chapter one: The Rejection

The sun beat down on the bustling courtyard of the academia, casting a warm glow over the crowded space. Students from all ranks mingled, laughing and chatting as they enjoyed the rare break between classes.

Alicia stood at the center of the courtyard, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the moment she had been planning for weeks.

Aaron, the S-rank student she had been crushing on for months, stood a short distance away, surrounded by a group of admiring students. Alicia's eyes locked onto his, and she began her approach.

As she reached his side, Alicia took another deep breath and launched into her proposal. "Aaron, from the moment I met you, I knew you were someone special. You're strong, kind, and... and I think I might be falling for you."

The courtyard fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the unfolding scene. Aaron's expression remained neutral, but a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.

Alicia's words were cut short by a snickering voice from the crowd. "Oh my god, is she seriously proposing to Aaron?"

The crowd erupted into laughter and whispers, with many students glancing at Alicia's F-rank badge. Aaron's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing.

"Alicia, I don't think you understand," he said, his voice firm but polite. "I don't date weak people. You're... you're not even close to my level."

The courtyard fell silent once more, with all eyes fixed on Alicia's humiliated face. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she felt a deep burn of embarrassment and hurt.

As the crowd began to disperse, Aaron's parting words echoed in Alicia's mind: "But if you can pass the screening, I'll consider having a drink with you."

Alicia's eyes locked onto the ground, her mind reeling with the weight of Aaron's rejection. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her confidence shattered.

As she walked away from the courtyard, Alicia's friends, Rachel and Mike, caught up to her. "Hey, Alicia, what happened?" Rachel asked, concern etched on her face.

Alicia took a deep breath, trying to process her emotions. "Aaron rejected me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He said I'm too weak."

Mike's expression turned angry. "That jerk. He doesn't deserve you."

Rachel placed a comforting hand on Alicia's shoulder. "We're here for you, Alicia. You're not alone."

As they walked, Alicia's mind wandered back to Aaron's parting words. The screening. If she could pass it, he'd consider having a drink with her.

A spark of determination ignited within Alicia. She would pass that screening, no matter what it took. She would prove to Aaron, and to herself, that she was stronger than he thought.

The rejection still stung, but Alicia felt a newfound sense of purpose. She would rise above her F-rank status and show Aaron that she was worthy of his attention.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the academia in a warm orange glow, Alicia made a vow to herself: she would pass that screening, and she would make Aaron regret underestimating her.