Fifty nobles, commoners, prodigies, freaks, and mystery cases — thrown into one volatile mixture.
And only ten of them stood out like blazing stars.
It was the first time the academy officially posted the First-Year Rankings — not just by tier, but by potential, battle control, and affinity mastery.
I sat at the back of the training field, reading the glowing parchment nailed to the mana board, watching everyone crowd forward, whispering names like they were royalty.
"The Top Ten…" I murmured.
I already knew I wouldn't be anywhere near that list.
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Top Ten First-Year Students – Arkanis Academy
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1. Leron Valis Aerion
– Tier 2, Level 19
– Fire (Intermediate), Light (Intermediate), Space (Basic)
– The First Imperial Prince. Tall, flawless posture, golden hair that shimmered unnaturally, and silver-gold eyes like they were forged in the sun. Said to have inherited both royal blood and a monstrous affinity control.
"He doesn't talk much," someone whispered. "He doesn't have to."
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2. Selene D'Amaria
– Tier 2, Level 18
– Water (Intermediate), Ice (Basic)
– Daughter of the Aquamancer Guild Head. Silky silver-blue hair, skin like marble, and lips like they could freeze you mid-sentence. Her spell control was so precise, they said she could turn mist into blades.
"They say her emotions can control tides…"
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3. Leon Aster Vael
– Tier 2, Level 18
– Wind (Intermediate)
– Lean, sharp-eyed, with storm-gray hair. He trained in the Aether Peaks, where wind spirits made children their disciples. Fastest student in the class.
"They call him The Silver Gust."
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4. Mirielle Cindros
– Tier 2, Level 18
– Earth (Intermediate), Reinforcement (Basic)
– A brawler in noble skin. Jet-black hair tied back, solid build. Daughter of Duke Cindros. Can punch through steel and shatter stone plates with her palm.
"If she looks at you, say sorry. Even if you didn't do anything."
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5. Kyran Voss
– Tier 2, Level 17
– Electricity (Intermediate)
– Eyes that sparked when he laughed. Arrogant, always smirking, always pushing limits. Son of a merchant family that rose through raw magical might.
"He's the only one to survive an F-rank beast on his own before enrollment."
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6. Freya Von Drakelle
– Tier 2, Level 17
– Darkness (Intermediate)
– Short, silent, cloaked in midnight. Her voice was rare. Her spells? Deadlier than poison. The Drakelle bloodline was rumored to be cursed — or blessed — with shadow magic.
"No one sees her cast until it's too late."
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7. Darius Feldrin
– Tier 2, Level 17
– Earth (Intermediate), Metal (Basic)
– Broad-shouldered, bronze-skinned, always armored — even outside training. Blacksmith's son turned battle prodigy. Quiet loyalty, explosive power.
>"He treats his sword better than people."
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8. Arin Liora
– Tier 2, Level 16
– Light (Intermediate)
– Blonde curls and glowing skin, with a voice like bells. Cleric-type, but rumored to have offensive Light spells even the instructors envied.
"They say she once blinded an entire group in training… without meaning to."
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9. Vale Ignis Thorn
– Tier 2, Level 16
– Fire (Intermediate)
– Freckled, always grinning, with red hair like wildfire. Chaotic magic. No control. But his fire wanted to burn — and it listened.
"His training field was replaced. He melted the last one."
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10. Yuna Silvra
– Tier 2, Level 16
– Wind (Intermediate), Illusion (Basic)
– Elegant like mist. Slender with violet eyes that danced like moonlight. Her illusions were subtle, hard to detect. Some claimed she was older. Others said she wasn't even real.
"She can make you doubt you exist."
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I read through the list twice.
Every single one had an Intermediate-level affinity. Some had two. Some had rare talents. All were at Tier 2 — and all had something I didn't.
Recognition.
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A low laugh came from behind me.
"Still no Cael Vire on the list," Ryn said, leaning beside me. "Think they forgot you?"
"I'd rather be forgotten than be famous and useless."
"You're halfway there," Kess added, crossing her arms.
Lira was the only one quiet.
"...You're Tier 1, Level 9. You'll break through soon," she said. "Maybe by next term."
Maybe.
But maybe wasn't enough. Not here. Not when monsters were real, and Verdant Clash was coming in one week.
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I looked at my hand.
Logic and Telekinesis.
Both Basic.
Everyone thought I was useless.
But sometimes...
Being underestimated was the best weapon you could have.