Ceremony(2)

Evelyn's Pov

Evelyn's eyes swept over the gathered crowd as she entered the main hall.

The celebration that followed the ceremony was just another formality, one where nobles like herself were expected to shine, to show their superiority without breaking a sweat.

The lights above were bright and welcoming, casting an almost ethereal glow on the room, making everything look pristine, as it always did when things were put on display for the elite.

The whispers, the eyes trailing behind her, she could feel it all, but Evelyn paid no attention.

She was used to it. The eyes of the commoners, the murmurs that echoed after her every step, that was nothing new.

She didn't care about that.

The only ones whose opinions mattered now were her friends.

As she moved deeper into the room, she found them—Adrian Cross, Leon Vale, Seraphine Ashford, Zane Thin, Sophia Everglade, and Valentina Ashcroft, the same group of nobles she had grown up with.

Her circle.

The only people whose thoughts could sway hers.

"Did you see the rankings?" Seraphine's voice was light, but there was a hint of pride in it.

"I did," Evelyn replied smoothly, though her eyes narrowed slightly. "Class 1-A. Where we belong."

Leon gave a smirk, flicking his hair back with a practiced motion. "As expected," he added, his confidence barely contained. "Some of them might not belong, though. Can you believe that kid—Desmond something? He's in the top 50."

Sophia raised an eyebrow, a slight laugh escaping her. "I heard he's just a commoner with a good chip. Weird, right?"

"Exactly." Zane's voice had that same dismissive edge that was typical of someone used to ruling their own world. "No one really knows him. Probably just a fluke. You'll see, he won't last long in the top."

Evelyn felt the conversation shift away from her, her focus flicking to the glimmering drink in her hand.

Her friends weren't wrong, she thought. Desmond Slick, whoever he was, didn't belong in the same class as them.

They were nobility, their bloodlines rich with power and prestige.

Desmond was... well, nothing.

She didn't even need to think about him more than this.

"Regardless," she said, shifting back into the conversation. "We have bigger things to enjoy tonight." She glanced at each of her friends in turn. "What's the plan after this?"

Seraphine tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eye. "After-party at my place? I'm in the mood for something a little more... relaxed."

"Sounds perfect," Zane replied. "It's not like we have to worry about getting up early or anything." He grinned, but his words were met with immediate pushback.

Adrian shook his head, ever the voice of reason. "We start classes tomorrow," he said, giving them all a pointed look. "I don't think we should get too carried away."

Valentina rolled her eyes, looking between the others. "Oh, please, Adrian. One drink won't kill us."

Evelyn's lips curled into a faint smile. "We'll keep it under control, don't worry. I just want a chance to relax after everything today."

The topic of classes was momentarily set aside as their eyes turned to the matter of their abilities, something more interesting to them in the context of the party.

Zane casually slipped his hand into his pocket, drawing out a small, intricate chip that pulsed faintly. His smile was lazy, his confidence unwavering. "As if it matters. My abilities will keep me ahead of the pack."

Evelyn glanced at him. "I'm sure you've had plenty of fun with that Shadowstep chip of yours. Your ability to phase in and out of shadows is... impressive," she said, her tone a mix of acknowledgment and slight disdain. "But you know, it's not enough to be flashy. There's only one way to truly stand out."

Leon cut in, his voice like ice. "Oh, come on, we all know who has the real power in this group."

Everyone's attention turned to Leon as he lazily cracked his knuckles, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. His chip, a unique one tied to his family's legacy, allowed him to manipulate and control metal. It made him nearly untouchable in close combat and had given him an edge over most opponents in earlier training rounds.

"My Steelcraft chip is unmatched," he continued, spinning a thin piece of metal around his fingers. "No one stands a chance when I can literally bend the world to my will."

Sophia laughed, a tinkling sound that was both charming and deadly. "Nice try, Leon, but we all know who's really got the most terrifying power."

All eyes turned to Evelyn as she subtly raised her chin, an elegant but silent acknowledgment of the power she wielded.

Her Shadowbind chip was a thing of legends, passed down through her family for generations. It allowed her to summon shadows, bending them to her will, trapping enemies in webs of darkness, or using them as extensions of her own movements. It was dangerous, beautiful, and, above all, it commanded respect.

"I don't need to brag," Evelyn said, her tone lightly teasing but with an underlying steel. "But if anyone deserves to lead this group, it's me."

"Modest as always," Seraphine said dryly, but her eyes held a gleam of appreciation. Her own chip was related to mind manipulation—a fascinating ability that allowed her to influence the thoughts of others. "We all know that power alone isn't enough to get ahead. It's about who you know. Who respects you. And who fears you."

"Enough chatter," Zane cut in, "let's just enjoy ourselves tonight. Tomorrow's classes will be here soon enough."

As they turned toward the door to leave for the after-party, Adrian caught Evelyn's eye. He gave a slight nod, his quiet leadership always present. "Don't get too reckless tonight. We'll be expected to perform in class tomorrow. A few drinks are fine, but remember, we don't want to embarrass ourselves."

"Don't worry, Adrian," Evelyn replied, her lips curling into a faint smile. "I have it under control."

The group of them left the main hall and made their way to Seraphine's private gathering. A few murmurs followed them as they walked through the halls, and Evelyn couldn't help but notice the looks that lingered, the whispers that trailed behind them. It was the same everywhere they went.

She'd always been the center of attention.

Once they reached the lavish after-party, the mood shifted. The music was loud, the drinks flowed freely, and their laughter echoed through the large private room.

As they settled in, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a fleeting sense of power. She had everything—status, strength, connections. All the right chips. All the right people.

There was nothing she couldn't have, and that would never change.

But one thought nagged at her, though she refused to acknowledge it: There were always those who tried to rise above, to prove themselves.

And Desmond Slick… He was a commoner.

But somehow, he had made it into Class 1-A.

Still, Evelyn shook it off.

She wasn't worried about him.

She had her power.

And her place was secure at the top.