Chương 4: Systems and Speculation

Lunch had been basic, bread a little too hard, soup too thin, but after everything I'd been through, I could've cried from how good it tasted. Now I sat on a sun-warmed bench just outside the barracks, hands folded across my lap, trying to piece together what I knew about this world. My memories weren't perfect. I wasn't some scholarly prodigy. Just an average student who paid enough attention to pass and occasionally drifted off when the lectures got too dry.

But common knowledge was common for a reason, and I had enough to build a mental framework. Power in Avalon, and the world beyond, was divided into Tiers, with each Tier corresponding to levels and growth. The known structure for humans looked like this: Tier 1: Level 1–20 Tier 2: Level 20–50 Tier 3: Level 50–100 Tier 4: Level 100–150 Tier 5: Level 150–225 Tier 6: Level 225–300 Tier 7: Level 300+ Advancing to a new Tier wasn't just about gaining levels.

Each threshold came with a Trial, a spiritual awakening required to break through. No one advanced by grinding levels alone. The Trial varied depending on the person, Class, and Affinity. And beyond Tier 7? Nothing confirmed. Just speculation and myths. The Tier system didn't just measure strength, it defined the hierarchy of the world. Tier 1 (Level 1–20) Stolen story; please report. Farmers, laborers, children, and early apprentices.

Most people reached Tier 2 eventually, no special trial required, just time, training, and minimal growth. But many died early in Tier 2 due to poor conditions, lack of skills, or exposure to danger. Tier 2 (Level 20–50) The majority of the adult population. Skilled laborers, tradesmen, minor clerks, guards, and non-combat professionals. Ed's father, a city scribe, had been Level 30, low Tier 2. Tier 3 (Level 50–100) Veteran city guards, patrol captains, elite craftsmen, merchants, and minor military officers.

A sign of above-average dedication or training. Still within reach for hardworking commoners. Tier 4 (Level 100–150) Mid-level officers, royal bureaucrats, seasoned adventurers. Usually associated with noble households, bodyguards, stewards, or extended family. Tier 5 (Level 150–225) Rare. Military commanders, elite knights, master craftsmen, and court mages. Most were nobles or had earned the favor and resources needed to push this far. Tier 6 (Level 225–300) Borderline legendary.

High-ranking nobles, Marshals, royal advisors, and palace-guard captains. Reaching this level required extraordinary talent, resources, and often, high elemental Affinity. Tier 7 (Level 300+) Myth made flesh. Only ten to fifteen individuals in the entire Kingdom of Avalon were confirmed Tier 7. Kings. Dukes. Generals. And they all had one thing in common: Perfect Affinity. No one without it had ever broken through. It was the invisible wall, the unspoken rule. I leaned back, watching the sky. Perfect Affinity…

That's what they said was required for Tier 7. But even High or Very High was enough to rewrite someone's fate. Affinities mattered. They weren't just labels, they were the keys to power, to opportunity. I sighed. The chances of me having any substantial affinity were low. But still, a part of me hoped. Hoped I was not as ordinary as I seemed. That maybe, just maybe, this strange new life had more in store for me than simply surviving another year. Just to be sure, I opened my status.

Status Sheet NAME: Edward CLASS: Unawakened AFFINITY: N/A HP: 45 / 60 HP Regen: 5/day MP: N/A CONSTITUTION: 6 STRENGTH: 6 AGILITY: 6 General Skills Writing (15) Reading (10) Math (5) Running (2) Hiding (1) Negotiating (1) Not much to look at.

"Hey!" I jumped slightly. The daydream shattered as a familiar voice called out. Ben.

"Let's go," he said, adjusting his gauntlet.

"Time to complete your registration process."

"Right." I stood, swallowing the lump in my throat, and followed him down the street toward City Hall.