Deep within the shadowed halls of the Elven Kingdom, tension crackled between two figures. The air was thick with disappointment and pressure.
"Lilith... you fucking loser," hissed a tall, slender elf with sharp features. "You're ranked 132 on the elves' leaderboard. Yet you lost to a mere human? Disgraceful."
Lilith clenched her fists, her voice trembling with restrained frustration. "That human is ranked number 7 on the human leaderboards. I never stood a chance."
The other elf sneered, her eyes narrowing. "Ranks aside, the faction war is coming. Do you think we can increase our standings?"
Lilith straightened, her voice firm. "Of course. Our faction is ranked 54 globally, and our leader is ranked 31. We're definitely guaranteed to rank up."
The elf's gaze softened slightly but remained skeptical. "I guess that's true. But what about the Ancient Sage? Any clues about him?"
Lilith shook her head, her frustration evident. "No... that man is a mystery. He's not even on the leaderboards, yet he somehow defeated Dexter. It's like he doesn't exist."
"Hmmm," the elf mused. "Well, whatever. We've been invited to Grannis Academy by Ademanis, the principal. We should see what they want."
*Back to Grannis Academy*
We stood in the aftermath of our battle, the adrenaline still pulsing through our veins. Victory tasted sweet, but I knew this was just the beginning.
"Guys, let's hear about our rank increments," I suggested, eager to see how far we'd come.
Yuri's eyes sparkled as she spoke first. "I went up to 582,623,732. Finally, some progress!"
Amara adjusted his glasses, a slight smile on his lips. "I'm now at 419,399,380. Still a long way to go."
Felix's voice was calm but carried a hint of pride. "198,383,930. Sub 200 million. We're getting there."
I nodded, pleased with our progress. "I'm at 538,377,388. And you, Ryota-san?"
Ryota's expression remained unreadable as he answered. "599,283,828."
His rank had improved the least, a consequence of his defeat. Yet, his face betrayed no emotion—no frustration, no disappointment. Just the same unwavering confidence.
Felix clapped Ryota on the back, breaking the silence. "No worries, Ryota. We'll have more opportunities to grow. For now, let's head to the main grounds. I heard the principal wants to make an announcement."
"Yeah, let's go," Yuri chimed in, her excitement palpable.
We made our way to the assembly grounds, where a sea of students had already gathered. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, everyone whispering about the upcoming announcement.
Principal Ademanis, a tall figure with an imposing presence, stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Ahem. Attention, everyone. I have an important announcement to make."
The crowd fell silent, every eye trained on him.
"I'm pleased to inform you about the Rank Tournament," Ademanis began, his voice carrying across the assembly ground. "This tournament is being conducted by the Government of Marenbell, with twenty schools participating. It's a major event, and the students involved will have the opportunity to increase their ranks significantly."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. This was the chance we had been waiting for.
"The event will be based on combat—a free-for-all where everyone battles together," Ademanis continued. "You may form factions to make this event easier, but remember, the tournament ends when only a single faction or student remains. The winners will be greatly rewarded. And, as a bonus, many high-ranking individuals will be watching."
The stakes couldn't be higher. This tournament wasn't just a chance to increase our ranks; it was an opportunity to get noticed by the most powerful figures in the world.
I exchanged glances with my teammates, a shared resolve in our eyes. We had to win this tournament, no matter the cost.
It had been a week since the announcement of the Rank Up Tournament, and today was the day it would finally take place.
We had trained hard, relentlessly, in preparation. Our combat power had increased significantly, and our ranks had risen alongside it.
**Updated Ranks**
- Yuri: 563,633,738
- Amara: 397,293,730
- Felix: 184,738,337
- Komaru: 519,373,394
- Ryota: 597,336,377
Although Ryota hadn't seen a large jump in his rank, there was no denying that he had made some progress.
"Hey Komaru, do you know where the tournament will be held?" Yuri asked, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"I don't," I replied honestly. None of us had been told the location or the format.
"I think we should head to the assembly grounds," Felix suggested as he glanced out the dorm window. "It looks like the principal is preparing to make an announcement."
We all made our way to the assembly grounds. A large stage had been set up, and the entire student body gathered, a nervous excitement in the air.
The principal stepped forward, his voice commanding the attention of the crowd.
"Attention, everyone," he began. "Today marks the start of the Rank Up Tournament. I know you're all feeling both excited and nervous, but to help ease those nerves, I'd like you all to meet some very special guests."
From behind the stage, a group of seven figures emerged, and the crowd erupted into murmurs of recognition.
"Woah."
"It's them."
"I can't believe they're here."
"I'm seeing them for the first time."
The excitement was palpable.
The principal chuckled. "As you've all noticed, these individuals are members of the faction *Catalog*."
*Catalog.* The name alone commanded respect. It was the second-highest-ranked faction for humanity, ranking 21st globally. All of its members were in the top 1,000.
"They're here today not just as guests, but as observers. Their ranks and power speak for themselves. Let me introduce you to them."
One by one, the principal introduced the seven members.
"First, we have *Darius Vayne*."
Darius, with his silver hair and piercing blue eyes, stepped forward, his cold gaze sweeping across the crowd.
"Darius is ranked *223rd* on the human leaderboard. His Trick, *Tempest Blade,* allows him to manipulate wind into lethal blades. He's renowned for his speed and precision."
The crowd buzzed with awe. Darius barely acknowledged the attention.
"Next, we have *Alina Cirrus*."
Alina, with her ethereal white hair and distant pale blue eyes, moved forward.
"Ranked *204th,* her Trick, *Spectral Winds,* creates disorienting illusions, making her a master of strategy."
She didn't smile or wave, but her presence alone seemed to captivate everyone.
"Now, *Zayne Orion.*"
Zayne's jet-black hair and golden eyes made him stand out immediately.
"Ranked *178th,* Zayne's Trick, *Stellar Shroud,* allows him to manipulate light, making him invisible or blinding his enemies."
His subtle smirk was enough to send chills down the spines of the onlookers.
"Next is *Iris Valen*."
Iris, with her sharp emerald eyes and green hair, stepped forward.
"Ranked *140th,* her Trick, *Obsidian Thorns,* lets her summon nearly indestructible vines for both offense and defense."
The thorny patterns on her armor seemed to hum with power.
"Then we have *Rowan Lockhart*."
Rowan's fiery red hair and glowing tattoos exuded confidence.
"Ranked *102nd,* his Trick, *Arcane Forge,* allows him to create weapons and armor out of energy, adapting to any situation."
Rowan's wink and broad grin earned him immediate admiration from the crowd.
"Next, *Barry Luxon*."
Barry's spiky blond hair and cocky grin matched his confident demeanor.
"Ranked *96th,* his Trick, *Lightbreaker,* manipulates hard light, creating barriers, weapons, and projectiles."
He casually demonstrated a flicker of his Trick, twirling a light weapon in his hand.
"And finally, *Eve Malraux.*"
Eve's sleek black hair and silver eyes held an intense, analytical focus.
"Ranked *68th,* her Trick, *Phantom Edge,* lets her summon spectral weapons, which she wields with unmatched skill."
The crowd's reverence for her was obvious. She was fearsome, cold, and powerful.
After the introductions, Eve stepped forward.
"We're part of Catalog," she began, her voice steady and commanding. "Out of the top 30, 12 are from our faction."
That fact alone was humbling. These seven weren't even the strongest members of their own faction, yet they were leagues beyond any of us.
The principal resumed, "These warriors will be observing your performances in the tournament. Who knows? Some of you may even catch their attention."
The crowd erupted into excited murmurs. To be noticed by Catalog? That was an honor beyond imagination.
"As for the tournament," the principal continued, "it will take place in an arena outside the academy grounds. You will be transported there shortly, where the rules will be explained further. Focus, and give it your all."
With that, the assembly ended, and the buzz of anticipation only grew.
"I can't believe it," Amara said, excitement uncharacteristically evident in his voice. "So many strong individuals will be watching us."
"Yeah, but we need to stay focused," Felix reminded us, remaining calm despite the overwhelming energy around him.
"And there'll be even more high-rankers observing during the tournament," Yuri added, her excitement barely contained.
"Who gives a fuck about them?" Ryota suddenly interrupted, smirking. "I could solo their entire faction if I wanted to."
As soon as the words left his mouth, an intense pressure filled the air. We all froze, goosebumps running down our arms.
"Solo our faction?" A chilling voice came from behind us. It was Iris Valen. The bloodlust she exuded was enough to bring us all to our knees. She stepped toward Ryota and flicked his forehead, sending him flying with minimal effort.
"Enough, Iris," Eve commanded, stepping in to stop her.
She turned to Ryota. "What's your name?"
"M-my name i-is Ryota… and I-I'm… the strongest being…ever," Ryota stammered, his voice shaking.
"Strongest, huh?" Iris sneered. "You can barely speak. You're weak."
Eve's expression turned cold. "What's your rank?"
"597,336,377," Ryota answered, his voice low.
Eve scoffed. "So you really are weak. Let's go, Iris."
As they walked away, Iris threw one last jab. "I'll be watching you get humiliated in the tournament, Ryota."
After they left, we helped Ryota to the medical team. He was healed quickly, but Iris had clearly held back.
"Now everyone's watching us, thanks to you," Amara muttered, still angry.
"Let's not let this distract us," Yuri interjected, trying to rally us. "What's done is done. We can't change it. We just need to focus on doing our best."
We waited, bracing ourselves for the events to come.
Lie Counter-3