Struggling as a Villain

Chapter 22: Chapter 21- Ranks

There are three types of beings that reside in this world.

The weakest of all beings are known as humans. These are the non-awakened individuals who failed to ignite the ether within them when the world underwent its revolutionary change. These humans constitute nearly seventy percent of the planet's population, living their lives without any special abilities or enhancements.

Next come the ether usersWith the advent of the Dark Star, a select few were awakened by this reality-defying phenomenon known as ether. Ether users can be both human and beast, their abilities enhanced and their strength amplified. The power they wield is determined by the flow of ether within them and the purity of their ether core.

Ether users are divided into various ranks,

Beginner-> F+ to E-

Trainee-> E+ to D-

Adept-> D- to C+

Master-> C+ to B-

Mage-> B+ to A-

Archmage-> A

Grandmaster-> S

Sage-> ???

The spells also adhere to a similar ranking system. The higher the count of ether produced for a spell, and the greater its complexity, the higher the spell is ranked.

One might assume that low-rank spells are only capable of killing a human or injuring a magician, but that is far from the truth. Even an E-ranked spell can be devastating enough to slaughter an entire group of magicians. The true power of a spell lies not only in its rank but in the mastery of the spellcaster wielding it.

A skilled magician can channel their ether with such precision and control that even the simplest of spells become lethal. This mastery transforms basic incantations into formidable weapons, capable of turning the tide in battle and wreaking havoc upon foes, regardless of their rank.

The process of refining one's etherflow and solidifying their ether core can vary in individuals. However, the most common ones are repeated practice and some refining concoctions.

Now comes the strongest kinds—the ones who aren't bound by any limits and those who belong to the same kind as the final boss.

When the Dark Star arrived in space, just parallel to this planet called Clion, a strange energy was being forced upon Clion that forced the living beings to change and adapt.

The force that descended was called Aembr.

Aembr is a malevolent force that gradually drives a living being into a state of madness. Those who fail to adapt to and resist the influence of Aembr eventually transform into entities that exist solely to satisfy their insatiable greed.

This overwhelming greed can manifest in various forms, including an unquenchable desire for lust, an insatiable hunger for power, an uncontrollable urge for destruction, an endless pursuit of wealth, and much more. The insidious nature of Aembr ensures that those under its sway lose all sense of reason and morality, consumed entirely by their obsessive cravings for anything and everything.

Due to Aembr's emergence, some humans were able to awaken a resisting force which helped them fight against the evil energy. And that resisting force is called Ether.

'And how many do I need?'

[Note: 5/50]

Richard raised his brows. Not because the requirement was very high—he expected such since the information he was searching for was quite vital and could prove to be a game-changer—but he was surprised because of the number of quests he had achieved.

'Last I remembered I have only finished three quests?'

The system didn't take time before feeding the response,

[Note: Quest points derive from the importance of the quest. A single quest which involves a great task could grant the host ten or so points at once.]

'Damn....makes sense.' Richard rubbed his chin and slowly nodded. This was useful information. If he could get data on the previous timeline through the system then he would be able to prepare better.

Currently, Richard is Adept-ranked; someone at D- considering his lack of efficiency. However, the vast amount of Ether he received in lineage allowed him to wield some of the most devastating spells.

Not to talk about his Elemental Ascension.

The reason why Richard was able to defeat Albert was because he somehow pulled the ultimate move.

Originally, Richard was able to unlock his Elemental Ascension when he was battling against the Protagonist. And as broken as this phenomenon was, even Ethan wasn't able to defeat Richard.

Elemental Ascension makes a person pseudo-Ambrobate. Driven by strong emotions which lifts their limits and allows them to unite with the element they are proficient in.

'It's troublesome tho...I can't let my emotions take over me and become a hulk all of a sudden...' Richard sighed; clearly not happy because of his emotional instability.

He was about to get up and go back to his room and take a quick bath, when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps.

Turning to his left he found Lilia was advancing towards him with a slight frown on her face.

"Lilia."

"Young master....there is someone whom the Dark Arrow has caught."

Richard raised his brows and urged, "And...? Why does that concern me?"

Lilia's frown deepened as she responded, "The spy they have caught, seems to have an affiliation with Albert."

Now, this was worth his attention.

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A/N:- I had to take my time and plan things that's why I took a day off. I would be consistent from here on. Thanks for reading.