OLD-WORLD EXTRA-Chapter 228: Above The SS Rank

{Normal House In Sol's Domain: 5000+ Valora}

{Five Story House In Sol's Domain: 17000+ Valora}

{Space Ship: 40000+ Valora}

{Pathway Knowledge: 400+ Valora}

{Specialization Ability Path: 200+ Valora}

After the holograms came a plethora of information about the Local Group's financial state.

It all flooded Emir's mind in a single satisfying rush.

This information caused him to immediately understand why there was such an obvious discrepancy in the currency's value between Earth and those under the Order.

It was their only official currency.

A loaf of bread might cost them a single Valora.

A cup of coffee might cost them five.

But, here on Earth, a single coin would be worth the best of augmented suits and the best of relics like the one Max bought some time ago at the auction.

This wasn't only for Emir's planet, but many others as well.

Because the Order traded only among themselves as if they erected an isolation barrier between them and those they considered inferior.

This allowed them to set their own currency's value without interference from anyone's financial systems.

And yes, they did consider planets like Earth inferior, Lyra did too, once calling it a 'backwater planet.'

'I get it now...'

Emir let out a sigh and locked eyes with Lyra.

'Let's just add this to the pile of shit never mentioned in the novel and move on.'

[...But there's more to it than that isn't there?]

[Are you talking about the illegal stuff?]

Seeing Emir nod she continued:

[Yeah, there's more.]

[Of course, there was.]

[So while Valora is the only recognized currency, most planets have their own underground currency; it could be any random item, even online coins that the locals chose.]

[Let me guess, they barter too, right?]

[Yep. This of course is illegal under the Order's rule but when did that stop anyone?]

Emir chuckled at her question while leaning back in his chair.

[It never did indeed....]

Their conversation took a brief pause until Emir remembered something that he hadn't done in a while.

[Hey, hasn't been too long since I last had my status checked?]

His question was met with a telepathic giggle from Lyra.

[I'll show you the usual.]

After a moment, a large hologram appeared before him.

{Name: Emir Oliver}

{Age: 15}

{Hunter Rank: 50}

{Celestial Rank: Seraphim Champion}

{Celestial Class: Ethereal Threader}

{Credit Balance: 146 Valora}

(Stats)

{Strength: S+-> 10,010} (Avg C+)

{Agility: S--> SS} (Avg C)

{Endurance: S+-> 10200} (Avg C+)

{Mind: A+ ->S-} (Avg D+)

{Charm: A+} (Avg C+)

{Overall Augmented Strength Level: E10}

{Celestial Essence: Weaver's Grasp}

(Aspects)

{Weaver's Veil: The Weaver's Veil Aspect grants the user the ability to manipulate and infuse Aether with finesse, weaving patterns to create powerful effects.}

{Aerialis: Aerialis is an Aspect that focuses on harnessing Aether to elevate the user's physical abilities to extraordinary levels, granting them immense strength, agility, and aerial

dominance.}

{Celestia's Hand: Celestia's Hand is an Aspect that enables the user to create Aether

constructs.}

(Skills)

{Close Quarter Combat: Advanced, 95% Proficiency.}

{Marksmanship: Advanced, 90% Proficiency.}

(Abilities)

{Temporal Perception}

Slows down the user's perception of time, every second is slowed down to 0.1 seconds.

In absolute focus, the user could slow down time to a millisecond.

Current Total Use Limit: 5 Minutes 20 seconds.

Mental Energy Recharge Time: 7 Minutes 20 seconds.

Energy recharge rate: 88 seconds per minute of use.

{Sensory Enhancement}

The user's neural network was upgraded.

Allows the user to enhance their five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) beyond

human limitations.

{Aetheric Blades: The ability to channel Aether into blades, creating blades coated with pure energy that can slice through nearly any material.}0

{Aether Blast: The ability to channel Aether into a single, devastating shot that deals massive damage to a single target.}

{Aetheric Shield: The ability to channel Aether to create a shield that protects the user from

incoming attacks.}

{Gates of Eternity: The ability to use Celestia's Hand Aspect to sculpt and shape Aether. The user can mold the raw essence of Aether into complex and detailed constructs, imbuing them

with power.}

{Flash Step: The ability to leap incredible distances in a single step.}

{Aether Overdrive: This ability temporarily pushes the user's Aether reserves beyond their limits, significantly increasing the user's power and speed for a short period of time.}[ {Death's Shadow: This ability causes the user's eyes to darken like an abyss, projecting a potent illusion of the opponent's unending demise. This chilling vision can paralyze the target in fear, rendering them vulnerable in combat, regardless of their willpower. Only truly effective against Celestials lower than the user's rank by two sub-ranks.}

(Art)

{Strength Cultivation}

The user cultivates strength by slowly reconstructing and compressing their body, allowing

further absorption and possession of Aether without harming the user's body, while also

increasing their strength.

Current Cultivation Rank: Copper

(Equipment)

{Aetherstorm Launcher: Peak Maintenance}

{Maelstrom Minigun: Peak Maintenance}

{Vindicator Assault Rifle: Peak Maintenance}

{SS-Ranked Twin Swords: Peak Maintenance}

{Terminal: Standard Issue}

{Information Gathering Device: SS-Rank Item}

(Vehicles)

{Blaze Runner Bike: Functional}

{Blade Runner Cruiser: Functional}

(Inventory)

{100 Million UC Old-world Medicine: Max capacity]

{Stim Energy Packs (Max Capacity): Functional.}

Emir's gaze remained still for a while, till a few words left his mouth:

"Not bad...."

The ever-growing family of his eyed him for a moment but soon ignored his actions and returned their focus to each other.

Even after all these months together they never knew what their leader was thinking.

His brain simply was a mystery to them.

Emir chuckled at their actions while in thought.

'So I'm finally above the SS rank... reaching the Numbers."

At ranks like Seraphim and up, stats weren't best calculated using the metric system or any

related system; instead, they were measured using an entirely new one designed exclusively

for Celestials.

As seen, it only began after one rose above the SS.

'But, why?...'

[Why stop at SS? You know like why not go higher to SSS? That's the usual.]

[It's too many letters. And no, that isn't the usual, at least for those with a brain.]

He snickered.

'Of course, of course... Anyways, everything I bought before is useless now... at least the new

kids can use them.'

'Oh, and speaking off...'

[Ly, connect me to Kiera.]

[Done.]

Just as she replied, Kiera's soft voice echoed in his mind as she turned to look at him.

[What is it, bossman?]

[You're in it too?]

[They've convinced me, boss, what can I say?]

Her giggles followed after her words, causing Emir to show a smile.

'She hasn't moved on from their deaths yet, but it's nice to finally see her back on her feet.'

[Whatever... Now look, I know you didn't want to dampen the mood, but we have to talk about

it.]

[....The deaths you mean?]

[Yeah, how many?] [Two cohorts of six. One got stuck deep in ruin and couldn't survive till our rescue cohort came

in, and the other got wiped out to a trap.]

[It was an AI manager, huh...] [That's right boss, we lost contact with them before we could even identify the source, so we

can only speculate.]

Emir nodded.

[I understand, did I meet any of them?]

[Only the first group boss. The second came after you went all recluse.]

[Were they good men?]

[Yes, boss.]

Emir showed a sad smile for a brief moment.

[Send 300 million to each of their families.]

[Alright.]

Just as Kiera confirmed, he ended their conversation by cutting off the connection.

Emir then proceeded to sit up straight.

-Тар.

-Тар.

Tap.

He knocked on the table thrice, causing his family's chaos to quieten.

They all looked at him with eyes that showed anticipation, as they knew what was going to

happen next.

"Everyone, as you all know, I'll be going to the academy in a few days."

"I won't be here to protect you."

"But that doesn't matter, does it, boys?"

"HELL NO!"

"IT DOESN'T!"

"We ain't baggage bossman!"

"I can take care of myself, Big Bro!"

"We won't burden you, Sir!"

"Grandpa!"

Their collective reply was immediate, as they all roared at the top of their lungs.

Or rather, the men and Faye did.

The women were quieter, but their voices were fierce nonetheless.

"We've got bodyguards, you know!"

Even his mother and sister joined in the fun.

Lyra was the only silent one.

Emir laughed and continued:

"For them, family is a weakness." "They go after them."

"But for me... my family is my strength."

"And unfortunately, we've lost more of ours, our strength."

"And I, their leader... never welcomed them."

Most of those before him showed signs of hidden sadness, an expected reaction.

However, Emir's next words appeared to comfort them.

"Instead I'll bid them goodbye." "This is my duty as the head of this house."

"We'll move out later today, free your schedules."

"Yes, Sir!"

Stomp!

All those present stood up from their seats and removed their rings from their index finger.

It was a black ring with Azazel's insignia attached to its center.

The insignia was a cracked skull with two tiny horns protruding out from each side.

Then every one of them brought his or her hand above their second heart.

Emir nodded and left his seat.

While he walked towards the door, he lingered behind his mother and sister for a few

moments.

"See you guys later."

After a brief hug and a pat for Faye, he exited the room, leaving only a few words behind:

"And remember, boys...."

"Trust only kin."

"''Cause we're in for a rough time."