Kazuki quietly self-narrated in his mind as he sat by the window of his classroom, watching his classmates train with practice swords in the courtyard below.
"These past three years... I've learned so much about this world and the hidden laws that govern it," he thought to himself, his gaze distant. "Especially about spirits, the mysterious forces that shape fate, power, and destiny in this realm."
He mentally reviewed what he'd discovered.
"After the awakening ceremony, the path to gaining spirits truly begins. Spirits are divided into three classes — Natural, Unnatural, and Celestial. Both Chaos and Holy spirits are categorized this way.
"Natural spirits are those that exist inherently in the world — born of nature, elemental forces, ancient beasts, or lost legends. Unnatural spirits are souls of once-living beings who died but lingered, transformed by obsession, revenge, or sheer will. Then there are Celestial spirits… the rarest, most powerful kind."
His hand instinctively went to his chest where he could faintly sense Elsa's presence — the Celestial spirit who had chosen him.
"Celestial spirits were once Unnatural too. They ascend by merging with their own spiritual essence, transcending mortality, and gaining powers over time and space. Gods possess reality-warping abilities, while angels, though not able to alter reality, command time, space, and cosmic forces, becoming galactic-level beings."
Kazuki allowed himself a faint smile. "And Elsa… she's no ordinary Celestial spirit. She's stronger than Levi himself — the angel who watches over our kingdom."
He took a deep breath and glanced down at his palm. "But spirits alone don't determine your strength in this world. It depends on the foundation of your physical body — what they call Physical Refining."
His thoughts continued to unfold like a learned scholar.
"There are five levels of Physical Refining. Tier 1, the beginner stage. Tier 2, where I am now — possessing the physical strength of a heavily trained soldier. Tier 3, a warrior capable of feats beyond normal humans. Tier 4, where my siblings and mother stand — capable of tearing through monsters and even small armies. And Tier 5… the pinnacle of human power. Only my father, Arthur, and once Levi before becoming a spirit, have reached that level."
Kazuki gripped his wooden practice sword a little tighter.
"To be a god, you must transcend even these five tiers… passing them all and mastering both body and spirit. I'm only at Tier 2, but I train with my father, sharpen my battle instincts, and learn from every spar. No teacher at this academy can keep up with me anymore, though the principal — with Tier 3 refining — still poses a challenge."
He smiled inwardly, determination blazing behind his innocent, youthful face.
"My journey's just beginning. But with Elsa by my side… and my family's strength in my blood… I'll reach heights no one can imagine."