"Tell me, Mikhail." He said. "How much do you know about our class system?"
Mikhail tapped the side of his chair and thought for a second.
"As much as everyone." He finally replied, looking at Daniel who gave him a deep look.
"The class system was created by the dying Creator God as a way to give his creation a chance to fight back the rift invasions.
He made the class system in the span of four days.
On day one he created the three classes of gods and seven classes of angels. On the second day he created three Emperor and King classes.
On the third day he created the three classes of Duke, Marques and Count. On the fourth day he finally created three Baron and seven Citizen classes."
Mikhail remained silent for a second before he added at last. "As he kept on creating these ranks his power kept on being diminished. People say that's why there is so much difference between an Emperor and a Citizen."
Daniel nodded his head and smiled. "On the fifth day, the Creator God died and that started the invasion."
Mikhail sat in silence as he looked back at the files in his hand. "But what does it have to do with this?"
Daniel smiled like he had been waiting for the question all this time.
"Do you think all classes are equal?" He asked an off question.
"No." Mikhail replied, tilting his head. "The Creator God made the class system as a way to make sure everyone has their own function in saving humanity."
"That's where you are wrong." He replied, leaning back with a smile. "The Creator God made all classes equal. An Emperor has the same chance of becoming a Demigod as a Citizen."
Mikhail subconsciously froze in place, trying to make sure he had heard him right.
'…What?'
If what he said was true then everything he had learned of this world was a complete lie.
"That's absurd!" He bellowed, his voice full of defiance. "There would have been a Celestial or even a Grandmaster of Citizen class if it was true."
"It's not though." He replied. "The only reason a Citizen class can't be a Grandmaster is because they don't usually have an offence skill."
Mikhail thought for a second and he could see some truth in his reasoning.
The main way for a human to grow was by fighting and killing monsters. A Citizen class could never do such a thing.
With growing technology, there weren't many Citizens who used their skill.
'So in the end, it's just a skill issue?'
"But why is it not publicly known?" He asked, looking back at Daniel. "Even though it could create some nuisance in the long run it would help humanity. Why just say they failed to awaken?"
"The upper class." Daniel said, leaning forward while placing his hands on the table. "You see, if the lower class doesn't fear and rely on others for safety then how can the upper class live in luxury?"
"...."
Mikhail nodded his head and lowered his gaze. He had forgotten that the greed of humans knew no bounds.
If it meant they could be happy then they wouldn't hesitate to take away the happiness of millions of others.
With a sigh, he rubbed his temples. "For greed all nature is too little."
Daniel pressed his lips and let out a soft click of his tongue. "It is the church and nobles who are responsible for it."
"...."
Silently, Mikhail looked down at the list of assassinations that had happened to members of the church and nobles.
"You finally noticed?" Daniel said, his voice deep. "The secret organisations are trying to get rid of both the church and government, but it's hard to say if they will liberate humans or if we will just get a new master."
Mikhail nodded his head as he got a little more understanding of the world affairs.
"Is their end goal just to rule us?" Mikhail couldn't help but ask.
Daniel crushed the bud of his cigarette and put it in the ashtray.
"Have you heard of the Second Apocalypse?" Daniel asked in a cool tone.
Mikhail nodded his head. The Second Apocalypse was something that was deeply ingrained in the lives of all humans.
It was said an event like the first invasion would happen once again, and if it did, humanity would face extinction.
The mention of such an event was in the teachings of all three gods: The Undying Sun, The Faceless Moon and The Mad Warlord.
"The secret organisations believe the Second Apocalypse will happen and they want to train all humans for it."
Daniel said, looking at him with a small smile on his face. "But the church and government don't want everyone to have equal power."
'…Humans are really a bunch of stupid animals who gained consciousness.'
Mikhail remained speechless as he slowly stood up and took the file. "What do you need me to do?"
"It was nothing special." Daniel replied. "I just wanted you to look through the files and answer a few of my questions."
"How can you give me such critical information just for that?" Mikhail asked with an absurd look on his face. "Wait, how did you even get these in the first place?"
Daniel only smiled and didn't say anything about it.
Mikhail understood and didn't push him further. He just put the file down and began to walk out but stopped at the door.
"Sir Daniel…" he called, turning his head to look back. "Do you think there is something stronger than a God?"
Daniel turned silent, his eyes dimming a little.
"There is something that killed the Creator God."
That was his answer.
He waited for a second before he added. "You will see the true horrors of power when you go inside a rift."
Mikhail just gave a short nod but he couldn't help but ask once again. "Pardon me if this is offensive to ask…but what is your class?"
"I am a Stalker of Baron rank." He replied with a smile.
Mikhail's eyes widened instantly at the revelation.
"Surprised?" Daniel asked with a laugh.
He nodded his head without saying anything.
Daniel's smile died down as his pupils reflected Mikhail.
"I had lost all my hope because of my class at an early age."
He said, his tone bleak and monotonous.
"Be better than a person like me, Mikhail."
"I will." Mikhail replied with a smile, walking out. "I will be better than everyone."
----
[A/n: Mad Warlord is just another name of the God of War.]