Disappointment & National Rankings!

"I see..." Nathania let out a small chuckle, then cast a meaningful glance at the paper in her hand.

Witnessing this, Ethan could only rue his earlier impulsive words.

However, what he hadn't expected was for Nathania to offer a gentle smile and give him a slight nod.

"No need to feel discouraged, Ethan. This time, you won't find yourself in the fifties rank as before." As her words flowed forth, Ethan gasped in astonishment, while Neil and Aether, who overheard, widened their eyes in disbelief.

"Is that true, Ms. Nathania?" Ethan clenched his fists tightly, and his once-pale face now radiated happiness.

Not only he but the entire class couldn't help but be amazed upon hearing this revelation because, indeed, the last place was always reserved for Ethan, a tradition spanning from first grade to third grade.

"Of course, why would I lie to you?" Nathania smiled gently and confirmed.

In an instant, Ethan was overcome with amazement, joyously leaping up and down.

"Wow! Finally, the years-long curse is broken!" Ethan laughed joyously, as if he had just won the lottery.

"Man, you really did it! I'm so proud to call you my friend!" Neil stood up from his chair and proudly patted Ethan's shoulder, as if Ethan were his closest companion.

In response, Ethan looked at Neil with a smug expression, confidently folding his fat arms across his chest.

"What's this? Are you finally admitting that I'm your friend now that I'm not at the bottom of the ranks?" Ethan snorted arrogantly, ignoring his best friend's praise.

Observing Ethan's demeanor, Neil chuckled and gave him a warm embrace.

"No need to be so upset, buddy. We've been friends for a long time, and you know I can't just forget about my friends." Neil, with his trademark smile, immediately offered an apology, which made Ethan feel a bit better.

Though the smug expression remained, Ethan's tone softened slightly, and he expressed a bit less annoyance.

"True. I'll let it slide this time." His tone carried a touch of kindness; he was no longer as resentful as before.

Meanwhile, Aether refrained from praising Ethan and exchanged a humorous glance with the two of them.

Then he turned his attention to Nathania and raised his hand.

"Sorry to interrupt, Ms. Nathania." Aether's voice broke the silence, causing all eyes in the class to immediately turn toward him.

Aether was known for both his reputation and good looks, so it was quite unusual for him to raise his hand since he was generally seen as aloof and distant.

Nathania's gaze shifted to Aether, and she smiled slightly.

"Oh? Do you have something to add, student Aether?"

Her softened tone was an unexpected change for the other students.

Aether looked at Nathania with a meaningful expression and asked, "So, what's this guy's rank?"

Immediately, Ethan, who had been elated moments ago, widened his eyes in surprise, momentarily forgetting his earlier triumph.

Nathania appeared thoughtful as she examined the paper in her hand, and then a peculiar smile graced her lips.

"Ethan... Rank forty-ninth." Her announcement hung in the air, causing the previously jubilant atmosphere to shift to silence.

Several people regarded Ethan with regretful glances.

Upon hearing this, Ethan froze in shock and stared blankly ahead.

"Well, at least I'm not in last place anymore." Ethan sighed softly, not too disheartened since he had moved up just one rank, which was still an improvement.

Neil, on the other hand, patted his friend's shoulder reassuringly.

"Don't worry, it's progress, even if it's only one spot," Neil sighed, trying to comfort his friend.

Strangely, after hearing these reassuring words, Ethan detected a hint of mockery beneath them.

Just as they began to relax, Nathania furrowed her brow as if she had just recalled something important.

"By the way, I forgot to mention that one of our classmates was expelled for causing trouble, so there are only forty-nine students in this class. She delivered the news with a casual tone.

Instantly, Ethan's face drained of color, and he felt like crying.

"Hey... Don't worry. You can aim for the top next year, even though we're supposed to graduate in a few months," Neil said with his trademark smile.

He patted his friend's back before returning to his seat, as if leaving Ethan behind.

Aether chuckled and couldn't help but feel sorry for his friend.

Not just Aether; the whole class wanted to laugh, but seeing Ethan's pitiful expression, some held back their laughter out of sympathy.

Ethan returned to his seat, his face filled with disappointment.

"Perhaps improving my rank just isn't meant to be." He shook his head and sighed in resignation, retrieving a bag of potato chips from his pocket and eating them silently.

Meanwhile, Nathania maintained her usual demeanor and addressed the entire class.

"This exam marks your last one, and it's hard to believe that you'll be graduating in just a few months," Nathania said with a sincere smile.

A few students who heard this couldn't help but sigh at the thought of leaving the school.

"Alright, I'll now announce the class ranks for each of you." Nathania began to unfold the paper in her hand once more, her voice calm and measured.

"Forty-ninth place, Ethan Drake."

Upon hearing this, Ethan's expression remained sad, and munching on chips was his way of finding solace.

"Forty-eighth place, Frans."

...

"Twenty-third place, Louis."

Nathania continued announcing the class rankings, and the varying expressions in the classroom mirrored the emotional rollercoaster.

Finally, Nathania halted her reading as she reached the top five class rankings.

Her initially indifferent face underwent a subtle transformation.

Her gaze drifted over a few individuals, and she nodded in satisfaction.

"This time, we have five exceptional students who have achieved national recognition, and I will announce their names." Her statement left everyone in awe and shock.

The national ranking consolidated data from academies worldwide, ranking students on a global scale.

Now, five students from their class had earned a spot on the national ranking!

The room fell silent as everyone held their breath, eager to learn the identities of these accomplished individuals.

Meanwhile, Aether's expression remained impassive as he rested his head in his hands.