Chapter 33:

"So that’s the Director of the academy," Theon whispered as he stared at the retreating back of Orion Starweaver.

’I could instantly tell that this man— has already reached the pinnacle of this world.’ His gaze lingered, then his eyes shifted towards the stage once more at the sudden appearance of another presence.

This time it was a man, looking to be at his early thirties.

His luscious black hair that gently flowed down his back, and his eyes glowed a dangerous crimson hue. He wore the usual Academy uniform for instructors, except his design was different.

It was a black suit with golden trims all around it, but he wore a large black and gold coat above it, that hung loosely on his shoulder.

Five golden stars were imbedded on the top-right side of the coat.

His expression remained cold as he walked towards the center of the stage.

His presence was— suffocating.

It was not as overwhelming as the Director’s, but it was still strong enough to leave many students unable to breathe.

"Good morning students," The instructor started. "I think the director has already said enough, so I will just jump straight into the formalities—"

The students listened attentively.

"For most of you, this isn’t the first time doing the ranking events," His gaze shifted towards the second and third year students, then back to the first year students.

"As for the rest of you— you’re still all relatively new to the ranking events, so I will begin by explaining what the events will entail of."

All ears within the arena perked up.

"The ranking events is going to last three days— mainly because of the first years." He started. "The first years ranking events will be of three different phases. The first phase will be a trial of survival. This will take place on the first day.

Students will be teleported into different regions. The objective is simple. Kill beasts. Collect beast cores and find secret academy tokens that will be hidden all around."

His eyes scanned the students, then he continued.

"The second phase will be a challenge, where we will test your adaptability, teamwork, and strategy. As for the last phase."

His eyes flickered back to the second and third years. "This will be the final phase of the ranking events and also where the second and third year students will participate. It will be a dueling event. Students of lower ranks will be giving the opportunity to challenge any student of a higher rank of their choice. If they’re to win, they take that rank— if they lose, they maintain they’re old rank."

"As for the first years, theirs will be a little different— the points obtained in the first two phases will be totalled and that is what will be used to calculate the first year rankings— and of course, the first years will also be given the same privileges as their seniors. If you’re not okay with your rank, you can always challenge those above you."

A dangerous smile appeared on the instructors face.

"Now here is the twist—" He paused. "As you all know, the academy doesn’t only have a ranking for each year, but there is also a general ranking— where each student is ranked regardless of whether they are first years or third years."

The first year students gasped. They all understood what he meant. The general rankings meant, even a first-year could be the number one student in the entire academy.

"I’m guessing you already know what that means—" The grin on the instructors face widened. "The first years will also be given the opportunity to challenge anybody above them, within the general ranking list."

In that moment, the whole arena erupted into murmurs. Multiple students already began having multiple thoughts about challenging second years and third years— well, at least those who were strong thought they could.

’Just as I thought,’ a small grin slowly formed on Theon’s face. ’This really is the perfect opportunity to get my revenge on Adrian.’

"That’s enough!" The instructor said calmly, but the pressure he released subtly increased promptly shutting the students mouths.

"That should be a discussion for another day. But as for now, let me explain what the first phase entails. As I said before, it’s going to be a test of survival where the objectives is to kill and collect beast cores or find the academy’s token.

Each region contains beasts ranging between the rank of F rank to C rank. F rank beasts cores are worth one point. E rank, 5 points. D rank, 20 points and C rank 50 points. As for the academy tokens, they are each worth a hundred points."

Theon nodded his head attentively. ’I understand. This is somewhat similar to the assessment Instructor Gerald gave us during his third class. Except this one seems a little bit more difficult.’

"As for the rules, they are quite simple. You only have three hours to find and collect the beast cores and tokens. Killing other students is not allowed. Of course you could always defeat your opponent and take what is theirs, but no killing."

He paused once more and lifted one of his hands.

"This event is going to be broadcasted live as well, so do your best and don’t embarrass the Starlight academy."

A soft exhale escaped from his mouth.

"With all that being said and done—" a small smile spread on his face. "Let’s begin the first phase of the ranking events."

He snapped his fingers.

The moment he did, the first year stand in the arena began to glow brightly. The students eyes seemed to widen, and the very next moment they all disappeared.

The multiple large floating screens that surrounded the arena and displayed the current rankings of the students suddenly changed.

It displayed countless landscapes, some snowy, others marshy and others as dry as a desert.

All eyes within the arena shifted towards the screens as they all watched with intense focus.

The instructor standing on the stage smiled, his crimson eyes glowing once more. ’Now let’s see what this set of freshmen have for us.’

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The blazing sunlight immediately hit Theon’s face as his eyes opened slowly.

He grabbed his stomach softly.

"Ugh!! This nauseating feeling. I can recognize it anywhere!" 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

His eyes scanned the landscape before him. Everywhere was dry. Hot winds blew across the dry land raising what looked like red dust.

The sun burned intensely above him, causing his face to develop beads of sweat.

Suddenly, his eyes sharpened and he moved his head slightly.

Just enough to feel something sharp and fast whiz past him.

His eyes narrowed at the shadowy figure before him.

"I guess the ranking events have officially begun."

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