Chapter 42: The Evaluation Results
The hall buzzed with murmurs as the students stood in anticipation. After the announcement that they would now be evaluated and ranked accordingly, the tension in the air grew heavier. Each student wondered where they would be placed, and those who had performed well in the trials were eager to see how far they had advanced.
A faculty member stepped forward, holding a scroll. "We will now proceed with the evaluations. Your names will be called one by one. Step forward when you are summoned."
The first name rang out.
"Seraphina Valkyria."
A cold hush settled over the hall. The silver-haired girl, clad in her usual pristine attire, stepped forward with an air of quiet confidence. Her ice-blue eyes remained unreadable as she approached the platform. The device flared to life, scanning her mana flow and overall ability.
A flicker of pale blue light appeared before the result displayed—
[Archmage IV]
A sharp inhale echoed from the students. Though expected, the confirmation of her rank still sent a ripple through the room.
"So she really is that strong…" one student muttered.
"She should've been higher. The trial barely even pushed her to her limits," another added.
Seraphina remained unbothered. With a slight nod, she stepped back into place.
The next name was called.
"Zarek Stormcrest."
The Stormcrest heir stepped forward with a smirk, lightning crackling faintly around his form. Unlike Seraphina's composed demeanor, he radiated sheer confidence. The device buzzed, energy surging around him before the ranking was displayed.
[Archmage III]
Zarek exhaled through his nose, nodding in approval. "Tch, could've been IV…" he muttered.
His group members congratulated him as he stepped back, but his eyes flickered briefly toward Seraphina. She hadn't even reacted.
The announcements continued, calling other students. Among them were a few notable names, some landing in Adept V and a couple barely reaching Archmage I. A steady rhythm formed—call a name, display the rank, and move on.
Then—
"Elyreina."
The hall grew quieter. The girl, known for her unique ability and her connection to Lyrian, stepped forward with a composed look. The device activated, scanning her mana and the intricate mirage-based ability that defined her fighting style.
[Archmage II]
"Whoa…" a few students murmured in awe.
Elyreina simply exhaled, nodding as she stepped back. No surprise, no reaction—just calm acceptance.
The process continued, names rolling by. More students filled the ranks between Adept and Archmage I. Some groaned at their results, others celebrated.
Then—
"Reynard Thorne."
The noble boy, with his signature smirk, strutted forward. The device activated.
[Archmage I]
Reynard clicked his tongue, rubbing his chin as though he expected more. "Guess I need to show off more next time."
He turned, flashing a grin at Dorian. "Try to keep up."
Dorian scoffed. "Oh, please, I don't even need to try."
His name was called next.
"Dorian Averhill."
With a confident stride, Dorian stepped onto the platform. The device hummed for a moment before the rank was displayed.
[Archmage I]
Reynard immediately burst into laughter. "Ha! Same as me!"
Dorian groaned, rubbing his temples. "You're insufferable."
The lighthearted banter between them was a welcome change to the otherwise serious atmosphere.
Then—
"Selene Evernight."
She stepped forward silently, her bow strapped to her back. The device flickered before displaying—
[Adept V]
Selene tilted her head slightly, as if contemplating the result. Then, with a simple nod, she stepped back without a word.
More students were called, filling the gaps between Adept and early Archmage ranks.
And then—
"Lyrian."
The hall fell silent.
Some students exchanged confused glances. "Wait, there's a guy with them? I don't remember him in the trial…"
"I heard he collapsed when he saw a beast."
"Didn't he get carried out unconscious?"
Whispers spread as Lyrian, clad in his usual dark attire, walked forward. His expression was unreadable, his eyes calm but unreadable.
Dorian, standing beside Reynard, muttered under his breath, "The devil himself finally arrives."
Reynard chuckled. "I bet this will be interesting."
The device activated, flickering unnaturally for a moment before it displayed—
[Adept I]
A long pause followed.
Then—
Laughter.
Some students snickered. "Hah! No wonder he was barely noticed."
"Lower than Selene? That's embarrassing."
A few, however, remained quiet. They had seen him fight.
Elyreina glanced at Lyrian, her expression unreadable.
Selene merely observed, as though waiting for something more.
The faculty members, too, exchanged glances. The device had flickered strangely.
But Lyrian?
He simply stepped down without a word.
Dorian smirked, leaning toward him. "Dramatic entrance, terrible reveal."
Lyrian arched a brow. "Oh? Were you expecting more?"
Reynard chuckled. "Honestly, yeah."
The evaluations continued, but a lingering unease remained. Some students dismissed Lyrian as a weakling. Others remained uncertain.