The morning light filtered through the gaps in Zero's blinds, casting golden streaks of sunlight across the room. Birds chirped outside, announcing the break of dawn. As the tranquility of the early hours settled in, Zero's phone erupted in a series of dings, disrupting the calm ambiance.
The screen lit up, showing a flood of messages from his group chat with Kayla, Camila, and Mike. The trio were in a fervent discussion, planning a meet-up before the commencement of classes.
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Kayla: "Morning everyone! Who's up for some breakfast at the cafe?"
Camila: "Sounds good! But can we make it quick? I need to return some library books before first period. ε=ε=┏( >_<)┛ "
Mike: "I'm in. Need my daily dose of caffeine before I can even think straight."
Zero: "Ok."
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His succinct response sent, Zero quickly made his way to the shower, letting the water cascade over him as he mentally prepared for the day ahead. By the time he was dressed, his mind was fully alert.
Stepping into the campus cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped him. He spotted Mike, Kayla, and Camila at their usual spot by the window. Greetings were exchanged, and soon enough, the quartet was engrossed in a lively conversation, the worries of the upcoming council meeting momentarily set aside as Zero relished the company of his friends.
As the group settled into their chairs and began sipping on their respective morning beverages, Kayla leaned forward with a twinkle in her eye, a sign she was about to delve into her favorite topic. "Speaking of rankings," she began, "what do you guys think about our class ranking?"
Mike shook his head, wiping the froth from his lip, "I am not sure, but I think I know that zero will be ranked first."
Camila, her interest piqued, asked, "probably..., how about carl, he did well in his exams right..?"
Mike answered, " he probably going to rank high also, I am not sure about his academic skill but, he was very strong". Mike continued, "How about you girls, what prediction do you guys have?"
Camila replied, "Im confident I will score high in the written but since I did badly in the running exam probably around 6th to 8th place..."
Kayla chimed in. "I hope ill get in around the fifth place."
Zero just listened, Kayla piped up, "By the way, what's everyone's plan for the day? I heard that after the ranking announcement, we get the rest of the day off."
"I'm hitting the soccer fields," Mike said with a grin, rubbing his hands together. "Our club has been preparing for the upcoming matches."
Camila added, "Library for me. Got some research to catch up on."
All eyes then turned to Zero. "What about you?"
Zero hesitated for a moment before saying, "Actually, I've got a student council meeting."
The table went silent, and three pairs of eyes widened in surprise. "Wait," Kayla blinked, "since when are you on the student council?"
"Well, about that," Zero started, recounting the events of Sunday, the bet he had made with the president, and the subsequent game that led to his surprising new position.
Mike's eyes widened in astonishment. "Wait, let me get this straight. You took on the president in a high-stakes chess match? And not just any president, but Garrett, who's rumored to be practically unbeatable?"
Camila's brow furrowed in concern. "Why would you make a bet like that, Zero?"
Shrugging nonchalantly, he replied, "I was confident in my chess skills. And besides, it's not that big of a deal."
Mike's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You took on President Garrett in a chess match? That's insane! I heard he's been trained by grandmasters."
Kayla nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I've seen him play. He's no joke. But the fact that you beat him, Zero? That's impressive."
Camila, still struggling to process the news, said, "Zero, it's not just about beating him in chess. By becoming a member of the student council, you're entering a whole different world. The politics, the power dynamics, it's a lot to handle. Why take on that challenge?"
Zero sipped his drink, his expression calm. "well, don't worry too much Camila, I was thinking of joining the council before even the bet, and I also think its a good way to learn about politics."
Kayla laughed, "Always the opportunist, huh?"
Mike smirked, "I just can't believe you took a risk like that on a game. It's so unlike you. What if you had lost?"
Zero shrugged, "I won't lose."
Camila shook her head with a mixture of admiration and concern. "Just promise you won't do anything reckless."
Zero smiled, "Don't worry. But on another note, did any of you check the new rankings for the group teams?"
with a sigh, Camila answered, "Yeah.. it was on the academy blog right?"
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First-year team ranking
1st place Team 1 TIME: 3 minutes 59 seconds
2nd place Team 2 TIME: 5 minutes 43 seconds
2rd place Team 3 TIME: 5 minutes 43 seconds
4th place Team 5 TIME: 6 minutes 21 seconds
5th place Team 4 TIME: 6 minutes 43 seconds
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15th place Team 15 Failed.
16th place Team 16 Failed.
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Mike said, "well, I don't really mind second place hehe..."
Camila replied, "look the bell is ringing we should hurry up and go to class so we can hear the announcement."
The melodic chime of the bell reverberated through the corridors, signaling the end of the break and the beginning of a new class period. The four friends shared a quick look of understanding, knowing it was time to make their way to Class 1.
The hallways were a flurry of activity, students from various classes hustling to get to their respective rooms on time. Kayla, Zero, Camila, and Mike, being in the same class, navigated the crowd together. As they approached Class 1, they could already hear the soft hum of conversations emanating from inside, a telltale sign that most students had already settled in.
The classroom door slid open to reveal a scene buzzing with anticipation. Students sat at their desks, some discussing the potential rankings, others impatiently waiting for the announcement to begin. At the front of the room, Professor Emily Bennett adjusted some papers on her desk, giving the impression of being calm and composed despite the rising tension in the room.
As the quartet entered, several heads turned in their direction, a mix of murmurs rising. The combination of their individual abilities and teamwork had made them known figures in the class. Whispers ranged from speculations about their rankings to comments about Zero's recent chess triumph. The four found their seats, nodding at acquaintances and ignoring any whispers of envy or admiration.
Raising her hand for attention, Professor Bennett began, "Settle down, everyone. Today, we will be announcing the rankings for this year. As you all know, these rankings will remain fixed throughout your first year and will only change at the start of your second. I'll announce from the lowest rank."
The room grew silent, the tension palpable.
"RANK 40, Class 1... Thomas Bear." A boy at the back, with sandy brown hair, shifted uncomfortably, a look of disappointment crossing his face.
"RANK 39, Class 1... Rika Katus." A girl with raven-black hair and glasses looked down, her lips forming a tight line.
As Professor Bennett continued, various reactions filled the room. Groans of disappointment, sighs of relief, and even shouts of joy resonated with every announcement. The rankings represented not only a measure of academic and extracurricular success but also a social hierarchy of sorts.
Suddenly, the rhythm was broken by an unexpected announcement, "RANK 7, Class 1... Camila Ava."
Camila's eyes widened in shock, and a flurry of surprised whispers filled the room. She looked at Zero, Kayla, and Mike, her expression a mix of surprise and elation. The friends exchanged proud smiles, knowing how hard she had worked for this achievement.