The Ronowa empire was a large and vast kingdom, it's growth originated from its surplus resources. Another significant factor that contributed to the growth of the empire was the large amount of Essenmages that resided within the kingdom.
Out of all the kingdoms that existed in the human realm, the Ronowa empire had the largest concentration of the awakened ones who possessed the potential to become Essenmages.
The human realm, a dimension where low level-tier beings could only be found, it was considered as one of the weakest realms therefore creatures such as the human race, regular flora and fauna such as horses, dogs and other common species of animals were found here.
The Paradoxes that Rai faced and defeated originated from the Infernal realm. The Infernal realm is a realm where all the fallen angels and gods were banished to for their treacherous offenses.
The environment in the Internal realm was like a parasite that fed on the consciousness of those dwelling within it, those who survived it attained the title of a high ranking general of the gates of Helluis while those who couldn't had their conscience devoured and was transformed into the mindless beast now referred to as "The Paradoxes".
Rai made his way into the Kingdom, with clothes that matched that of a commoners. As he turned his gaze all around him, he found so many stalls and shops selling all kinds of agricultural produce and leather clothing.
The Ronowa Empire also made some returns from agriculture. However that was not their major source of income. Rai arrived at a clothing stall, there were lots of favourable options to choose from but Rai decided to choose one that matched his profile both past and present life.
"I'll take this one and a pair of boots." He placed his order.
"That will be 30 pieces of silver." The shop owner charged.
"30 pieces of silver?" Rai asked, surprised as to how simple clothing would cost that much.
"You obviously look like you can't afford it, so please don't waste my time and leave." The shop owner said with disgust, all the best nobles had come to him to purchase quality materials. He felt a bit insulted when a commoner like Rai requested for his goods.
"Will this do?" Rai spoke ignoring the shop owner's negative comments, he had endured a lifetime of insults and disgrace so this was nothing to him.
He handed a single piece of gold coin to the shop owner who was left greatly in shock. "What!? How did a mere commoner like him get his hands on a gold coin that only nobles and royalty were rich enough to have!?" He thought.
"Uh yes, forgive me for my unnecessary rudeness." The shop owner spoke apologizing as he realized the value just a single gold coin possessed.
He gathered the clothes and boots Rai ordered and gave it to him before giving him his change, a bag of silver coins reaching up to 190 in number displaying the monetary value of gold.
"Thank you and come again!" He exclaimed in a bit of excitement as this was the first time he had ever acquired even a piece of gold.
Rai's new clothing entailed a white long sleeved shirt and trousers with white laced boots, to top it all a white hooded cloak in addition. Basically it was the best clothing a commoner who specialized in hunting could get his hands on.
"Alright, I've acquired some clothing. But if I'm to stand a chance in this exams I should at least get myself a weapon." He thought.
Rai was unsure if he possessed this essence the prince spoke of, but if he was to get any answers from anyone or even understand what was going on in the world he just reincarnated in there was only one option. That was to partake in the exams.
Rai made his way towards a weapons shop and was marvelled at the numerous options presented. Among the various options were a silver spear, a pair of diamond encrusted daggers, several star shaped katanas and a crossbow with arrows for good measures.
The weapon that caught his attention the most is the diamond encrusted daggers which was near perfect for an assassin like him. "I'll take this!" He said almost immediately.
"Huh?" A voice from behind interrupted him.
It was the son of a man belonging to one of the great noble families that resided in the Ronowa empire, Count Deskus.
"How dare you assume that a commoner like you can gain access to one of the greatest works ever designed by Zelcius. It is completely unacceptable." He complained in annoyance.
Zelcius is a renowned blacksmith hired by the royal family to craft one of the best weapons the kingdom has ever laid eyes upon, he also crafted so many other weapons including the dagger that caught the attention of Rai.
"Right.." Rai responded bluntly before turning his attention back at the show owner.
"How much for the dagger sir?" Rai inquired.
The son of Count Deskus who went by the name Xeke became visible annoyed that a mere peasant had ignored him.
"100 pieces of silver." The shop owner replied.
"A 100 pieces of silver, a bit much don't you think? Whatever I'll take it." Rai responded bringing out the bag of silver coins he had received as change earlier on.
"I'll buy it for 3 pieces of gold!" Xeke exclaimed, not wanting the commoner to get away with what he just did.
"Sold!" The shop owner spoke swiftly before wrapping the dagger's and handing it over to Xeke. "What are you going to do now you filthy commoner?" He asked while laughing.
The dagger was the only quality weapon in the shop, quality using the sense that out of every weapon in the shop it was only that dagger that was crafted by the best blacksmith in the kingdom, Zelcius.
"And here I was wondering why I wasn't born into a great noble family, I'm glad I wasn't." Rai sighed.
"Watch your tongue peasant, the likes of you can never be born into a noble or royal family!" Xeke became angered by such thoughts.
Rai ignored his outburst yet again and faced his attention at the star shaped katana."I'll take this, it doesn't matter what weapon I use, it'll still be more than enough for me to pass the Essenmage exams." Rai spoke to the shop owner and gave him the appropriate number of silver coins to purchase the katana.
"What?" Xeke left in a state of shock tried to process what Rai had spoken with his mouth.
"Pass the Essenmages exams? I see what's going on, first you insulted the honor of the great noble families and now you trample upon what we hold sacred!?" Xeke yelled in anger as a burst of aura surrounded his left hand and a claw created out of lightning engulfed it.
"Unacceptable!!" Sensing the essence which surrounded the hand of Xeke, Rai 's eyes widened with fear as he felt completely overwhelmed by his might.
Xeke rushed at Rai who fell to his butt in fear. Instantly, he swung his left claw at him. "Die!" He yelled.
"Stop!" A voice from behind shouted, prompting Xeke to stop in his tracks as he turned his neck to determine who it was.