Capítulo 36: Rankings
"The Entrance Exam is over!"
A telepathic voice echoed through the minds of all students still present in the domain.
Most of them looked around in confusion, trying to locate the source of the disembodied voice as it resonated within their very thoughts.
I, however, remained still, lying on the carcass of the massive Wyvern I had killed. I didn't even bother to open my eyes as the voice spoke in my head.
A few hours had already passed since I had slain the shapeshifter and I was still feeling as if I had been run over by a herd of Behemoths.
This entire time I had spent resting and recovering my strength, but unfortunately I was unable to do so before the voice echoed through the domain, announcing the conclusion of the Entrance Exam.
'Well, that's unfortunate…'
I thought.
This meant that I was left with the points I had managed to accumulate before my strength depleted.
The amount was by no means insignificant, but it was also not enough to secure a top spot in the rankings.
Nonetheless, I knew that I had done my best and that was enough.
For now at least.
Whoosh…
Suddenly, I felt my entire body being enveloped in a gentle warmth as a soothing energy washed over me.
Opening my eyes, I noticed that the scenery around me had changed completely. I found myself in a massive hall where the Entrance Ceremony had begun.
Looking around, I saw other students appearing one by one, all of them looking equally confused and disoriented.
One of them accidentally bumped into me and, for some reason, gave ME an angry stare.
"Watch where you are going!"
He hissed through his teeth.
For a second, I had a strange itch to hit him square in the jaw.
Fortunately, or not, the situation didn't escalate any further as the Principal appeared on the podium. His old and wrinkled face looked at us with a small smile.
"Congratulations to all of you for successfully completing the Entrance Exam and being accepted into our prestigious academy!"
He announced and soon a wave of cheers followed his words with some students even falling to their knees out of sheer joy and relief.
The old man waited until the voices died down before parting his lips once more.
"However, as I had mentioned this Exam was to give you all a ranking based on your strength."
His eyes scanned the crowd, making even me a little bit uneasy.
Then, with a swift motion of his hand, he snapped his fingers.
A sudden surge of mana filled the air, crackling with energy.
The ambient light dimmed momentarily, focusing all attention on the podium.
In the blink of an eye, a massive board materialized above the Principal's head, shimmering with a brilliant azure glow. It stretched across the length of the hall, an intricate lattice of mana that seemed both delicate and formidable.
The board pulsed with life, its surface rippling as names began to etch themselves into existence.
Rows upon rows of names, each accompanied by a ranking and a point tally, cascaded down the expanse of mana.
Gasps and murmurs of awe rippled through the students as they craned their necks, scanning for their own names amidst the hundreds displayed.
I gazed up at the board, my eyes drawn to the upper section where the top ranks were prominently featured.
Names I recognized, some I didn't, all in a dance of numbers and letters that showcased their achievements.
"Your performance in the Entrance Exam has determined your initial standing within the academy."
The Principal's voice rang out, clear and commanding.
"These rankings will dictate your classes, your instructors, and the opportunities available to you."
As his words sank in, a mix of excitement and tension brewed within the hall. Students exchanged glances, some smug with satisfaction, others visibly disheartened.
"But remember…"
The Principal continued, his tone growing stern.
"This is merely the beginning. Your journey at our academy is not defined by where you start but by how you rise through perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of excellence."
He let his gaze linger on the crowd, allowing the weight of his message to settle.
"Now, I invite the top ten ranked students to step forward."
A hush fell over the hall as the names of the top ten students glowed brighter on the board.
Narrowing my eyes, I searched the list, curious to see where my own name was placed.
I didn't seem to be placed in the lower brackets nor did I find my name located in the middle.
Quickly, my eyes scanned the upper rankings all the way to the very top.
It wasn't there as well.
All that was left unchecked was the top ten ranks.
And there it was, located at the top yet not exactly at the apex.
⌜Rankings⌝
1. Cordelia Lightreal
2. Arthur Collymore
3. Aveline Shadowblight
4. Ian Pierce
…
…
…
7. Ash Morningstar
I had made it to the top ten!
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder