About

A world where people are judged by the rank they are born into. Ranks are almost impossible to change and determine everything one can do. There are four ranks in total. Black is the highest rank. It includes heads of major corporations and politicians. It is determined solely by bloodline. Red is the upper-middle class. It includes professionals with moderate wealth, such as doctors and scientists. Red status can be acquired through wealth. Blue is the common class. They make up the majority of the population, holding ordinary jobs and living typical lives. Movement between Red and Blue is possible. And then there is ZERO. A type of untouchable class. This rank is given to orphans who cannot obtain a rank or to the worst criminals. Movement out of this rank is impossible, and because they cannot get jobs, people in this class often resort to begging or entering the red-light district. While they have a color-based name, everyone simply calls them Zero, meaning 'ashes.' All ranks are determined at birth, and a mark is branded on the neck during a ceremony on the first birthday. This is mandatory; those without a mark are considered Zero. Zeros also have a mark if they are registered by the government, but over 70% of Zeros are unregistered. Blacks make up 1% of the population, Reds 30%, and Blues about 60%, with the remaining 10% being Zero. Since their numbers are small and they don't cause national-scale issues, the government tends to ignore them.