The training grounds were louder than usual.
Not from shouting—
But from whispers.
"Ranking today…"
"Already?"
Students gathered in clusters, eyes fixed toward the front.
Adrian stood still, hands at his sides.
So this is where things start to separate.
At the front—
Instructor Darius Varn stepped forward.
Behind him, two assistants carried a large wooden board.
The moment it was placed upright—
Silence fell.
"From today," Darius said, voice calm but firm,
"your performance will be recorded."
His gaze swept across the students.
"Your rank will determine your opportunities."
A pause.
"Strength alone is not enough. Control, consistency, and results—
all of it will be reflected."
Then—
He turned slightly.
"Look."
All eyes moved to the board.
The Ranking Board
Names were carved in clean rows.
At the top—
Rank 1 – Seraphina Valen
No surprise.
A few murmurs still spread.
"Of course…"
Rank 2 – Leonhart Vale
Silent.
Expected.
Rank 3 – Victor Falken
A faint scoff came from his direction.
"…Third?"
But he said nothing more.
Below them—
Rank 4 – Elena Morcant
Rank 5 – Cedric Hale
Rank 6 – Adrian
A ripple spread immediately.
"Rank 6?"
"That's the baron's son…"
Adrian didn't react.
Fair.
Further down—
Rank 9 – Lila Ardent
She stared at the board quietly.
Not satisfied—
But not discouraged either.
Near the bottom—
Rank 18 – Bruno Hale
"…WHAT?!"
His voice broke the silence.
"I should be at least top ten!"
A few students laughed.
Reactions
Victor crossed his arms.
"Tch. This won't last."
His eyes shifted briefly—
Toward the top.
Leonhart said nothing.
But his gaze moved—
Briefly—
Toward Adrian.
Seraphina remained calm.
Unbothered.
But as she stepped back—
Her eyes met Adrian's for a moment.
Just a moment.
Dorm Assignment Announcement
Darius spoke again.
"Your rank determines your residence."
A small stir ran through the group.
"Top-ranked students receive private quarters."
"Mid-ranked—shared rooms."
"Lower-ranked—group dormitories."
A clear system.
Reward and pressure.
"Assignments have been prepared."
Dorm Area
The academy grounds extended far beyond the training fields.
Stone pathways.
Tall buildings.
Each section clearly divided.
Adrian walked toward the mid-tier residence.
Not luxurious.
But clean.
Organized.
Inside—
A two-person room.
Simple beds.
A desk.
A window overlooking the courtyard.
"…Not bad," Adrian muttered.
"Hey—you're my roommate?"
A voice came from behind.
Adrian turned.
A lean boy stood there, adjusting his sleeves.
Sharp eyes.
Calm expression.
"Felix Arden," he said.
"Viscount family."
Adrian nodded.
"Adrian."
Felix stepped inside, glancing around.
"Rank 6," he said casually.
"Higher than expected."
Adrian sat down.
"Rankings change."
Felix smiled faintly.
"They do."
Dorm Conversation
Felix leaned slightly against the desk.
"Do you understand what the ranking really means?"
Adrian didn't answer.
So Felix continued.
"Duels got you here."
A pause.
"But missions will define you."
Adrian's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Missions?"
Felix nodded.
"Team-based assignments."
"Real scenarios."
"Combat, strategy… survival."
"So duels aren't everything," Adrian said.
"Not even close."
Felix's tone remained calm.
"Some top duelists fall fast outside controlled fights."
A small pause.
"Others rise."
Adrian leaned back slightly.
Good.
Corridor – Later
As Adrian stepped out—
Footsteps approached.
Seraphina.
She stopped near him.
"Rank 6."
Her tone was neutral.
Adrian met her gaze.
"Temporary."
A brief pause.
"…We'll see," she replied.
Then walked past him.
Rival Tension
Further down the corridor—
Victor Falken stood with a few others.
His eyes landed on Adrian.
"Don't get comfortable."
A faint smirk.
"That position isn't yours to keep."
Adrian didn't stop walking.
"Then take it."
A brief silence followed.
Then—
Victor laughed slightly.
"…I will."
Final Announcement
Later that evening—
A bell rang across the dorms.
Students stepped out into the halls.
A voice echoed—
"Prepare."
A pause.
"From tomorrow…"
"…official challenges begin."
The air shifted.
Heavier.
Sharper.
Adrian stood by the window of his room.
Looking out at the academy grounds.
Ranks.
Rivals.
And now—
Challenges.
A faint smile appeared.
"…Good."