The central plaza buzzed with tension as the students waited for the results. The towering obelisk in the center of the plaza glowed faintly, its surface shifting with ripples of light as if alive. Whispers filled the air, some students speculating on their ranks, others exchanging hopeful glances.
Eunha stood near the edge of the plaza, arms crossed, her Scholar System analyzing faint traces of patterns in the obelisk's display. The data was limited, but one thing was clear: the rankings wouldn't just reflect who crossed the finish line. They would measure the details performance, resourcefulness, and system mastery.
"This isn't just a race," Eunha muttered to herself.
Beside her, Minho grinned. "I wouldn't mind a ranking system for who hit the hardest. Bet I'd be first."
She shot him a sidelong glance. "Sure. If they ranked based on recklessness, you'd definitely win."
Across the plaza, Seojun leaned against a pillar, his expression calm but his mind racing. His Scholar System was processing probabilities, projecting where he might fall in the rankings. Jiyeon stood nearby, scanning the crowd with quiet interest.
"Think you'll make the top five?" she asked, her tone light but probing.
"I don't think," Seojun replied, his voice steady. "I know."
Jiyeon smirked. "Confidence looks good on you. Let's see if it holds up."
The glowing obelisk shimmered, and Principal Jang Taejin stepped forward. His presence silenced the murmurs instantly, his authoritative aura filling the plaza.
"Today's trial was not just a test of speed or strength," he began, his deep voice carrying across the space. "It was a test of your ability to adapt, strategize, and utilize your systems under pressure. The rankings you are about to see reflect more than just results they reflect potential. Remember this: at Zenith, the potential is everything."
The obelisk brightened, and the first name appeared at the bottom of the rankings.
[Rank #20: ...]
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as the rankings began to climb, each new name displayed in glowing letters. The tension grew with each rank, and the atmosphere thickened as the list reached the top ten.
Eunha's Scholar System pinged faintly as it tried to predict patterns in the ranking algorithm, but the process was too complex. Focus, she told herself. It doesn't matter where they rank me. It matters what I do after.
Minho jabbed her with his elbow, nodding toward the obelisk as the names climbed higher.
[Rank #10: Lee Hyuna]
Hyuna let out a low whistle from across the plaza. "Top ten. Guess my creations made an impression."
Eunha, hearing the name but not yet knowing the person, simply made a mental note. Interesting. I'll have to watch her.
[Rank #7: Kang Minho]
"Not bad," Minho said with a grin. "I'd call that a win."
"Only you would," Eunha replied dryly, though her lips twitched into a faint smile.
As the rankings climbed into the top five, the plaza grew silent. Everyone knew what was at stake now privileges that would shape the entire year at Zenith.
[Rank #5: Seo Eunha]
A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd as Eunha's name appeared. She stood motionless, her face calm, but her mind whirring with thoughts. Fifth place. That's enough for now. I can build from here.
Minho clapped her on the back. "See? All that thinking paid off."
Eunha brushed him off. "Don't get comfortable. This is just the beginning."
[Rank #4: Kim Jiyeon]
Jiyeon's name appeared next, and she allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. "Fourth. Not bad."
Seojun glanced at her. "You aiming for higher?"
She smirked. "Always."
[Rank #3: Seo Seojun]
The crowd stirred again as Seojun's name glowed on the obelisk. His expression didn't falter, but inwardly, he bristled. Third wasn't where he wanted to be.
"Guess we both have room to grow," Jiyeon said, her tone teasing.
"I'm just getting started," Seojun replied.
The final two names appeared, drawing gasps and murmurs.
[Rank #2: Park Jinwoo]
A quiet boy with a Fitness-Combat Hybrid System, Park Jinwoo had gone largely unnoticed during the trial. His high ranking took many by surprise.
"Who's that?" Minho muttered, frowning.
"Someone worth keeping an eye on," Eunha said.
Finally, the obelisk displayed the top rank.
[Rank #1: Lee Soyeon]
The name glowed brightly, and all eyes turned to a small, unassuming girl at the edge of the plaza. She stepped forward with quiet confidence, her expression calm and unreadable.
Principal Jang raised his hand, silencing the whispers. "Lee Soyeon," he said, his tone even. "As the top-ranked student, you are granted the privilege of asking me one question. Choose wisely."
Soyeon nodded, her voice steady as she asked, "What is the key to survival at Zenith Academy?"
Jang's gaze sharpened, and he smiled faintly as if he'd been expecting the question. "Adaptability," he said. "Those who cling to rigid methods or over-rely on their systems will fail. Only those who evolve will survive and thrive."
The obelisk dimmed as Vice Principal Seo Minjae stepped forward. "The top five students have earned two unique privileges," she announced. "First, you will be allowed to take one second-year class in addition to your first-year curriculum. Second, you are the only students permitted to form clubs within your year."
The crowd stirred with excitement and envy. Everyone knew the importance of clubs at Zenith they were power structures, factions that could define the hierarchy for years to come.
Seojun's Scholar System pinged faintly.
[Priority objective identified: Establish club. Recruit strategically to maximize influence.]
Eunha, meanwhile, was already calculating. A club means resources. Influence. A way to outmaneuver him.
The principal stepped forward one last time, his commanding presence quieting the crowd. "Today's trial was only the beginning," he said. "From this moment on, your true journey begins. Remember this: Zenith Academy is not a place for the complacent. It is a crucible. Only those who rise above will remain."
With that, the students were dismissed, and their ranks and privileges burned into their minds. For Seojun and Eunha, the real competition had just begun.