Chapter 126: Battle Records
A heavy silence descended upon the vast plaza of Astralis Academy’s Upper House.
The summary expulsion of the first aspirant, his record laid bare for all to see, had sent a chilling message.
Every kill, every assist, every cowardly retreat, every moment of treachery, it was all logged, all quantified.
The Nexus Interface, once a tool of advancement, now felt like an impartial, unblinking judge.
Director Gareth Sterling, his stern face unreadable, gestured towards the massive holographic screen.
"Let the records continue. The Verge does not suffer fools, nor does Astralis Academy."
"Boom!"
The screen flared, displaying the next name. One by one, aspirants’ battle records flashed across the display.
Most were unremarkable: a handful of kills against Level 1 or 2 beasts, a few assists, a smattering of minor achievements like "Successfully Navigated the Whispering Mire without Crying."
Some, however, were less flattering: "Frequently Abandoned Teammates in Peril," "Displayed an Unhealthy Obsession with Looting F-Grade Fungus," "Attempted to Seduce a Stonehide Crusher."
These usually resulted in low scores, disappointed frowns from the Vice-Principals, and occasionally, another swift, unceremonious expulsion if their actions were deemed detrimental or malicious.