Chapter 64: Looming Threat
The hall buzzed with murmurs and hushed whispers as students reacted to the announcement. Some were nodding in understanding, as if the results had been exactly what they expected. Others exchanged glances, clearly reevaluating their own performances in comparison. A few, especially those who had interacted with the top-ranked students, rushed forward, eager to congratulate them.
Mikhail, ever the charismatic noble, accepted the attention with his usual smugness, basking in the praise of his peers. Solanne, in contrast, merely acknowledged those who approached her with polite nods, maintaining an air of regal composure.
Even Eterna—the ever lonesome girl—wasn’t exempt from the attention. Before she could even react, Raine bounded up to her, sparkling her eyes with excitement.
"Eterna! You actually made it to second place? That’s amazing!"
Raine beamed, grabbing her by the shoulders.
"See? I knew you were strong!"
Eterna blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden enthusiasm.
"I... suppose," she mumbled, shifting slightly, unsure of how to respond.
Velren, watching from his spot at the back, couldn’t help but wonder.
To say that the thought of seeing his own name in that ranking hadn’t crossed his mind would be a lie. Because, like three of the names that had been called, he had been one of the few students who had lasted until the very end of the exam. In fact, he had even encountered an external threat—a bonus level..?—something far beyond the normal parameters of the test.
But then again... he doubted that fight would have counted toward the scoring.