"And finally, in first place…"
The hall grew truly silent. Some whispers flew around, since by process of elimination most knew who hadn't been called yet, but many were still in disbelief. I felt dozens, if not hundreds, of eyes turn in my direction. I met the Headmaster's gaze as he spoke in a clear, carrying voice: "Asmo Ravenheart, of House Ravenheart."
For a heartbeat, you could have heard a pin drop. Then came the claps—scattered at first, mostly from faculty and a few unsure students, then a bit more as courtesy prompted others to join in. The applause was noticeably less enthusiastic than it had been for Leon or the others. I didn't mind. I rose from my seat, back straight, and gave a brief bow toward the stage.
"Asmo, if you would, please come forward," the Headmaster requested, gesturing me to join him on stage. I felt my mouth tighten imperceptibly. I hadn't expected to be called up. But it would be more suspicious to refuse. So I strode between the tables toward the front, maintaining a cool, unhurried pace.
With each step, I could feel the weight of stares. Curious, distrustful, awed, angry—various emotions radiated from the gathered students. It was a relief to climb the few wooden steps and turn to face the hall beside the Headmaster, if only because I could put all those faces out of my direct view. Instead, I focused on a point at the back wall, appearing composed.
Up close, the Headmaster gave me a cordial nod and lowered his voice for my ears only, "Congratulations, lad. Your performance was remarkable. I trust you'll continue to work hard and bring honor to the academy."
"Thank you, Headmaster. I will," I replied quietly. My voice came out cool but polite. This was probably the first time I'd spoken more than a word in front of the entire student body. It carried enough for those in the front rows to hear, and I caught Fiona squinting at me as if trying to decipher my tone. Leon watched intently, arms crossed. Neria offered a kind little smile when I glanced her way, clapping her hands with genuine friendliness even if others were lukewarm.
The Headmaster faced the assembly again. "Let's give our outstanding entrants a round of applause." There was another, final bout of clapping. I inclined my head once more to the audience. My part was done, thankfully. He then signaled for me to return to my seat, which I did promptly.
As I stepped off the stage and passed by the area where Leon's group sat, I could feel their eyes on me. Fiona's especially; her green eyes tracked me like those of a hunting cat, perhaps trying to gauge if I was as powerful as claimed or if I had any tells of guilt. Leon himself nodded to me curtly when I made eye contact—maybe an unspoken acknowledgement. Or a promise that he wouldn't remain second for long. Hard to tell. I met each of their gazes briefly: Damien gave a polite nod, Selene's expression was unreadable, Neria smiled ever so slightly and mouthed what looked like "Congratulations."
I did not respond verbally—just returned to my seat and sat down, posture rigid. My heart was actually pounding from the exposure, but I kept my face impassive. That spotlight was nerve-wracking. I much prefer staying in the shadows. But it's too late for that; I've painted a target on my back by standing at the top.
Once the awards concluded, the Headmaster began explaining the schedule. We would have homeroom assignments, then a tour of the facilities, followed by our first classes in the afternoon. As he droned on, I felt a slight buzz at the back of my skull—another system notification. I discreetly opened the interface beneath the table.
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[Quest Update: Forge the Future]
Acknowledgement gained.
Key individuals' determination increased. +5 Destiny Points (Leon Drakos – motivation intensified)
Current Destiny Points: 25
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I resisted the urge to smile. It's working. Leon must have internally vowed anew to surpass me after seeing me celebrated. Perhaps the others as well felt spurred to compete. The system recognized that and gave me points. To think I gain points simply by standing there and making them want to grow stronger. I closed the notification, half-resentful and half-grateful. It felt a bit manipulative, but I can't deny it's effective.
After the Headmaster's speech, professors began reading out homeroom class lists and dorm assignments. The first-years were divided into several classes. By twist of fate or perhaps the system's unseen hand, I found myself assigned to Class 1-A… the very same class as Neria, Leon, Damien, Fiona, and Selene. In fact, as the professor called out names, it became apparent that Class 1-A was composed almost entirely of top-ranking nobles and a few other high-scoring students. The elite class.
Of course. I was both relieved and concerned at this outcome. Relieved because it meant all my targets were conveniently in the same class—easier to keep an eye on them. Concerned because it meant constant interaction and scrutiny from them. Walking the fine line of helping them while maintaining my aloof façade would be a daily challenge.
With the morning assembly concluded, we dispersed to attend our homeroom. Class 1-A gathered in a spacious lecture room on the second floor of the main building. I trailed behind the group as we entered. Rich wooden desks arranged in tiers, a crystal chandelier overhead, and large windows overlooking the academy training fields—this was a classroom fit for nobility. A few other students were already seated, likely those who didn't attend breakfast or arrived early.
I chose a seat towards the back, near a window. As I settled in, I noticed the five others naturally gravitating toward a cluster of seats near the center. Leon took a seat smack in the middle of the front row, Fiona on one side of him and Damien on the other. Neria sat just behind Leon, and Selene took a seat by the window in the second row, near Neria. They all noticed my lone placement at the back; Fiona raised an eyebrow at me, Damien glanced but then pretended to be engrossed in his notes, and Neria gave a polite nod in my direction, which I returned subtly. Leon didn't turn around, but from the stiff way he faced forward I could tell he was very aware of my presence.
A weird feeling crept up my chest, "looks like classes won't leave my back, in any life" I sighed.