Rankings

'Haa…'

Brandon was in his seat as he glanced around the other students focusing on their written test.

Apparently, today was the day for the final evaluation of the rankings in their class. In which, the final criteria would be the written test.

Since Brandon skipped out on his final class yesterday, due to preparing for his business meeting with Charles, he wasn't informed.

Of course, he didn't have Raven's number, so Raven didn't inform him in advance.

Plus, they were all arranged in alphabetical order, meaning–Brandon didn't know the person seated next to him.

He couldn't ask him for answers.

'Not like they'd even let me copy…'

Furthermore, Brandon didn't grow up in this world, so he knew next to nothing about what was in the test.

In short, he was cooked.

But he couldn't give up just yet.

'If I just use the knowledge I have about the novel, then I should get a good grade…'

Is what he thought.

***

"Okay class, the automated checker has already graded your test, you can check the Astrea Academy app for your results."

Vanessa roamed around the podium as she informed them.

Brandon wasn't feeling confident at all.

'But it shouldn't be too bad…'

He then turned to check the Astrea Academy app, trying to find his student ID.

[Brandon Locke]

[Student ID: 148269]

[SCORE: 24/200]

'Fuck…'

It was bad.

With this, he officially cemented himself as the lowest ranked student in class.

Vanessa then requested the students' attention, as she held a white device in her hand.

"Congratulations everyone! You have all finished the initial evaluation for the school year. Welcome to Astrea Academy."

For freshmen, they had to take a 3 day evaluation test at the start of the school year, ranging from Combat Class, Physical Training, Theory Class, and History.

In short, the mandatory classes. Minor subjects didn't count

Vanessa then continued.

"I will now show you the official rankings of all the first year students."

Suddenly, a rectangular hologram materialized out of thin air.

On it, displayed the students' profile, such as their face, name, age, and ranking.

"This was also uploaded in the app, so you can check it there as well."

Since the only rankings displayed on the hologram were the top 10 students, they were given the option to check the app.

And of course, Brandon wasn't in the top 10.

'I did well in Combat Class, so my ranking shouldn't be too bad, right?'

Once again, Brandon turned to check the app.

His first initiative was to check for the rankings of the important characters, particularly–the main cast.

'If the events in the novel align, then the main cast should be within the top 5.'

[Raven Blackheart: 1 / 2,012]

[Reinhard Van: 2 / 2,012]

[Claire Victoria: 3 / 2,012]

[Amy Ashfield: 4 / 2,012]

[Rachel Asami: 5 / 2,012]

Brandon breathed out a sigh of relief.

'Good, it seems like nothing's changed in that department.'

This was good, it meant that–as long as Brandon doesn't meddle too much, then the plotline should flow smoothly.

Brandon continued to scroll down, trying to find his name.

He'd already passed the 1000th ranking, and he still didn't find his name.

'Damn…'

He started to panic.

As he continued to scroll, he finally found his name.

[Brandon Locke: 1,890 / 2,012]

'That's bad…'

It really was.

In all his life, he was always an average student.

'But this is way below mediocre.'

He was grade conscious as well.

As the other students continued to scan their phones, Vanessa once again spoke up.

"Don't be disheartened if you got a low ranking, you can always climb the ranks if you do your best."

When Vanessa mentioned 'low ranking', it felt as if she turned her gaze to Brandon's direction.

'She couldn't have been looking at me, right?'

Brandon felt guilty for not meeting Vanessa's expectations.

From his initial debut in the academy, to his astonishing performance in Combat Class.

Vanessa must've thought he was going to be an outstanding student, but in the end he was average at best.

No, he was way below average.

'Haha, it's fine, I've got the whole school year to climb my way in the rankings.'

It was then, when a male student stood up with a frown in his face.

"This must be a mistake, right? How is Raven Blackheart the top 1 when he's a Duelist?"

Then, another student chimed in.

"Yeah! I understand Reinhard Van's ranking, but how did Raven Blackheart even rank higher than him?"

From what they knew, Reinhard was a prodigious mage of the famous Van Family.

While Raven was an unknown student with no background or status to his name.

Plus, he was a Duelist.

It was enough for the students to complain.

And since Raven was placed in a class with no other duelists, he had no one to defend him.

At least, that was what the other students should've been thinking.

Brandon had a smirk on his face as he thought to himself.

'Right, this happened in the novel as well, then if I'm right…'

Another student stood up, with deep-red hair, and ink-black eyes.

It was none other than–Reinhard Van.

'Right on cue.'

"Well, thanks for whatever that was. But I beg to differ about your assessment of Raven."

Reinhard quickly gathered everyone's attention and continued,

"He's most definitely deserving of 1st place. Instead of worrying about someone else, worry about your own rankings first."

Reinhard narrowed his eyes, as his tone became serious.

"If you're so willing to deny his effort, then why don't you try fighting him for his ranking?"

He then turned towards Vanessa, who was still standing in the podium listening to the whole thing.

"That's allowed in this Academy, right Miss?"

"Yes, thank you for bringing that up. As for what Reinhard said, an easy way to climb the ranks is to directly challenge a student who's willing to wager their ranking."

From a distance, Brandon could see Raven's mouth agape.

Most likely, he must've not expected to be put on the spot by Reinhard.

Brandon let out a soft chuckle.

'This scene is even crazier in real life than in the novel.'

The other students then settled down, some had anguished looks, while some didn't really care.

And surprisingly, Raven just let the entire thing unfold.

But Brandon felt bad for not standing up for him, knowing he was Raven's only friend.

There was nothing Brandon could do, he had no authority in the classroom.

And his ranking couldn't back him up either, his words held no sway over the students.

'Plus, this would cement the beginning of Raven and Reinhard's friendship.'

***

They were dismissed for the rest of the day, as the semester officially kicks off tomorrow.

Vanessa then announced a party to be held at 7:00 PM for freshmen to get acquainted with their fellow peers.

After the whole ordeal, Raven immediately got up and left the room.

He must've not wanted to indulge with other students, since things seemed to be tense at the moment.

Reinhard immediately caught up and followed him, and so did Brandon.

Raven gave his thanks to Reinhard for sticking up for him.

Of course, he didn't blame Brandon for staying silent the whole time.

If it were Raven, he would've done the same, so what Reinhard did was absurd to him.

Brandon roamed around the halls, walking side-by-side with Raven and Reinhard.

The one to break the silence first was Reinhard.

"Anyway, about the party, do you guys have a suit to wear?"

"Nope."

Brandon and Raven said in unison.

"Well lucky for you two, I know just a place where we could get one for cheap."

Brandon's ears perked up, and asked,

"Really?" 

"Yup, let me call my acquaintance first."

At the mention of an 'acquaintance' Brandon had an idea of who Reinhard was about to call.

From behind them, the trio heard a voice.

"Hey, Reinhard!"

When his name was mentioned, Reinhard gave a smile and turned around to trace the source of the voice.

"Nevermind, seems like she's here."

The two followed suit and scanned her appearance. 

She had short lavender hair, purple eyes, adorning a white long sleeve under a purple jacket.

Despite her tomboyish looks, her facial features were quite feminine.

'Yup, I knew it.'

Reinhard then motioned towards the girl, wrapping his arms around her shoulder, and said,

"Guys, I'd like to introduce you to my childhood friend, Claire Victoria."