Aside from Classes, The old man also taught me about Grades.
All objects,items,living beings and substances are ranked based on their Grade
The grades are defined as:-
-Grade I- This grade defines organisms or things which are not enchanted with magic or are not able to use or manipulate mana.
For example- The forsaken populace of Varsect or my Leather Cloak.
-Grade II- This grade defines organisms or things who can interact with mana.They are the most common.
They can also be affected by -Runes- which are basically magic circles formed with complex weaves and text to enhance mana usage and allow magic to be maintained without an active magic caster.
For example- The elixer of life which I gained as a level-up reward.
-Grade III- This grade defines higher-tier items,potent beasts or more skilled mana users.
At this grade someone or something gets something called a -Skill-
The elder told me it was a specialized use of mana,increadibly potent and far more unique to each individual than simple magic.
The people who reach this level are colloquially called -Specialists-
-Grade IV- At this point someone gains something called a -Passive skill-
Alongside a massive physical boost and large increase in mana capacity,regardless of class or species.
Grade IV combatents and magicians are valued throughout the world and are considered the highest rank one can reach through effort alone.
Despite the previous grades giving massive boosts in power as one grows stronger-
If an extraordinary situation arises or a stupendously strong person or beast who for some reason didn't move on to higher grades were to attack-
Even a Grade I could Kill a Grade IV. That problems disappears at the next rank though.
-Grade V- It a rank where one can render all attacks from lower grades useless with a special ability called -Paramountcy-
People at this rank are called the -Paramounts-
The old man didn't know too much else about this rank or about the special ability called parmountcy.He also didn't know about higher ranks.
Actually I think he most likely did,but choose not to tell me.
After all he was an -Oracle-
Who knows he might have known or what he might have seen in his visions.Understanding him was pointless.
Truth be told,I have become a bit apprehensive of the elder,wherever he is.
Especially after what he forced me to do.
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"Did you get all that? Actually I already know you did,I am a great teacher after all!"
The old man said,his voice was a bit hoarse from all the talking but he still had the energy to be jocular.
I responded in kind.
"Huh?Can you read minds or something?"
The old man smirked
"Sort of..."
"Another thing ,I am a Irregular of designation Oracle,despite the fact that I cannot use magic.
Young man,don't underestimate an oracle...ever I mean ever.Even if he is an old man with no mana like me."
Then the old man said casually.
"So don't worry about killing this body of mine,Death is not going enough to stop me"
Needless to say,I was a bit pertubed.I considered the idea that he was joking but shockingly his face looked quite serious.
"....Why the hell would I kill you?"
"You will."
The elder said with finality.Before I could properly process the statement,he spoke again.
"Also after killing me,make sure to run out of the village as fast as possible.
You see a lot of the villagers may misunderstand you...I couldn't explain to the villagers this plan of mine,otherwise the conditions may have been affected.
There is map in the crude drawer beside the bed,it will tell you where to go.You should reach the citadel of the lost in about three to four months."
"...Are you alright up there? Obviously,I won't be killing you!"
'Actually am I the one who went insane?I mean I did but am I still in that state?
Am I hallucination this conversation?'
"Are you even real,old man?"
"...Yes I am,I am a real human and I am genuinely asking you to kill me,just like how a real person would! Hohoho!"
The old man cackled with a familar laugh.Atleast that eliminated my doubts about what the old man said not being figments of my imagination.
'Now I am sure the old man is a hallucination,or atleast the words coming out of his mouth right now.
Damn,this is terrible....I really have gone ins-'
"No..you are not correct in your assumption.Also you are very much sane,I am an oracle for the Scarlet god's sake! I would know.I just told you not to underestimate oracles right?"
'Did he just read my thoughts?'
"Also let me finish.There is a young boy called Luster who is currently busy doing chores.He should be easy to spot,since he is the only child in this building.Take him with you on your journeys and protect him...he may be a bit wimpy but he is my beloved pupil."
The old man paused for a second.He looked at my feet for a second.I did too.
There was a strange runic formation which was etched an a rug of sorts on which I was standing.I realised I couldn't move.
"Ah..I'm so glad it worked out fine.It seems the conditions will now be fulfilled.
May I make one last request young man? There is an absolutely massive behemoth behind the Second ring's barrier.It has ten eyes and has the power to wear down sanity.
I am quite sure you have already seen it.I know this is a bit much but...Once you become strong enough...could you consider killing it for me?It is responsible for all the dust and dryness around here,you see.
Also I am very sorry for forcing you to do this.Please forgive me."
I was going to retort but my mouth didn't move no matter how much I tried to speak.
Then I moved, and took a couple steps to the right.There was a crude dagger attached to the wall.I picked it up and then walked back towards the old man.
I then stood right infront of him.
Then my hands moved with terrific speed.I wanted to flinch and close my eyes but I couldn't.
I wanted to somehow overpower the force making me move but I couldn't.
I wanted to stop my hands from thrusting the dagger but I couldn't.
When the deed was done,I simply stood still.My expression must have been quite something.
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There was a young man with an indescribable emotion etched on his face.He was holding a bloodied dagger.In front of him lay a corpse.
The corpse of a tall,pale and thick-bearded elderly man.
It was his first time killing another human,but it wouldn't be his last.