"Now, young man, I told you not to get your hopes up. By the way, I heard you're applying for the rank promotion exam."
The rank promotion exam is held every six months. As the name suggests, it is designed to promote ranks based on ability. There are essentially two methods of promotion: through intelligence or martial arts skills. However, not many follow the path of scholars; it's not everyone's cup of tea. This divide over which method should take priority often creates rifts within the system.
"I saw the announcement of the exam on the town's billboard, and I've been training daily to stay in shape, even on bad days. YOGY also announced that the exams are a bit too hard and that they'll adjust the lower-rank exams to encourage more candidates and address the lack of manpower."
YOGY, an independent evaluation organization with more influence than nations, is accepted and respected by all three countries. It has been the most trusted and valued exam for its 200-year-long history. Known for its fair and strict evaluations, YOGY's difficulty levels are the only aspect that often sparks debate. While there might be corruption in some parts, the fairness of the exam is never compromised. Regardless of rank, mistakes are severely punished, down to the root.
Bokus looked concerned, his brows furrowing slightly, while Ravi looked satisfied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"That's good news for you, young man, but it means more work for us," Ravi said while writing something on a page.
"That's true. Increasing the manpower is a good thing, but this is a big change. The exam's difficulty has never been altered before—not in the last 200 years of history for this exam. I bet the higher-ups are onto this, my lord," Bokus said, tilting his head.
"I've told you before—be more formal when others are around, Bokus," Ravi said firmly.
"Sorry, my lord, but I hope they don't adjust the difficulty too much, or the quality will suffer," Bokus said, with a agitated look on his face .
"Relax, Bokus. I don't think those stubborn old men will make too many changes. That's just how YOGY is—they are very strict about the exam's quality. Talks about the exam being too difficult have always been debated, and even after so many protests, they've only made changes to the lower levels. This is actually a good thing," Ravi reassured.
"If you say so, my lord. We'll just have to wait and see," Bokus muttered.
"Well then, young man, Mara also gave the exam for Guard and passed it. You can ask for his advice in the matter, and he will also be giving the exam this year for Guardian rank."
There are 8 ranks in total. YOGY conducts exams every 6 months for the lower ranks and every year for the upper 4 ranks. Each rank has a minimum age requirement:
Lower Ranks: age ( minimum )
Errant: 16
Guard: 17
Guardian: 18
Elite Guardian: 19
Upper Ranks:
Captain: 21
Lord: 24
King: 28
Emperor: 33
The difficulty is so high that the minimum age is just a popular joke wherever you go. In the history of this exam, the highest rank achieved following the minimum age is Guardian.
For an average person, reaching that rank in their late 20s or early 30s is considered very good, as the difficulty of the exam gets exponentially harder.
Ravi handed a paper to Bokus.
"These are some things I want you to check out for me today. Take Bona with you, and he can go talk with Mara. Lucky you, Bona—I found out from some sources that this time the exam will be held here in Bazaar."
"Really? That's great!"
Bona was standing still, but it looked like his spirit was jumping in excitement.
Bokus spoke while ringing a bell near the door.
"Follow me."
Bokus opened the gate with just a simple push, not even using essence.
"Father, are you also taking the exam? And you never told me your rank."
Bokus replied while reading the paper.
"No, I don't plan to take the exam this time. My last promotion to Elite Guardian was about 6 years ago, but there is a big wall between the upper and lower ranks, so I may take it next year when I turn 40."
"WHAT? But the minimum age for that rank is 21, and you're 39 years old—two decades late?!"
Bokus sighed while looking at the naïve boy, unaware of the challenges of the world.
"Ha, sometimes you are sharp as a fox, and sometimes as dull as a bull. That just goes to show how hard the exams are. I cleared it when i was 33 not 39 you need work on your basic math's "
If what Father says is true, then the exams really are harder for the higher ranks. I thought when people joked about the difficulty, they just didn't want to work hard and blamed the system. But my father trains daily, and he trains others too… Damn.
"For context, ever since the exams began, the highest rank achieved while meeting the minimum age requirement has been Guardian—a testament to how truly challenging these exams are."
Bona also sighed in exhaustion, realizing what he was getting himself into.
"Well, the date will be out soon, so it's better if you ask for advice from Mara. He's a promising candidate going for Guardian rank, and at 24, I'm sure he has a better idea of the exam format than me, who passed it long ago."
"Thanks for your help, Dad! I'll give it my all. I'm off—I'll make sure Mara spills everything he knows."
Bokus smiled and said,
"Good. Now focus on your health and train daily. I'll be busy for the time being."
Bokus and Bona parted ways.