"Everyone seems to be here, sir."
A faculty mber approached the professor on the platform, showing him a list of marked students who are required for the announcent. They couldn’t risk missing even one.
These aren’t just normal students after all.
"Very well, but tell the guards to expand the periter to stretch until Oak Street and Ceyn Street, this year’s far too rowdy than the past."
"Got it."
The entire highway was now bustling, where outside the academy’s assigned area, multiple rchants and vendors had already taken position, selling whatever food and trinkets they could.
Not only that, but even banners were raised high.
Normally, sothing this huge never happens during the first Hunt of Eryndor Academy. But, considering the current roster, this occasion was obviously more special than previous ones.
Not only because of the presence of Marcellus or Evelina, but because of a few legends that made a na for themselves in just the first month.
Be it Kevin, Vivianne, and of course, even .
"Everyone, back up!"
A royal guard with a sword and shield shouted, tapping his shield once as a signal for the others in formation to advance, pushing the crowd of spectators backwards as they gave more space for the academy to do their thing.
The observers and faculty mbers around checked if everything was in order. And when the signal was given.
The one on the platform finally spoke.
"Students of Eryndor Academy."
His amplified voice rolled across the highway, carried by a simple wind-amplification spell so even the people pressed far beyond the barricades could hear him.
The crowd quieted almost instantly.
Conversations that had been overlapping monts ago—argunts over scores, bragging, cursing, laughter—died mid-sentence. Soone shushed a friend a little too loudly before realizing how out of place it sounded. A group of first-years near the front stopped craning their necks and stood on tiptoe instead, trying not to draw attention while still squeezing every inch of visibility they could.
Even the rchants lowered their voices, sensing the mont.
A vendor selling skewers froze mid-shout, the word "fresh" dying in his throat as the professor’s voice rolled over him. Banners flapped restlessly in the breeze, their bright colors stark against the suddenly subdued atmosphere. A child perched on his father’s shoulders tugged at his sleeve, eyes wide, only to be gently hushed.
"This concludes the First Hunt of this year’s incoming class."
A faint murmur rippled through the gathered students. For most of them, the Hunt had been brutal—a near-week of exhaustion, competition, and survival events ant to weed out those unfit to stand among the kingdom’s future elites.
So students subconsciously rubbed bandaged arms or shoulders, the phantom ache of injuries still lingering beneath the healing spells. Others kept their gazes fixed ahead, jaws clenched, as if acknowledging their fatigue would sohow lessen their worth.
"For those unfamiliar with our traditions," the professor continued, folding his hands behind his back, "the First Hunt serves a singular purpose."
He paused briefly, letting the tension settle.
"To determine who among you possesses the ability to stand above the rest."
A few students straightened instinctively.
Others shifted uncomfortably.
The crowd of journalists leaned forward in anticipation, quills already poised above their notebooks.
"This year’s Hunt," the professor went on, his gaze sweeping across the assembled students, "has produced results that far exceeded expectations."
That was an understatent.
Even from where I stood, I could feel dozens of eyes drifting toward —and toward Evelina beside .
The professor continued.
"Normally, the Hunt concludes with rankings determined by accumulated points, combat performance, strategic assessnt, and magical aptitude."
He lifted a sheet of paper from the stack resting on the podium.
"However."
That single word made the murmuring crowd go quiet again.
"This year’s results require... a slightly different explanation."
The journalists perked up imdiately.
The professor cleared his throat.
"First, we will announce the individuals who have achieved the highest performance ratings during the Hunt."
He glanced down at the page.
"The following students have demonstrated exceptional combat ability, tactical awareness, and magical proficiency during this examination."
A pause.
Then the first na rang out across the highway.
"Kevin Illinalta."
A small wave of cheers and whispers passed through the crowd. Kevin himself looked slightly caught off guard, scratching the back of his head as a few nearby students glanced his way.
"Vivianne Crestwood."
More murmurs followed, several reporters already scribbling down the nas.
The professor waited until the noise died down before continuing.
"And lastly..."
He adjusted his glasses slightly.
Students who had started to relax tensed up again. Even those who knew they stood no chance for the top spots couldn’t help but listen, if only to know who they would inevitably be compared to for the rest of their academic careers.
Sucks to be them...
"Two students whose results made the evaluation committee reconsider several long-standing academy trics."
That definitely caught everyone’s attention.
The professor’s voice rose slightly as he spoke.
"Lady Evelina D’Arclight."
A roar erupted from the crowd beyond the barricades.
So people had clearly co just to see her.
Nobles’ attendants waved family pennants bearing the D’Arclight crest. So people had clearly co just to see her—they shouted blessings, marriage proposals, and fervent declarations of loyalty in one chaotic stream.
Even the guards struggled to keep the spectators from pushing forward. With shields pressed harder into the fronts of the crowd, as boots dug into the stone to hold the line.
The professor waited for the commotion to settle before reading the final na.
"Lord Cael Arden."
This ti, the reaction was even louder.
Gasps.
Shouts.
Dozens of journalists suddenly began writing so quickly it sounded like rain tapping against paper.
So of them repeated my na aloud as they wrote it down, like they were trying to test how it felt on their tongues. To see how catchy the na of a new key player feels.
A few twisted around to confirm my position in the crowd, pointing in my direction with barely concealed excitent.
Beside , Evelina squeezed my hand lightly.
Her voice slipped quietly into my mind.
[Looks like we really are the stars of the show.]
I sighed softly.
Yeah.
That part was becoming painfully obvious.
Snatches of conversations outside the barricade reached my ears even through the lingering applause.
"So the rumors were true..."
"Arden? I thought he was just—"
"First month and he’s already—"
Nas, titles, half-rembered gossip. All began to rearrange themselves in the minds of everyone present.
anwhile, the professor raised his hand again, signaling for silence.
"And now," he said, his gaze moving across the gathered students once more.
"We will begin the official ranking announcent for this year’s First Hunt."
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