Extra's Fate-Chapter 37: Top Ten

⌜Rankings⌝

1. Cordelia Lightreal

2. Arthur Collymore

3. Aveline Shadowblight

4. Ian Pierce

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7. Ash Morningstar

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"..."

Looking at the board hovering at the front of the massive hall, I felt my breath momentarily get stuck in my throat.

I've made it.

I've made it to the top ten!

Strange feeling of warmth spread through my chest, forcefully drawing a small smile onto my lips. No matter how much I tried to control my facial muscles, they simply didn't listen.

I was that happy.

"Now, I invite the top ten ranked students to step forward."

I only managed to regain my composure when the Principal's deep, resonant voice echoed through the massive hall.

Shifting my eyes, I noticed some of the students step forward and also followed, trying to get through the crowd.

On my way, I also, 'accidentally', bumped into the student that had collided with me earlier.

Watching his face twist with rage, I merely smiled and moved further away.

As I made my way through the crowd, the applause of the fellow students created a rhythmic, almost hypnotic beat that accompanied my steps.

Climbing onto the stage, I fell in line behind the other top-ranked students, each one distinct in their demeanor.

My eyes were inevitably drawn towards the highest ranks. The main characters of this game.

Cordelia Lightreal, the Saint, stood at the forefront.

She waved shyly to the crowd, a small smile playing on her lips. It was clear she wasn't exactly used to this kind of attention, yet she accepted it with a humble poise that made it hard to dislike her.

'So she still managed to take first place...'

Muttering underneath my breath, I sighed.

My eyes didn't linger on her for long though, instead turning towards the second-place holder.

Arthur Collymore.

His brown eyes stared into the distance, seemingly detached from the surrounding commotion.

His deadpan expression revealed nothing of his thoughts, as if the entire ceremony were an insignificant event.

He exuded an air of quiet indifference, a stark contrast to the exuberance around him.

It was the first time I had seen him since coming to the academy so there wasn't much I could say about him.

He looked emotionless, like in the game.

That's good... I guess?

Aveline Shadowblight, the Princess, was beside him.

Her crimson lips were pressed tight, her expression a blend of surprise and subtle frustration.

She had undoubtedly aimed for the top spot and falling short was a bitter pill to swallow.

Despite her composed exterior, a flicker of disappointment betrayed her true feelings.

And lastly... Ian Pierce, standing in fourth, was a picture of restrained annoyance.

His black hair was meticulously brushed back, his cold blue eyes flickering with irritation.

He bit his lip, his gaze repeatedly drifting to those ranked above him.

Ian was known for his confidence and this outcome clearly grated on him.

The subtle tension in his posture, the occasional clenching of his fists, all spoke of his inner turmoil.

Yet, he maintained a veneer of calm, his true feelings hidden beneath a practiced facade.

As I took my place among these top contenders, I could only shake my head.

"..."

Glancing at the principal, I noticed that his gaze momentarily lingered on me before moving on.

His eyes swept over the crowd, then, once again, focused on the top ten students who had just stepped forward.

"Congratulations to all of you..."

He began, his voice deep and resonant.

"You have demonstrated exceptional skills, determination, and excellence to reach the top ten. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed."

The applause intensified, the rhythmic beat filling the hall once more. The Principal raised a hand and the noise gradually subsided.

"As you all know, this academy prides itself on fostering the best and brightest. To this end, we have established a tiered class system to further enhance the educational experience. There will be five ranked classes: S, A, B, C and D, with S being the highest and D the lowest. Each class will have its own unique curriculum, tailored to the students' abilities and potential."

He paused, allowing the information to sink in.

A murmur ran through the audience as students exchanged excited whispers and speculative glances.

"The top ten students standing here today will belong to the S Class."

The Principal continued.

"This class will receive the most rigorous training, the best resources, and the most challenging assignments. You have proven yourselves worthy of this honor."

Turning towards the top ten, he gave a nod of acknowledgment.

"You will lead by example, setting the standard for excellence for the rest of the student body."

The Principal then walked up to Cordelia Lightreal, who stood at the forefront of the group. He placed his hand gently on her shoulder, and she looked up at him with a mix of awe and seriousness.

"Cordelia Lightreal, as the first-ranked student, you are now bestowed with the title of 'Sovereign.' This title is not merely an honorific; it signifies that you are the strongest person in your year. With this title come certain privileges and responsibilities. You will have access to exclusive resources, mentorship from our finest instructors, and the authority to lead and represent your peers."

Seeing that she was nodding her head the Principal turned to address the entire hall once more.

"The class system is not static. Any student has the opportunity to change their class by challenging and defeating a student from a higher class in a fair duel. This ensures that everyone has the chance to prove their worth and ascend the ranks based on their merit and abilities."

A ripple of excitement and anticipation spread through the crowd at this announcement. The prospect of duels and the chance to rise through the ranks added a new layer of intrigue and competition to the academy's already vibrant atmosphere.

"In conclusion..."

The Principal said.

"I urge each of you to strive for greatness, to push beyond your limits and to support your peers in this journey."

With that, he stepped back and the hall erupted into applause once more.

"Welcome to the Starfall Academy!"

[ Episode II ]

◈ Reach the Starfall Academy within a month. [ Completed! ]

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End of the Volume I [ The Arrival ]