Chapter 11: Announcements and Surprises

The bustling atmosphere on Stellar Academy's field echoed across every corner of the campus. Freshly admitted students gathered in eager anticipation. The Battle Royal exam had concluded, and the moment everyone awaited—the results announcement—had finally arrived. Whispers swirled about who would make the top ten and which class they would be assigned to.

At the forefront stood Airi, the respected head of Stellar Academy, poised to deliver the results. With a calm smile and graceful demeanor, she commanded the attention of every student.

Airi: (speaking in a loud, authoritative voice) "Welcome to Stellar Academy! Today, we will announce the top ten rankings from the Battle Royal exam you all fought so hard in."

Applause and cheers erupted. Every student's eyes locked onto Airi—some brimming with hope, others trembling with nerves.

Airi: (raising a sheet of paper and beginning the roll call) "I will now announce the top ten. First place…"

Airi: "Alya Celestia."

The cheers grew louder as Alya's name rang out. She stepped forward confidently, a faint smile on her face, and accepted her student card from Airi with a respectful nod.

Airi: "Kristoffer Von Celestia."

Kris, radiating charisma to rival Alya's, strode forward calmly. Applause followed, though slightly muted compared to Alya's, confirming her standout performance.

Airi: "Sallivan D. Lyrith."

An air of mystery enveloped Lyrith, whose veins carried the blood of the Demon King's lineage. Some students eyed him warily, yet none could hide their awe at his power.

Airi: "Azariel Seraphis."

His handsome face captivated the crowd, while the radiant halo above his head exuded divinity. Azariel stepped forward calmly, his sharp gaze sending a few students shuffling backward.

Airi: (continuing steadily) "Wang Ying Yue. Lee Seo Ryun. Keira Draconfall. Alan Ashford. Sahra Qadir. Sierra Luisa."

The remaining names were called until all ten stood before the crowd. Each received their student card personally from Airi, who offered individual congratulations.

Airi: (returning to the center of the stage) "Those in the top ten will be placed in Class S, under the direct guidance of Lucas Von Celestia, the Sword Saint himself, as your combat instructor!"

Thunderous cheers erupted across the field. Envious yet impressed murmurs rose from the crowd, while the top ten wore varied expressions—some prideful, others composed, masking their true feelings.

Airi: (energetically continuing) "For those not in the top ten, class placements will be displayed on the screen ahead. Find your names and proceed to your designated class stations to collect your student cards."

Raka and Lily, standing among the crowd, exchanged glances before rushing toward the screen. Their names were clearly listed under Class B.

Lily: (halting abruptly, scowling) "Class B? I thought I'd at least make Class A. I even defeated Selene!"

Raka: (smiling gently to reassure her) "Class B isn't bad, right? We'll still have plenty of chances to prove ourselves. Besides, it's better than I expected."

Lily: (snorting, crossing her arms) "I hate losing."

They headed to the Class B station, where Thalassius and Selene stood waiting.

Lily: (mocking Thalassius with a smirk) "Heh. Never thought we'd end up in the same class as the people we beat."

Thalassius: (unfazed, calmly) "This is a humiliation for me, but what can I do? The academy's decision stands."

Lily fell silent, clenching her fists in irritation. Raka stifled a small smile, knowing how much she hated when others remained calm under her taunts.

Selene: (staring at Raka with a sharp, unreadable gaze) "…"

Raka: (shifting awkwardly under her stare) "Is something wrong, Selene?"

Selene didn't answer. Without a word, she turned and walked to the station to collect her card. Raka sighed, confused and slightly uneasy.

After receiving their cards, Lily pulled Raka away from the crowd. Her expression softened as they escaped the chaos.

Lily: (suddenly serious) "Hey, Raka. Come to my room tonight. There's something important I need to discuss."

Raka: (puzzled, nodding slowly) "Uh, sure. But what's this about?"

Lily: (smirking mysteriously) "You'll find out later. Don't forget—here's my room number."

She handed him a slip of paper, waved, and walked off. Raka glanced at the note, then up at the clear sky, as if sensing his new life at the academy had only just begun.

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[To Be Continued]