As you know there are seven levels of mages. Basic, nascent, intermediate, core, advanced, spirit and origin
Well when humans started developing ( started naming countries and un stuff) they did a count of mages and at the time, which was 10+ origin mages, 100+ spirit mages, 10000+ advanced mages, 1000000+ core mages and the rest were too much to count. Apart from spirit mages and origin magins the rest have doubled or even tripled depending on how lower they are.
So anytime a mage level is mentioned try coverting them to the real world in terms of riches to know how rare they are. Origin as billioniares with more than hundred billion , half step origin mages as billioniares ( they are on the path )spirit as millionaires with hundreds of millions, advanced as millionaires lower than hundred million, core as thousandaires ( I made it bit go with the flow) with 500thousand upward, intermediate as thousandaires lower than 500 thousand , nascent as hundred thousand and below then basic as fifty thousand and below. Ten thousand and below is normal people.
With this you should understand what the phrase "Mages are better than other people" mean. You should also understand why it's hard to cultivate, I mean how easy is it to become a millionaire? Or billionaire?.
Leaving this aspect, in this world, you are only recognized as a high class mage when you reach the advanced realm. This is because it is at this point you choose your second power. It is also when a mage can use aura, domain etc .
Military base at Ido outpost. The commander is talking with Mrs aramide. " I assure you nothing serious would happen to those children." He says
" Don't worry I believe you, we both know it doesn't feel good to have those clans breathing down on our necks"
she says
" I agree, it isn't a good feeling. I heard an acclaimed student with no background is one of the top students in the elite class. How is that possible? How did he even get into the elite class? "
He asks puzzled
"Well for starters, the acclaimed no background is bullshit as he has a high level wards and he is so close to the little princess of the lightning God clan you'll think they are newly weds. I'm telling you this so you'll tell your men to act with some sense around him." She replys sharply.
Digesting all she said he open his mouth "thanks for the info and I have been watching him his skills and control of power doesn't seem self taught."
"Mmmmm now to school business. How is their progress so far? " She asks.
" Good, everything is under control. I guess scaring them with death gives a good result. They all came prepared. "
"Yes, compared to last year, the prepared well, I mean, who wants to die? I never thought this would work so well, they are all handling it well even the proud ones have some sense now, I think most projects should have something to 'motivate' them."
Noticing the dangerous gleam in her eyes the general called her back to earth " you don't need to do that as they would be lots of dangerous tastes once the are done with the basics. Wait you seem new to this teaching stuff." He asked puzzled
"I just started this year, they are my first class" she answers pointing at the elite class tab.
"How did you manage to teach the elite class if you just started? You're also young which means you must have some sort of background to back you up?"
Instead of answering his questions she puts on a poker face and says " reaching the level you are means you know when to keep your mouth shut." She then stands up and leaves
The general just rests back and decides to never metion their conversation to anyone. He decides to not pry into anomalies again to keep his head on his body.