The Introduction :

Power System: The Thirteen Ranks of Existence

In the world of Aetherion, power is not merely strength—it is a measure of one’s existence within the Laws that govern all worlds. From ordinary mortals to beings who stand above reality itself, all are bound within a system known as the Thirteen Ranks.

These ranks represent the evolution of life, from those who cannot perceive mana to those who can shape the very fabric of existence.

At the lowest level are the Mortals.

Mortals are ordinary humans who possess no awareness of mana. They rely solely on physical strength and survival instincts, completely detached from the Laws of the world.

Those who begin to sense mana are known as the Awakened. Though still weak, they have taken their first step beyond humanity, gaining the ability to feel the invisible forces that surround them.

With training, one becomes an Initiate, capable of controlling mana at a basic level. Their attacks begin to carry energy beyond the physical, marking their transition into true practitioners.

As their control stabilizes, they reach the Adept stage. At this level, mana flows naturally within the body, enhancing strength, speed, and endurance far beyond that of normal humans.

Beyond this point lies the Immortal Path.

At the Core Vessel stage, individuals form a core of energy within their bodies, allowing them to store and refine mana efficiently. This marks the true beginning of an Immortal.

Spirit Binders go further, merging mana with spiritual essence. They gain the ability to sense others, manipulate energy more precisely, and unleash more complex techniques.

Domain Walkers possess the ability to influence the environment around them. Within a limited space, they can impose their will, bending natural forces to their advantage.

Those who reach the Law Seeker stage begin to understand the Laws themselves. They can manipulate minor aspects of reality—heat, gravity, motion—though only in limited forms.

The next stage transcends normal existence.

Half Ascendants stand at the threshold between mortal and divine. Their lifespan extends dramatically, and their bodies begin to detach from conventional limitations.

Ascendants are beings who have stepped beyond most natural Laws. They can manipulate reality within certain boundaries and are often regarded as legends within the world.

At the highest levels lies the Divine Realm.

Pseudo Deities wield immense power, capable of controlling major Laws and destroying entire regions with ease.

Near Deities approach true godhood. They can control multiple Laws simultaneously and even create or destroy small worlds.

At the pinnacle are the True Deities. These beings stand above all existence, capable of shaping fate, creating life, and erasing entire galaxies.

However…

There exist anomalies.

Rare beings who do not follow the Laws.

Their power cannot be measured.

Their existence cannot be explained.

Such beings are known as Lawless.

And in a world where everything is governed by rules…

They are the greatest threat to all.

Mana System: The Five Types of Mana

Across the entire cosmos, beyond planets, galaxies, and even the boundaries of known existence, mana is not a singular force but a vast and complex system divided into distinct forms, each governed by its own origin and nature. All beings, from mortals to deities, exist within this system, whether they understand it or not. Among these, five types of mana exist, though only four have ever been recorded in ancient texts since the beginning of creation.

The first is known as Vitalis Mana, a deep blue energy generated naturally within the body of an Immortal. This form of mana is used for combat, healing, and the execution of techniques, making it the foundation of all cultivation paths. Its blue glow symbolizes life and flow, yet it cannot be absorbed by others while its owner is alive. Only upon death does it lose its original identity and transform into another form.

The second is Terraflux Mana, a vibrant green energy formed from the balance between heaven and earth. It exists throughout environments across countless worlds, sustaining ecosystems, stabilizing terrain, and preserving the structure of life itself. Its green hue represents growth and harmony, and only those who have reached the Ascendant rank can begin to refine and absorb it.

The third is Necro Mana, a dark crimson energy often referred to as dead mana. It forms when an Immortal dies and their Vitalis Mana decays into a corrupted state. This red glow carries remnants of death and destruction, and unlike its original form, it can be absorbed by other Immortals or spiritual entities, though it is unstable and dangerous.

The fourth is Astryx Mana, a pure white energy born from stars, planets, and entire solar systems. It is the force that sustains cosmic balance, ensuring celestial bodies move in harmony and maintain universal order. Its white radiance reflects purity and absolute structure, and it cannot be absorbed by any being below the level of a True Deity. Should a solar system lose this mana, it will collapse into destruction.

The fifth type of mana, however, is something that should not exist. Known as Aurion Mana, it manifests as a radiant golden energy unlike anything recorded in history. No ancient scripture acknowledges its existence, and no known being understands its origin. It does not belong to the body, the environment, death, or even the cosmos itself. It cannot be detected, measured, or explained. Its golden light does not follow the natural order, and because of this, it has long been ignored as impossible. Yet, within a system where everything is bound by laws, Aurion Mana stands as an exception—an unknown force that defies all rules, and perhaps, the only power capable of breaking the Law itself.

In the Second Star Galaxy, there existed a planet known as Aetherion—a world quiet in nature, yet bound by unseen forces beyond mortal understanding.

Within this planet lay a small nation called Velmora, a land where most lived simple, humble lives. It was neither powerful nor prosperous, but within its fragile borders, people still found ways to survive.

Among them lived a couple who possessed nothing of material value, yet carried something far greater—love. On a quiet night beneath a dim sky, the wife lay on the verge of giving birth, her fragile breaths echoing through their small, worn home.

At that same moment—

far beyond their world, in the distant the first Star Galaxy, a war between gods erupted.

Two beings clashed with power that defied existence itself.

Seraphel, the God of Heaven.

And Noctyra, the God of the Abyss.

Their battle tore apart stars, shattered celestial realms, and reduced entire worlds to nothingness. Space itself fractured under their might, as if reality could no longer contain their existence.

In the end—

Noctyra fell.

His divine body was shattered beyond repair, his power nearly extinguished. He had fallen so low that even a newly ascended Immortal could have ended his life.

But even in defeat—

a god does not surrender easily.

With the final remnants of his strength, Noctyra tore through the fabric of space, escaping annihilation itself. His broken existence drifted across galaxies, until it finally descended upon Aetherion.

But the moment he entered the planet—

his existence began to collapse.

His soul fractured.

His power dissipated.

Time was no longer on his side.

With nothing left to lose, he performed a final ritual

The Pass.

An ancient method used to transfer one’s power, will, and existence into a successor.

But Noctyra had no disciple.

No heir.

No chosen one.

Only fate remained.

The ritual began.

Yet—

it failed.

His soul was too damaged. His power too weak.

Instead of passing on his inheritance, his essence fractured, collapsing into a drifting spiritual vessel—unstable, incomplete, and without direction.

At that exact moment—

a child was born.

A fragile cry echoed through the quiet home in Velmora.

And as if guided by something beyond reason—

the vessel descended.

Silently.

Inevitably.

It entered the newborn.

From that moment on—

two souls began to intertwine.

Years passed.

The child was named Kael Vareth.

He grew up in poverty, within a fragile home that held more warmth than wealth. The walls were thin, the roof unreliable, but the love within that space never wavered.

His mother’s gentle hands healed his wounds, while his father’s quiet strength shaped his understanding of the world.

“You must endure,” his mother would often say softly, “but never lose who you are.”

And his father once told him,

“A man is not measured by how hard he strikes… but by how much he can endure without breaking.”

Those words became the foundation of Kael’s life.

But the world beyond his home—

was far from kind.

He was mocked.

Beaten.

Ignored.

Yet Kael never fought back.

Not because he was weak—

but because he refused to become like them.

Still, something within him felt… different.

Sometimes, in his dreams, he sensed something watching him.

Something vast.

Something dark.

A presence that did not belong.

But every time he woke—

it was gone.

Forgotten.

As if it had never existed.

As the years passed, that strange feeling remained buried deep within him, like a quiet disturbance beneath still water.

But Kael chose to ignore it.

Life itself was already heavy enough.

Time moved forward.

Kael searched for work, day after day, only to be rejected again and again. Doors closed before him, and opportunities slipped through his fingers like sand.

Shame slowly grew within him.

Not for himself—

but for his family.

Debt began to consume their home. Creditors came with empty smiles and hidden threats, their words lingering long after they had left.

Kael could do nothing but stand there.

Powerless.

Then—

everything changed.

One day, an Immortal arrived.

A distant relative from his father’s lineage.

He came with a purpose.

To recruit candidates for the Velmora Royal Immortal Program—a path toward power… but also one filled with danger, where survival was never guaranteed.

The moment the offer was announced—

Kael stepped forward.

“I want to go.”

His voice was steady.

Firm.

His mother trembled at the thought of losing him. His father remained silent, his gaze heavy with unspoken concern.

“If I stay…” Kael said quietly,

“…nothing will change.”

Silence filled the room.

In the end—

they agreed.

Not because they were ready.

But because they believed in him.

Days later, three were chosen from their district:

Kael Vareth.

Darian Sol.

Mirel Thorne.

They were brought to the Velmora Royal Qualification Trials, where hundreds had gathered, each carrying hope, fear, and desperation.

Then—

a figure descended from the sky.

The Grand Captain, Aldric Veyron.

His presence alone silenced the crowd.

“The trials begin now.”

The first test measured endurance and mana channeling.

Darian passed.

Mirel passed.

Then—

Kael stepped forward.

Nothing happened.

Silence spread across the field.

“Unqualified—”

Before the words could finish—

a sudden surge erupted.

Dense.

Unnatural.

For a brief moment, an overwhelming presence burst from Kael’s body—

then vanished.

Far away, within the royal palace—

Eryndor Valen opened his eyes.

For the first time in over a thousand years—

he felt something unfamiliar.

“…Interesting.”

Kael was allowed to pass.

The second trial required candidates to release their mana.

Again—

Kael showed nothing.

Empty.

Undetectable.

“…Dismissed.”

But before he could be removed—

something interfered.

From afar—

Eryndor forced Kael’s mana into visible form.

Enough to pass.

Enough to continue.

The third trial was simple—

yet brutal.

One year.

No food.

No water.

No rest.

As time passed, one by one—

they fell.

Until only six remained.

Kael among them.

They were celebrated.

Welcomed.

Given food.

Rest.

For the first time in his life—

Kael felt hope.

The following day, they were assigned to squads.

Seven squads existed within Velmora.

Squad 1—the weakest.

Squad 7—the strongest.

Only Squad 5 and above received true teachings.

The rest…

were merely placeholders.

When Kael placed his hand upon the Origin Stone—

it emitted only a faint glow.

“…Squad 2.”

A low rank.

An insignificant position.

Yet—

for a brief moment—

the stone trembled.

As if it had sensed something…

it could not understand.

A year passed.

Within Squad 2, Kael expected nothing.

Yet—

to his surprise—

his teammates treated him kindly.

For the first time—

he felt something unfamiliar.

Belonging.

Meanwhile—

his body began to change.

Stronger.

Sharper.

More refined.

Without training.

Without awareness.

Within the Immortal domain, natural mana existed everywhere—

yet no one could absorb it.

Except—

Kael.

Without realizing it, his body continuously absorbed that energy, evolving in silence.

Then—

one night—

everything changed.

Kael woke up gasping for air.

His body burned.

Not heat—

but something deeper.

Something consuming him from within.

Panicked—

he ran.

Through darkness.

Through pain.

Until—

he found a river.

He had never seen it before.

Without hesitation—

he jumped in.

Relief came—

for a moment.

Then—

the water began to boil.

Unbeknownst to him—

this was no ordinary river.

It was a High Spiritual Vein—

a source of immense energy.

A force capable of restoring even shattered souls.

As that energy flowed into him—

something deep within his existence began to awaken.

A broken presence…

began to reform.

Slowly.

Silently.

Inevitably.

Darkness gathered.

A shape emerged.

Incomplete—

yet undeniable.

A figure stood within his consciousness.

Ancient.

Overwhelming.

Terrifying.

It spoke—

its voice echoing within his very soul.

“…So.”

A pause.

Then—

“You are the vessel.”

Kael froze.

And for the first time in his life—

he understood.

He was never alone.

The moment the Abyssal God revealed himself, Kael’s entire body trembled. Fear gripped him instinctively, his breathing uneven as the presence before him pressed down like an overwhelming force. Even the sacred river around him reacted violently—the water boiled, steam rising as if unable to withstand the mere existence of the being before him. Yet despite the fear that crawled through every part of his body, Kael did not retreat. His eyes sharpened, his expression turning serious, as if preparing himself to face whatever came next.

The figure before him slowly formed, incomplete yet suffocating in presence. Its voice echoed directly within his soul. “So… you are the one who received my essence.” The voice paused briefly, then continued, “Before you die, you deserve to know my name. I am Noctyra… the God of the Abyss.” Kael’s heart pounded violently, but before he could react further, Noctyra spoke again, his tone cold and absolute. “And now… I will take your body.”

In that instant, Noctyra attempted to force his way into Kael’s consciousness, pushing violently as if to claim the body as his own. But something unexpected happened. He failed. Again and again, he tried to take control, yet each attempt was rejected. Kael’s body trembled under the pressure, but it did not break. After several attempts, Noctyra suddenly stopped… then laughed.

“HAHAHAHA… how amusing.” His voice echoed with disbelief. “How can a body as weak as yours… contain me? You are nothing. Weak. Pathetic. There is nothing you can do.”

Despite the fear, Kael clenched his fists and forced himself to speak. “If that’s true… then why are you inside me?” His voice was unsteady, but his gaze did not waver.

For a moment, Noctyra fell silent.

It was a question even he could not fully answer. His condition, his injuries, the failure of the ritual… all had led to something beyond his expectations. Yet instead of anger, a different thought emerged.

A proposal.

“Very well,” Noctyra said slowly. “I will make you an offer.”

Kael remained silent, listening.

“I will teach you. I will guide you to power beyond anything this world can offer. You will rise through the ranks, step by step, until you reach the peak… the Transcendent Realm.” His voice lowered. “And when you reach that point… you will release me.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“At that level, your body will only be capable of restoring seventy percent of my soul. That is your limit. If you go beyond it… your body will be destroyed.”

What he did not say—

was that seventy percent would be more than enough.

Enough to take control.

Enough to return.

Kael listened carefully.

He was not foolish.

Why would a god help him without reason?

What if this was nothing but deception?

What if he was simply being used?

After a long silence, Kael shook his head.

“I refuse.”

For a brief moment—

Noctyra said nothing.

Then, without another word, his presence withdrew, sinking back into the depths of Kael’s soul. The boiling river calmed, the heat fading as if nothing had ever happened.

Time passed.

A year went by.

Kael continued his life as a trainee in Velmora, following the rules, enduring the routine, never once breaking.

Then, one day—

Squad 2 held its annual competition.

A race.

The winner would be granted an audience with the Heir of Velmora and receive one reward of their choosing.

All trainees were required to participate.

Kael stood among them, uncertain.

Most participants were far stronger than him.

Some had already reached the Adept rank.

Compared to them…

he was nothing.

The race began.

At first, Kael struggled to keep up.

But something felt… strange.

The others—

slowed down.

They gave him space.

Opened a path.

It made no sense.

Yet before he realized it—

Kael crossed the finish line.

First.

The crowd cheered.

His teammates smiled.

Celebrated him.

But deep within his heart—

Kael felt uneasy.

Something was wrong.

The next day, Kael was summoned.

He was granted permission to meet the Heir of Velmora.

The palace was breathtaking.

Elegant.

Overwhelming.

Kael had never seen anything like it.

He was led into a room.

Alone.

Waiting.

Unbeknownst to him—

This was not a reward.

It was a trap.

Since the disappearance of the Abyssal God…

The balance of the world had been broken.

Mana no longer flowed naturally.

Growth had stagnated.

Most Immortals could not progress beyond the Spirit Binder rank.

Even the Heir himself—

after over a thousand years—

had only reached the Law Seeker stage.

Desperation had changed him.

His solution…

was simple.

Consume others.

Devour their essence.

This was the true purpose of the trials.

Only a small number were allowed to pass—

so they could be controlled.

So they could be harvested.

The trainees knew.

Rumors had spread.

But none dared to resist.

And Kael—

was the perfect prey.

Suddenly,

a force gripped him. Invisible yet overwhelming, it locked onto his very existence. Kael screamed as his entire body felt like it was being torn apart, as if every part of him was being ripped away piece by piece. Something was being pulled from within him—his very soul, dragged out by an unseen power. This was the Heir of Velmora, Eryndor Valen. Yet in the next moment, something unexpected occurred. Instead of his soul being extracted, a golden energy began to emerge from his body. It was mana—dense, radiant, and unnatural. The force pulled harder, attempting to extract it completely, but no matter how strong the pull became, the golden mana refused to leave. It was dragged outward, only to snap back into Kael’s body again and again, as if bound by something unbreakable.

Deep within his soul, a voice echoed.

“Rise.”

At that instant, Kael’s body erupted with power. The golden mana surged violently, spinning through every part of him, refining and condensing at an incredible speed. His entire existence began to change, his level rising beyond what should have been possible. In a single moment, he broke through into the Core Vessel realm—a level that would normally take centuries to achieve. The force binding him shattered instantly, and Kael collapsed to the ground before forcing himself to move. His body was heavily injured, but instinct drove him forward. He had to escape.

He ran, ignoring the pain, pushing his broken body until he finally reached home.

Far away, within the palace, Eryndor Valen watched everything unfold. His eyes narrowed slightly, and a slow smile appeared on his face.

“…Interesting,” he murmured softly.

“For the first time in centuries… I have found something… worth devouring.”