Chapter 93: Ranking [1]
Grey and blue. An ice affinity and an unknown, should I scan... actually, I want her to tell me.
Before long, they were ushered into the dome, taking their seats right at the back of the assembly hall. All of the front seats had been taken by the early students.
Although frustrated, they could only blame themselves for coming late.
Then the Principal entered, his very presence silenced the dome, all eyes were on him — recognised as one of the living beings who stood at the top of Eternia.
The faint pulse emitted from his body pressed against their souls softly. Like a soft touch that could easily kill someone if not controlled.
Each step he took down the stairs was slow. Controlled. And time-consuming.
Applicants gulped, caught between anticipation and fear. Perhaps because they wanted to hear his words or because it was the longest walk ever.
Yet his steps conveyed a simple message.
I’m a man who wastes nothing. Every action I take is of my own will. And nobody will change that.
The words resonated in their minds. Engraved on their brains. And nobody questioned it.
His long silver hair was tied neatly behind him, the academy colours shimmered on his robes as he made his way to the podium. He didn’t raise or hand or speak to silence the crowd.
Everyone simply knew to stop.
His eyes flicked over the crowd for a moment before speaking.
"Greetings everyone. I’m sure you’re all eager to know who has been accepted and where you rank. So I’ll get straight to the point."
His words weren’t loud, but resonated throughout the dome.
"Once I speak your name, step forward and collect your uniform. Then return to your seat. No interruptions."
A soft hum soundsd in the air, as the floating orbs pulsed with mana, awaiting for the principal to speak.
"Rank one. Kieran Drayven."
The dome fell into utter silence. The humming of mana slowed to a halt. Everyone turned. Footsteps.
Kieran walked calmly, moving from the middle row. His ash-grey hair streaked with ember strands drifted with each step. No arrogance. Only clarity. His silver eyes focused on what was ahead.
A storm that didn’t need to rage to prove itself.
The principal silently watched, his expression unreadable as Kieran reached the top of the stage.
The principal handed him the Vaelorias uniform, although it was the same as what everyone was wearing, it carried the academy emblem.
A soaring eagle.
"Anything you want to say?" The principal gestured towards the podium.
The principal didn’t ask but tested him. What would he say to the others.
Kieran’s eyes flicked to the principal before standing on the podium, before the sea of students and with a calm tone, he finally spoke.
"If you want my rank. Challenge me."
Silence. The room shivered.
"Who’d challenge him?" An applicant whispered.
"Hes one of the strongest youths. But his words get me excited." Another applicant gulped.
"I heard from a reliable source that he’s already reached tier four."
"What!?" A student shouted quietly. "Most of us are nowhere near his level."
"That’s why he’s the pinnacle of this generation."
His eyes swept over the crowd, looking at the whispers, the smiles and the nods of those who understood his words.
Although not many from the other continents knew him. Those from Soldara recognised from his name. The current disciple of the sword king.
And the one to replace the First Commander.
He didn’t boast or insult others. It was an invitation.
He stepped down.
Students watched as he returned to his seat slowly. The headmaster raised his hand slightly and the whispers vanished.
"Next..."
’Rank two. Vaelric Stormveil."
A buzz swept through the crowd.
Gasps. Whispers.
Everyone knew his nickname. The Stormchosen. Successor of thr Sky Monarch Zephandrel Stormrune.
"Is he famous?" Vergil asked.
Kael snickered. "The guy is famous all over the world. He attends so many events its almost preposterous."
This guy really cares about his public image.
His entrance was nothing short of theatrical. A gust of wind entered the hall. Unnatural. Gentle. He rose from his seat in the front row, tossing his long golden-blond hair back with a smirk that could shatter confidence.
’Okay we get it, stop it,’ Vergil internally screamed.
Vaelric walked slowly, confidently with a flair that made his work seem effortless. His sharp blue eyes scanned the crowd as he stepped down the stairs, lips curving it a smile as if to say "I expected no less."
Unlike Kieran who was modest and silent. Vaelric was like a thunderbolt ready to strike asunder. Wearing a sleek white shirt thay was partially unbuttoned at the collar. The academy blazer slung lazily over one shoulder — and when he reached the stage.
He didn’t just accept the uniform, he twirled in once over his shoulder, catching it with flair before bowing before the principal.
The principal raised a brow, but said nothing of it. "Do you have anything to say?" He asked, more amused this time.
"Vaelric stood on the podium, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Drayven, I’ll see you at the top," his voice echoed. "And everyone who can stand with us."
This time, a wave of cheers, murmurs and light hearted applause followed. The tension Kieran had left behind had been diverted into something more flashier and bolder.
"At least, he’s got a way with words," Ray applauded.
"I still don’t like him." Vergil said flatly.
As he walked back to his seat, he winked at a certain group of students that sat next to him. "Dont fall behind."
Retaking his seat, his crossed one leg over the other completely relaxed.
And like that, the room was alive once more, charged with challenge, excitement and rivalry.
The principals expression never changed, remaining unreadable, raising his hand once more.
"Next..."
"Number 3... Li Yuxin."
(A/N Very short Chapter. I know. But I don’t want to add unnecessary things. So next Chapter will be alot longer.)
