RANKERS
It was a call to the people who were closing the portals and eliminating the monsters to halt the dungeon break.
Twenty years ago, despite being in an era of advanced technology, humanity couldn't escape the aftermath of a catastrophic event. Unexplainably, portals began to appear, bringing forth monsters that nearly wiped out humanity from this world.
Thousands of people died, no, millions of people, their screams of agony becoming a daily occurrence. The first month was especially painful, taking a heavy toll on children and grandparents, with most of them failing to survive.
Naturally, the government attempted to shield humanity by deploying the army and heavy firearms for defense. Initially, their efforts showed promise as they successfully eliminated numerous goblins, wolves, and other creatures. However, the tide turned dramatically with the appearance of high-level monsters like the 40-foot-tall Giant Centipede and the formidable Wyvern. The government's attacks now seemed trivial in the face of these monstrous adversaries.
This harrowing situation persisted for several years until scientists devised an innovative invention that averted human extinction. To be more precise, these scientists conducted a perilous experiment involving the extraction of DNA from the monsters, which was then integrated into the genetic makeup of selected individuals. Remarkably, their endeavors bore fruit, granting people a newfound means to combat the menacing creatures. Consequently, individuals now possessed the powers and abilities of these monsters, inheriting their unique traits.
However, this experiment came with a downside, as some individuals couldn't tolerate the infusion of monster DNA into their bodies. Tragically, many perished, while others succumbed to the transformation and became adversaries of humanity. But what choice did they have? Without taking this risk, survival was untenable, and the monsters would undoubtedly have dominated the Earth.
Year by year, the Rankers honed their abilities, now capable of shooting fire, poison, and more. The world itself underwent a transformation into a realm reminiscent of fantasy manga and novels.
Furthermore, scientists stumbled upon a new revelation: an energy enveloping the Earth, termed "Mana." They speculated that Mana had existed since the arrival of the monsters and portals in this world. After extensive research, they discovered a connection between Mana and the bodies of the Rankers, which explained their proficiency in wielding magical skills.
Indeed, Mana wasn't an unfamiliar concept for them, having appeared in various virtual reality games, novels, and other media.
After battling the monsters for several years and gaining valuable items from within the portals, humanity, at last, not only survived but gradually began to thrive once again.
This era, never to be forgotten, was aptly named the Radiance Era.
In the current timeline, people have successfully managed to recover, and society has been restored to a semblance of normalcy. While monsters still roam the world, they are confined to areas where they pose no threat to humans or cities. However, the persistent issue revolves around the portals, which continue to manifest in every city. Through the use of a mana device, they can predict the location of the next portal. The only recourse to close it and prevent dungeon breaches is to dispatch Rankers to eliminate the bosses within.
Regrettably, this endeavor comes with significant casualties, as entering the portals is akin to facing certain death. Despite the dire circumstances, there's little choice but to press on, as this is the reality they currently contend with.
Furthermore, recognizing the significant casualties associated with infusing people with monster DNA, scientists halted this practice. Instead, they adopted a simpler method to bolster the population of Rankers: through childbirth. Those individuals who already possessed monster DNA could pass it on to their offspring, resulting in even stronger combinations of the genetic material.
However, being born as a Ranker's child didn't automatically grant Ranker status. An additional step was necessary—an awakening process achieved by using a magical orb to channel mana throughout their bodies.
This magical orb contained pure mana, capable of triggering the latent mana within their bodies. Unfortunately, these orbs were exclusively obtainable from within the portals, and they were presumed to be exceedingly valuable. Fortunately, the Rankers Association owned one such magical orb, permitting people to awaken their latent DNA. Of course, this service wasn't without a cost, as nothing came for free in this world.
Indeed, the Ranker hierarchy consists of six distinct ranks, ranging from Rank 1 to Rank 6. Beginning with Rank 1 as the lowest level, the complexity doesn't stop there. Each rank encompasses three tiers: Rank 1 (Beginner), (Intermediate), and (Advanced). Progressing to the next tier necessitates a breakthrough in their abilities.
Some individuals possess the DNA of rare and potent monsters, granting them enhanced strength, which is further amplified when they engage in martial arts training. These exceptional individuals push their limits, delving into martial arts at the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, a framework that pertains to both body cultivation and martial skills.
However, the path forward is not without peril. If a Ranker is compelled to advance to Rank 2 while neglecting the prerequisites of their current rank, their body could face a catastrophic explosion, leading to their demise.
At present, being a Ranker stands as the most lucrative profession, thanks to their ability to sell items and cores obtained from the portals and defeated monsters. However, a population still exists without Ranker abilities. These individuals, referred to as Unranked, possess bodies equipped with antibodies that reject monster DNA.
In this era, Guilds and Organizations play a pivotal role, as connections wield considerable influence. This association grants members privileges encompassing power, wealth, fame, and items that augment their capabilities. This reality underscores why many individuals aspire to become Rankers, despite being well aware of the inherent dangers associated with such a profession.
_
To commence, the Academy known as Star Strek served as a training ground for prospective Rankers. It wasn't solely an institution for those fortunate enough to come from privileged backgrounds; it was a place where the skilled and talented converged, regardless of their origins.
Today marked the day of academy admissions, drawing a multitude of students to its entrance. One notable aspect of Star Strek was their inclusivity; they admitted students solely based on their awakened status, without considering their social backgrounds. However, an admission fee was required. Yet, once admitted, students needn't worry about expenses, as the Academy would assume the financial burden.
Among the students, fear and uncertainty lingered.
"What if I fail?"
"What if nothing awakens within me?"
"My parents sacrificed everything for the admission fee; I can't let them down."
The weight of 50,000 credits was no trivial matter. It could sustain a family for months without a worry about basic expenses.
Meanwhile, on a different note, a young man named Ridge Ban, boasting a chubby build, spiky blue hair, and towering at 186 centimeters, took pleasure in mocking someone. Ridge was among the prospective students.
"Why's Stick here? Looks like even the weakest link refused you. You're as good as dead," Ridge taunted a fellow student named Stick. Stick was slender with jet black hair, blue eyes, and was dressed in a yellowed uniform, which was technically white but had aged to a yellowish hue due to wear and tear.
His name was Quira Finley, aged 17, and he lived independently after his parents mysteriously disappeared, leaving him with nothing but a house.
"Did you steal the money for the admission fee? Or perhaps you robbed a bank?" Ridge taunted, his companions joining in with mocking remarks directed at Quira. Their familiarity with Quira's history and background made him an easy target for their bullying.
Truthfully, Quira had never seriously considered becoming a Ranker, given the exorbitant costs associated with such a path. However, his perspective shifted just yesterday when he stumbled upon a bag brimming with money—precisely 50,000 credits. In Quira's mind, this unexpected windfall seemed like a sign that destiny was opening doors for him.
Quira was far from an easy target for bullying; he consistently fought back, even if victory seemed improbable. He cast a sidelong glance before retorting with defiance.
"Are you all clueless or simply devoid of common sense? Of course, I want to join this academy on admission day. Is that too hard for you to grasp?" Quira shot back before turning to walk away. In his mind, he had no intention of initiating the school year amidst such negativity, preferring to distance himself from their toxicity.
The young men seethed with frustration, their expressions betraying a desire to lash out physically against Quira.
Quira's retorts were met with escalated aggression:
"You never learn, do you?!"
"If you're so fond of being a punching bag, come here!"
Ridge eventually intervened, defusing the tension between the two sides. "Falcon, Raz, cut it out. Stirring up trouble on admission day isn't wise. We can deal with him later—or maybe not at all."
Ridge highlighted the belief that Quira's admission was unlikely due to his lack of remarkable abilities. If he possessed any significant strength, he'd have demonstrated it by now. However, it was common for him to be weaker than even the Unranked.
Soon, an elderly man named Darin Mor stepped onto a prominent stage, visible to all. As the head of Star Strek Academy and a Rank 4 (Intermediate) Ranker, he wielded the power of the Fire Lizard monster, earning recognition worldwide for his accomplishments.
"I'm impressed by the multitude of students aspiring to join the Academy. However, only those who possess awakened abilities will be accepted. Best of luck to all!"
After Darin concluded his speech, he exited the area, and staff members began assisting the students. Each student was assigned a designated room where they could awaken their abilities, prompting them to make their way there.
After a few more minutes.
"What a stroke of bad luck," Quira muttered under his breath as he realized that his roommates included Ridge and his group.
"Look who decided to grace us with his presence, Ridge."
"We're about to witness his downfall."
"Haha, it's a shame we can't use smartphones here. I'd love to share this guy's humiliation with everyone."
Meanwhile, a young woman with fiery crimson hair observed the scene, taking in the dynamics around her. This was Alexa Grand, a member of a family wielding the power of the Fire Dragon.
With a sense of impending gravity, the moment began. The young woman overseeing the process instructed, "Alright, let's begin. Step onto the mana plate and place your hand on the Magical Orb."
With those words, the practitioner initiated the awakening procedure.
Failed!
Failed!
Failed!
As three students commenced the awakening process, an unsettling outcome unfolded—the Magical Orb remained unresponsive. This lack of reaction indicated that these individuals were not meant to become students of Star Strek and embark on the path of Rankers.
The weight of disappointment and uncertainty bore down heavily on the students, each of them grappling with the fear of failing the awakening and the subsequent implications.
Next!!!
Failed!
Failed!
Failed!
As minutes ticked by, the count of failing students continued to rise. The practitioners diligently inspected the mana plates and magical orbs, confirming that no defects or malfunctions existed, dispelling claims from failed students suggesting otherwise.
Before long, Ridge confidently ascended the platform. A broad smile adorned his face, bolstered by his certainty that his awakening would prove successful. His family lineage endowed him with the abilities of a Minotaur and a Crocodile, fueling his confidence in this endeavor.
Zing!!!
In a sudden turn of events, the magical orb sprung to life, bathing the surroundings in a brilliant red light. As the radiance subsided, a message materialized on the display screen.
Woah!
Insane!!
Just like his father!
Ridge Ban, Minotaur.
Amusement rippled through the assembly of students, well aware of the formidable physical strength and defensive capabilities associated with the Minotaur lineage.
However, this diversion was fleeting, quickly eclipsed by the commencement of Alexa's awakening. An intense radiance engulfed the surroundings, eclipsing even the display from Ridge's awakening.
Alexa Grand, Dragon!
Grand?
No way!
Dragon! No one could compete with her!
Ridge's desire to gloat and undermine the other students was evident, but his intentions took a turn as he called for the next participant.
"Quira Finley!"
To Ridge's astonishment, a radiant blue light enveloped the magical orb when Quira's turn came. This unexpected result was a shock to Ridge, especially since Quira had no known family background to provide any inkling of what ability he might awaken.
[You have awakened!]
Quira Finley, Slime!
Laughter erupted around the room.
"HAHAHAHA!"
"What on earth is this?"
"Slime? Seriously?"
"It would've been better if he'd awakened the ability of a Goblin!"
"HAHAHAHA!"
Mockery resounded as the crowd responded to Quira's seemingly unconventional awakening.