The air felt electric as the morning sun bathed the Academy's courtyard in soft light. Today was the day the official rankings from the trials would be released, and a sense of anticipation hung over the crowd of students gathered outside the main hall. Some were chatting eagerly, others were silent, eyes filled with nervous excitement, while a few speculated on their positions with a sense of smugness. I, however, could hardly think about anything else but the rankings.
I had faced Aric, defeated him, and I had made it through the trials. But how would I measure up against the others? I had no illusions. The competition was fierce, especially with the caliber of students at the Academy. Still, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anxiety in my chest.
Cassandra stood next to me, as always, her posture relaxed but with a glint of curiosity in her eyes. She had witnessed my fight and knew the effort I had put into the trials.
"Ready to find out where you stand?" she asked, her voice teasing yet full of genuine interest.
I gave her a tight smile, trying to play it cool. "I suppose I'll find out soon enough."
Just as I was about to say more, a professor emerged from the building, a large scroll in hand. The crowd fell into a hushed silence, waiting for the moment that would define the next phase of our journey at the Academy.
"The rankings have been decided," the professor announced, his voice projecting across the courtyard. "The students' performances in the trials have been evaluated, and the final standings are now ready to be revealed."
A collective breath was held as the professor unrolled the scroll, the crowd shifting with nervous energy. He began to call out names, starting with the lowest-ranked students. The murmurs of disappointment and a few supportive cheers filled the air as the rankings climbed higher.
Finally, the professor reached the top ten. I felt my heart pound harder in my chest.
"Rank one," the professor called, "is Prince Kieran of the Kingdom of Valoria."
A ripple of surprise and respect spread through the crowd. It was no surprise to anyone that the prince, with his impeccable lineage and martial prowess, had claimed the top spot. Prince Kieran was known far and wide, his name synonymous with strength and leadership. Even now, as he stood among the students, his regal presence demanded attention. His piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd, and for a moment, it felt as though the entire Academy's future rested on his shoulders.
"Rank two," the professor continued, "is Lady Seraphina of House Vaelor."
A noblewoman of unmatched skill, Lady Seraphina was known throughout the kingdom as a brilliant tactician and a warrior of unparalleled grace. Her platinum-blonde hair and sharp green eyes set her apart, and she had a reputation that preceded her. The crowd murmured her name with respect as she stood tall, her stance proud and composed, as if she had expected nothing less than second place.
"Rank three," the professor called next. "Caelum Astralis."
I froze for a moment, the realization sinking in. Third place. My breath caught, and I could feel the eyes of the students around me shift toward me. There were surprised looks, and even some whispers of admiration. The son of Duke Astralis ranked third? It was a solid result, but part of me couldn't help but feel a sting of disappointment. I had hoped for more. But I had also known that I wasn't the only one with a legacy to uphold.
I could feel Cassandra's gaze on me, and when I glanced at her, I saw a proud smile on her face. "You did well," she said quietly, her voice full of approval.
"Rank four," the professor continued, "is Liliana, daughter of the House of Loria."
Liliana, the white-haired girl with the sharp gaze, stood a little straighter at the mention of her name. I glanced over at her. She had ranked fourth, which was impressive in its own right. Her skill had been evident during the trials, but I hadn't realized she was that high up. Liliana gave me a knowing smile when our eyes met, as if she had expected this moment all along.
"Rank five," the professor called. "Lady Eveline of House Darnell."
Another noble name. Lady Eveline had been one of the more refined students, her noble bearing matching her reputation. A skilled fighter and diplomat, she was the type of student who excelled in both the physical and intellectual aspects of the trials. She smiled graciously as her rank was revealed, a calm and controlled expression on her face.
"Rank six," the professor said next, "is Ryker Darnell, commoner."
There was a collective pause at the mention of Ryker's name. A commoner—ranked sixth. It was unexpected, and the crowd's murmur shifted from surprise to a kind of reluctant respect. Ryker had been a quiet presence during the trials, but his skill had been undeniable. With dark brown hair and an unassuming demeanor, he hadn't appeared to be anything extraordinary at first. But he had proved himself in the arena, and now his rank spoke for itself.
The professor continued, listing the rest of the students' ranks, though I barely heard the names anymore. The first ten were the ones that mattered most. As the professor finished reading off the names, I glanced at the rest of the students. Some looked disappointed, others seemed relieved, and a few were even congratulating their friends.
Cassandra clapped me on the back. "Third place, huh? Not bad at all. Prince Kieran and Lady Seraphina were bound to take the top spots. But you're right there among the best."
I nodded, trying to keep my composure. "I guess it's not so bad. But I'll have to work harder if I want to stay close to them."
Liliana stepped up beside me, giving me a smirk. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Third place means you're in the right company, Caelum. And don't forget, Prince Kieran's got a lot to prove, too."
I chuckled. "Yeah, I suppose he does."
The rankings had been revealed, and while I hadn't placed at the top, I had secured a respectable position. I was in the midst of the most powerful students in the Academy, and that meant something. But it was just the beginning. The real challenge would be proving that I belonged here—not just because of my name, but because of my own strength.
The Academy's trials had just begun, and I was determined to keep moving forward.
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