We all begin as a un-bloomed plant, waiting to reveal our own beautiful flower.
Rankings are something that we all have that are a very basic way in which to determine strength. Depending on the race, you gain different advantages from each rank.

Fifth Rank: This is the very basic grunt. You begin as this rank, and with it you receive no bonuses. You are basically the janitors sidekick.

Fourth Rank: You are now able to use your ranks special skill, be it draconian blood for the dral, or spirit for the humans. You also unlock a new stat that is unique to your race.

Third Rank: With more power comes new strength, you can use the second tier of power, which allows you to individualize your power more efficiently, and gain access to more advanced techniques and weaponry.

Second Rank: Here you unlock the third tier of power, and are considered the strongest of the strong. You have access to the best equipment and strength, with the strongest abilities to your disposal. You also gain access to one magic spell.

First Rank: Overpowered, and extremely deadly, these are the officials, and the strongest people in the world. Only a few are to exist at one time, and when at the first rank, they have the ability to ascend beyond all heights of bodily limitation.

This is the basic outline, depending on the race, what the ranks give you will change, like stat points gained, and what exactly how your abilities grow.