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Power Rankings and Advancement

Noble Hierarchy

-Imperial Family (House Aurelius)

-Duke / Duchess (1)

-Marquess / Marchioness (3)

-Count / Countess (5)

-Viscount / Viscountess (10)

-Baron / Baroness (20)

Magic Circle Rankings

Magic is governed by the formation and expansion of Magic Circles, which are constructed within a mage's internal mana core. Each Circle represents a higher level of control, efficiency, and output.

Circle Progression

- 1st Circle 

- 2nd Circle

- 3rd Circle

- 4th Circle

- 5th Circle

- 6th Circle

- 7th Circle

- 8th Circle

- 9th Circle

How Magic Circles Are Obtained

Advancing through Circles is not automatic—it requires three key factors:

1. Mana AccumulationA mage must gather and store sufficient mana within their body. Without enough raw mana, forming a higher Circle is impossible.

2. Structural UnderstandingEach Circle is a complex magical construct. The mage must understand how to properly form, stabilize, and connect its structure. Poor understanding leads to unstable or failed formations.

3. Control and RefinementMana must be guided precisely. Forcing a Circle into existence without proper control can cause collapse, backlash, or permanent damage to the mana core.

Circle Advancement Process

 The mage compresses and refines mana within their core. In this process, new circles is formed around the existing ones. With each new circle it increases: 

- Spell complexity

- Casting stability

- Mana Efficiency

Failure during this process can result in:

-Mana deviation

-Core damage

-Loss of previously formed Circles (rare but possible)

Sword Path – Soul Core System

Unlike mages, swordsmen do not form Magic Circles. Instead, they cultivate a Soul Core, a manifestation of their will, life force, and combat intent.

Soul Core Rankings

-1st Core

-2nd Core

-3rd Core

-4th Core

-5th Core

-6th Core

-7th Core

-8th Core

-9thCore

How Soul Cores Are Formed

Advancement in the Sword Path relies on:

1. Physical ConditioningThe body must be trained to its limits repeatedly. Strength, endurance, and reaction speed are foundational.

2. Combat ExperienceReal battles accelerate growth. Life-and-death situations strengthen the Soul Core far more than training alone.

3. Willpower and IntentThe Soul Core is shaped by the user's will. Strong intent sharpens it, while hesitation weakens it.

Core Advancement Process

The swordsman tempers their body and mind through combat. Their life force condenses into a core, each advancement strengthens:

-Physical prowess

-Pace and precision

-Soul pressure

-Weapon mastery

Failure in advancement may result in:

-Core Damage

-Life force loss

-Possibly being crippled for life

Power Titles

Titles are not automatically granted by rank alone. They are recognized statuses, earned through reaching certain thresholds of power.

Archmage

Typically 7th Circle mages and masters of large-scale magic capable of influencing entire battlefields.

Sword Master

Equivalent to 7th Core absolute mastery over weapon and body. Their presence alone exerts overwhelming pressure.

Grandmaster

Typically 8th Circle / 8th Core beyond conventional limits and capable of altering the flow of battle entirely.

Transcendent

9th Circle / 9th Core beings that surpass human limitations and possess power capable of challenging nations.

Final Note

Advancement in either path is not guaranteed. Talent, effort, and circumstance all play critical roles. Many begin the journey—but few ever reach the higher ranks.

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