“Chapter 1: Introduction to Mana and Rankers.

Mana is an all-encompassing, fundamental component of the universe that humans have become aware of relatively recently. It cannot be seen or felt by mortals but it exists everywhere.

Those who can feel it but cannot make it their own by forming the mana core are called non-rankers. And those who can make it do their bidding by forming the mana core inside their bodies under their navel are called rankers.

Mana is real as much as it seems ethereal. Mana can create, change, modify, and destroy elemental particles, seemingly defying the law of conservation and equivalent exchange. But mana too is bound by its own set of rules. Therefore, those who harness mana in their bodies are bound by the same rules.

The rankers use mana to change or overwrite the classical laws of physics. And the act of changing or overwriting such laws is called magic. The instructions and intricacies that are used to create magic are called spells.

In a way, magic does not have any limitations. Nor should one form of magic be deemed superior to the other. There are a variety of factors that determine a ranker’s effectiveness in spell execution.

A capable ranker can execute a simple spell in such a way that it would outclass high-tier spells performed by a less-skilled ranker. Similarly, if a ranker has reached a high enough rank, they can use the mana itself to alter the rules placed on it. This will enable them to perform magic that won’t fall short of being regarded as a miracle.”

Eren kept on reading the things that were said about mana as he sipped on his energy drink. Normally, Eren of the past wouldn’t have wasted 20 New World Coins on the drink meant for rankers. But this Eren was different.

This Eren wanted to break into official rank faster. So he didn’t mind spending money on it. One spends money on the things they are passionate about. And he was passionate about starting his new journey as a ranker. The conversation he had had with that unknown entity was still echoing in his head after all.

‘Seek and ye shall find.’

Eren mumbled to himself as he continued reading. He realized that all the other stuff about mana and magic were all conjectures drawn from experiences. So he quickly wrapped the first chapter and moved on to the next one.

“Chapter 2: Rankers and Their Path to Power.

When a ranker forms a mana core in their body, they are considered to have reached the Rank 1 stage called Metahuman.

There are various ways a non-ranked person could break into the official rank. There are mana core awakening potions available in the rankers’ market. Though they are sold for a steeper price so not everybody can afford them.

Another way to break into an official rank is by practicing a ranking technique meant to be used by non-rankers. But ranking techniques have become almost inaccessible to the general populace because of the rules and restrictions put in place by governments and establishments all over the world.

Mana core formation could also be stimulated in the body through Oasis. But non-rankers are only allowed to use a special section of Oasis meant for them. And access to that part of the world would also end up costing someone a sizable amount.

The most effective and easy-on-the-wallet way for non-rankers to enter the official rank is by putting their bodies through an intensive workout regime.

A ranker who chooses this way to achieve their Metahuman rank gets higher body stat values than someone who uses other easier methods. Training and working out, therefore, are considered the foundation of being a ranker.

After entering Rank 1, Rankers can choose various guilds to access the numbered Oasis their guild is allowed to access and progress in their rank. The details of which would be shared with rankers after they enter the official rank and join the guild.”

“Let me know what the fuck is up with numbered Oasis, damn it. These cocksu*king numbnuts… bunch of…”

Eren cursed loudly when he read that a large part of the information about how rankers progressed in their ranking journey was only when he successfully joined a guild. After inspecting the surroundings, he restrained himself from exhibiting outbursts. This was technically a library. He shouldn’t display how foul his mouth would get even if there were no listeners.

Eren sighed and thought about his previous circumstances. It was already a miracle that he was able to gain this much knowledge about rankers. So he quickly brushed aside the disappointment he felt and continued reading.

Eren could remember bits and pieces about Gilaahan and the numbered Oasis by working as support staff and listening to rankers’ conversations. To connect the dots, he needed to gather the right information.

There were other books he could read as well. But they weren’t accessible to him because of his non-ranker status. Only official rankers and above could access information meant for rankers. Strict controls were put in place all over the world, even inside the Elysian cities to keep the spread of information restricted to only rankers’ communities.

Eren didn’t mind the restriction on news at this point. Even the basics of the city, known to all residents since childhood, were a revelation to him. Reading those things assured him that the things he had in his head as original Eren’s memories weren’t his delusions.

Eren finished his 2-hour reading session when Miranda called him on the same screen he was using to read. He quickly got up and started his main job, which was to tend to rankers and make them ready for the dive into the numbered Oasis.

When everybody was logged into the numbered Oasis, an energy shield was raised around each of their bodies. This was to protect the rankers’ bodies from any mishap while they were exploring the terrains of Gilhaan.

Vik predicted that the energy shield would get retracted on its own if and when the rankers’ consciousness returned to their bodies. That’s how Reece was able to plant a sneaky kiss on him just before the moments before his wakefulness into the new world.

By the time Eren was done with his regular job, it was 7 PM. It was time to leave the guild and head home.

Reece was surprised when Eren said no to her when the former came to pick him up.

“You go ahead, Reecy. I’ll hit the gym now. Be home late.”

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