The Vengeful Extra's Ascension-Chapter 248: New Students!

After that discussion, everything moved forward in a relatively fine way.

The days that followed passed with deceptive normalcy. Albedo spent that time relaxing with Gwen and Seraphyne, and training in preparation for the Academy to restart classes for him.

Nothing much had changed, but he very much wanted to reach the next rank as soon as possible, and Seraphyne helped him with this, constantly training with him to further improve his combat senses and sharpen his foundation.

With all of this happening, soon, the day to return to Zephyr Academy returned, but that day did not arrive with fanfare. It was like any regular day, just now Albedo’s schedule had returned to normal with the Academy back.

Albedo travelled alone to the Academy and when he arrived, he could immediately see alot of changes. The mana in the environment was layered with a massive amount of unfamiliar frequencies.

"...Huh," he murmured, looking around as he walked around the campus.

Students were everywhere as normal, but it was much more than he remembered from the past Semester and all of these students filled the walkways, gathered in clusters, moved in patterns that didn’t quite match the rhythms Albedo had memorized over previous terms.

Some wore Academy uniforms, but there was a large amount of these students that didn’t, wearing high-collared coats marked with clan sigils Albedo didn’t immediately recognize.

All of them were also wearing special accessories that were actually mana artifacts. Such as jewelry that doubled as containment artifacts or even weapons that were definitely not standard-issue for students.

And mana signatures,

Some of them were quiet to the point of being eerie and others were loud in a way that suggested they didn’t care who noticed.

Albedo slowed his pace slightly, letting his perception stretch as he looked all around the campus, taking all of this in.

’Yep,’ he thought dryly as he saw it all, ’Raphaeline wasn’t exaggerating. There’s so many new students,’

He passed a group of second-years whispering animatedly about a transfer student who had apparently accidentally shattered a training construct rated for Gold-rank pressure without even trying.

Nearby, a pair of first-years argued in hushed tones over whether a pale-haired girl with red eyes was "definitely a vampire" or "just really intense."

Albedo didn’t comment, just walking forward confidently, knowing he was more than powerful enough to handle anything that was thrown his way.

He didn’t need to comment after all, but he could definitely already feel the shift in hierarchy forming across various year groups. It was unspoken but instinctive to alot of the weaker students. Predators sizing up former predators. Prey realizing they might be even worse prey now.

Albedo walked quickly and arrived at his homeroom class, which hadn’t changed much at all physically.

Same tiered seating.Same reinforced walls etched with runes meant to withstand any potential magical accidents. Same hum of background wards designed to suppress lethal intent.

But the people, Albedo could spot several unfamiliar faces sat among the usual students.

Some looked calm, others looked bored, and one or two looked actively amused. Some of them stared directly at Albedo, knowing he was the rank #1 and eager to challenge him and prove their worth.

Elara spotted him immediately and lifted a hand in greeting, relief flickering across her face before she masked it behind professionalism. Morgana sat beside her, posture composed, obsidian eyes briefly meeting his before dipping away.

Veronica leaned back in her seat, arms crossed, gaze sharp as she cataloged the newcomers with tactical interest.

Zeus grinned when he saw Albedo, jerking his chin in greeting like they’d just come back from a friendly spar rather than a battlefield soaked in Abyssal corruption.

Lucian wasn’t there, probably doing something with Raphaeline

He took his seat just as the doors sealed themselves shut with a muted thrum. A moment later, the temperature shifted.

Light gathered at the front of the room.

Professor Kayle Belair appeared without ceremony, radiant presence settling into place like the sun choosing to rise indoors.

She looked... sharper than usual.

Her white-gold hair was tied back more tightly, her uniform immaculate, her gold eyes scanning the room with an intensity that made several students straighten instinctively.

She waited until silence was absolute.

Then she spoke.

"Welcome back," Kayle said calmly. "I hope you all enjoyed what rest you were able to get."

No one laughed.

"Before we resume the curriculum," she continued, "there are several matters that must be addressed."

She gestured, and a translucent projection appeared beside her, lists, rankings, names shifting dynamically.

"First," Kayle said, "you have likely noticed an increase in Academy population."

Murmurs rippled through the class.

"Yes," she went on, unfazed. "Transfers. Early admissions. Exceptional candidates from Hidden Clans, ancient lineages, and factions that have previously remained... detached."

Her gaze sharpened.

"They are here because the world is changing."

That landed harder than any raised voice.

"Second," Kayle said, "this term will not be gentle."

She tapped the projection.

"Rank Battles will commence much earlier than scheduled."

That got their attention. Several students stiffened, and alot of the new students smiled, while a few old students paled.

"These battles will not be ceremonial," Kayle continued. "They will be evaluative, decisive and unlike previous years,"

Her eyes swept the room, lingering briefly on the unfamiliar faces.

"Placement is not guaranteed."

The silence thickened.

"Those of you who lose," she said evenly, "may lose your rank."

A collective intake of breath.

"And if you lose to a transfer student," Kayle added, voice cool, "your place may be taken."

She let that sink in.

"Everyone," she concluded, "is at risk."

Kayle straightened, light intensifying subtly around her.

"So I will say this once, and only once."

Her gaze met Albedo’s for a fraction of a second, not as a challenge, but as acknowledgment.

"Be confident," she said. "Or be replaced."

The projection vanished and Kayle stood in front of the class, nodding as she saw everyone buzzing with excitement and ambition.

"Now with that done, let’s begin!"