Bound by Rank

The morning sun pierced through the thin curtains of the academy dormitory, casting a warm glow over the room.

Sebastian stirred, the memories of the previous day's battle flickering in his mind like fragments of a dream. He rose from his bed, his body aching from the exertion, yet a dark satisfaction lingered within him.

The Brute's essence had been absorbed, and with it, the coveted ability of Regeneration.

Sebastian finished dressing and took one last glance at his status screen, feeling a surge of satisfaction. The increased stats and new ability were obtained just from a single floor. He was excited of what else he would gain in the future.

Name: Sebastian Azalith

Race: Human

Level: 4: 100/650

Strength: 7.7

Agility: 13.4

Endurance: 10.4

Intelligence: 4.8

Perception: 8.2

Available points: 5

Abilities:

Devour (Level 1: 15/100): Absorb the essence of defeated enemies to permanently increase stats and gain a low chance of stealing abilities.

Dagger Proficiency (Level 2): Enhanced skill and damage with daggers.

Regeneration (Level 1): Enhanced healing and recovery capabilities.

Leaving his room, he made his way through the academy's corridors, his mind already shifting to the next steps.

In the training yard, Marissa was practicing her fire control, her spear ablaze as she moved with fluid grace. Sebastian approached her, the morning sun casting long shadows across the ground.

"Morning," he said, his tone casual.

Marissa looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes before she returned his greeting with a nod. "Morning, Sebastian. How are you holding up?"

"Better than expected," he replied. "Yesterday was intense, but we managed."

Her eyes softened, a hint of relief washing over her features. "Yeah, we did well. Thanks for having my back out there."

"Sure." Sebastian said.

Marissa extinguished the flames on her spear and leaned on it slightly. "Today's going to be another big day. The instructors will be taking us to register with the Alliance."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed slightly, processing the information. "Is that so?"

"Yes," Marissa continued. "It's a big step for all of us. Becoming official members means we'll have access to more resources and missions. It's exciting, but also a bit nerve-wracking."

Sebastian gave a nod. "It's necessary. More power, more opportunities."

Marissa smiled. "True. Just don't forget, we're friends. We have to look out for each other."

Sebastian's gaze was steady. "Of course."

The class gathered in the academy courtyard, their instructors briefing them on the importance of registering with the Alliance. The process would grant them legal access to enter Towers and the ability to join or form guilds, opening doors to a wealth of opportunities and resources.

Sebastian stood among his peers, his gaze distant, fixed on the path ahead.

In his mind, a dark whisper beckoned, urging him to consider the power that could be his if he devoured all those around him. The prospect of easily overpowering every obstacle in his path sent a thrill through him, but he quickly suppressed the thought.

The Alliance headquarters was an imposing structure, its stone walls and towering spires a testament to its authority. The group entered, guided by their instructors, and were directed to a large hall where clerks were registering many newly awakened others.

Before they began, the instructor gathered them in a semicircle. "Listen up, everyone. Today, you'll be registering as official members of the Alliance. This bracelet," he held up a sleek, silver band, "will scan your body and display your rank. Rankings are from F to SSS, based on your level."

"Whenever you meet the minimum level requirement of a higher rank, the bracelet will automatically be updated and display your correct rank."

He gestured to a chart on a nearby wall, breaking down the ranks:

F: Level 1

E: Level 10

D: Level 20

C: Level 30

B: Level 40

A: Level 50

S: Level 100

SS: ???

SSS: ???

The instructor continued, addressing the class about the rankings. "No one has reached level 100 yet, so we're not entirely sure if it's even possible to go beyond. That's why there haven't been established requirements for SS and SSS ranks."

He paused, looking at the chart. "Currently, there are four A-rank individuals. The strongest among them is a level 72 Awakener from Korea. He's been awakened from the beginning, two years ago, and has participated in the conquering of five out of the seven cleared towers."

Marissa glanced at Sebastian, her eyes wide with awe at the mention of such a powerful individual. "Level 72! That's incredible."

Sebastian's expression remained neutral, though a flicker of interest sparked in his eyes. "Indeed. It's a testament to what's possible with dedication and strength."

After a while, an assistant from the Alliance arrived, signalling the students to gather and prepare to follow him.

As the assistant led the students towards the registration area, they passed by a middle-aged man who was about to approach one of the clerks. His expression twisted with disdain as he glanced at the group of students, muttering something under his breath.

Sebastian noticed the man's derogatory glance and the sneer on his face. His jaw clenched, but he remained outwardly composed, his eyes narrowed in silent disapproval.

The man's voice cut through the air, dripping with contempt. "Who are these weaklings? There's no point in registering trash like them. They'll be dead in the tower before they even know what hit them."

Marissa's hand tightened on her spear, her eyes flashing with anger. "Hey, watch your mouth," she retorted, her voice sharp.

But the man ignored her, his tone growing more aggressive. "The strong should go first! Why are these worthless kids allowed to register before me?"

Before anyone could react, the man shoved Marissa aside, his hand raised to push Sebastian. In a swift movement, Sebastian stepped to the side, avoiding the man's push.

As the man's hand met empty air, Sebastian's calm demeanour shifted. With a surge of anger, he moved faster than the man's eyes could follow, his fist connecting with the man's stomach with a sickening thud. Ribs cracked under the force of the blow, and the man staggered backward, crashing into the wall with a pained grunt.

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Sebastian as he stood over the fallen man, his chest heaving with controlled rage. Marissa stared at him, a mixture of shock and admiration in her eyes.

The instructor and assistant, poised to intervene, froze for a moment, taken aback by Sebastian's sudden action. But before they could react, Sebastian had already acted, striking the man without hesitation.

The assistant rushed forward, helping the man to his feet and leading him away, shooting nervous glances back at Sebastian. The tension in the room was palpable, but Sebastian remained composed, his gaze steady as he turned back to the clerk.

"Let's get this over with," he said calmly, his voice steady. "I've had enough of this nonsense for one day."

The clerk, visibly flustered by the altercation, hurriedly apologized for the man's behaviour, assuring Sebastian and the others that such incidents were rare.

Sebastian stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he extended his arm for the bracelet to be fastened. The clerk, eager to defuse the tension, worked quickly, scanning Sebastian's body and entering his information into the system.

"Name?" the clerk asked, fingers poised over the keyboard.

"Sebastian Azalith," he replied, his voice calm but laced with an undertone of steel.

The clerk entered the name, her eyes flicking to the screen as she processed the information. "Abilities?" she prompted.

Sebastian's gaze darkened, a shadow passing over his features. "Dagger proficiency," he stated, the words dripping with a hint of menace.

The clerk hesitated for a moment, unnerved by the intensity in his voice, before nodding and entering the information into the system. She handed Sebastian his bracelet, her hands trembling slightly.

"You're all set," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sebastian accepted the bracelet, slipping it onto his wrist with deliberate movements. The display flickered to life, indicating his rank and affiliation with the Alliance.

As the registration process continued for the other students, Sebastian stood aside, his mind swirling with thoughts of power and dominance. The rush of adrenaline still coursed through his veins, fuelling the darkness that lurked within him.

With his registration complete and his rank proudly displayed, Sebastian turned to leave the hall, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. The Tower awaited, its shadows beckoning him with promises of untold strength and supremacy. And he was more than ready to embrace the darkness within him to claim it.