The grand hall of the academy was filled with a tense anticipation. Students, their families, and various dignitaries waited for the announcement of the test results. The air was electric with nervous energy, and Zar could feel the weight of the moment pressing on him. His nerves weren't just about the test scores themselves, but what they represented—a crucial step toward his future.
As the old man, the examiner, ascended the podium, silence fell over the crowd. His presence commanded respect, and the flickering torchlight cast long shadows across his stern face. He began to speak, his voice echoing through the hall.
"Now, we will announce the results of the general studies test. The students who have excelled will secure their place here, but remember, there are more challenges ahead. But first my Name is Flor Vluhpr i am the Vice-Headmaster "
Zar stood among the other students, his heart pounding. When the examiner started to call out names, the crowd's murmurs grew louder. Zar's attention was razor-sharp, and when he heard the top three names, his focus tightened.
1st Place: "Feng Ilan."
The elf noble stepped forward, his poise and confidence unmistakable. Murmurs of awe swept through the hall; Feng Ilan was renowned for his ambition to become an elemental cultivator, and this result only confirmed his status.
2nd Place: "Ning Elurdia."
The noble human girl moved forward, her demeanor cool and collected. She held herself with a grace that spoke of high expectations and even higher standards. Her second-place finish only added to her formidable reputation.
3rd Place: "Zar."
The room buzzed with surprise as Zar's name was announced. He felt a swell of pride mixed with anxiety. Being among the top three was a significant achievement, but it also meant the spotlight was now on him. He caught glimpses of curious and perhaps envious faces as he took his place. The man continued to announce names but Zar was no longer intersted as he stared directly at his future prey.
9th Place: "Lila."
Zar noticed Lila's relief as she was announced. Though her rank was lower than his, there was a determined glint in her eye that suggested she was far from finished. She gave Zar a brief, encouraging nod.
The old man's voice cut through the noise while announcing after the 44th student Liam Blockhoust, bringing attention back to him. "Congratulations to the top ten students. You have secured your place in the academy. However, we still have further evaluations to determine whether you will be admitted without fees and what classes you will be placed in."
He continued, explaining the academy's class system:
A Class: Reserved for the elite students who show exceptional promise.
B Class: For those who are average but striving to achieve greatness.
Special Classes: Denoted by the colors of their garments
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:Red Garments: 3rd-year students.
White Garments: 2nd-year students.
Blue Garments: 1st-year students.
Green Garments: Either special classes or 4th-year students, indicating advanced status or unique circumstances.
The examiner's next announcement carried a weight of gravity. "There are a total of 44 new students taking this test. If you did not rank in the top 25, you automatically fail, whether you are human or from an upper race. This policy is strict but ensures that only the most capable students advance."
He continued still imposingly , "This year, we already have 200 new students. Tomorrow is the final day for examinations, and we expect another 10 to 20 students to enter. The competition is fierce, and every placement matters."
As the students began to disperse, Feng Ilan approached Zar. His eyes, cold and calculating, bore into Zar's. "Congratualtions on making it to the Top 3, but i doubt you belong here but i wish you the best in future tests." Feng Ilan said, his voice dripping with disdain.
Zar met his gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated. He knew that any sign of weakness would only embolden his rival. "I'm not here to belong," Zar replied calmly.
Feng Ilan's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—disapproval, perhaps, or respect. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Zar with the understanding that their rivalry had only just begun.
Moments later, Ning Elurdia approached Zar. She offered a polite smile and extended her hand. "Zar, congratulations on your placement. It's always interesting to see new faces rise so quickly."
Zar hesitated briefly before shaking her hand. "Thank you. I look forward to seeing what the future holds."
Ning's smile remained as she nodded and walked away. Zar's sharp eyes caught her discreetly discarding the glove she had used to shake his hand. He watched as the glove was tossed into a waste bin, her gesture clear—she saw him as beneath her, a commoner unworthy of true contact. Zar filed away the information, knowing it would be useful to understand who his allies and enemies truly were in this place.