Reincarnated As The Dark Knight

This is up for basic understanding of the world of my novel for readers who want easy access. 

⇛Mana

Mana is an essential energy for all living beings, plants and animals alike which they cannot live without. It is formed from the connection between the body and the soul. It may be a prerequisite for any being to live but that does not mean that all can tap into this energy. No matter how weak or ordinary everyone has an affinity for mana. Being able to command mana is something more genetic than spiritual. Data stored is in the genes on how to tap into mana and occurs randomly. The stronger the lineage, the earlier and better. 

⇛Magic

A phenomenon said to occur when a being commands the mana within or without them.

⇛Nexus

A Nexus is the point of contact for all mana conduits within the body. It is the storage vessel and regulator for the flow of mana throughout the body. It is deeply connected to an individual's life force and is made of mana itself.

⇛Mana Conduits

A networking of vein like channels that distribute mana around the body.

⇛Mage

A mage is a person can tap into their mana network and is capable of commanding their mana at will. They are able to use the mana to cast spells and do things beyond human capabilities. They are trained basically to serve and protect their kingdoms.

⇛Rune

While not everyone can use their mana. There is another way of obtaining extraordinary powers and that is by obtaining a Rune. A Rune is a mark engraved on a person that is able to give them extraordinary powers as earlier stated. Unlike mages who require affinity checks, Rune-users are able to get a grasp on their abilities when they first manifest. They can randomly appear or can be gotten from Runestones.

⇛Rune-user

A person who possesses and can use the abilities of a rune. They tend to grow fast but the scope of their power is limited within the confines of the ability that the Rune gives them. 

⇛Runestone

A stone which contains the ability of a Rune. By breaking the stone one can obtain the ability but Runestones have a behavior of selecting the ones who can break them, hence, if you are not chosen by a Rune, you can never obtain its power. They are very rare and hard to find.

⇛Class

This is a system for representing affinity for mana. This is a factor that determines growth speed. There are ten classes all of which are represented by stars. Initial classes vary for individuals, but they can always advance to the next class. As one progresses through the classes it naturally becomes harder to advance.

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★★

★★★

★★★★

★★★★★

★★★★★★

★★★★★★★

★★★★★★★★

★★★★★★★★★

★★★★★★★★★★

It is not just growth that is affected by the class, it also applies to strength 

⇛Prayer

When a mage is fit and ready to advance to the next class, they undergo a Prayer. During a Prayer they are completely isolated as disturbance can lead to destruction of their nexus or they could be stuck in that class for a longer time. Some could even die. Whatever is revealed to a mage during prayer is an information that is meant for only them although visions are very rare. Prayers are held in sanctums. Prayers are not easy though; without mental fortitude and true understanding of mana they can never be completed. Rune-Users cannot pray

⇛Sanctum

A church-like structure of spiritual significance. They are maintained by nuns and priests

⇛Rune Walk

While Rune-users cannot undergo Prayers there is a way for them to advance. Through Rune Walks. They are similar to Prayers, but they always have visions and intentions behind them. Unlike Prayers which require time and isolation in sanctums they can happen anywhere and no matter the time a Rune-user spends on their Rune Walk, even if it is a hundred years, it happens in an instant in the real world. Rune Walks also occur when a Rune-user first awakens their abilities. Just like Prayers they are very tough. 

⇛Rank

Ranks are measures of a being's mastery of how to use their abilities. There are ten ranks assigned to humans. They are just like levels. Through training and learning, they become stronger and move through.

✦Awakened

✦Empowered

✦Adept

✦Enhanced

✦Exceptional

✦Grand

✦Mythic

✦Transcendent

✦Celestial

✦Divine

While they are capable of moving up ranks, humans are limited by talent and effort at the Mythic rank. Once they reach it, moving through ranks is up to the will of a higher power. As they move through each rank they have to face a set of trials known as the Walls.

⇛Magic Beasts

Just as the name suggests they are beasts that defy natural laws and are able to use mana like humans and just like humans they are also ranked but have nine rankings. Magic beasts have it easier than humans when it comes to raising ranks because they constantly embrace their animalistic nature.

✦Awakened

✦Empowered

✦Feral

✦Aberrant

✦Apex

✦Primordial

✦Eldritch

✦Calamity

✦Apocalyptic

Unlike humans, magic beasts do not require the permission of a higher power to move up the ranks, but it is a long process. Becoming Eldritch could take hundred years or even more even if the beast is an 8★ class. From the Aberrant rank they start to gain intelligence.

⇛The Wall

The Wall is a restriction placed that serves to slow down cultivation for every being. Walls are a set of trials at the pinnacle of all ranks except the Divine rank which must be overcome to move on to the next rank.