Class of the Strongest
The world can never have too many heroes—right?
***
"Welcome to class 1-A. I hope all of you have started to understand the way this school runs. Since you're all in class A, you might not realise it, but rankings are critical at this school. The quality of accommodation, food and support all depends on your rank."
The classroom was set out like a small lecture hall. There were several rows of seats with a very large screen at the front of the room. Friendship groups had begun forming as students sat with people they were familiar with.
Sitting beside Kay was a girl who had become quite popular. It seemed that her personality and appearance had attracted the attention of many of the boys in the class. Sitting beside Kay was the first-ranked student, Shiina Lavender.
The teacher pulled up a slideshow and began explaining the inner workings of the school.
"First of all, rankings at this school are very fluid. They can change and move freely based on the results of tests or duels. However, classes only change once a year, so you better start getting used to the people around you."
She showed something which had been installed onto the students' phones.
"On the topic of duels, you can initiate a duel with any student in the school using the Engage app. Simply press on their name and list any conditions. Once both parties accept, the school will facilitate the duel in the arena. The conditions of the duel will be enforced by the school so there will be no foul play. Any fighting outside of the arena will result in serious consequences."
Kay opened his phone and looked at the app. The teacher continued explaining.
"There is a Minimal Damage Field in the arena, meaning that any damage caused in the arena will not be expressed aside from data on a screen. This means that you may fight as hard as you like without worrying about seriously injuring your opponent."
The teacher moved on to the next slide.
"All duels can be rejected. However, students are allowed to duel a student of a higher rank for the purpose of challenging the rank. If the higher-ranked student refuses, the duel will automatically be counted as a loss for them."
The teacher then showed a list of every student in Class 1-A.
"These are the current ranks. The top three students will be given special armbands and will be allowed to attend all student council meetings."
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Student Rankings - First Years
1. Shiina Lavender
2. Ezra Barlowe
3. Alice Sinclair
4. Mateo Whitlock
...
16. Leon Farrier
...
29. Kay Rudiless
...
...
150. Angus Elfwind
-
Suddenly, Kay was given his next task.
[Mission Assigned]
[Defeat any student in a duel]
[Part 1/1]
[Time Remaining: 2 days]
[Failure to Complete: {x1} Wheel of Punishment Spin]
Ah, I guess I'd been too long without a mission.
Looking around at the students around him, Kay decided that it would be best if he challenged one of the lower-ranked students to a duel. Sitting back in his seat, he listened to the teacher continue to describe the details of the school.
"I always hate telling you guys about this, but all classes at this school are optional. There is no roll marking, and there are no punishments for skipping class. However, academic exam results and tournament results will heavily account for changes in rank. I'm just going to say that you guys do not want to be in the lower ranks."
With that, one of the students immediately walked out. A young boy with lush blonde hair and two swords attached to his hip began leaving the room. It was the second-ranked student, Ezra Barlowe, completely disregarding the class and leaving as soon as he was informed that it was allowed.
Some whispers went around the room, but no one joined him.
The teacher continued.
"Ugh... I always get annoyed when this happens, but what can I do? Well, whatever. At this school, you will receive breakfast, lunch and dinner at the cafeteria. The menu is predetermined, although higher-ranked students generally get more choices in meals. Meal times will be sent to your emails. If you miss the time, then you will miss the meal."
The teacher took a breath.
"Well, the thing about this school is that there are always exceptions. As a reward for various different accomplishments, you may be given Universal Tokens. These Tokens grant you access to basically anything as long as you have enough to pay for it. However, these tokens are extremely hard to come by."
The teacher gave some relatively predictable rules around the school, including littering rules and curfew. Eventually, she began talking about the classes scheduled for the day.
"Also, all the facilities of the school are open at all times. Feel free to use them if you ever have a spare period or during recess and lunch... or if you're skipping class..."
Her expression suddenly went miserably dark.
"A-anyway... your timetables have been sent to you. Please check them as there may be some differences between students."
Kay looked down at his phone.
-
Elaine Academy Administration
We hope that you are enjoying your time at Elaine Academy. Your timetable has been attached below. If you have any queries, don't be afraid to reply to this email.
Timetable for Kay Rudiless.
Period 1: Mathematics
Period 2: General Combat Training
Recess
Period 3: English
Period 4: Specialised Combat Training
Lunch
Period 5: Science
Period 6: General Combat Training
Period 7: Extra Combat Training
-
Well, the combat trainings aside, I don't think I'll be going to any of the normal lessons. I guess it'd be a good time for me to work on increasing my strength.
"Well, that's all from me for the time being. If you have any questions, you can see me outside. Otherwise, you should all get ready for your first period."
With that, the teacher packed up her belongings and left the room. Most of the students had first period in the class. However, Kay packed up his items and also began making his way outside.
"Hey, where are you going?" asked Shiina.
"I'm going to the training centre."
"Hold on."
Shiina quickly stuffed her belongings into her bag before following behind him. The two of them slowly walked toward the large, modern training centre that was the most eloquent building in an already well-established school.