The Emergence of Mana
Three hundred years ago, mana was introduced to the world, altering the course of history.
Although monarchies had been overthrown 700 years prior, prominent families remained, albeit under governmental control.
The arrival of mana awakened latent abilities in many individuals, and the imperial family swiftly seized this opportunity to reclaim their power.
Among the noble houses, the Zelais family stood out as the strongest, often clashing with the imperial family until their conflicts were eventually resolved.
Mana meters became essential tools in evaluation centers, measuring citizens' potential.
Dungeons filled with monsters, created by malevolent gods to conquer Earth, became battlegrounds where adventurers could earn mana crystals as rewards.
Gates, mysterious portals to other worlds, appeared, allowing adventurers to undertake quests and gain rewards.
Despite advancements in science, modern weapons were no match for the power of the awakened individuals, known as rankers.
These rankers, evaluated and affiliated with noble families or the imperial family, wielded significant influence.
The Central Hunter Association, a neutral organization, also held considerable power, with hunters affiliated with it.
Ranks and Training
Children from noble families began their training as early as one year old. By this age, they were walking and talking, and soon after, they commenced rigorous training to adapt their bodies to mana.
This early start was crucial, as adapting to mana allowed individuals to awaken their powers.
Those who awakened early often achieved higher ranks, such as B or A, with the rare prodigy reaching S rank.
Training wasn't limited to noble families. Awakened citizens and their children, who showed potential, also started training around the age of three. Unlike their noble counterparts, commoners relied more on the natural adaptation of their bodies to mana over time.
They could awaken at any age if their bodies successfully adapted to mana, though this was less predictable.
There were two primary paths to power. The first was awakening with a significant amount of mana, which often resulted in high initial ranks.
The second path was through intense training and skill refinement, allowing individuals to incrementally increase their ranks.
While this method was more challenging, it enabled dedicated individuals to rise from lower ranks, such as D or C, to higher ranks like B or even A, though reaching S rank remained extraordinarily rare.
Ranks were classified as follows:
- E : Typically assigned to children around five years old who had completed their initial special training.
- D : Helpers and support roles, often involved in logistical and administrative tasks.
- C : Hunters capable of undertaking quests and clearing gates.
- B : Dungeon clearers, skilled in subjugating monsters and completing high-stakes missions.
- A : Elite dungeon clearers who also handled complex quests.
- S : The highest rank, representing the pinnacle of power among rankers and hunters.
Guilds formed by rankers and hunters were often supported by noble families, reinforcing the power dynamics within society.
The Hunter Association, while holding power comparable to the imperial family, maintained a stance of neutrality, balancing the interests of various factions.
The system
Fifty years ago, a mysterious system emerged, integrating game-like concepts into the lives of rankers and hunters.
No one knew who created the system or its true purpose, but it provided invaluable support.
The system allowed users to monitor their stats, although it didn't permit direct increases.
It also offered features like shops and other functionalities, many of which remained hidden and undiscovered.
Rumors circulated about the system's potential for interaction, suggesting it might even respond to certain queries or actions.
Andrian's Past
I was known as a worthless piece of trash in my family.
Many, including children of branch families, looked down on me because of my weakness.
Only mother, and patriarch who see's everyone equal and cared about everyone , they were the one that believed in me.
After my father's health deteriorated, 'he' was selected to be the next patriarch.
Once he took this position, I was kicked out of my family without hesitation. I felt pathetic, too weak to resist.
That was when King Lavian Norhart of the empire found me. He picked people whose talent he could see, and I was one of the countless chosen.
After joining him, I underwent the harsh training known as 'the path to hell.' Many were rewarded with a deadly experiment.
With advancements in technology and new theories, an experiment forced one's body to adapt to mana by injecting external processes, enabling awakening.
That's how I awakened with the king's help. I bowed and served him loyally.
In those times, I often saw him on the battlefield and had much free time.
During this period, I discovered the king's true nature.
***
Adrian uncovered the king's dark side after a series of covert missions. During these operations, he accidentally accessed confidential documents and intercepted secretive communications detailing the king's brutal methods for maintaining power.
He observed firsthand the king's cruel experiments and manipulative tactics, contrasting sharply with the king's public image of benevolence.
This revelation shattered Adrian's trust and exposed the king's true, sinister nature.
***
He wore a mask of goodness, hiding his real, evil face. I tried to stop him for the sake of the people and the empire.
Although I wasn't that strong, I posed a threat to the king if I went all out. Now that he has betrayed me and killed my comrades, I seek revenge.
I will ensure he doesn't die a peaceful death and suffers for eternity in hell.
###Chapter 4 - End###