Chapter 33: Chapter 33 - Classification
After playing for a while, Aoki took the initiative to bring up the battle with Tetsuya Hatada. Rias listened attentively, her expression thoughtful.
"From what you're saying, Tetsuya Hatada probably used a bloodline ability called Madness," she concluded.
Rias hugged Aoki again, her joy evident.
"As expected of the man I like! You've only been practicing for a few days and you were able to defeat that little monster who had gone mad."
Aoki felt his cheeks flush slightly.
Although he had defeated Tetsuya Hatada, calling it a head-on confrontation felt like an exaggeration.
If Tetsuya Hatada had chosen to run away at that moment, Aoki knew he would never have been able to catch up.
After going berserk, Tetsuya Hatada's speed was much greater than his own.
"Rias-senpai…"
"Call me Buchou; that's what everyone here calls me."
It was a small matter—just following the norms of youth.
"Buchou," Aoki continued, "you mentioned being defeated by someone who jumped ranks. Didn't Tetsuya Hatada just enter the school like I did?"
Seeing Aoki address her as Buchou seemed to put Rias in a good mood; she thoughtfully explained the detailed hierarchy of power in their world.
"It's different. Enrollment time has nothing to do with strength," she clarified.
"Just like lower-level devils—they don't refer to their strength level."
"Lower-level devils and intermediate-level devils… aren't they ranked according to their strength?" Aoki asked, growing more confused.
"Not exactly. All pure-blooded devils are considered lower-level devils from the moment they are born," Rias explained, pointing at herself.
"Sona and I, as blood descendants of the Seventy-Two Pillar Demon Kings, are higher-level devils from birth."
"But can you say we possess the strength of higher-level devils when we're born?" Aoki shook his head, beginning to grasp the concept.
"So how do we become higher-level devils?"
"By evolving," Rias replied.
"Leave aside the titles of upper, middle, and lower-level devils; these are unique titles for devils similar to noble titles."
She gestured for Aoki to sit down and spoke seriously: "The division of strength is more detailed and clear across all races."
"Ordinary people enter the path of spiritual practice and master magic power before they can be ranked D-rank…"
After Rias provided a detailed explanation, Aoki finally understood his current standing: maximum D-rank but not yet C-rank.
To reach C-rank, one must master at least one magic or skill—regardless of its level or attribute—as long as it is successfully mastered, it qualifies as C-rank.
Of course, simply drawing primary magic power doesn't count; mastering it and using it effectively means you've just entered D-rank.
Just like Sasaki Yukina and others with special talents—if they can't master magic, they're not even considered D-rank.
For instance, someone without any special talent may have magic power but still wouldn't be able to compete against those who do possess talent; an opponent could easily blind them with a low-level illusion.
The distinction between D-class and C-class seems somewhat hasty since there are too many individuals within this classification without any qualitative change occurring.
More importantly, except for humans, almost all other races achieve B-class strength upon reaching adulthood—ordinary lower-level demons, lower-level fallen angels, and two-winged angels all fall into this category.
For ordinary people aiming to reach this level requires cultivating their magic power until it's spread throughout their body—think of some eminent monks or bishops from various churches as examples.
Another point worth noting is that not everyone in this world practices magic; there are those who cultivate various forms of power such as arrogance, spell power, or spiritual energy…
Each individual absorbs unique abilities from the etheric realm but focuses on different aspects leading to diverse methods of utilization—hence why so many names exist.
Rias simplified these concepts for Aoki's understanding so he wouldn't feel rushed when facing enemies in future encounters.
The later levels were easier to comprehend: taking average human A-class warriors as an example—the average mage, intermediate devil, average fallen angel, and four-winged angel all belong within this classification.
As for S-class beings—they include high-class devils, high-class fallen angels, seraphim (high-ranking angels), elite mages along with S-class warriors from various churches.
Later on,Rias refrained from discussing specifics regarding highest-tier devil strengths or what it meant for Demon Kings; she didn't elaborate further while Aoki chose not inquire either
It wouldn't be wise until he reached S-tier himself!
Tetsuya Hatada had mastered his berserk ability tied directly into his bloodline which could be classified as C-tier—that's why Rias claimed Aoki had defeated him by jumping levels.
"Why isn't there corresponding strength information available in the student union's records? And why wasn't there any mention that Tetsuya Hatada could go berserk?"
Aoki was merely a rookie unfamiliar with external knowledge; if something puzzled him he'd ask without feeling embarrassed about it.
Rias smiled lightly at him: "Of course it's impossible! If statistics were that detailed then who would want study at Kuoh Academy?"
"Because of the war many years ago—it can barely be considered peaceful now—but friction between races has never ceased," Rias explained further.
"To determine someone's level requires complete honesty on their part which is difficult; take Tetsuya Hatada for instance—there's no way he'd reveal his trump card during testing."
Collecting such secretive information not only offends students but also fails guarantee accuracy."
Aoki nodded in understanding: "Indeed! No wonder President provided me with very general information."
"Buchou" he asked curiously again,"do you know anything about third-year students Oida Daisei and Anhiki Mika?"
Of course,Rias was aware having kept tabs on both individuals listed previously.
"Are you still considering challenging those two?" she asked him intrigued.
"Third-year students should be at least C-level; if they aren't then they've likely been expelled already."
"It's only C-level," Aoki shrugged nonchalantly,"I've learned some magic after all right?" He scratched his cheek shamelessly adding,"Buchou …why don't you teach me a few things first?"
"Magic isn't as easy as you think—even simple low-level spells…" As she spoke,Rias gathered magical energy into her hand creating an orange-red fireball that floated obediently in midair before them.
"Just like Fireball technique—it takes an ordinary person at least a month achieving instantaneous casting without chanting while maintaining control."
Aoki gazed curiously at the small fireball hovering above her palm wanting desperately touch it—but instinct warned him against doing so due heat radiating off its surface!
Resisting temptation,Aoki asked instead:"It takes ordinary people about month…how long did it take you Buchou?"
Rias smiled confidently replying,"Not bad—I mastered it within three days!"
"Buchou is amazing! So talented when it comes down learning magic!" Hearing praise from Aoki made Rias feel quite pleased indeed!
She was merely seventeen years old—a girl blossoming into womanhood yet development differed slightly compared typical girls her age… maturity calmness strength were traits forced upon her being next head Gremory family needing showcase them others around her!
Only amongst family could Rias truly embody essence beautiful seventeen-year-old girl!
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