As the excitement in the arena began to settle, Sullivan's voice once again commanded attention.
"Now, as for the rewards," he began, scanning the crowd of top rankers,
"the top three students will be given the privilege to enter the recently discovered Runes of the Southern Continent. A treasure trove of ancient knowledge awaits you."
The crowd murmured in awe, understanding the significance of such an opportunity.
"The top ten rankers," Sullivan continued,
"will each have private rooms, complete with state-of-the-art facilities, in the Rankers' Dorm. The fourth-round rewards will remain as announced earlier. And as for our tournament champion, Ray…"
All eyes turned toward the silver-haired figure.
"Ray will have the chance to enter the Pond of Life, a sacred place of miracles and opportunities, and," Sullivan paused for dramatic effect,
"he will be taken as my personal disciple."
A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd. The offer was unprecedented, as Sullivan had rarely taken disciples, let alone a first-year student.
Before anyone could fully process this announcement, Ray raised his hand, his expression as stoic as ever.
"First reward is enough," he interrupted bluntly.
"I don't need a mentor."
The crowd fell silent, shocked by his audacity. Even the VIPs exchanged glances, but none objected. Sullivan himself chuckled, shaking his head.
"Very well, Ray. As you wish."
The announcement resumed.
"Uniforms, each embedded with your respective IDs, will be delivered to your addresses. Inside, you will find instructions and schedules. Classes commence in two days. Use this time to rest and prepare. Congratulations on your admissions, and may you become the protectors Helios needs."
Sullivan's speech concluded to thunderous applause, but the excitement was far from over. Myra stepped forward with a knowing smile.
"Now," she announced,
"it's time for the Noble Clan's Disciple Selection."
-----
As the name suggests, the major clans will select one or two from the rankers, who had shown extraordinary potential, to nurture them and make them perfect in what that clan symbolizes, Like Dragonborne Clan will nurture Sword skills and foot work, while also being taught personally by Dravis himself this time around, Silvus clan nurtures Mages, having few Archmages in their clan, helps trainees in theory and applications, making them proficient in their respective elements, Borris Clan nurtures bodies and Movements with arcane of weapons, Roberts having their own routine....
-----
The atmosphere turned electric as the heads and representatives of major clans stood, their gazes scanning the assembled top rankers.
Dravis Dragonborne was the first to speak.
"The Dragonborne Clan extends offers to Ray and Xavier."
There was no mention of Lily or Henry, as they were already part of the clan.
Grande Silvus followed, her voice regal.
"The Silvus Clan offers a place to Ray and Ririna."
Mikkel Borris rose next.
"The Borris Clan selects Ray and Jake."
Zeema Roberts added with a sly smile,
"The Robert Mercenaries extend an offer of knowledge to Ray, Clea and Henry."
Sullivan announced being a peak powerhouse himself,
"I'll nurture Katherine, Zinni and Ray personally, While Lily will be monitored by Gerald and Klaus".
Ray's name echoed repeatedly, the common denominator among the clans. The Krios family, however, remained notably silent, until Alaric finally stood.
"Lewis will be tutored by me directly," he declared, his voice as cold as his expression.
The room buzzed with mixed reactions. While the other rankers beamed at their selections, Ray's face remained impassive.
"Well?" Myra prompted him, raising an eyebrow.
"Will you accept any of these offers?"
Everyone accepted it by bowing their head and shouting 'Yes Mam!'
"No," Ray replied simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"I already have a master."
The crowd's collective gasp was louder this time. Many perceived his refusal as arrogance, while others admired his unyielding independence.
Despite his blunt rejection, the clan leaders exchanged determined glances. They were far too intrigued by this enigmatic prodigy to give up.
Lily, Katherine, and even Sullivan himself tried to reason with Ray. Luna's soft interjection in his mind nudged him further.
"Fine," Ray relented at last, his voice laden with exasperation.
"I'll accept… if, and only if, you all agree to teach me according to a schedule I set. I'm not becoming anyone's disciple."
The conditions were outrageous, but to everyone's astonishment, they agreed. Even the prideful Dravis looked surprisingly content.
With the formalities concluded, the students began to disperse. Ray, as usual, was the first to leave, uninterested in the celebratory chatter. Using a warp gate, he returned to his inn, his mind focused only on sleep.
Feeding the eggs their share of food, he barely noticed the faint glow emanating from one of them before collapsing into his bed. Sleep claimed him almost instantly, the trials of the day finally fading into darkness.
-----This End our Training and Selection Arc-----
----- Academy Arc Commences------
NOTE: Try to remember as many characters as you can, any named character will have a part in main plot, Next arc will quite long...Cheers!!