This book's traditional ranking system only extends to the Second Ring. In other words, after entering the Second Ring, it is no longer a traditional ranking system, and every level within the Second Ring has a specially designated meaning.
The levels within the Second Ring are not a progression, but parallel classifications. How each level is viewed determines part of a civilization's foundational characteristics in this book.
Note that differing understandings of Void-to-Truth Forging, as well as the order in which its aspects are arranged and their specific definitions, form the different underlying tones of the civilizations in this book.
The Third Ring, Fourth Ring, Fifth Ring, and Sixth Ring all belong to True Forging. I won't spoil the specific details. The six-ring classification system takes Void-to-Truth Forging as its core and substance and form as its foundation. It is a method of ranking and classification, an epistemology, and even the ontology of the story and plot.
This is a very complete system, and I will bring it to life through vivid stories.
This is a book by an author who wants to write good stories—stories that bring readers joy.
This is also a book written for readers who may one day need it.