Rank 1

"Your classes will begin at the start of a new week, which is two days from now. You have all the time to get used to the academy and the rules. And now, without further waste of time, your strips will show up on your strip," Sally said.

Immediately, the strips of everyone in the Hall started lighting up with numbers, showing which rank they got.

Riven barely paid attention to his own, but when his number showed, he immediately covered his strip out of panic.

He looked around to be sure no one saw. When he was certain that nobody saw, he relaxed—only for Noel to lean in close to his ear, "I saw it. Number one," he whispered.

Riven felt his heartbeat skip for a moment, but then he realized that it was Noel. He glanced at Noel's strip and saw the number five boldly showing.

"I can't believe my junior brother not only defeated me but also took the top spot in the academy. My pride feels hurt," Noel said.