There are 10 Ranks of Historians.
This has always existed since the system was invented at the end of the Sixth Aeon. This ranking format also applies to the Nameless Entities and Historical Projections.
It is trite that each rank corresponds to each other.
In essence, a Rank 1 Historian would be suited for a Rank 1 Historical Projection.
And...
... They would be able to face a Rank 1 Nameless Entity.
"I, insert your name, solemnly swear to uphold the values of the ancestors who guided humanity since the days of yore. What are the echoes that call to us from the far reaches of the past? And where do the long-lost memories rooted in history reside? I, insert your name, truthfully promise by the powers bestowed upon me by sacred knowledge, to seek out these truths. I passionately declare to serve as the guardian of humanity, yet remain an eternal student of the Celestial Library. To treat the Historical Projections with dignity and honor, to hold my power with great responsibility. To fight against the Nameless and resist the corruption of the Unknown. I, insert your name, will venture on the path of a Historian, from this moment on and forever more!"
All the students burst out with their declarations.
Lazarus did the same.
"I, Lazarus, solemnly swear..." Even though he had recited these words in his past life, he still felt a stirring within him as he did the same in this new world.
A certain joy filled his heart.
As well as deep melancholy.
The world was really dark... filled with untold corruption that lurked in the dark. Untold tale, long forgotten memories, all of these things existing beyond the Gateways, in the world of Fables were opened up to Historians.
Yet, the age old question remained for all who were present in the hall.
’Do you have the courage to step into it?’
Lazarus smiled.
’Of course!’ His eyes shone with brilliance as he remained standing. ’Not only do I have the courage, but I also have the ambition to reach the level of my past life and even surpass it!’
A Legendary Historian was only Rank 8.
There was still Rank 9, Mythic Historian... and then Rank 10—
—Timeless!
This was the pinnacle.
It required 100 Percent Integration with the Celestial Library, giving the Historian all knowledge and power within the sacred domain.
No one had achieved such a glorious thing, and it was considered impossible.
’In this life... maybe...’
Lazarus could feel his aspirations blazing the more he thought about it.
’Reincarnation was also considered impossible, yet here I am!’ He grinned. ’There are too many unexplained things in this word. Even if it hasn’t been accomplished in the past, I can surely do it in this lifetime.’
After all, he had what others didn’t—direct access to the Celestial Library!
’Coupled with the knowledge from my past life, my speed should exceed that of my past life by leaps and bounds.’ Lazarus calmly assessed his situation while suppressing his smile.
Naturally, he couldn’t rush this process.
He had to take everything one step at a time, or he could risk killing himself.
Still...
... The potential was there.
’Hehe!’ Chuckling to himself, he felt his body tremble once more. ’The road to the future will surely be interesting!’
...
A few minutes after the Oath was complete, all the young people present were acknowledged as Squires and official students of the Academy.
Not too long after, Ariana and the six instructors left through the door of light.
Taking their place were a few dozen academy personnel, with four special officials and a head officer coordinating all of the students. They wore identical uniforms with unique features that distinguished their ranks.
The ordinary academy officials had bronze badges, while the special officers had silver badges.
As for the Head, he had a gold badge.
"There are four separate queues. Line up based on your class. You should have already been briefed on what class you belong to based on your Sub-Integration, so make sure you follow that order. Remember, we have the records of your Sub-Integration, so it’s of no use joining the wrong queue. Not only will you have to return to the back of your assigned line if you join the wrong queue, but you will be reprimanded as well."
All of these words were said by the Head Officer, a man with long silver hair and a somewhat effeminate appearance.
His brows were slightly bushy, while his amber eyes shone with serene passion.
Despite his soft facial features, he was quite strict with the way he spoke. He displayed a no-nonsense demeanor that caused all the students to quickly fall in line.
Attending to each line were the Special Officials, who were seated and confirming each student’s identity before sending them off through a special gateway behind them. The method was foolproof, leaving no room for error.
This, alongside the warning of the Head Officer, made almost every student to remain in their assigned queue.
Almost...
"Excuse me, Head Officer... but that student is in the wrong queue."
A calm voice echoed in the hall, belonging to none other than Zurbluris. At the moment, he was pointing at one of the students in the line closest to him.
This student had dark hair with crimson eyes.
He looked calm, with a mysterious smile on his face, despite being caught.
Who else would it be but Lazarus?
Each line—from left to right—was named after Class D, C, B, and A, yet he was currently standing in the second rightmost queue.
In essence, Class B’s line!
"What?!" The Head Officer was quickly alerted of the matter and stared at Lazarus with a mildly confused look.
He had been doing this for some time now, and in almost every case, the students would follow instructions perfectly. After all, they were warned of the consequences that was involved in being caught. In addition, the academy had a flawless detection system and unfalsifiable records.
There was no way to cheat the system.
The few who tried were swiftly apprehended, and all of them—without exception—showed guilty or openly remorseful expressions.
Yet, here was Lazarus.
He appeared completely unmoved despite being caught by the Head Officer.
"You... Is what he said true?" The Head Officer approached Lazarus while glancing at Zurbluris.
Tense silence filled the hall before it was broken by the surrounding students.
"W-we tried to tell him, sir!"
"He ignored us even when we said he didn’t belong to this queue."
"He’s only at 1 Percent Sub-Integration!"
As all the students around Lazarus spoke against him, Zurbluris’ smile widened while he folded his arms and watched the event play out in front of him.
It was clear that Lazarus was in serious trouble now that he had been ousted.
Yet... the young man remained calm.
His curled-up lips slowly parted as he muttered with confidence.
"Who told you I was at 1 Percent Sub-Integration?"