For mages: Each person has a different talent star. (Of course there are those without stars as well, they cannot wield affinities or use mana at all. Every mage has an affinity and can use mana.)
For swordsman: Swordsman are also divided by talent stars however they do not wield affinities, they use arcane energy to enhance their bodies and they can use techniques as well.
Your talent determines the level you can reach and your progression speed. (An 8 star mage can only reach the 8th star, and his progression is faster than a 4 star mage.)
Affinity levels are divided by tiers (1-10)
1-3} Nascent
4-6} Eminent
7-8} Sovereign
9-10} Transcendent
(This is all as of chapter 50.)
Obviously the higher tier the better control over your affinity.
The skills given by the system do not have levels (as of chapter 50.)
Techniques however will be divided by different tiers. (Sword techniques, etc.)
• Foundation
• Refinement
• Resonance
• Sovereign
• Mythos
(As of chapter 50.)
Merlin levels up stars based on quests, or if his attributes reach the given number (12, meaning they are maxed.)
His points are raised through extreme training or system given quests.
Skills are divided into two groups. (Passive and Active skills.)
All of these are updated as of chapter 50 currently.