Absolute Cheater

The academy grounds were abuzz with murmurs as the final matches concluded. The air was thick with tension, excitement, and the quiet hum of satisfaction from those who had passed. The last trial had tested their abilities and endurance, and now, the elite students stood apart, their names etched into the academy's history for their performances.

Elder Valen's voice echoed through the clearing, commanding attention from every student present. His gaze swept over the exhausted but victorious crowd, pausing briefly on the strongest contenders, including Asher Magnus, Freya Enrose, and Darren Dagon.

"You all have passed the trials," he began, his tone steady and authoritative. "But it is not just you. There were three other locations where additional trials were held under the supervision of my fellow elders. Together, these locations have produced the 160 students who will now be enrolled in this academy."

The murmurs among the students grew louder, curiosity piqued by the mention of the other groups. Who were these other contenders? What abilities had they shown?

Elder Valen raised his hand, silencing the crowd. "Now that all trials are concluded, you should know that enrollment is just the beginning. Here, in the Academy, there are four classes—each consisting of 40 students. At the pinnacle stands the S Class, the highest-ranked and most prestigious group. Next is the A Class, followed by B Class, and lastly, C Class."

The revelation sent a ripple through the group. Asher remained stoic, though he could feel the weight of dozens of eyes glancing his way. Many had already marked him as a strong contender for S Class. Darren leaned back with a confident smirk, whispering to Freya.

"They've got no choice but to put me in S Class," he said arrogantly. Freya, unimpressed, merely raised an eyebrow.

"Confidence is good," she replied calmly, "but arrogance can blind you."

Elder Valen continued, "The rankings of these classes are determined not just by your performance in the trials, but also by your potential, aptitude, and ability to grow as measured by our evaluations. Do not assume your placement is permanent. In the Academy, the rankings are fluid. Those who excel may rise, and those who falter will fall."

The announcement brought a mix of excitement and tension. The ambitious students whispered among themselves, already plotting how they would rise through the ranks, while others worried about maintaining their positions.

Elder Valen motioned for one of his assistants, who stepped forward with a scroll. "The names of the classes will be announced shortly. Until then, you are dismissed to the common grounds to recuperate. Take this time to reflect on what you've endured and prepare for the challenges ahead. Dismissed."

Asher turned away, walking toward the shaded area near the edge of the clearing. He could feel the intensity of some students' stares, particularly from Darren, who seemed eager to size him up again.

"Looks like the real competition starts now," Darren called after him, his voice tinged with a mix of respect and rivalry.

Asher paused but didn't look back. "It started the moment we arrived," he replied coolly, continuing on his way.

As the students dispersed to the common grounds, the atmosphere buzzed with both excitement and unease. Conversations filled the air as the competitors speculated about the upcoming class placements. The trials had been brutal, and for many, the thought of facing even tougher challenges in the Academy filled them with both dread and anticipation.

***

At the Common Grounds

The sprawling area was alive with activity. Some students sat in small groups, tending to wounds or discussing strategies. Others trained, unwilling to waste even a moment. A few loners, like Asher, kept to themselves, observing the scene in silence.

Freya Enrose found herself near a patch of vibrant trees, the faint energy of her World Tree abilities giving her a sense of calm. She glanced across the grounds and saw Darren Dagon commanding a beast that loomed over several students. Its massive claws dug into the ground as Darren demonstrated his Overlord abilities, boasting loudly.

"See? This is why S Class is where I belong," he declared, his voice carrying across the grounds. "Not one of you could handle this beast for more than a second!"

Freya rolled her eyes, unimpressed. "Arrogance will only get him so far," she muttered to herself.

Meanwhile, Zane Indra, the Black Lightning wielder, leaned against a pillar, his arms crossed. He studied the scene with a calm, calculating gaze. "He's powerful," Zane admitted to Titus Riverdale, who stood nearby, "but power without strategy won't last here."

Titus chuckled, manipulating a sphere of water in his hand. "Agreed. Besides, beasts are useless if you drown them first."

Asher found a quiet corner, his back against a stone wall. He closed his eyes, trying to center himself after the grueling trials. But the peace didn't last long.

"Hey, Magnus," a voice called.

Asher opened his eyes to see Leona Artemis approaching, her confident stride matched by the piercing intensity of her gaze. Behind her trailed Sylas Black, his pale features giving him a ghostly appearance.

"What do you want?" Asher asked flatly.

Leona crossed her arms. "I've been watching you. That fight against the golem wasn't just luck, was it?"

Asher smirked. "Luck? No. It was skill. And a lot of blood."

Sylas chuckled softly. "Careful, Leona. You might actually find yourself impressed."

Leona ignored the comment. "We'll see if your skill holds up when you're facing real opponents."

Asher's eyes narrowed. "Is that a challenge?"

"Not yet," she replied, turning away. "But it might be soon."

Asher just glanced at her and didn't said anything as she continued to leave, ' Whoever you are , My goal is strongest in the world' Asher mumbled to himself as she silently waited for the announcement.

Everyone waited for some time, but it didn't take long as the evaluation was already completed. Soon, Elder Valen returned and yelled to get everyone's attention.

Elder Valen's voice resonated through the common grounds, carrying a weight that silenced even the most boisterous of students. All eyes turned toward the raised platform where he stood, his imposing figure framed by the setting sun. The crowd shifted, forming a semi-circle, anticipation thick in the air as every student felt the importance of this moment.

Valen's piercing gaze swept across the gathered students, and his words, amplified by a subtle spell, rang clear and commanding. "The evaluations are complete," he began, his tone measured but firm, each syllable carrying the weight of authority. "You have endured trials that tested your mind, your power, and your endurance. But these trials were only the beginning."

The tension among the students was palpable. Some stood with clenched fists, others with their heads held high, their confidence unwavering. But many bore the marks of exhaustion, their bodies still bruised and battered from the relentless challenges. Yet, none dared to show weakness now—not when their fates were about to be revealed.

Valen continued, "You will now be assigned to your respective classes. Know this—your placement is not the end of your journey. It is merely a marker, a starting point. Only your actions, determination, and growth will determine your true worth in this Academy."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd at his words. Some students exchanged anxious glances, while others, like Darren Dagon and Zane Indra, stood resolute, their confidence unshaken.

From behind Valen, an assistant emerged, holding a scroll bound with a glowing seal. With a theatrical flourish, the assistant broke the seal and began to unroll the parchment. The glow intensified as the scroll revealed lines of intricately etched names, each one accompanied by the emblem of their designated class.

Valen stepped aside slightly, gesturing to the assistant. "Your names will now be called. Pay attention. Your class will define your initial path in this Academy."

The assistant's voice, steady and deliberate, began to echo through the grounds. "S Class," they announced, and a hush fell over the crowd. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for—the unveiling of the most prestigious class, reserved only for the elite.

"Asher Magnus."

The name rang out, and a ripple of reactions followed. Some students nodded knowingly, acknowledging his exceptional performance. Others narrowed their eyes, envy flashing momentarily. Asher himself stood unmoving, his expression calm, though his mind raced.

"Zane Indra."

The Black Lightning user stepped forward slightly, his usual smirk in place as if he had already anticipated this outcome. Darren Dagon scoffed but said nothing, his beastly Overlord presence radiating a quiet challenge.

"Freya Enrose."

A soft murmur of approval swept through the crowd as Freya gave a faint nod, her serene composure unshaken. Her abilities during the trials had impressed even the most skeptical onlookers.

"Darren Dagon."

Darren's name was met with mixed reactions—his brute force had been undeniable, but his arrogance had not earned him many friends. Still, he wore a victorious grin, crossing his arms as if daring anyone to challenge his place.

"Leona Artemis."

The perceptive warrior stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping the crowd. Her calculated and precise abilities had made her a formidable contender, and her name on the list solidified her reputation.

"Sylas Black."

A hushed silence greeted the necromancer's name, many feeling uneasy about his dark abilities. But Sylas simply inclined his head, unfazed by the reactions.

The assistant continued, listing other names, but none drew the same weight as the S Class contenders. Each name sparked either relief or disappointment among the students, but the most significant reactions were reserved for those in the top tier.