novelzi Chapter 43 - 43
Chapter 43 - 43
Chapter 43: Chapter 43
The Upcoming Ranking Duels & A Bet Over Sunglasses
---
The sun cast a golden hue over Academy, illuminating the grand lecture hall where S-Class students had gathered for their morning session.
At the front of the class stood Instructor Donovan Graves, a man known for his iron discipline and no-nonsense approach.
His sharp gaze swept over the room as he crossed his arms, his voice echoing with authority.
"Listen up. Starting next week, we will commence the Academy's Monthly Ranking Duels."
The murmurs in the classroom grew louder as students turned to one another, whispering about the challenges ahead.
Alden, sitting in the third row, leaned back in his chair, listening carefully.
Donovan continued, his voice cutting through the chatter.
"This is how it works."
Each student is allowed three challenges per month.
A win results in gaining the class rank of the loser.
A loss means being demoted to the loser's class.
A student can only be challenged three times per month.
Refusing a challenge without a valid reason results in immediate demotion.
He gave a pointed look.
"This system is designed to ensure that rank and class are earned through skill and effort, not privilege."
Alden tapped his fingers against the desk. "So, I could be challenged three times, and if I lose all three, I'd drop from S-Class to C-Class in a day? Brutal."
From the side, Leonhardt Valerian chuckled. "Well, that makes things interesting. If someone wants to keep their spot, they have to be strong."
---
The class erupted into conversation.
Luca Ashenpaw, the beastkin with silver hair and amber eyes, grinned. "Finally, I get to fight officially."
Elena Brightwind, the saintess candidate, sighed. "This sounds like unnecessary violence."
Sylvara Nightwhisper, the elven prodigy, simply smirked, "We'll see who belongs in S-Class soon enough."
Alicia von Rosenheim remained silent, her golden eyes gleaming with determination.
Meanwhile, Reynard Faulkner, the sly assassin, leaned back with a fox-like grin.
"Three fights a month? That means you better be careful, Alden, or someone will take your spot."
Alden shrugged. "Let them try."
His calm confidence earned a few raised eyebrows, but no one challenged him on it.
---
As class ended, Leonhardt approached Alden.
"Hey, want to grab some coffee with us? We usually hang out at the Silver Bell Café after morning sessions."
Alden raised an eyebrow. "You inviting me?"
"Yeah," Leon said, flashing a confident grin. "You're part of S-Class now. Besides, we need to know more about you."
Alden hesitated for a moment before shrugging. "Fine. I'll come."
The Silver Bell Café was located near the academy, a high-class establishment frequented by noble students.
Inside, the main cast took their seats at a private corner table.
Leonhardt Valerian
Alicia von Rosenheim
Seraphina Everfrost
Reynard Faulkner
Luca Ashenpaw
Sylvara Nightwhisper
Elena Brightwind
---
The Ranking Duel Board
The academy's main courtyard was bustling with students, all gathered around the massive Ranking Duel Board.
Alden, now used to ignoring the curious stares, walked toward the board with the main cast.
Leonhardt, standing beside him, grinned.
"It's finally time to see who's aiming for our spots."
Alden smirked. "They better be prepared."
As he scanned the board, he noticed:
Top-Ranked Students in S-Class were already being challenged.
Many D-Rank students were targeting weaker S-Class members.
Alden himself had already been challenged twice.
Seraphina Everfrost glanced at his name and said, "Looks like some people want you out already."
Alicia von Rosenheim crossed her arms. "They don't realize how strong you actually are."
Reynard chuckled. "So, Alden, who do you want to challenge?"
Alden thought for a moment before smirking. "I'll wait. Let's see how the first fights go."
---
The group headed to the cafeteria, grabbing seats at their usual table.
Luca Ashenpaw, the beastkin, leaned back and grinned. "I already got three challenges. Guess I'll have some fun."
Sylvara Nightwhisper nodded. "The duel system will make sure the weak don't stay in S-Class."
Leon chuckled. "That's why I'm looking forward to it."
Alden sipped his coffee, listening. He wasn't concerned about his challengers, but he was more interested in how the others would perform.
"The ranking duels are the first step in separating the elite from the rest. I need to use this chance to observe my future rivals."
Reynard, smirking, turned to Alden. "By the way, you never told us what weapon art you use."
Alden shrugged. "A mix of sword and dagger arts."
Alicia raised an eyebrow. "Not many people train in both. That's inefficient."
Alden smirked. "Not for me."
They didn't push further, but he could tell some of them were intrigued.
After classes, Alden headed to the training grounds.
He activated Shadow Step Footwork, his movements blurring as he dashed across the field.
His aura control had improved.
He could coat his body in aura more efficiently.
His reaction speed had increased due to telekinesis training.
As he practiced, he heard a familiar voice in his mind.
"You're pushing yourself harder than usual."
It was Kurenai, his talking katana.
Alden smirked. "The ranking duels are coming. I can't afford to be careless."
Another voice chimed in.
"Don't get overconfident, Alden."
It was Shiranui, the nine-tailed fox cub.
Alden sighed. "I have two nagging voices in my head now."
Kurenai chuckled. "We just don't want you to get arrogant."
Shiranui added, "You're strong, but you still have weaknesses."
Alden nodded. "That's why I'm training."
As the night fell, Alden finished his session and returned to his dorm.
The ranking duels were only a day away.