Chapter 39: The Weight of Recognition
The hall buzzed with anticipation as the ranking announcement continued. Nobles, faculty members, and students gathered, their eyes fixed on the center stage where the results were about to be revealed.
The tension in the air was thick. The first official outing had ended, and now, the academy would recognize those who stood out.
Zarek's name was called first.
Without hesitation, he strode forward, his posture straight, exuding confidence. His group followed, each step deliberate, their expressions a mix of pride and satisfaction. A few students clapped—some out of respect, others out of obligation. The noble-born students, especially those from prominent families, exchanged knowing glances.
"House Stormcrest has produced another strong heir," one faculty member murmured.
"He led well," another added, "but his aggression could have been his downfall."
Zarek didn't react to their words, but the faintest smirk tugged at his lips. He had expected this. He had earned it. Somewhere in the crowd, his father watched, expression unreadable, but Zarek caught the brief nod of approval. That was enough.
Then, Seraphina's name was called.
The atmosphere shifted. Her group walked forward with quiet confidence, the cheers more subdued than before. There was no arrogance in their steps—only certainty.
She moved with the same cold grace she had shown in battle, her silver hair catching the light. Where Zarek thrived on recognition, Seraphina barely acknowledged it.
"She doesn't seek attention," a faculty member observed, "but she deserves it."
"Her efficiency in battle was terrifying," another agreed.
Zarek, standing a few paces ahead, turned slightly, his gaze meeting hers for the briefest moment. No words were exchanged, but the unspoken challenge lingered. He had won this time—but she was close. Too close.
Finally, the third-place ranking was announced.
Reynard, Dorian, Elyreina, Selene… and Lyrian.
A brief hush settled over the crowd. Then—
"Wait," someone muttered. "Wasn't there another guy with them?"
"Yeah, that dark-haired one. He didn't even participate, right?"
"Maybe he fainted," another scoffed. "That's what I heard."
"Third place with a useless teammate? That's ridiculous."
The whispers spread quickly. Some laughed under their breath, while others frowned, suspicious.
As their group stepped forward, Reynard and Dorian immediately started arguing.
"I'll go out," Reynard said.
Dorian snorted. "What? And let you take all the credit?"
Reynard rolled his eyes. "I was the one leading most of the time."
"You were 'mostly' leading," Dorian corrected, crossing his arms. "I had to step in, you know."
"You did not—"
Elyreina sighed, shaking her head. She had neither the energy nor the patience for this.
Selene simply stared at them, expression blank. She didn't say a word, but the look on her face said it all: Are they really arguing about this? Now?
Meanwhile, the murmurs about Lyrian's absence continued.
"He didn't even do anything," a student scoffed.
"I heard he collapsed the moment he saw a beast," another whispered.
"Pathetic. I bet they carried him through the entire thing."
Reynard's eye twitched. Dorian scowled.
"If we didn't deserve this, take our spot yourself," Reynard shot back, his voice sharp.
"Yeah," Dorian added, stepping forward, eyes cold. "You wouldn't last a second against what we fought."
The crowd fell silent for a moment.
No one challenged them.
Still, the rumors didn't die down.
In the background, a lone observer—one of the more experienced faculty members—watched in silence. Unlike the others, they weren't focused on the gossip.
Instead, they studied the group's reactions.
The way Elyreina didn't deny the rumors—but didn't confirm them either.
The way Reynard and Dorian were quick to defend themselves, but not Lyrian.
The way Selene said nothing, only observing, her expression unreadable.
The way no one in their group looked even remotely guilty.
"Strange…" the observer murmured to themselves. "They react to the insults, but not the rumors themselves."
They narrowed their eyes slightly.
"What exactly happened out there?"
The ceremony continued. The results had been announced. Recognition had been given.
But the whispers wouldn't stop.
And the truth remained unspoken.