Ranker

A Ranker (랭커, raengkeo) is a being who has reached the top of the Zahard Empire (currently 134th Floor) and has been given a Rank - e.g. Lero-Ro is most likely somewhere between 3000 and 1000. This Rank is not to be confused with the Ranking and Grading that both Rankers and Regulars continuously receive.

This Rank is issued by the Ranking Administration Office (랭킹 관리국, Raengking Gwahnligook; or "Ranking Affairs Bureau") and it is calculated after investigating and combining statistics such as a person's power, recognition and influence. There are some who hold high rankings due to the influence they hold (e.g. Baek Ryun) and there are others who have weak combat strength but hold high Rankings due to some other reasons like "serving the Royalty (e.g. Evan Edrok)".

As an example: Due to the Eurasia Enne incident, Eurasia Enne Zahard gained over 1000 Ranks and was listed as 7th in the rankings. Her gain in Rank, was in part due to her abilities and also infamy.

Rankers are sometimes Test Directors or Test 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. Though they are permitted many benefits (such as the right to freely travel amongst the Inner, Middle and Outer Towers), they are usually restricted from entering the Regulars' Districts.

It is important not to confuse the achievement of reaching the top of the Zahard Empire (which confers Ranker status) with reaching the top of the tower; no one has yet reached the top of the tower itself.

High Ranker
If a Ranker's ranking is in the top 1% of total Rankers, he/she can become a High Ranker (하이 랭커, hai raengkeo). There are about 1000 High Rankers in total. High Rankers are often described as gods among gods.

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 to be tested by it. This is because only Irregulars can request to take a Guardian's test.

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

Only those of a level equal to a High Ranker can become a Ruler.

Sobriquet
Sobriquet (이명, Eemyeong; "nickname" or "synonym") is a type of nickname issued by the Ranking Administration Office, usually in reference to the High Ranker's battle Position or other aspects. It shouldn't be confused with an ordinary nickname like "eyeball ghost". Only High Rankers like Garam Zahard, Eurasia Enne Zahard, Yu Han Sung get to receive a sobriquet. Rankers like Ren, Quant, Lero-Ro and Mule Love have none. Guardians don't have sobriquets.

A sobriquet can also be turned down, as Baek Ryun and Koon Eduan refused their sobriquets.

Also, a person might be presented with more than 1 sobriquet as Koon Eduan is called Marlin and Blue Thunderclap. It's unknown if the limit is 2 sobriquets.

Fishermen are usually given the names of Shinheuh (specifically fish species). For example: Yuri Zahard's sobriquet is the Black Snakehead/Mullet.

Guides are usually given the names of Boats. For example: Evan Edrok's sobriquet is the Fast Ship.

Wave Controllers are usually given the names of winds and waves. For example: Po Bidau Gustang's sobriquet is the Lonely Wave.

A few examples of Sobriquets being named after something, other than a battle Position: Enryu's sobriquet is called "Red Tower" because whenever he passes by, the Shinsoo around him turns red for some unknown reason.

Zahard is the first King in the Tower's history and his sobriquet is King of the Tower.

External link

 * Author's blog translations

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