In this world of magic and overwhelming power, the universe's ranking system was divided into two primary classifications: the six Mortal Ranks and the six Immortal Ranks.
This was common knowledge to all — revered and respected, for each rank signified the level of strength and mastery one had attained. Advancement was not merely a mark of progress; it was a declaration of survival, power, and status in a world where strength reigned supreme.
The Six Mortal Ranks were as follows:
1. Initiate Rank
2. Awakened Rank
3. Grand Origin Rank
4. Divine Rank
5. Enlightenment Rank
6. Ascendant Rank
Each rank was subdivided into five stages, known universally as Qi Complexes. A human who successfully awakened their Qi Core would automatically enter the Initiate Rank, beginning their journey by absorbing ambient Qi from the world or extracting it from the Qi cores of beasts — or in darker cases, even humans. This was how they grew stronger. Accumulating battle experience also played a significant role in their advancement.
Think of the human Qi Core as a balloon. When filled with water to its limit, it bursts — a transformation that forces the body to form a newer, sturdier balloon capable of storing even greater amounts. This metaphor captures the essence of progressing through the Qi Complexes. Each stage meant bursting the core, remolding it stronger, denser — five times per rank — until it could sustain the pressure and quality required to evolve into the next level.
However, achieving all five Qi Complexes wasn't enough. Each new rank had its own unique requirement for advancement — often trials, achievements, or enlightenment that varied in nature. The higher one ascended, the more insurmountable these conditions became, which explained why so many cultivators remained trapped at one level for decades, or even lifetimes.
Some may wonder how Kaine managed to break through from Initiate to Awakened without completing any requirements. In truth, the sole condition for advancing from Initiate was to complete all five Qi Complexes — something Kaine had managed in an astoundingly short time.
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Kaine dressed quickly. With little ceremony, he was sent alongside his grandmother to the family's private space station. Their destination? Earth.
This was no ordinary planet. Earth was an ancient behemoth — over a hundred times the size of most celestial bodies — and was one of the largest planets in the First Realm. It served as the cradle of all five great families, housing their main branches. Most significantly, Vernam Academy, the most prestigious academy in the First Realm, was built in the planet's central continent — a monument to the unity of the five families and the governing council.
For Kaine, attending Vernam wasn't just a matter of pride. It was his chance — his stage — to show the world who he truly was.
After five hours in warp travel, their spaceship docked in the Northern region of Earth — the territory ruled by the Aphelgustine family. Compared to Kaine's home world, also under his grandmother's governance, this place was colossal in scale and grandeur.
A towering castle stretched heavenward, crafted from materials so pristine they looked divine. Its foundations gleamed with pure white stone, laced with golden veins, crimson rubies, and obsidian-black relics embedded into its architecture like sacred gems. The castle's peak pierced the clouds, and its base occupied nearly half the city.
Yet, the city itself was equally breathtaking — not just in splendor, but in power. This was the Aphelgustine main stronghold, governed by the Patriarch himself, and home to some of the strongest family members alive. White and gold dominated the buildings, painting the city like a realm fit for angels — a cruel irony, considering it was built by those who wielded sin-based powers.
Kaine had witnessed wonders across his travels, but nothing quite like this. Even for someone of his status, the city took his breath away.
Their ship landed in one of the many docking zones, already crowded with Aphelgustines and their children. Clearly, many had arrived ahead of them. As Kaine scanned the crowd, he could sense the presence of over a thousand participants, each radiating formidable aura. Most had reached the Awakened Rank — some possibly beyond — their power unmistakable.
His grandmother, Maicy, held his hand through the city, guiding him through the famous markets and grand avenues, hoping to ease any pressure building within him. But she was wrong — Kaine felt none. In fact, he brimmed with confidence, almost eager to face whatever the tournament would bring.
What neither of them realized — or perhaps, chose to ignore — was how every pair of eyes followed them as they walked. Whether they were Aphelgustine elites or common citizens, each person turned to look at them — and not because of Kaine.
It was because of her.
Who in the First Realm hadn't heard of Maicy — the legendary, prideful Succubus? Her beauty was such that even without activating her Lust Sin, she could bewitch you. Her presence alone was intoxicating, commanding respect and fear in equal measure.
But her beauty wasn't her only weapon. Maicy had mastered four sins, and gained perfect control over two — an achievement rivaled only by the highest powers in the realm. A veteran of the Second Inter-Realm War, she had thousands of years of battle experience. Currently in the Immortal Ranks, she was one of the family's most prized powerhouses and a core asset of the First Realm.
Despite being offered the Grand Elder position, Maicy chose instead to serve as an overseeing elder — specifically in charge of all health facilities across the realm.
After a brief tour, Maicy left Kaine at the castle gates. She wouldn't be allowed inside until the tournament was over. Instead, she would serve as one of the event's supervisors.
As Kaine stepped through the castle's grand gates, a strange ripple surged beneath his feet. Instantly, he was teleported to a massive, radiant hall filled with participants. Judging by the sea of eyes that turned to him, he was the last to arrive — and clearly, the most noticeable.
Who wouldn't recognize Kaine Auron Aphelgustine? The prodigy who awakened his Qi Core at seven, yet failed to gain any sin affinity until he turned fifteen. A mystery. A disappointment. A puzzle — at least in the eyes of many.
"Or has he gained an affinity?" a calm voice broke the silence. It belonged to a young Aphelgustine with short, curly dark hair and the same ruby eyes shared by many of the bloodline. His voice was soft, but in the pin-drop silence, it resounded like thunder.
"That's ridiculous," a loud, mocking laugh rang out.
The room's attention snapped to the source.
Sitting with arms crossed and eyes shut, a fiery-haired youth exuded arrogance. His voice cut through the crowd like a blade dipped in venom.
"The moment you reach fifteen, there's no hope. Even if the heavens themselves decide to help you… it's too late. Kaine just came here to grovel beneath my feet — nothing more, nothing less," the boy sneered, dragging the final words as if etching them into the minds of all present.
Ragner Bilston Aphelgustine. Son of the Grand Elder. He had awakened his Qi Core at age eight and gained four sin affinities before thirteen — a record of excellence that made his arrogance seem earned.
"Ain't I right, Kaine?"
The room fell quiet once more.
Kaine said nothing. Without so much as glancing at Ragner, he strode to an empty seat at the back, sat down, and closed his eyes, lost in his own world.
"Khkhh! It seems the short-circuited Ragner has been ignored," a playful voice laughed. This time it was Jace, Kaine's cousin — someone from the same branch, but far less burdened by pride. Though he had awakened as an average talent, his three affinities had matured into something deadly over time.
Ragner's expression twisted. His skin flushed with rage, steam rising from his pores. Even a few in the crowd chuckled quietly — a daring act in the presence of such a volatile figure.
The room's temperature rose sharply as Ragner stood, his aura blazing. Flames danced in his pupils as he prepared to confront Kaine.
Then suddenly— a chill swept the room.
Temperature plummeted. Snowflakes began to fall. Everyone froze.
Kaine opened his eyes, instantly recognizing the cause.
'It seems some unexpected people have joined this batch…' he thought.
All eyes turned toward a white-haired beauty. Her hair cascaded down her back, silken and pure. Her pale, smooth skin and ruby eyes exuded an aura of untouchable majesty. Her gaze — icy and unfeeling — locked on Ragner, and he shivered involuntarily.
She was Levian Aphelgustine, daughter of the current Patriarch. Like her father, she wielded control over five sins, her Pride Sin standing strongest.
In sin affinity, the first sin one awakens is always the strongest. And among all sins, Pride was the rarest and most difficult to awaken — followed by Wrath, Sloth, Envy, Lust, Greed, and Gluttony.
For Levian to have awakened Pride first… her talent was immeasurable.
"I assure you, oh Princess Levian," Ragner said, a slight tremor in his voice, "I won't hurt him too much. He just needs to learn his place."
His aura flared again, fire and frost clashing violently in the air.
"I advise everyone to calm down and take a seat. You will now listen to the tournament rules," a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension like a blade.
Instantly, the heat and cold dissipated. Everyone, even Ragner, composed themselves, though his burning fury still flickered in his eyes.
Kaine narrowed his gaze. The hall had returned to normal — but this was no ordinary gathering. Everyone here had at least two or more sin affinities, and they were all prodigies in their own right.
A platform slowly rose in the center of the hall. Standing atop it was a man in his mid-thirties, tall, with short dark hair and rough features.
He cleared his throat.
"Greetings to all. As you already know, you were carefully selected among thousands of Aphelgustines — the most talented of your generation. This tournament exists to determine the ten who shall earn their place in Vernam Academy."
He paused, allowing the tension to settle.
"Due to the sheer influx of exceptional talents this year, the tournament has been… tweaked slightly."
He smiled faintly, and his voice dropped a pitch.
"This year, we name the tournament…
The Tower of Sin."
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