The results were out.
Out of twelve thousands of students, only five would be chosen to represent their academy in the Grand Academic Event at AP Academy.
And now, the moment had arrived.
The Five Chosen Ones
Principal Basanta Kutum stood at the podium, his cold gaze sweeping across the students. Beside him, Miss Ananya Kutum held the ranking list in her hands.
"After careful evaluation, we have selected the five strongest students to represent our academy."
A heavy silence fell over the crowd.
Miss Ananya stepped forward. "The chosen five are—"
1. Mri—SS Rank (The Only One).
2. Jasmine—S Rank.
3. Ayang—S Rank.
4. Tanuja—S Rank.
5. Shahid Morang—S Rank
The moment Mri's name was announced as an SS Rank, the entire crowd erupted in shock.
"WHAT?!"
"SS Rank?! The only one?!"
"That means he's stronger than even the instructors?!"
Miss Ananya couldn't hide her surprise either. She knew Mri was strong, but an SS Rank? That was unheard of.
Even Basanta Kutum's eyes gleamed with interest. He had suspected Mri was special, but this confirmed it.
Mri, on the other hand, remained calm. He expected this.
A Private Conversation
After the announcement, Principal Basanta called Mri into his office.
The room was dimly lit, bookshelves lining the walls. Basanta sat behind his desk, fingers intertwined.
"You're the first SS Rank this academy has seen in decades." His voice was low, almost unreadable.
Mri leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "And?"
Basanta's gaze sharpened. "Power attracts danger. Be prepared."
Mri smirked. "I already am."
The Principal studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Then let's see how you handle what comes next."
The Invitation
Later that night, as Mri was heading back to his dorm, he noticed an envelope slipped under his door.
It was sealed with a strange emblem—one he didn't recognize.
Inside, a simple message:
"We know what you are. Meet us at the rooftop. Midnight."
Mri's fingers tightened around the letter.
Someone was watching him.
And they weren't part of the academy.