magic. This was the devastating war waged by the Archdemon, who sought to expand his territory by conquering the lands of humanity and enslaving countless humans.
The demon warriors showed no signs of retreat, even though they had fought tirelessly, eliminating many foes. The human side was beginning to lose hope, realizing that this battle was a matter of sacrificing their lives to defend their borders.
Many started to consider that serving the Archdemon and surrendering might not be such a terrible option. Their spirits waned, and their morale dwindled.
The Archdemon side gained a significant advantage amidst the battlefield where the human side was on the verge of defeat. However, there were those who refused to yield and accept the segregation between magic users and sword wielders. Ray Grantes, a warrior who rejected the division, dedicated himself wholeheartedly to mastering both the sword and magic simultaneously.
He was capable of wielding a sword while harnessing magical powers, combining them into various mesmerizing techniques, performing graceful dances on the battlefield. Ray adapted to every attack and skillfully countered them. As time passed, the human side suffered heavy losses, with little chance of turning the tide of battle.
Ray unleashed his full magical power and cast a grand spell.
"In the name of the one who possesses the *power,* I borrow the strength of the mighty. I hereby invoke the power of destruction to annihilate my adversaries!"
As soon as his words ceased, a colossal boulder descended from the sky, crashing into the ranks of the Archdemon's army.
This decision ultimately led to victory for the human side. However, for Ray, it was a sin, a consequence of the slaughter that had affected countless lives. Despite achieving the desired victory, it was not the outcome he had hoped for.
Before the Archdemon met his demise, He uttered his final words:
"I shall be reborn in due time. By then, the limited abilities of humans like you shall have no chance of defeating me."
**
The tale of the brave and valiant mage-warrior was recorded on parchment.
This grand epic brought about significant changes and transformations. The deities who watched over this event witnessed Ray's determination, combining swordsmanship and magic, and the imbalance of power between humans and marian beings. Thus, they bestowed upon humanity a power known as the "Crest."
As time passed, humans learned to wield this power and divided it into two levels. Those who were born with the ability of a single Crest were forced to form pairs. A swordsman and a mage together made one pair, known as Level One or "Ranga."
On the other hand, those born with two Crests often possessed complementary abilities that enhanced each other. They could utilize magic to augment their speed and strength, using spells to support their swordsmanship during battles. They were called Level Two or "Rados."
In the past, individuals with extraordinary abilities or Level Two Crests were praised and appointed as nobility
Bloodline played a crucial role in determining which level a child would be assigned to. Due to this, most Level Two individuals belonged to noble families, while there were cases of Level One individuals being expelled from their lineages.
Conversely, children born with two Crests in ordinary families could elevate their status through seizing positions, defying their predetermined fate.
Therefore, this world was clearly divided and structured.
**
"The fresh and clear morning air in the rural village, far away from the bustling city and the capital, let the pure sunlight seep through the thin curtains in a room that is neatly arranged with tables, beds, and chairs. The sound of birds chirping softly after returning from finding food for their little ones.
I, Tsumuki Gen, was born and raised in an ordinary family. My mother passed away eleven years ago, even before I was born, and my father disappeared before that.
Now I live with Shina-san, the true younger sister of my late mother, and he is also the chief of the infantry division of this kingdom.
Shina-san told me that before my late mother was a person with a beautiful and kind heart, always willing to help others even if it had nothing to do with herself.
That matches the memories I have of her.
"Ah, the weather is just as good as before this morning."
"That's right."
"Hey!!! Don't startle people like that! Fool..."
"Well, Ken, you're going through the rebellious phase, huh? Teenagers, I tell you."
It's a real headache to be awakened like this every day. It can be something that burdens the heart.
"Ken, today is the first day of the new semester. I thought it might be better if you have an easy journey, so I arranged for someone to pick you up and bring you here."
"It's the first day of the new term"
"Thinking about it, it also feels lonely. From now on, I'll have to stay alone at home."
Her half joyful, half sad expression made me feel like I had to do something to make the atmosphere brighter.
I gently tapped her back.
"Sure?, whatever. I might also feel lonely, so I'll come to visit often. The capital is crowded with high-class people, suffocating, you know."
Doing that might make her feel better. Before she called me to have breakfast and get ready to travel.
"I'm going to Granthess. They have a prescribed dress code there."
I asked because I realized that I didn't have a coat yet.
Granthess is a prestigious institution, and it is divided into different regions. The place I have to go is Pean Granthess, the Eastern Granthess. Apart from that, there are Key Granthess, M-Mine Granthess, Clera Granthess, which are located in the North, South, and West, respectively.
Each Granthess has a similar curriculum, but the coats they wear are different, and to avoid confusion, they enforce the specific style assigned to each Granthess.
"Ah, my juniors said He prepared a shelter and gathered your belongings."
She looked at me with pleading eyes. I didn't say anything, just looked back at Shinatsuhiko calmly.
"I want to see Ken in a Granthess uniform too, right?"
"I haven't even asked anything yet!"
After finishing breakfast, it was time to leave. Shina-san handed me something from my eldest sister. It turned out to be an old necklace.
The horse-drawn carriage stopped at the front door. I bid farewell to Shina-san before getting on the carriage.
It would take some time to reach the capital.
The opening ceremony would start at noon, and there was still some time left.
"Well, what do you think? It's quite cool, isn't it?"
The carriage driver asked, and I smiled and nodded without saying anything.