Hunters, monsters, and Portals all followed a dual-structured ranking system. They were classified by Rank, which defined a hunter's combat capability or a monster's threat level, and Grade, which determined talent, Mana Core quality, and overall growth potential. The Rank system ranged from F to SSS. However, there had never been a record of an SS rank, let alone SSS. The highest-ranked hunters historically were S rank.
Conversely, the Grade system consisted of Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Mythril, Celestial, and Eternal Grades. This structure was the most critical measure of a hunter's potential. For example, a B-rank hunter with an Iron Grade had low growth potential and a weak Mana Core.
By contrast, an E-rank hunter with a Gold Grade would be more highly sought after by Guilds, as they could potentially re-awaken to achieve A rank or higher — provided they survived long enough to do so.
To determine an individual's Rank and Grade, the World Awakening staff conducted assessments. This information was then distributed to various Academies, and if an individual were fortunate enough to be selected, they would gain admission, thereby significantly improving their prospects for a successful future.
In turn, the Ability Tier determined the Rank a hunter would be assigned. The tiers ranged from Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Mythic, to Transcendent.
Cloud, however, had awakened an ability that had never been recorded, tested, or evaluated for potential in the way other abilities had been. In contrast, the Summoner Ability that the girl had awakened was generally considered Uncommon Tier, though its power could vary greatly depending on the type and strength of the summons she could produce.
On the other hand, Cloud's ability was immediately classified as Rare Tier — not necessarily because it was unique to him, but because the name itself appeared to hold potential.
What a strange way to assess an ability on the spot!
The announcer's colleague approached Cloud with a bright smile and spoke calmly:
"Please, follow me so we can complete your Awakening procedure. We will proceed to check your Ranking and Grade."
She had black silk hair tied in a ponytail and wore a blue tracksuit emblazoned with the World Awakening Stadium logo, two swords crossed with a star encircling them in a curved, upward position. The woman had an athletic build, and the tracksuit did little to conceal her chest. Cloud, however, deliberately avoided looking there, not wanting to be considered a pervert on such a perfect day.
This was literally his first stroke of luck.
The crowd could not stop discussing the young man who had awakened an unprecedented ability.
Cloud felt a surge of pride and arrogance from the attention, though it did not last long before he reminded himself, 'Shit. This is not the time to feel like some legendary human yet. I am yet to even know my Ranking and Grade.'
Soon after, he nodded and quietly followed the woman as she led the way. She guided him to a door just down the stadium, hidden from the eyes of everyone. It revealed a grand office about twice the size of a flat. The walls were all white, and multiple bright lights were installed to illuminate the room, with the floor reinforced with thick iron plates that reflected the light.
At the center of the room, a man wearing a black hoodie sat behind a large table with two chairs facing each other. He occupied the chair directly opposite Cloud, who still stood several meters away. To be honest, the setup resembled an interrogation room.
Cloud sighed.
It was common sense that the mysterious man seated there would determine his fate with this unusual ability he had received. Still, he expected something extraordinary, because Cloud had clearly seen the notification that he had received three SSS Rank Dragons, displayed on the floating screen that resembled a game-like interface. For now, he pushed that thought aside, deciding to focus on the most important matter: his fate here.
The woman noticed the mixture of tension and anxiety in Cloud's expression.
She smiled.
"Do not worry, he will not bite. Just go forward and take the test. Once you are finished, you are free to leave. Your name is Cloud, correct?"
Cloud composed himself and responded curtly:
"Yes. Cloud."
She extended her hand, prompting him to proceed.
"My name is Diane, by the way. You may call me Awakened Diane or Instructor Diane. I strongly suggest you use the latter."
His face remained blank as he stared at her.
"Sure, Instructor Diane."
Diane chuckled.
"I will return to collect you once you have completed the test."
Suddenly, she vanished from the spot where she had been standing, leaving Cloud alone with the mysterious man.
'Teleportation, huh.'
Cloud began walking toward the man, then took a seat in the empty chair without asking for permission.
Manners were clearly not his shitty concern!
As soon as he settled, the mysterious man said nothing and simply extended an open hand, expecting Cloud to understand that he should place his own hand on it. Naturally, Cloud did not disappoint. He preferred gestures to words anyway.
The moment their hands made contact, the strange man tilted his head back toward the ceiling in a sudden motion, letting the hoodie fall away from his face. Yet his features remained shrouded in shadow, prompting Cloud to give him an awkward stare. Where the man's — or whatever this was — eyes should have been, fiery purple lights glowed intensely. At that moment, Cloud felt a cold touch crawl through him, slowly wrapping around his entire body until his thoughts went blank.
After only a brief moment, the man released Cloud's hand, withdrawing the chilling grasp that had enveloped him, and for an instant, warmth returned.
Without any prompt, the man adjusted his hoodie back over his head. His shadowed face now directly faced Cloud, and he could feel the weight of the gaze.
A deep, familiar voice, distant at first and then gradually resonating closer, said:
"E rank, Celestial Grade. Young human, you are the first in the world with a Celestial Grade. Astonishing! However, you are flawed. I wish you success! Grow stronger by all means to overcome your flaw. But do not worry, you are not alone. Destiny will bind you all together."
Cloud was left utterly dumbstruck once more.
"Flawed? I have been flawed…"
He scowled.
'Is he some sort of Seer, or what?'
The voice responded:
"Yes. A Seer, indeed."
His eyes widened as he toppled backward from the chair in sheer shock.
"What? You can read my thoughts as well?"
There was no further response. The mysterious man remained silent, his head inclined downward once again.
Cloud remained in a trance until Instructor Diane suddenly appeared behind him, leaned forward, and said:
"So, are you ready to proceed? Others are waiting to enter now. Additionally, you must decide immediately; would you like to keep everything discussed here a secret, particularly your Grade? There are significant dangers if this information becomes public, so consider your safety."
He slowly turned his head toward her, still stunned. Given that his safety was explicitly mentioned, Cloud knew he did not need to hesitate before agreeing to maintain complete secrecy. It was common sense for anyone astute enough to recognize the risks.
Rising to his feet, he responded in a flustered manner:
"…I accept. However, that weirdo can hear my thoughts. Also, he said I have a flaw and that I will encounter certain people. Destiny or whatever will bring us together. Whatever that means. What I want to know is the flaw. What exactly is that? I have never heard of such a thing."
Instructor Diane placed her hand on his shoulder, steadying him.
"Calm your horses, Cloud. You are not in danger. Regarding the flaw, it is something we are still unable to define. It is unprecedented, and coincidentally, you are the fourth today and the fourth in the world to possess one. Maintain this in strict confidence as well. Let's go now.'"
Cloud nodded.
'If that is the case, then I will focus solely on growing stronger to overcome whatever this flaw may be. It is about time I check…'
He paused, glancing back at the strange, dormant man. Cloud remembered that
he was capable of reading his thoughts.
'…Tsk. It is about time I check on my dog. I need to feed… uh… Pulsky.'