After about 30 minutes, the celebration phase was over, and everybody started to get in place for the Award Ceremony.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. It's time for the Award Ceremony of this year's Ranking Exams!"
Applause broke out as a group of academy officials walked onto the stage, their formal robes flowing behind them. At the center of the stage stood the Headmaster Scarlett, a tall, imposing figure with Long blue hair and deep blue eyes like the ocean.
"Today, we have gathered to celebrate some of our brightest students as of yet. Although that doesn't mean the rest of our students should give up since they are worse than them."
"Each of you has shown incredible skill, determination, resilience. So, I personally congratulate and commend you for it."
Her gaze shifted towards the top 3 participants, who stood in a neat line at the side of the stage.
Cain Stark was at the forefront, standing with his arms crossed and a confident smirk on his face.
Right behind him, surprisingly, was Sam Dagon, who also looked shocked he was at the fact he was at the 2nd and not at the 3rd place.
Lucas Maxgrave, still visibly shaken from his loss and the shock that came from him being third, stood further back. Though he tried to mask his emotions, he failed terribly.
The reason for these rankings were simple. The AI referee judged that Sam fought better than Lucas.
Of course, the progression of a participant was taken into calculation as well, but the AI referee still decided to reward Sam with 2nd place and not Lucas.
"Now, we will honor the students who managed to get into the top 3 of this years Ranking Exams. Please come forward when your name is stated." the Headmaster continued, pointing towards a podium at the center of the stage.
The announcer's voice called out.
"In third place, showing us outstanding Affinity control, we have Lucas Maxgrave."
The applause was enthusiastic, though noticeably less louder than it had been for his earlier matches.
Lucas stepped forward, his movements stiff as he accepted his medal and certificate from the Headmaster. He bowed slightly, before stepping back.
"In second place, we have a jack of all trades who has shown us a unique fighting style, Sam Dagon." The announcer continued.
Sam hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping forward.
The applause for him was warmer, especially from his peers in the crowd. He accepted his award with a small smile and a nod then returned to his place.
The announcer's voice grew louder, as if he had been holding off just for this moment.
"And finally, a MAN who has shown us how to throw hands right and the dark horse who defied all odds to become the champion, CAAIIIIIN STAAARK!"
The arena erupted in cheers and applause, louder than ever before.
Cain stepped forward with his signature smirk, accepting the golden medal and certificate from the Headmaster.
The Headmaster paused as she handed over the medal, leaning in slightly to say something to Cain. Though the words were inaudible to the crowd, Cain's smirk softened into a small, genuine smile.
He turned towards the audience, raising his medal high in the air. The crowd roared in approval, chanting his name.
"CAIN! CAIN! CAIN! CAIN!"
As the applause gradually subsided, the Headmaster raised her hand for silence.
"These students, even the ones that did not make it to the podium, are the future of Bless Academy, and perhaps the world beyond. Let their achievements inspire you all to push your limits and strive for greatness."
The ceremony concluded with a final round of applause, and the students began to go out of the arena.
I sat in my seat, watching the three of them disappear into the crowd.
I wanted to, but at the same time, I didn't want to think about when and who changed or what might have done these changes.
I couldn't quite make sense of it. Cain Stark, Sam Dagon, and Lucas Maxgrave. Each one of them had left their mark on this tournament in ways no one, not even me, could have predicted.
Cain not only won the tournament, he did it in a cunning and domineering way that made me want to puke from seeing how much of a genius he actually is.
Compared to him Lucas felt like a really spoiled rich kid, which he is, that only used his parents money to get whatever he wanted.
And there was Sam, the protagonist who couldn't get his spotlight. There was something that changed him.
It is as if... somebody came and undid something that fundamentally changed Sam and made his growth falter.
Could there be other readers who came into this world? The system, or rather the soul within the system wasn't all knowing so it may have not known it.
I wanted to confirm it just to be sure so I asked,
"Uhh although it is awkward for me to call someone who used to live system, I don't want to go against your wishes. So system, is there anybody else who came into this world by any chance?"
*Host, you already asked this question. And from what I saw when I looked at the system's database, it didn't seem like there were anybody else although that is a possibility.*
"So, why did you tell me there wasn't anybody back then?"
*...*
*I am sorry but it is almost certain that there isn't anybody who came inside this world from the outside or whatever you may call it.*
"I guess, I am going to talk to Thrimphum about this."
*Wait a goddamn minute you idiot-*
"What did you say? Did you just call me an idiot?"
*Nothing, host. I just thought it might be more beneficial if you don't reveal the system's existence to anybody else. They might try to take advantage, or even experiment with you.*
"That... may be right, but I want to trust him. Because, I feel like I will go crazy if I don't have anybody to confide in."
*It is... not advised to do that, but the choice is yours,*
*host.*