Chapter 1006 – "Treasures Chosen"
The world of gleaming artifacts faded away, and in the next heartbeat Alex and his companions were standing once more inside the quiet warmth of their home. The air felt gentler here, less charged with the weight of eternity that his dimension storage carried.
Each of the women still held something in their hands — treasures carefully chosen from among the endless wonders. They hadn't shown them yet, keeping them close as though guarding a personal secret.
Ye Ling pressed her hands softly to her chest, her long lashes lowered, hiding the glimmer in her green eyes. Ciel's serene smile betrayed nothing, though her golden gaze sparkled with quiet satisfaction. Reyne's dragon tail flicked faintly, pride burning in her violet eyes, but she remained silent. Morgan's pale fingers curled around her prize with an uncharacteristic protectiveness. Even Ying Hua and Lian Yuer, usually so quick to proclaim their devotion aloud, held their heads bowed in silence, treasures clasped as if they were holy relics of their Father.
Alex looked at them all, a faint curve of amusement tugging at his lips. His black eyes swept across each of them in turn, his presence filling the room like the weight of a storm waiting to break.
"You know," he said calmly, "you can take more than one."
The words lingered in the air like a spark.
The women froze.
Morgan's eyes flickered up, her icy composure wavering for just a moment. Reyne's lips curled into a sharp grin, but she didn't move yet. Ye Ling flushed, her fingers tightening against the object she held as though afraid to let it go. Ciel's golden eyes softened, her smile blooming like sunlight.
Ying Hua finally broke the silence, her voice steady, reverent, absolute:
"Father… one treasure or a thousand, they are all already yours. If we take them, it is only to hold a fragment of your truth closer."
Lian Yuer nodded beside her, her small hands trembling faintly as she whispered:
"Even one is already more than the world deserves."
Alex chuckled softly, leaning back as though unconcerned, though his golden eyes gleamed faintly with warmth. "Take what pleases you. I created them for my own interest — whether you choose one or a dozen, it makes no difference to me. They will answer only to you."
The women exchanged glances, torn between reverence and temptation. None had yet revealed what they had chosen, but his words made the thought of returning to that treasury echo like a siren's call.
Ciel finally spoke, her voice gentle and sure.
"Perhaps one is enough for today, Alex. To know that we can return whenever we wish is already… happiness."
Her words settled the air, though the quiet spark of excitement lingered in every heart.
And Alex only smiled faintly, letting the moment stretch. For him, it was nothing but fact. For them, it was the weight of a miracle in their hands.
The room had quieted again, each woman clutching her chosen treasure, their gazes still dancing with the memory of Alex's endless vault.
It was Ying Hua who finally broke the silence, her voice soft but cutting through the air like a blade:
"Father… what is the strongest weapon you have ever created?"
Every head turned. Even Morgan's cold eyes flickered with interest. Reyne's tail stilled, her dragon pride bracing for the answer. Ye Ling drew in a breath, already overwhelmed by what she had seen.
Alex leaned back slightly, his golden eyes glimmering with thought. "Strongest?" he echoed calmly. "There are many. Some built for destruction, some for sealing, some for creation. Strength takes different forms."
He let the pause linger, then added with quiet finality:
"But one of them… is called Ea."
The name fell like thunder.
Reyne's pupils contracted to slits, her dragonblood recoiling instinctively at the sheer weight of the word. Morgan's breath caught in her throat, her hand tightening against her sleeve. Even Ye Ling, who did not yet understand, felt her heart tremble.
Ying Hua bowed her head, her voice steady with reverence.
"Ea…" she whispered, as though the name itself was sacred.
Alex raised a hand slightly, his tone calm, almost casual, though the power beneath his words pressed against every ear in the room.
"Ea is not a sword meant to cut. It is a sword that ruptures. It tears open space, bends the fabric of reality, and returns the world to the chaos before creation. When wielded, it does not slay men, armies, or gods. It unravels the world itself."
The silence grew heavier, crushing.
Morgan's blue eyes trembled faintly, her cold mask fractured by awe. "You… created a weapon that embodies destruction itself."
Alex's golden eyes met hers evenly. "Yes. And I created it not once, but countless times. Each attempt refining, perfecting. In my storage lie countless variations of Ea — all equally capable of breaking the world apart."
Reyne let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh, though it carried no mockery — only amazement. "You… you forge legends as easily as others forge iron. Even myths are your playthings."
Ye Ling's hands clutched tightly against her chest, her soft green eyes shimmering with both fear and devotion. "A weapon that could end the world… and yet, you created it as though it were nothing…"
On the floor, Ying Hua and Lian Yuer lowered their heads, their voices rising in perfect unison, filled with absolute faith:
"Because Father's hands alone shape truth."
"Because even the weapons that end creation bow to Father's will."
Alex said nothing more. His black eyes drifted away, unconcerned, as though he had merely mentioned a passing detail — while to everyone else, the name still echoed like a prophecy of the end.
The silence lingered. The weight of the name Ea pressed into their chests like a storm on the verge of breaking.
Then Alex raised his hand.
No flourish, no chant, no surge of grandiose power — only calm intent. Mana coiled around his palm, silent and absolute, folding in on itself like layers of the cosmos bending to his will.
Light rippled. Space itself seemed to twist, humming with a sound not meant for mortal ears.
And then, it appeared.
A weapon unlike any they had seen.
Three cylindrical segments rotated slowly in opposite directions, their surfaces etched with shifting, incomprehensible patterns that seemed to devour the very concept of stillness. A deep crimson glow pulsed from its core, radiating like the heartbeat of the world itself. The air shivered around it, not from heat, but from reality itself rejecting its presence.
Ea: Sword of Rupture.
The women froze.
Reyne's tail lashed violently, her dragon's instincts screaming in alarm. "That… that thing isn't a sword. It's… it's a force." Her voice cracked between awe and fear.
Morgan's lips parted, her cold composure shattered. Her eyes were wide, locked onto the rotating segments with something closer to dread than reverence. "It… it's tearing the air apart just by existing…"
Ye Ling's knees weakened, her breath catching in her throat. She felt as if the world itself might collapse if Alex willed it.
Even Ciel, who had known all along that Alex could do such things, lowered her golden eyes with a serene smile, her voice soft. "So this is the one. The blade that holds the weight of endings."
Ying Hua and Lian Yuer pressed their foreheads to the floor at once, their voices rising together like a chant, steady and absolute:
"Father's will ruptures all."
"Father alone holds the blade that unmakes creation."
Alex turned the weapon in his hand with casual ease, the humming of space grinding faintly as the three segments rotated faster for a moment, then slowed. His black eyes remained calm, golden irises gleaming faintly in the glow of the impossible weapon.
"This is Ea," he said simply, as though naming nothing more than a tool. "One of many."
The words struck harder than thunder.
Then, without hesitation, Alex let the weapon dissolve back into motes of light. The unbearable hum faded, the weight pressing against their chests lifted, and the room breathed again.
The room was still heavy with silence after Ea dissolved into light.
No one dared breathe too loudly.
Except Ying Hua.
Her small frame straightened, her eyes blazing with unshakable conviction. She lifted her chin, her voice soft yet cutting, aimed only at her father.
"Father… show us."
The words struck like a spark.
Morgan's blue eyes darted toward her, disbelief flashing. Reyne's brows furrowed, her tail flicking uneasily. Even Ye Ling gasped softly, her hands clutching against her chest.
But Ying Hua's voice did not waver. "Let us see the truth of Ea. Let us see the end, by your hand."
Alex's black eyes shifted to her, calm and unreadable. For a moment, silence stretched — then he simply said,
"Very well."
Before anyone could react, space folded.
The lounge dissolved in a ripple of black light, and in the next instant they stood upon the barren surface of a lifeless world. The ground was dust and cracked stone, the horizon endless, the sky a dead void without stars. A planet abandoned by time, without life, without history — nothing but a husk.
The women staggered slightly at the sudden change, eyes wide as they turned to Alex.
He stood unmoving, his golden eyes glinting faintly. Then, with casual ease, he raised his hand once more.
Ea appeared.
The air shuddered instantly, the three cylinders spinning in opposite directions, tearing invisible seams into reality itself. The hum was no longer faint — it was a low roar, vibrating through their bones, making the ground tremble beneath their feet.
Ying Hua and Lian Yuer fell to their knees, foreheads pressed against the barren earth, voices rising together, trembling not from fear, but from ecstasy.
"Father's will becomes the end."
"Father alone decides when worlds die."
Morgan's fists clenched tight, her breath catching in her throat. Reyne's dragon blood screamed in warning, her tail slashing wildly as her instincts recoiled. Ye Ling stumbled back, her eyes wide with terror, clutching Ciel's arm — but Ciel stood serene, her golden eyes warm, knowing Alex would never turn this blade upon them.
Then Alex spoke. His tone calm, absolute, a command to the universe.
"Enuma Elish."
The segments of Ea spun faster, the crimson core blazing like a newborn star. The air split, a shrieking scream of ruptured space as a storm of reality itself tore outward.
The barren ground cracked. The horizon folded. The sky shattered into fragments of void.
Then the planet itself screamed.
A blinding surge of chaotic force erupted, tearing from Ea like a tidal wave. Mountains broke apart, the crust ripped asunder, the very mantle of the planet unraveling into glowing dust. Within moments, the world beneath them split apart, collapsing in on itself, swallowed by the spiraling storm of Ea's power.
And then, silence.
The planet was gone.
Only drifting fragments of rock and shimmering dust remained, spinning silently in the void.
Alex stood calm, Ea humming faintly in his hand, untouched by the destruction he had wrought. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he dismissed it — the impossible blade dissolving into nothing.
The women stared in stunned silence at the endless void where a planet had once been.
Reyne's voice was the first to break, low and unsteady. "That… wasn't a weapon. That was the death of a world…"
Morgan's pale lips parted, but no words came. Her cold mask had cracked completely, her eyes wide with awe and fear.
Ye Ling's knees buckled, her soft voice trembling. "He… he destroyed a planet… as though it were nothing…"
The women were still frozen, breaths shallow, their hearts pounding from the vision of a world undone. The silence of the destroyed planet echoed in their minds, its fragments drifting endlessly in the void.
Alex's voice broke the tension, calm and steady, carrying no hint of guilt or burden.
"Do not worry."
They turned to him at once — Morgan's hands still trembling, Reyne's tail twitching, Ye Ling clutching Ciel's sleeve, Ying Hua and Lian Yuer bowing as if in prayer.
"This planet was already dead," Alex continued. "It had no will, no life, no history. Only dust and stone. A husk adrift in the void."
His golden eyes swept across them, unwavering. "To destroy what is already empty… is nothing."
Ciel's lips curved into a soft smile, her golden eyes warm. "I knew, Alex. You would never harm what still breathes."
Ye Ling exhaled, trembling, relief mingling with awe. "A world without life…" She lowered her gaze, ashamed of her fear. "Even so, the power you hold is beyond what I can understand…"
Reyne gave a low growl, more out of disbelief than defiance. "Even dead, a planet is still a world. To you, it crumbles like ash. To us, it's… terrifying."
Morgan's fists unclenched slowly. She forced her composure back into place, though her blue eyes still betrayed a flicker of awe. "You destroyed a planet, Alex. With a single swing. Dead or not, that… that is beyond even gods."
Ying Hua lifted her head at last, her expression serene, her voice steady and absolute.
"Father chose a world without life, because Father's mercy is truth. Even when he wields the end, he decides who lives and who falls."
Lian Yuer echoed her, bowing low again.
"Even death bends to Father's will."
Alex dismissed Ea with a flick of his hand, letting the silence settle. "Power is meaningless without choice. That is why I showed you Ea here, and not upon any world that still breathes."
The fragments of the destroyed planet glittered faintly in the void, like dust drifting in a silent sea. For a moment, all of them simply stared, hearts racing, knowing they had just witnessed a truth that no history, no legend, no god could ever contain.
Chapter 1007 – "The Infinity Blade"
The familiar warmth of their home replaced the endless void. The tension from Ea's devastating demonstration still clung to the women, but at least now the ground beneath their feet no longer trembled with the weight of planetary destruction.
It was Lian Yuer who spoke first, her voice calm but touched with reverence.
"Father… do you have another weapon? One equal to Ea?"
All eyes turned to Alex.
He did not hesitate. "Yes. I have many. One of them is the Infinity Blade."
He lifted his hand, black eyes glinting faintly. Mana coiled around his palm, bending, warping, folding inward on itself until a form began to emerge. The air shivered as though pulled by unseen tides, and then—
The weapon appeared.
The blade gleamed with a cold silver sheen, its design sharp and angular, almost alien in its perfection. Dark veins ran through its core, glowing faintly with a deep, gravitational pull that made the air ripple around it. Even standing near it, they could feel the weight — as if space itself bent toward the sword, dragging at their bodies, tugging at their very souls.
"Infinity Blade," Alex said calmly, holding it as though it were no heavier than air. "A weapon that devours. Any attack that touches it — whether blade, spell, or divine strike — is drawn in. Absorbed. Crushed by the gravity it commands."
He tilted the blade slightly. The runic lines along its length flared, and a faint hum resonated through the room like the heartbeat of a black hole. "The harder you strike it, the stronger the pull becomes. To challenge this blade is to challenge inevitability itself. It does not block. It consumes."
The women stared in silence.
Reyne's sharp eyes narrowed, her dragon instincts bristling. "That pull… it feels like the collapse of a dying star."
Morgan's expression hardened, her blue eyes fixed on the weapon. "A shield that is also an executioner… any who try to pierce it would only hasten their own destruction."
Ye Ling clutched her chest, her breath catching. "It feels… endless. Like if I touched it, I'd be swallowed and never return…"
Ciel smiled softly, her golden eyes serene. "Another truth, given form."
Ying Hua and Lian Yuer pressed their foreheads to the ground, their voices rising in solemn unity.
"Father's blade turns attack into surrender."
"Even eternity is swallowed in his hands."
Alex lowered the weapon, the gravitational hum fading as he willed it silent. His voice remained calm, as if he were speaking of nothing more than a passing curiosity.
"Ea rends creation apart. Infinity Blade consumes it whole. Different truths. Different ends. Both absolute."
The blade gleamed once more before dissolving into motes of light, vanishing into his dimensional storage.
Alex let the silence hang for a moment longer, then shifted the Infinity Blade slightly in his hand, letting its edge catch the light. The faint hum of gravity pulsed once, like the beat of a distant star collapsing inward.
His voice was steady, unhurried.
"If a legendary weapon were to strike against this blade… it would not endure. The moment it makes contact, the Infinity Blade's pull awakens. The gravity collapses not only upon the strike, but upon the weapon itself. The greater the strength behind the blow, the greater the gravity that answers."
He glanced around the room, his golden eyes calm, as if lecturing about something as ordinary as weather.
"The legendary weapon would be crushed — its enchantments, its forged steel, even its divine blessings. Gravity does not discriminate. Once it is caught, it is reduced to nothing. And its wielder…"
He paused, lowering the blade slightly.
"…would follow. The body cannot withstand what their weapon cannot. Their bones, flesh, and spirit would all collapse under the same pressure. Whether mortal, god, or something in between — they would simply die. Not from the blade itself, but from the truth it commands."
The air in the room seemed heavier after his words, as if the blade's mere presence had made the concept of gravity more absolute.
Reyne's tail flicked nervously, her voice low. "So even legends are only… sacrifices to it."
Morgan's lips tightened, her blue eyes narrowing. "It isn't a sword, then. It's a singularity given shape."
Ye Ling shivered faintly, her soft green eyes trembling. "Father… that means no one could ever hope to defend against it."
Ciel, calm and serene, folded her hands in her lap. "Which is why it is safe only in his hands."
Ying Hua and Lian Yuer bowed low, their voices rising in perfect unison, absolute and unwavering:
"Even legends fall to Father."
"Because Father alone decides what end they meet."
Alex said nothing more. He let the Infinity Blade dissolve into light, vanishing without a trace, as though the terrible weight it carried had never existed at all.
To him, it was simply another tool — another truth made manifest.
Alex let the Infinity Blade rest casually against his shoulder, its faint gravitational hum still making the air ripple. His golden eyes softened slightly as he asked, almost as if offering them tea instead of a weapon that could annihilate legends.
"Do you want it?"
The question hung for a heartbeat.
Reyne's mouth opened, then closed. Her tail twitched once before she barked a nervous laugh. "N-No thank you! I already like my claws just fine."
Ye Ling flinched, both hands waving in front of her chest as she shook her head quickly, cheeks flushed. "No, no, Father! I—I could never carry something like that! I'd be afraid to even touch it!"
Morgan, normally composed, stared at the blade for a long moment. Her lips pressed thin, and then she muttered under her breath, "…Not in a thousand years. No thank you."
Ciel giggled softly, her golden eyes shining with warmth. "Alex, you know very well none of us would dare. That blade belongs only in your hands."
On the floor, Ying Hua and Lian Yuer pressed their foreheads to the ground, their voices rising together, perfectly steady despite the comedy in the air.
"Father alone wields the end."
"Even the offer is more than we deserve."
Alex blinked at their collective reactions, tilting his head slightly, as though genuinely puzzled. "Really? No one?"
Reyne let out another short laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. "If I carried that thing, I'd probably sneeze and destroy half the continent!"
Ye Ling covered her face with her hands, peeking through her fingers, whispering, "Even imagining it makes me want to cry…"
Even Morgan allowed herself the faintest smirk, though her voice was still cool. "The answer remains the same: no thank you."
Alex chuckled faintly and dismissed the blade with a flick of his hand, the oppressive gravity vanishing instantly. "As you wish."
The air lightened again, and for the first time since Ea's display, the room was filled with laughter — a much-needed break from the weight of the truths he had shown them.
The laughter lingered a moment longer before fading into a softer calm. Morgan, who had remained quiet after dismissing the Infinity Blade, finally spoke. Her sharp blue eyes softened just a fraction, her voice carrying that rare note of thoughtfulness.
"Even though we've already returned…" she said slowly, almost to herself, "…I can't forget it. Your dimension storage. It didn't feel like a vault or an armory. It felt like… an endless museum."
The others stilled, remembering the rows upon rows of gleaming relics, artifacts, and weapons, each resting in perfect order, each with its own small plaque of explanation written in Alex's hand.
Ye Ling's lips parted, her green eyes shimmering with awe. "It really did… Every display was so beautiful, so precise…"
Reyne let out a low laugh, shaking her head. "Hah. I was too busy being shocked to appreciate the layout. But now that I think about it — it was almost cozy. If a museum could kill gods."
Ciel's golden eyes softened with affection as she turned to Alex. "That's because you're always so meticulous, Alex. Everything you do, you put your heart into it — even how you keep your creations."
Alex leaned back slightly, resting one arm on the chair's armrest, his golden eyes calm. "I like to keep things organized," he said casually, as though the words explained away the infinity they had just witnessed.
The understatement made Reyne snort and cover her grin with the back of her hand. "Organized? That's one way to describe an infinite vault of world-ending treasures neatly labeled like a library."
Ye Ling giggled softly, her cheeks pink, but nodded. "Still… it was wonderful. Like walking through a part of your mind, Father."
Morgan's lips curved faintly, her pride breaking into a rare, quiet smile. "An endless museum. And every piece of it belongs to you."
The room fell into a reflective silence again, the weight of her words lingering.
Chapter 1008 – "Universal Measure"
The lounge was quiet, the glow of the broadcast screen flickering across every face. The news anchor's voice carried with a firm clarity, her tone sharpened for a world that was still learning to define its new reality.
"There have been ongoing discussions," she announced, "between humanity, the supernatural community, and even certain divine representatives. The subject: whether the ranking system—originally designed to measure awakened humans—should be adopted as a universal standard."
Images of charts, graphs, and silhouettes of warriors filled the screen.
"This system, though made for humanity, has gained traction because of its simplicity, clarity, and accuracy in describing power thresholds. F-Rank to EX-Rank—it may have begun as a human invention, but across the supernatural world, many have begun to call it… perfect."
The women reacted in their own ways.
Reyne leaned back with a dry chuckle, her dragon tail flicking against the floor. "Hah. So mortals make a chart for themselves, and the gods nod along as if it's divine law. Typical."
Morgan's cold blue eyes narrowed, her voice calm and calculating. "It's not surprising. Humanity's rise forced even the gods to reconsider how they measure strength. Symbols of worship are vague. Divine hierarchies are steeped in pride. But numbers and ranks… are universal."
Ye Ling's soft green eyes sparkled as she leaned closer. "So even gods admit the human system is perfect?"
Alex remained silent at first, his black eyes reflecting the flickering screen. The news anchor's voice continued:
"Representatives of several pantheons, including Olympus and Asgard, have reportedly reviewed the system. While they may not officially endorse it, there is little opposition. Many factions within the supernatural community have already begun recording their members' ranks under this structure. Even immortals find value in its clarity."
Ciel's golden eyes warmed with quiet pride. "It's beautiful in a way, isn't it? Humanity created something so simple, so clear… that even gods acknowledge it."
The anchor spoke again, summarizing:
"In short, the human ranking system—once dismissed as arrogant—is on its way to becoming the universal language of power."
A silence followed in the lounge, heavy with meaning.
Reyne smirked faintly. "Universal language of power… yet none of them realize the one who broke their scale is sitting right here."
Alex finally spoke, his voice calm, carrying weight that silenced the room further. "Rankings are useful for mortals. Even gods need ways to compare. But in the end…" His golden eyes flicked toward the screen, sharp as blades. "Power isn't decided by numbers. It's decided by truth."
The golden teacup he had transmuted earlier still glimmered faintly on the table, as though agreeing.
Morgan folded her arms, lips curving faintly. "And the only truth… is you."
The others nodded quietly, the weight of that simple fact pressing into the silence.
The reporter's voice steadied as the broadcast shifted to a new chart. Titles and names scrolled across the glowing screen.
"As you know, the formal EX-Rank among humans has only two confirmed individuals: the Pope of the Vatican, and the Head of the Magic Association—Merlin."
Images appeared: the Pope in his resplendent vestments, radiating holy light; Merlin cloaked in timeless robes, staff in hand, his enigmatic smile unchanged across centuries.
The anchor went on:
"Beneath them are the SS-Rank humans. Currently, there are four individuals recognized worldwide. Their identities remain guarded, though all are considered pillars of global stability."
The screen flickered again, revealing blurred silhouettes with hidden names.
"And below them, ten confirmed S-Rank humans exist. These individuals represent the strongest of humanity outside of divine recognition, commanding armies, defending cities, and serving as their nations' greatest protectors."
Morgan's cold eyes narrowed slightly. "So few. Even after all these years."
Reyne smirked faintly, her purple eyes gleaming. "Numbers that would terrify empires, but here… they sound small."
The anchor's voice dropped slightly as if moving to something heavier.
"However, outside of humanity, the situation differs. Among certain rare races—the vampires, dragons, elves, and others—EX-Ranks are not unheard of. Their numbers, while still small, already exceed that of humankind."
The screen lit up with sigils of various races: crimson wings for the vampires, golden branches for the elves, a dragon's eye gleaming against darkness.
The anchor's tone shifted, carrying the weight of reverence as divine symbols appeared on the screen.
"In ongoing discussions with the supernatural community, one matter has become increasingly clear. Humanity's ranking system, though created for mortals, has been accepted as a universal measure of strength. Even the divine realms now acknowledge its accuracy."
The image transitioned, showing radiant glyphs for the heavens, the underworld, and other divine domains.
"In this framework, the scale places lesser gods at SSS-Rank. Though mighty compared to mortals and capable of crushing armies, their power is recognized as falling short of the highest summit."
A pause, and then the screen blazed with symbols of Olympus, Asgard, and countless other pantheons.
"True gods themselves are classified as EX-Rank. Their power transcends natural boundaries, placing them beyond human measure. They are not merely leaders of nations or guardians of cities, but living embodiments of concepts and laws themselves. Where mortals wield magic, gods embody it."
The broadcast lingered on images: Zeus holding a thunderbolt, Odin with his spear, Amaterasu radiant in divine light.
The anchor continued in a voice that carried awe.
"To call a being EX-Rank is to declare them on par with divinity itself. It is the summit, the measure that marks where mortal power ends and true godhood begins."
The screen faded back to the anchor's steady face.
"And thus, the world now shares a single understanding: whether human, supernatural, or divine, all are measured on this same ladder of strength. From F-Rank mortals… to EX-Rank gods."
Chapter 1009 – "The Ranking of Relics"
The broadcast continued, the anchor's voice steady, carrying weight with every word.
"Alongside living beings, the universal ranking system has now been extended to include items — magical treasures, artifacts, relics, and weapons. Just as individuals are ranked from F-Rank to EX-Rank, so too will objects now be classified."
The screen shifted to a clean diagram, the familiar hierarchy now marked beside sketches of weapons, jewels, and artifacts.
F–E Rank – Common enchanted trinkets and charms, minor potions, or simple magical tools. Useful but easily reproduced.D–C Rank – Standard-quality gear: durable enchanted weapons, shields, or strengthening elixirs.B–A Rank – Regional treasures. Weapons or artifacts capable of swaying battles, shielding fortresses, or empowering armies.S Rank – Rare artifacts capable of threatening or defending entire cities. Considered strategic national assets.SS Rank – Relics that can shift the balance between nations. Items so few in number they are guarded as state secrets or by the oldest sects.SSS Rank – Legendary objects that border on the divine. Their mere presence alters wars and kingdoms, though still short of godhood.EX Rank – Beyond mortal craftsmanship. Objects spoken of in myths — god-forged weapons, primal relics from forgotten ages, or singular creations whose limits remain unknown.
The screen lingered on the words: "No human nation currently possesses an EX-Rank item."
The anchorwoman's tone lowered, reverent.
"To put this in perspective: lesser gods themselves are often equated with SSS-Rank beings, while true gods fall into EX-Rank. For an artifact to even approach such power… is beyond imagining."
The feed shifted to a panel of scholars debating:
Some argued classification would bring fairness in trade and understanding.Others warned that such a ranking would only spark greed and bloodshed.A few speculated that EX-level relics may already exist, locked away in forgotten vaults or hidden by ancient bloodlines.
The report concluded with a somber line:
"From this day forward, not only people… but the very objects they wield, shall be measured by rank. A single relic may one day decide the fate of nations."
The scene shifted on the broadcast. The news agency had invited several high representatives from the Magic Association, their robes lined with silver sigils, their faces carrying an air of authority.
The reporter turned toward one of them.
"Could you provide the public with examples of what qualifies as an EX-Rank item?"
The elder magus stroked his beard thoughtfully, then nodded.
"Of course. While such relics are rare beyond words, there are myths and confirmed records of items that fall within this classification."
The screen changed, displaying artistic renderings of legendary artifacts as he spoke:
The Holy Grail – the chalice said to grant miracles and reshape destiny itself.Excalibur – the sword of kings, forged to embody divine authority and endless light.Longinus – the spear that pierced divinity, an object feared even by gods.Mjolnir – the thunder hammer of Thor, whose strikes could level mountains and whose weight only the worthy could bear.Muramasa – the cursed blade, a weapon of infinite sharpness said to hunger for souls and cut even concepts.Gungnir – Odin's spear, which never misses its mark and carries the weight of divine sovereignty.
"These," the magus said solemnly, "are examples of what the world would call EX-Rank relics. They are not merely weapons or tools — they are embodiments of power, myths given form."
Murmurs rippled through the newsroom. Even through a screen, the audience could feel the awe of such names.
The reporter pressed gently.
"And what of SSS-Rank items?"
The magus inclined his head.
"Objects just below divinity — artifacts capable of reshaping kingdoms, collapsing armies, or altering nature itself. But unlike EX relics, they are not infinite in scope. They remain bound to limits."
The anchor turned back to the camera, her voice reverent.
"For the first time, humanity now has a framework to understand relics of legend… not just as stories, but as measurable realities."
The elder magus adjusted his robes, his expression solemn as the screen behind him displayed the illustrations of legendary treasures.
"These are what the world recognizes as EX-Rank relics—the highest tier of items, capable of shaking nations and rewriting history."
He pointed to the list projected above:
The Holy Grail – once a chalice of miracles, but today only a remnant remains, safeguarded within the Vatican. It retains traces of its former glory, but its infinite power has long since faded.Excalibur – the sword of kings, embodiment of divine authority. It has vanished from history, its whereabouts unknown.Longinus – the spear that pierced divinity itself, feared even by gods. Like Excalibur, it has disappeared, leaving behind only legends and imitations.Muramasa – the cursed blade of infinite sharpness, said to thirst for souls. It too has vanished, hidden or perhaps destroyed.Mjolnir – Thor's hammer, known to still exist within Asgard's vaults. Its power is absolute, but sealed from mortal hands.Gungnir – Odin's spear, the symbol of his sovereignty. It too is kept under the tightest divine protection.
The magus's voice grew quieter, heavy with unspoken meaning.
"These relics are not simply weapons. They are anchors of myth, embodiments of concepts. Even their disappearance or degradation leaves ripples across the world."
The reporter leaned forward.
"Then only the Vatican's Grail remnant, Asgard's hammer, and spear remain known to this age?"
The magus nodded gravely.
"Yes. The others have vanished, and the world does not yet know whether they are hidden, destroyed… or perhaps already claimed by hands we dare not imagine."
A hush fell over the broadcast studio, the weight of his words pressing down on every listener.
The elder magus let the projection shift again, the glowing list of EX-rank relics fading into the next tier.
"Below them," he continued, "are the SSS-Rank artifacts—treasures of immense power, but not quite on the level of mythic absolutes like the Grail or Excalibur. Even so, these items are beyond the reach of most gods' champions and can decide the fate of empires."
On the screen appeared a crimson spear, glowing faintly as though drenched in eternal blood.
Gáe Bolg – the spear of Cú Chulainn, cursed and revered alike. It reverses causality itself: the thrust does not strike the heart; rather, the heart is fated to be struck. No shield or armor can prevent its fatal curse once invoked.
The magus's voice carried a note of caution.
"This weapon still exists, sealed deep within the vaults of the Celtic pantheon. Unlike Excalibur or Longinus, Gáe Bolg has not disappeared. It remains—guarded, feared, and forbidden."
The reporter pressed gently, "Then this, too, is beyond mortal hands?"
"Yes," the magus replied firmly. "Its nature makes it too dangerous. Unlike blades that can be wielded with restraint, Gáe Bolg chooses death. Every strike demands a life, no matter the wielder's intent. That is why it rests eternally locked away."
The audience watching the broadcast felt the chill of his words. To think that such a weapon existed even now, in this age of awakening, was enough to make even the strongest warriors shudder.
The broadcast shifted, the screen behind the anchor shimmering as the ranking list expanded.
"Following the EX-Rank," the reporter continued, "the association has confirmed several artifacts that fall into the next tier — SSS-Rank. These relics are objects of overwhelming influence, each tied to myth and legend. Though not equal to the likes of Excalibur or the Holy Grail, their destructive potential and historical weight are undeniable."
The images appeared one by one.
Durandal – the unbreakable sword of Roland, blessed to never lose its edge.Tyrfing – the cursed blade of Norse legend, bringing victory but demanding blood.Hrunting – Beowulf's sword, a relic said to cut through any armor.Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi – the Japanese Grass-Cutting Sword, one of the Imperial Regalia.Blood Banner of Camlann – said to have flown at Arthur's last battle, it carries the essence of endless war.Nemean Hide – the impenetrable lion's pelt once worn by Heracles himself.
The anchor's tone grew heavier.
"Each of these artifacts is ranked SSS — weapons and relics capable of changing the tide of nations, of rewriting history if wielded by the wrong hands."
The hall of commentators grew hushed. Even through the broadcast, the weight of the names was palpable.
"These are not just treasures," the representative of the Magic Association said gravely, "they are symbols. Whoever holds them commands more than power — they command myth itself."
The broadcast shifted again. The reporter adjusted his notes, his voice carrying the same mix of awe and formality as before.
"And now," he said, "we must address one of the most controversial and mysterious artifacts of recent history… the Book of Aten."
Behind him, images appeared of ancient temples, auction halls, and sealed vaults. The words on the screen were blurred, but the reverence surrounding them was unmistakable.
"It is known that many organizations, both mundane and supernatural, have acquired partial copies of this book over the years," the reporter explained. "Fragments exist in universities, sects, governments, and families. Each has tried to learn from them… but the original remains far beyond ordinary reach."
The camera cut to an image of a heavily guarded chamber beneath the Vatican, followed by a vast underground vault of the Magic Association. The anchor's voice grew sharper.
"According to official records, the original Book of Aten is not lost—it is under joint ownership of several of the world's most powerful organizations. The Vatican, the Magic Association, and three of the great secular powers share its stewardship. None can open it without the agreement of the others, and its movements are tracked at all times."
The screen displayed the crests of these powers side by side, underscoring the unprecedented cooperation.
A representative of the Magic Association appeared on-screen, seated before shelves of glowing tomes. His tone was calm but weighted:
"By all standards of classification, the Book of Aten cannot be rated lower than SSS-rank. However, given its scope, many scholars argue it lies between SSS and EX. It is not merely a collection of spells—it is a complete system of healing magic."
The screen shifted to diagrams: silhouettes of human bodies being restored, golden mana pathways, and runes of unfamiliar structure.
"It contains more than two thousand healing spells," the man continued. "From the simplest techniques to advanced miracles. At its lowest level, it teaches methods to mend wounds more efficiently than any universal healing spell known. These basics alone revolutionized healing across the world—costing less mana, acting faster, and leaving no scars."
Footage followed: soldiers treated in war camps, healers in hospitals, even commoners benefiting from simplified versions of Aten's methods.
"But the higher-level spells," he continued gravely, "are far beyond ordinary reach. With talent, discipline, and great effort, one may regrow severed limbs—an arm, a leg—reversing what was once thought permanent. Others can restore internal organs, or even repair a soul scarred by curses."
The anchor's voice returned, firm but reverent.
"The original text remains sealed under joint ownership, inaccessible to any one faction. What circulates in the world are mere fragments and copies. And yet, even those incomplete pieces are enough to change the fate of nations."
The screen lingered on the blurred image of a golden-bound scroll. The silence that followed carried weight deeper than words.
The Magic Association representative leaned forward, his voice more solemn now.
"But let me be clear," he said. "The Wisdom of Aten is not the same as the incomplete copies scattered throughout the world. Those fragments are like shadows on a wall compared to the true light."
He raised his hand, a faint glow forming in his palm as though to emphasize the weight of his words.
"Based on everything we have studied, this book cannot be anything less than EX-rank. But in truth…" his eyes narrowed, "…I believe it should be classified as EX+ rank."
The anchor blinked. "EX+?"
"Yes," the representative confirmed. "There are only a handful of artifacts or weapons in existence that could be spoken of in that category. The Book of Aten is one of them. Not simply because of its raw magical value, but because of its potential to reshape entire civilizations. Most EX-ranked artifacts are weapons—tools of destruction, conquest, or divine judgment. But this book? It heals, it rebuilds, it gives second chances to mortals and gods alike."
The feed shifted to show images of miraculous recoveries—war veterans standing on newly-grown legs, children once crippled now running, and even gods whispering of wounds closed that had resisted divine medicine for centuries.
"Understand this," the man continued, his tone heavy. "A weapon of destruction may erase thousands of lives in an instant. But the Wisdom of Aten can change millions over time. It can undo centuries of suffering. It can create futures that did not exist before. That scale alone is why some of us argue it surpasses normal EX-rank classification."
The anchor, visibly unsettled, asked quietly: "And what if it were ever misused?"
The man's eyes flickered, troubled. "Then the entire world would learn the difference between a blessing and a curse."