"Additionally," Aldwin continued, opening the case to reveal the silver medal inside, the one he took back from me yesterday, saying he will return later.

"Jin Raith is awarded the Valor Medal for exceptional performance in the face of overwhelming odds."

The hall erupted in whispers.

Valor Medals were rare. Ten per year that's what Taryn had said.

Aldwin pinned the medal to my uniform, the silver catching the light. I stood there like an idiot, still trying to process what was happening.

Aldwin stepped back, addressing the hall again. "These badges," he gestured to an aide who brought forward a tray holding ten pins, each marked with numbers "Designate top ten status. Jin Raith's position at first rank is secured. Unless another student earns a Valor Medal, he will retain that position regardless of academic performance."

He handed out the badges, starting with Emma and working up. I received mine last, a silver pin with the number "1" engraved in elegant script.

"The top students receive special privileges," Aldwin announced. "Separate dormitory wings with private rooms. Weekly stipend of Academy credits. Access to advanced training facilities and restricted library sections."

Interest sharpened throughout the hall. Those were significant benefits.

"Additionally," Aldwin continued, "top ten students may request up to two personal attendants, assigned and paid for by the Academy. Or they can bring their personal ones. More information will be provided when you return from break."

The whispers intensified. Personal attendants were a prestige thing.

"Rankings for all students have been posted outside the hall," Aldwin said. "You may review them after dismissal. Your break begins today and extends to the end of the month."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled first-years one final time.

"Dismissed."

The hall erupted immediately, students standing, talking, surging toward the exits to check the posted rankings.

I tried to descend from the platform, to get back to Kyle and the others—

And got swarmed.

Students crowded around me, their faces eager, calculating, desperate to make an impression.

"Jin Raith? Hi, I'm Thomas Breck, from class 3-B, we should train together sometime!"

"I'm Sarah! Sarah Kendall! You probably don't remember me, but we're in the same Combat Theory section—"

"Hey man, congrats on first rank! Listen, my family has connections with the Adventurer's Guild, if you ever need—"

They pressed closer, hands reaching out to shake mine, voices overlapping into meaningless noise.

Kyle's grin widened. He dove into the crowd enthusiastically. "Yeah! That's my roommate! We're basically best friends! You want to talk to him, you talk to me first!"

Oh no. He's enjoying this.

Sira and Tobias pushed through the crowd from the other side, Sira using her elbows liberally to clear space.

"Back up," she said flatly. "Give him room to breathe."

"But we just wanted to—"

"I said back up." Her hand rested on the practice dagger at her belt, not threatening, just present.

The students backed up slightly.

Tobias grabbed my arm. "Come on. Let's get you out of here."

We pushed through the crowd, Sira clearing the path, Kyle still grinning and making promises about "talking to his people" and "setting up meetings."

"Man, being friends with rank one has serious perks! People actually want to talk to me!"

"They always wanted to talk to you," Sira said dryly. "You just talked too much for them to get a word in."

We finally made it outside, where a massive sheet of parchment had been posted showing all first-year rankings. Students crowded around it, searching for their names, comparing positions.

I found mine at the top: 1. Jin Raith - 16,547 points

How did I even get that many points?

Below me: 2. Toren Graves - 15,982 points

3. Seraphina Ashcroft - 15,901 points

She is only eighty points behind Toren.

I scanned further down the list.

9. Marcus Valen - 13,204 points

10. Emma Lawson - 13,156 points

"What are you thinking?" Sira asked, reading my expression.

"Nothing good," I admitted.

The crowd eventually dispersed, students heading off to pack for break or celebrate with friends.

We stood in the courtyard, the four of us, Kyle still grinning, Sira looking thoughtful, Tobias nervous about something.

"So," Kyle said, slinging his arm over my shoulders. "First rank. Special dormitory. What are you gonna do first?"

"Sleep," I said immediately. "In a private room where you won't wake me up at dawn for training."

"Hey! Those training sessions made you stronger!"

"They made me tired."

"Same thing!"

Sira shook her head. "We should celebrate properly. Before everyone leaves for break."

"Agreed," Tobias said. "This is a big achievement, Jin. You deserve recognition."

I looked between the three of them, my friends, somehow, despite everything.

First rank. Top of the class.

How the hell did that happen?

But looking at their faces, I felt something warm settle in my chest.

"Alright," I said, smiling despite myself. "Let's celebrate. But tomorrow. Right now, I just want to process the fact that I'm apparently first rank."

"Fair," Kyle said. "But tomorrow, we're doing this properly. Food, drinks, embarrassing toasts, the full treatment."

"Looking forward to it."

We started walking toward the dormitories, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the Academy grounds.

And somewhere in the back of my mind, I wondered where Emma had gone. She didn't join us after the ranking announcement.

*****

Inside the hall...

Emma was still standing the platform, watching where Jin and others left with a small smile on her face.

Then her expression changed.

As someone stepped in front of her, blocking my view.

A boy with red hairs and eyes. Currently looking furious.

"M-Marcus?" Emma's voice, audible even through the crowd noise. Stammering.

He stared down at her, his expression cold. "Let's go. We need to talk."

"I.... what? Why—"

"Now, Emma."

Emma hesitated, glancing toward the exit, then back at Marcus. She nodded hesitantly. "Okay."

She followed him toward a side exit, her shoulders tense, her usual confidence completely absent.

-------

Chapter End

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