Rank giving ceremony

"It has been a year since the Central Academy was broken into by monsters now being called griffinches. Luckily, there were no casualties, as the teachers swiftly subjugated the monsters. Since that incident, there have been no further attacks. Could it have been a coincidence, or was it planned? This is Juliet, reporting live from Academy City."

A pale-skinned woman with an immaculate complexion stood in front of the academy's towering main building, the city's skyline visible behind her.

In the subway, a girl watched the report before switching off her cyber screen. Winter had come, and the streets above were blanketed in snow. She wore a gray coat and high boots—part of the academy's winter uniform. Her outfit looked pristine and freshly issued. Despite the gloves on her hands, the biting cold reddened her pale skin.

"I can't wait to become a ranker so the cold feels like a summer breeze," she thought as the cyber train came to a stop. Quickly, she exited and made her way to the subway's exit.

When she emerged onto the surface, the winter wind howled past her face, whipping her jet-black hair in its icy grip. The headscarf she wore offered little protection. She hesitated for a moment, shivering, but soon resumed walking toward the academy.

At the entrance, she wasn't alone. Scores of students were making their way to the school, their breath visible in the frosty air. It was the start of a new year, and both returning and new students were arriving.

The girl herself was a new student. She had just completed her general education at her clan's most prestigious school in Asia and was eager to begin her journey at the best Ranker academy in the world.

"The academy is truly huge," she mumbled, marveling at the grand structure before her.

---

All the students gathered in a vast hall that resembled an opera house more than an assembly hall. The intricate chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room as the voices of excited students buzzed softly.

Principal Benedict, a commanding figure with a calm demeanor, took the stage as the master of ceremonies.

"Welcome, both old and new students! My name is Principal Benedict, and I am pleased to see you all in good health. Last year brought its challenges, both personal and for the school, but now is the time to learn from those experiences and work even harder toward our goals. With that said, I would like to call upon the new recruits and assign them their designated ranks."

The students were called to the stage in groups of fifty. Each group was handed white badges that, when worn, displayed the wearer's rank. Students were then directed to seats corresponding to their ranks.

The girl approached the stage when her group was called. Principal Benedict paused briefly, studying her face with a knowing smile.

"And now, our highest-ranked student among the recruits: Ria of Clan Bing," he announced.

A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall as Ria walked onto the stage, her gaze as cold as the winter air outside. Her flawless, snow-white skin seemed to amplify her icy aura. From that day on, she would be known as the "Ice Princess," a title fitting for the heiress of Clan Bing.

Ria received an A+ rank, a rarity among recruits, and was immediately assigned to the elite A-class.

After the rank-giving ceremony, the students were treated to an elegant evening of classical music and opera, followed by a grand ballroom party.

High-ranking students, including upper-classmen, flocked to greet Ria. Despite the warmth of the party, her demeanor remained composed and frosty, further cementing her reputation as the Ice Princess.