"No wonder you've never heard of the Continental Rankings. You're either still at Level 7 or just barely stepped into Level 8—ignorance is understandable." Toms cut in with a knowing smirk.
Kael frowned, beginning to grasp the significance of these rankings.
Toms explained, **"The Continental Rankings are a power hierarchy exclusive to those above Level 8, revised every three years and jointly issued by the Sacred Council and the Holy Temple. It circulates only among elite practitioners."**
So that's how it is.
Kael exhaled. He had only recently reached Level 8, after all, and none of his close associates—like the perpetually hunted Lone Wolf or the wandering mage Ella—would've known enough to inform him.
"The Rankings are divided into three tiers: Heaven, Earth, and Mortal," Toms continued, fingers slicing the air for emphasis. **"The Heaven Tier lists the top hundred experts above Level 12. The Earth Tier covers Levels 10 and 11. And the Mortal Tier? Levels 8 and 9. Each tier's hundred slots represent the absolute pinnacle of their respective realms—true masters!"**
Kael nodded, a flicker of ambition igniting within him. The continent teemed with powerhouses, but the Rankings were the ultimate benchmark. To rank among even the lowest tier's hundred meant standing shoulder-to-shoulder with legends.
"So, young Kael, tread carefully," Toms added, grinning with unmistakable schadenfreude. **"Those on the Rankings aren't to be trifled with—some are ancient monsters who've honed their craft for decades."**
Yet Kael couldn't deny the truth in Toms' words. Vesper's revelation wasn't trivial, and preparation would be paramount.
"Kael, my boy!" Vesper suddenly leered, producing a scroll. **"What luck—I happen to possess the latest edition of the Continental Rankings. Care for a peek?"**
Kael's eyes gleamed as he reached for it, but Vesper yanked the scroll back, rubbing his fingers in the universal gesture for payment. **"Now, now, these aren't exactly littering the streets across the three continents. Even between the dearest of friends, accounts must be settled, eh?"**
Kael's gaze sharpened. **"Fine. You two—old lech and old swindler—get unlimited food and drink in my territory of Laffey. My treat."** And conveniently, I'll keep you both where I can watch you.
"Deal!" Vesper cackled, tossing the scroll to Kael without another word.
Kael took the scroll and began studying it intently.
Vesper and Toms, now secured with a long-term meal ticket, were thoroughly pleased with themselves. Arm in arm, they hummed jaunty tunes and swaggered off, instructing the servants to prepare rooms for them as they settled in without hesitation. Vesper even shot Finn a mischievous wink, sending a shiver down the latter's spine—Finn could already feel his misery returning.
With a sigh, Finn retreated, while Amelia accompanied Kael back to his study. Kael remained absorbed in the Rankings.
The scroll not only listed the names of those on the Rankings but also contained their likenesses. By channeling a trace of mana, one could instantly access detailed information—extremely convenient. The old lech wasn't lying; this really is a treasure,Kael mused.
More importantly, the Rankings included additional notes—brief descriptions of each figure's known abilities, affiliations, and notable achievements.
Kael committed many of the names to memory. Legendary-tier experts rarely appeared in the world, meaning the ones he was most likely to encounter would be from the Earth or Mortal Tiers. Still, that alone warranted caution.
After all, Kael had never crossed blades with anyone on the Rankings before. This only underscored the peril—and opportunity—of the upcoming realm expedition.
Those on the Rankings may be strong… but I'm no weakling either.
"When do you plan to leave?" Amelia asked.
Kael smiled faintly. **"In the next few days. The sooner, the better."** The hidden realm would undoubtedly be fraught with danger, and this time, he intended to go alone. Only those of considerable strength could be of real help in such a situation—Amelia and the others simply weren't at that level yet. Ella would have been an ideal companion, but she was currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to mid-tier Level 9. Disturbing her wasn't an option.
A shadow of worry flickered across Amelia's brow—her concern for Kael's journey was unmistakable…
"Don't worry, I have everything planned out," Kael reassured Amelia with a faint smile.
Never one to procrastinate, Kael immediately began making preparations for his journey to the hidden realm.
"Amelia, this Frostmourne Gem is perfect for your breakthrough to Level 8," Kael said decisively. Before leaving, he was determined to help Amelia ascend to the next tier.
Amelia accepted the gem with a nod, her eyes reflecting solemn determination.
The Frostmourne Gem contained the purest energy—a top-tier treasure on the continent, invaluable for cultivation. Of course, the gem was merely an aid; the true breakthrough depended entirely on Amelia herself.
Having long been at the peak of Level 7, with the gem's assistance, her advancement should proceed naturally.
As Amelia drew upon the gem's frigid power, the temperature in the room plummeted abruptly, as if they had been thrust into an icy cavern. The sudden chill was suffocating.
Yet, Kael remained unfazed. As a fire-element mage, such cold meant little to him.
Breaking through to Level 8 was no small feat. Though Amelia was exceptionally talented, the process wouldn't be easy. After ensuring her safety and standing guard, Kael summoned all high-ranking officials of Laffey City to announce his impending departure.
"In my absence, Jett will handle internal affairs, Lone Wolf external matters, and Finn will oversee everything," Kael delegated clearly. Lone Wolf was undoubtedly capable, but entrusting him with sole authority was unwise.
Additionally, Kael decided against bringing the Unicorn Rhino and Snowbear Beast. Both were currently stationed in the underground realm, ready to defend Laffey City if needed.
"Yes, Lord Earl!" The assembly responded in unison, accepting Kael's orders without question.
Only after settling all affairs did Kael finally relax.
A crisp snap suddenly echoed through the estate. Kael's heart leapt—Amelia's breakthrough must have reached its climax!
Rushing to the scene, he found the room encased in a thick layer of ice, the cold now intense enough to make even Kael shiver. More importantly, a radiant blue aura had begun swirling around Amelia, growing brighter and more vivid as her power surged exponentially.
This state persisted for an entire day and night until, with another soft chime, the ice encasing the room melted away. Amelia opened her eyes, her gaze now crystal clear—undeniable proof of her successful breakthrough to Level 8.
Kael exhaled in quiet relief. With Amelia's advancement secured, his mind was finally at ease.
"I succeeded," Amelia said, her face alight with joy. This breakthrough was a monumental milestone.
Kael smiled and nodded. **"Take time to attune to your new power and stabilize your cultivation."** As someone who had walked this path before, he understood the process intimately—though Amelia's journey differed vastly from his own. Kael's foundation had been incomparably solid, allowing him to leap directly to mid-tier Level 8 upon breaking through, even triggering celestial phenomena. Amelia, however, needed patience to consolidate her realm.
Amelia acknowledged his advice with a nod.
As time flowed onward, dawn finally broke across the eastern horizon—marking the hour of Kael's departure.
The entire group gathered to see him off, yet the one who seemed most reluctant wasn't Amelia, his newly betrothed, but Finn.
"Damn it, Kael! With you gone, who's gonna keep those two old devils in check? My misery's about to restart!" Finn wailed, on the verge of tears as memories of Vesper and Toms' torment resurfaced.
Kael laughed heartily, clapping Finn on the shoulder. His gaze swept over everyone present, lingering briefly on Amelia—to whom he gave a final nod—before he turned and vanished into the morning light…