End of Assessment and Grading

The dust of the assessment had finally settled.

With the divine-level battle having come to an earth-shattering end, the entire forest was evacuated swiftly under the host's orders. Transport spells and floating airships retrieved participants in a rush, while the instructors scrambled to process the massive anomaly that had just occurred.

Now, inside the Hall of Grading, a massive stadium-like structure adorned with gold-etched pillars and luminescent screens, the remaining participants waited. Faces were pale, bruised, and weary. But everyone was alive, though most had come far too close to death for comfort.

On the center dais, four names blinked on the massive display:

Xandros Darkhaven - First place 

Ronald Shadowheart - Second place

Andrew Lionheart - Third place

Morgana Darkstar - Fourth place

Jason Arkus - Fifth place 

 Each of them stood in the front row as the crowd behind them buzzed with speculation.

The announcer, a man with glowing gauntlets and a deep voice, stepped forward. "Due to the irregularities caused by the battle, grading has been accelerated. We will now announce the top candidates."

--- ✦ ---

[Jason Arkus]

Jason shifted on his feet, trying to look cool despite his twitching leg.

"Yo, can we get this over with? I haven't eaten since the red gorilla chased me down a cliff," he muttered.

The announcer looked at him dryly.

"Jason Arkus. Score: 1,120 points. Notable actions: Luring a King-class beast away from a weaker candidate. Survival. Mid-level tactics. Moderate potential."

Jason tilted his head. "Wait… survival's a category?"

There was a short pause.

"Barely," the announcer replied.

Jason grinned. "Ha! I knew it was a skill."

Despite his antics, a few chuckles rang out from the audience. His wit and good-natured charm had made him a favorite among some of the less uptight instructors.

He was awarded a shared dormitory, a basic cultivation pill set, and limited access to weapon libraries.

"Score could've been higher," Jason mumbled. "I swear if that gorilla hadn't punted me into a cave—"

--- ✦ ---

[Ronald Shadowheart]

Ronald walked forward stiffly, his face a little pale. Probably suffering from PTSD. His robe was singed, and his boots were partially melted from his last failed escape.

"Ronald Shadowheart. Score: 3,950 points. Notable actions: Engaging a King-class beast for three minutes. Critical survival response. Usage of defensive barriers under duress. Low tactical awareness. Excellent mana shielding potential."

Ronald gulped but stood tall. "I'll take what I can get."

His reward included a private room in the Upper Level Dorm, two elemental tomes, and an elemental-aligned artifact.

Jason slapped him on the back. "You didn't die. That's a win!"

"Yeah," Ronald muttered. "I'll try not to bite off more than I can chew next time."

--- ✦ ---

[Andrew Lionheart]

The crowd went quiet as Andrew stepped up, proud and postured.

Even with the wild mess of the assessment, he looked completely composed. His golden robe was intact, his chin high.

"Andrew Lionheart. Score: 2,520 points. Notable actions: High kill count. Effective manipulation of lower beasts. Decisive strategies. However, poor team synergy, abandonment of allies, and use of manipulation tactics."

Andrew's face twitched slightly.

He quickly recovered and smiled arrogantly. "I do what works."

He was granted a mid-tier villa, several advanced cultivation manuals, and a Class-A beast companion egg.

Andrew glanced around, then muttered under his breath, "Still not enough. That Xandros… what is he?"

[Morgana Darkstar]

Morgana glided forward with silent grace. Her silver-blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her dark robe swayed with the wind.

"Morgana Darkstar. Score: 2,050 points. Notable actions: Elimination of elite beasts, powerful energy control, excellent tactical decisions, and life-saving interventions for five candidates."

Murmurs of admiration swept through the crowd.

"Unreal…" someone whispered. "They are already stronger than most first years."

She was awarded her own tower, five personal servants, unlimited access to the Icewind Archives, and an honorary position among the academy's elite disciples.

But her gaze wasn't on the announcer. It was turned toward the main tower in the distance, where a certain someone had been taken.

--- ✦ ---

[Meanwhile – Headmaster's Office]

Xandros sat calmly in the grand, silent chamber.

Marble floors reflected the sunlight streaming through enchanted windows. Golden scrolls floated along the walls, and a pond of celestial koi circled at the center.

Across from him sat the Headmaster of the Academy.

Her veil flowed like mist. Only her eyes were visible—deep, ancient, and brimming with wisdom. Her presence radiated power, not through intimidation, but through serene authority.

"You're not ordinary," she said, voice smooth as still water. "You're not even bound to the logic of this world."

Xandros didn't answer.

The Headmaster leaned forward slightly. "I've never taken a disciple. Never found one worthy. Until now."

"I'm flattered," Xandros replied, a polite smile on his face.

"Become my disciple," she said directly. "I will elevate you to a realm even you haven't touched. Techniques lost to time. Keys to spatial realms. Secrets beyond gods."

Xandros shook his head, still calm. "I'm sorry. But I walk my own path."

The Headmaster didn't look surprised. "You're sure?"

"Extremely so," he replied calmly.

Silence lingered.

"…Very well," she said softly. "Then at least allow the academy to honor you."

A scroll floated into the air before him.

"You are now a Sovereign-tier Candidate.

You will receive:

–A private villa on the Skyfall Plateau.

– A personalized robotic steward with a sentient AI core.

– A treasury of cultivation resources equivalent to a duke's inheritance.

– Full access to all library wings, restricted and ancient included."

Xandros waved his hand casually. "Sounds generous."

"You don't need any of it, do you?" she asked.

"No," he admitted.

"Then take it anyway. Symbolism matters. You are a beacon now. Whether you wanted to be or not."

He sighed. "I suppose I'll take the robotic butler. I've been too lazy to clean."

--- ✦ ---

[Later – Skyfall Plateau]

Xandros's new villa was more like a palace in the clouds.

Windswept views of the horizon, floating gardens, and runic arrays embedded into every inch of the marble floors.

His robotic steward—a humanoid model named Rhea—bowed politely.

"Greetings, Master Xandros. May I prepare your tea, a shower infused with elemental energy, or perhaps vaporize any intruders?"

"I like the last one," he said, lounging on a couch.

A knock echoed.

Jason stepped in, whistling. "Bro, what the hell is this place?" {A/N: How did bro find his house that fast? Pretty sus}

"My new closet," Xandros replied lazily.

Jason plopped onto the nearest sofa. "I got a good room, but not as extravagant as yours. You got a talking murder-butler and sky gardens."

"You did well," Xandros said sincerely.

Jason grinned. "Really?"

"No," Xandros said, sipping from his tea. "But you survived. That's impressive in its own way."

Jason burst out laughing. "I like you, man."

--- ✦ ---

Back on the main campus

Morgana stood atop a tower, watching the clouds drift toward the Skyfall Plateau.

She narrowed her eyes.

"He refused her offer?" she whispered to herself. "Who are you really, Xandros Darkhaven?" {A/N: I know, she's weird}

--- ✦ ---

Hey guys. So don't worry about Ronald. He's suffering from PTSD since he also got struck by lightning. So he's a little bit disorientated. So guys how are you enjoying the story so far. 

Please Power stones guys!!!!