Rank 1
The flow of the battle had built to a fever pitch, each strike from Magnus a calculated reminder of the gap between us. But as the pressure mounted, so did my determination.
I closed my eyes briefly, gathering mana within me, and in a burst of pure concentration, I activated God Flash. My movements blurred into an intense speed, like a lightning bolt slicing across the stage. I closed the distance between us in an instant, my blade aimed directly at his guard.
Magnus's expression remained calm, his astral blade rising with impeccable timing to block my strike. The clash reverberated through the air, enhanced aura against astral energy, and though my attack didn't breach his defense, it was enough to make him shift his stance, a flicker of acknowledgment flashing in his eyes.
Then, with a surge of mana, I took a breath, steadying myself for the next step. I'd pushed God Flash as far as I could, but I needed more to show him my full potential. As the mana within me peaked, I activated God Flash: Absolute—the ultimate refinement of my speed and power, a strike honed to perfection.
The world slowed to a crawl, the edges of the stage blurring as I launched forward, my blade humming with intensity. It was as if I had become the embodiment of the strike itself, a pure flash of focused mana and Intent. Every fiber of my being poured into this single motion as I drove toward Magnus, aiming for the one fleeting opening I had visualized.
His gaze sharpened as he registered the attack, and in that heartbeat, his blade met mine with a precision that could only come from years beyond my reach. My strike collided with his defense, a shockwave pulsing out across the stage, and for a split second, I felt as if I'd broken through. But his mastery held fast, absorbing my force with almost supernatural ease.
When the dust settled, I was left breathless, every ounce of my energy spent. Magnus lowered his blade, his expression unreadable but respectful.
"Not bad, Arthur," he said with a small nod. "There's much to learn, but you're on the right path."
The evaluation had concluded, and though I hadn't bested him, I could tell I had gained something invaluable in his eyes.
After the mid-years concluded, we were granted a rare day of freedom before results were posted. I spent it with the three girls, savoring the calm before the inevitable storm of rankings.
The next morning, I entered the classroom, and Lucifer's piercing green eyes found me at once. He looked as focused as ever. Rank 1 was his to lose, after all—he'd held the top spot since our first year, almost untouchable until I'd come close to besting him last year. Today, though, would be the true test of our progress.
Professor Nero arrived, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he addressed us. "Good morning, everyone. I have your results."
The class fell silent as he sent the scores to our tablets. I skimmed through mine: theory had gone as expected—95% average. Across the room, I caught Rachel's triumphant smile as she checked her own score. That 100% of hers was becoming a trademark.
Then, Nero began the announcement of ranks, and the room tensed with anticipation.
"Rank 8, Cecilia Slatemark."
Cecilia blinked, a bit surprised to be last, especially given that she often kept pace with Seraphina.
"Rank 7, Ian Viserion."
Ian, too, seemed taken aback; he and Cecilia usually placed just ahead of Seraphina.
"Rank 6, Seraphina Zenith."
She cast me a small, proud smile. Our efforts to refine her Gift had clearly paid off.
"Rank 5, Jin Ashbluff."
"Rank 4, Rachel Creighton."
"Rank 3, Ren Kagu."
And then it came to the top two. My fists tightened in anticipation.
"Rank 2, Lucifer Windward."
A hush fell over the room. Lucifer's expression was taut, his lips set in a hard line, while my own eyes widened. Nero turned toward me, his voice carrying the final pronouncement.
"Rank 1, Arthur Nightingale."
I blinked, almost as though hearing it would solidify it, make it real. A current of quiet disbelief rippled through the room, spreading from student to student as if everyone needed an extra moment to process the announcement. I had done it. I had surpassed Lucifer Windward.
Across the room, Lucifer's verdant eyes sharpened, his jaw clenched tight as he absorbed the news. This was his throne, the rank he had held with an iron grip since our first year. His unyielding gaze found mine, a silent challenge simmering beneath its calm surface. I had unseated him, but he clearly wasn't prepared to leave it that way.
Rachel, seated a few rows back, caught my eye and flashed me a proud smile, a testament to her own success in achieving that flawless 100% in theory. Seraphina looked at me with quiet satisfaction, her smile warm and reserved. Even Cecilia, despite her surprise at ranking eighth, gave me a congratulatory nudge and a smirk that spoke of her unshaken confidence.
Nero continued, breaking the momentary silence, "Well done, everyone. Your rankings reflect your dedication and the strides each of you has made. But remember, your growth does not stop here." His gaze swept across the room, settling briefly on each of us, though I thought I saw his glance linger on Lucifer and me for just a fraction longer.
The murmurs from the class grew louder, a mix of pride, shock, and determination. Ian and Jin exchanged surprised looks, no doubt stunned by the rankings, while Ren Kagu studied me with a contemplative expression, as though recalculating his own path forward.
"Take this time wisely," Nero advised, his tone steely but encouraging. "With the Field Trip approaching, each of you must be prepared, regardless of where you stand today. I expect to see your ranks shift as you push yourselves further."
I agreed with his words.
The ranks in Class 2-A had remained almost unchanging, a delicate deadlock that had held steady save for occasional shifts between Jin and Rachel, or my own rise through the ranks. Yet each of these students—Lucifer, Ren, Rachel, Jin, Ian, Cecilia, Seraphina—all walked their own distinct paths, each leading toward the elusive Radiant-rank.
Seraphina was on the verge of mastering Ice Crystal Jade Body, her Gift woven with ice and elegance. Cecilia was a mage of unparalleled potential, destined to redefine spellcasting for the coming generation. Ian carried the indomitable will of a dragon. Jin commanded necromantic forces, shaping dark magic to his will. Rachel, with the purity of a saintess, harnessed light as her Gift. Ren wielded gravity, space, and time, an extraordinary triad of power. And Lucifer—his genius lay in his unmatched swordsmanship, elemental harmony, and spellcraft. As for me, I shared a similar archetype to Lucifer's: a blend of magic and swordplay, though driven by a purpose that cut far deeper.
Each of us would have to rise to save this world from its eventual reckoning.
And that was why taking Rank 1 from Lucifer Windward was essential.
Lucifer trained relentlessly, no question. He had not reached his level of mastery by talent alone. But had he put himself through the same trials I had? Had he faced weeks in a rainforest, hunted by beasts, pushing his mana control and senses to their very limits? Had he stood before the Martial King, enduring life-threatening trials, enduring even starvation to grow stronger?
Of course, he hadn't. Lucifer's drive was formidable but not absolute; he trained to meet his father's expectations, to match the gift he'd been given. But he wasn't driven by a deeper, raw necessity. His talent demanded he improve, yes, but mine insisted I survive.
I couldn't tell him any of this, couldn't burden him with my knowledge. Instead, I would be his rival, pressing him to reach heights even he didn't expect. In a way, my purpose was already being fulfilled. The Lucifer of today was stronger than his novel counterpart, a result of him unlocking his second Gift earlier under my influence.
In truth, all of us in Class 2-A had already surpassed our novel selves. The stakes were greater, the drive to improve ever sharper. And while I didn't know if we'd be enough, for now, we were pushing each other forward—one relentless step at a time.