Best representative

The excitement of the rave faded and things went back to normal.

The aftermath of Stage 2 transformed the academy's atmosphere. The selection process had revealed not just the strongest fighters but the underlying currents of ambition, jealousy, and determination that flowed through School 12's hallways. Noah found himself at the center of it all, a reluctant star whose light cast shadows longer than he'd anticipated.

Noah strolled through the east quadrant courtyard, still processing the events of the past few days. His perfect score in Stage 2 had cemented his position atop the Year 1 rankings, but the weight of expectation now hung heavier on his shoulders.

'Perfect score. Perfect target,' he thought wryly. 'Nothing says "please try to knock me down" quite like standing on the highest pedestal. But they are welcomed to try though,'