Chapter 658: The Humbling Truth
Arun and Asha summarised their findings about the magic system. They first mentioned the magical beast meat and vegetables consumed by even commoners.
Although they didn’t matter much in the kingdom’s eyes, the authorities readily distributed body-reinforcing techniques up to the second tier, or the D rank in their system, to any kid aged five or more. It was nothing more than a political maneuver aiming to produce a cheap yet powerful labor force.
Shepard’s eyes widened as he understood the horrifying chasm separating their two sides. Regular farmers here could become barons in their smaller countries. Even more appalling, they could shatter their acolytes’ skulls bare-handed.
He gulped, sweat covering his brows. If the difference was this vast on the lower tiers, how about his?
Asha sighed after he stuttered the question. "Arcanists are just the lower layer of the elites. But you..." She held her forehead and shook her head. "You won’t qualify for the A-rank. Listen, Shepard. Not even acolytes chant to cast spells. I can only label their physiques as tyrannical compared to yours. Even if they don’t use magic, you have no chance to strike them. As for defense? Your chances go in the negative."
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I know my assessment is harsh. But I’d rather hurt your ego than see you die because of ignorance."
"T-Thank you... I guess?" Shepard’s stutter came out in a feeble murmur almost overpowered by his trembling limbs. "What rank would fit me in their system?"
Julius scratched his head, knowing the answer wouldn’t please Shepard. After all, he had stood at the pinnacle of their province—one of the only nine arcanists, second only to the three archmages and elusive magus. But here? His spells wouldn’t matter if he couldn’t see his adversaries move.
Without surprise, Arun shrugged. "You’d be amongst the weaker B-ranks, the equivalent of a mage. We don’t underestimate your prowess, Shepard. Our weaknesses are just too easy to exploit."