Reference - Realms, Rankings & Distribution of Powers
The information inside this chapter can be used as a reference for anyone who reads the story. However, it may also serve as a spoiler for anyone just beginning the story, so it is advised that you only read as much as is needed.
«Note: I have changed the benchmarks for some of these powers, so they will be changed accordingly. The most important change is the MC's power system as it will now strictly adhere to a Demon's progression.»
Ranks regarding Astarat's power system:
Aura, often mentioned throughout the beginning of the story, is a special term used to describe a certain type of force that the humans here wield. Other than being a term to summarize the use of bodily force, it has no other significance.
Each realm possesses nine levels, and every third level is regarded as a notable increase in power, which is why every third level indicates a "stage" within a realm. For example, a Level 3 Aura Knight will be referred to as an Early Stage Aura Knight whereas a Level 4 or 5 will be regarded as Middle Stage Aura Knight.
〈Body Cultivation〉- One of the paths presents on Astarat.
«Mortal» - A typical human who can employs trace amounts of Natural Essence to strengthen their body.
«Aura Warrior Realm» - The true first step in Astarat's power progress system. At its peak, individuals in this level can deal with Rank 1 Spirit Beasts, provided that they aren't at the peak of this stage.
«Aura Knight Realm» - This is where individuals begin to notice large divides in strength. Those who are incredibly talented can battle up to Rank 2 Spirit Beasts.
«Aura Commander Realm» - The level needed to begin fighting against Terrors and Rank 3 Spirit Beasts. A Rank 1 Terror typically equates to an individual at the peak of this level provided that they aren't injured or any other unforeseen circumstances.
«Aura General Realm» - One can be called a true warrior after reaching this level. This level allows individuals to destroy Grade III artifacts and lower with their bare hands. Level of strength required to fight with Rank 2 Terrors.
«Aura Lord Realm» - Nearly 50% of the people inside the War Academies and Great Families are at this level. It wields a considerable amount of power, seeing as it requires at least a Heaven-Grade constitution to reach. At this level, an individual can take on Rank 3 Terrors.
«Aura Emperor Realm» - The leaders of the Great Families and main members of Supreme Families are at varying levels in this realm. It commands enough power to produce a significant amount of influence in Astarat. This is also the realm needed to go against Rank 4 Terrors.
«Aura Saint Realm» - The leaders of the Supreme Families are at this level. Publicly, only three individuals are known to have this level of power. This realm grants the least amount of strength required to deal with Disasters, which are incredibly powerful Terrors.
«Aura Sovereign Realm» - An extremely difficult level to reach as it commands unfathomable power on Astarat. Only the current Grand Masters of the Supreme Families and a recluse old Headmaster have reached this level of physical strength.
A level exists beyond these realms of physical power, but Astarat's inhabitants are unaware.
〈Spirit/Soul Cultivation〉- The second path present in Astarat.
In simplest terms, this type of cultivation means the fortification of one's soul or Spirit, which can be used interchangeably throughout the story. A fortified soul is required to wield the power of another race with minimal backlash. The higher the fortification, the more power that can be drawn upon. Allows an individual to exert another energy known on Astarat as Spiritual Essence.
While Spirit/Soul Cultivator at equal to certain stages of Body Cultivation in terms of combat power, the Spirit/Soul Cultivator will always hold the advantage since it is a two vs. one situation, which is why Body Cultivators typically refrain from battling against them.
«Soul Apprentice» - The beginning stage of an individual's Spirit Cultivation. Only after properly liberating one's Soul Temple can one be regarded as a Soul Apprentice. Afterward, they're free to connect to another realm to attempt making a pact with a Spirit. Can combat Aura Knights with Spiritual Attacks alone.
«Soul Warrior» - Here, one can begin to strengthen the spiritual body of their Spirit. Unless stated otherwise, most Spirits are at a Normal level at their first summoning. Collecting Spiritual Essence over time allows for rapid growth. Individuals can also wield Spiritual Arts, which is an overly-simplified version of Spirits true attacks. Comparable to Aura Commanders.
«Soul Master» - Spirits of people at this level enter the Heroic standard since their soul is resilient enough to withstand it. Comparable to Aura Generals.
«Soul Lord» - Spirits continue to advance inside the Heroic standard while the cultivators gain the ability to see through their Spirit's senses. Comparable to Aura Lord.
«Soul Emperor» - Spirits have reached the peak of the Heroic standard. The Cultivators gain the ability to wield some of the Spirit's core techniques with their own body through a process known as Spiritual Permeation. Comparable to Aura Emperors.
«Soul Saint» - Spirits remain at the Heroic standard but wield power above that level. Some call this pseudo-Legendary standard. Only Paragons can reach this level. By this level, they can unleash their Avatar Form properly. Comparable to Aura Saints.
«Soul Sovereign» - Admittedly, the highest level known on Astarat, which is also the current level of the Grand Masters. Their Avatar Forms no longer pose the same backlash as their constitution or more importantly, their soul is resilient enough to withstand the abrupt burst of power. Comparable to Aura Sovereigns.
〈Important Terms:〉
«Glory» - A high-level talent mainly found in Great Families and as the lowest ranking members of Supreme Families. They must possess both a peak Heaven Grade constitution in Body Cultivation, and a Cyan colored Soul Aptitude. Grows at least 50% percent faster than normal people.
«Scion» - A talent level beyond a Glory. It appears in both Great Families and Supreme Families, but it is rare in Great Families. They must possess a peak Saint-grade constitution in Body Cultivation and at least a Silver-colored Soul Aptitude. 200% faster growth rate than normal people
«Paragon» - Admittedly the highest level of talent. Those who earn this title all have the potential to forge a Spiritual Mind deep inside their Soul Temple. This then precipitates the link needed to invoke an Avatar Form. Requires both a Divine-Grade constitution and Black-colored Soul Aptitude. Grows 100% faster than a Scion.
«Saints» - Only those who have achieved both the Aura Saint and Soul Saint level are regarded as Saints.
«Sovereigns» - Only the Grand Masters and old Headmaster hold this title as they have Sovereign level cultivation in both body and soul.
〈Demonic Power System〉- Only regarding evolution and comparisons.
Demons hold their power in one of few ways. The first is in their body, which is aptly known as a Demon Body. More specifically, their power―Demonic Anima―is stored in their Infernal Nucleus.
Secondly, they have Sin Vessels, which are energy containment centers that can also be engraved with a special intermediary engine known as Stigmata. The exhaust Sin Energy to unleash considerable power boosts depending on the Sin. Measured by purity standards.
Thirdly, there is the Tainted Temple, which is what sharpens a Demon's senses. The more complete the Temple, the more acute their awareness of their surroundings becomes. At the same time, it becomes easier to absorb Demonic Anima, Sin Energy, and such because one's influence will be larger.
Lastly, they have Cardinal Spheres, which store their Aura that when brought to an extreme will evolve into a new power. Measured by Degrees.
«Lesser Demon» - The first stage of a demon's evolution. They hold a Lesser Demon Body, which produces an otherwise lackluster defense as far as the Nihilistic Rings (The Demon's Homeworld) goes.
«Greater Demon» - Can grow up to 4 times stronger than a Lesser Demon before reaching its limit. Possesses a Greater Demon Body, in which up to two Stigmata can be engraved upon. (Only applicable to those without the influence of the Demon Monarch System).
«Archdemon» - Can grow up to 3 times stronger than a Greater Demon before reaching its limit. Many Demons are at this level because of the Nihilistic Rings' current standard—possessors of a Mature Demon Body. Extremely resistant to any temperature changes and can hold up to three Stigmata. (Only applicable to those without the influence of the Demon Monarch System).
«Noblesse» - Can grow up to 5 times stronger than an Archdemon before reaching its limit. Approximately 5% of the Nihilistic Rings have reached this level and plateaus. Holders of Noble Demon Bodies which can unleash Dominions and unleash unfathomable destruction. Can wield up to five Sins without fail. (Only applicable to those without the influence of the Demon Monarch System).
«Daemos» - Can grow up to 10 times stronger than a Noblesse. Aside from 10 characters who are sealed away or in a precarious state, none of the Nihilistic Rings Demons of the current era has reached this standard. Holder of the Daemonic Demon Body, which has the potential to wield all 7 Sins, but not simultaneously.
«Arch-Daemos» - Equal to the leaders of the other Upper Races. Aztraval, the former Demon Monarch, Ruler of the Nihilistic Rings, reached this level. Able to wield the Primal Sources of Sin effortlessly. Holder of the Supreme Demon Body and the liberated forms of Sin Stigmata.
〈Technique Rankings〉-
Lesser Techniques
Greater Techniques
Archaic Arts
Noble Arts
Daemonic Practices
Abyssal Practices
