Ranker



A Ranker is one who has reached the top of the Zahard Empire (Currently 134th Floor) and has been given a Rank. This Rank is not to be confused with the Ranking/Grading that both Rankers and Regulars continuously receive. And this Rank can increase or decrease over time.

Rankers are inhumanly powerful due to their ascension to the highest Floor - a Rankers' Rank is given to them by The Rank Administering Office and symbolizes their strength compared to other rankers. It's unknown if only combat strength is used as an assessment, or if other factors like ability, influence, etc. are used as well. Also, note that their "combat strength" is likely derived from records of their previous battles and might not be an indicator of their current strength.

Rankers achieve immortality (age-wise and appearance-wise) when they finish their climb and this might be the result of a term in the contract formed between Zahard and the Guardian on the 134th Floor or some other Guardian like Headon. After all, it is likely inhabitants within the Outer Tower live and die of various causes including natural causes.

Rankers are often directors or administrators of floors. They are viewed as Gods and have a much higher status than Regulars and are preferentially treated.

They may also use the Middle Area's staircases to either skip certain Floors or to travel between the Inner and Outer Towers. However, it is unknown if there are checkpoints along the Middle Area's staircases or if any/other methods are used to restrict clearance mainly to Rankers.

High Ranker
If a Ranker's ranking is top 1% of total Rankers, he/she can become a High Ranker. There are about 1000 High Rankers in total. High Rankers are often described as gods among gods, as normal Rankers, who are viewed as gods themselves, shudder with fear at the idea of fighting against a High Ranker.

High Rankers earn the right to go up to the 135th Floor but the Guardian of this floor is very hostile. So, it is unknown how many have succeeded in talking to it or even convinced the Guardian to allow someone not "chosen" by the Tower(Ch 76) to be tested by it(Ch 4). This is because only Irregulars can request to take a Guardian's test(Ch 76).

But for now, not a single High Ranker has has been known to have ascended to the next floor.

Sobriquet
Sobriquet is a type of nickname issued by the Ranking office, based on the Ranker's fighting style and personality. It's likely issued only after one has earned a Rank or if not, only to High Rankers.

It shouldn't be confused with an ordinary nickname like "eyeball ghost".

External link

 * author's blog translations