Ferranstu had done the unthinkable—reaching the ninth floor of the Knight Tower and defeating five ninth-level apprentice knights in a single run.
Such a feat was nothing short of awe-inspiring. His performance demonstrated terrifying levels of physical endurance, raw strength, and precise technique.
> "He's already nearing the realm of a true knight," someone murmured.
> "This kind of result… even some of the sixth-grade seniors can't compare. Not all of them have even reached the rank of official Knight."
> "Ferranstu is undoubtedly the number one in the fifth grade—far beyond Bourne."
Even Bourne stood silently, gazing at the glowing light curtain. His expression was solemn. Though he had also made it to the ninth floor, he had only managed to defeat two ninth-level apprentice knights.
The gap between them—just three knights—felt like a chasm.
To reach the ninth floor in one go meant one was already pushing their limits in every aspect. To stay even a second longer on that floor was already extraordinary. But to defeat three additional opponents? That required something more—something Bourne didn't yet have.
> "I'm still… not quite there," he whispered, sighing deeply.
His face betrayed his frustration, but within his eyes, a newfound determination burned.
At that moment, another figure emerged from the tower—a tall, lean youth with short red hair and an aura of cold arrogance. His features weren't particularly handsome, but there was something undeniably powerful about him.
It was Ferranstu.
A wave of respect rippled through the fifth-grade crowd. All eyes turned to him in admiration and awe. Ferranstu glanced at the rankings, and when he saw his name at the top, a small, satisfied smile curled at the corner of his lips.
The final assessment of the fifth grade was now settled. The curtain had closed—Ferranstu, the undisputed king of the fifth grade.
The students began to disperse.
But just then, a shout of disbelief cut through the air.
> "What the—?! Did I see that right?! That Luciel… he just broke through to the seventh floor!"
> "What?!"
The crowd froze. Every head turned back to the magic light curtain.
A hush fell over the courtyard.
Two names now stood out.
One was Lawrence—Knight Tower, fifth floor.
The other—Luciel Lanster, third grade—seventh floor.
Everyone had been so focused on Ferranstu and Bourne that they had completely overlooked the third-grade challengers.
> "He's already at the seventh? When did that happen?!"
Before the astonishment could fade, the light curtain flashed again.
Lawrence's result was finalized—fifth floor, seven fifth-level apprentice knights defeated.
But Luciel's name shifted once more.
Eighth floor.
He was still climbing.
The courtyard fell into eerie silence. Mouths gaped. Eyes widened.
A third-grader… on the eighth floor of the Knight Tower?
Among all fifth-graders, only Ferranstu and Bourne had reached that level. Even Ferdy, the president of the prestigious Sword Flower Association, hadn't made it that far.
> "How… how did he do that?!" someone stammered.
Flower stood frozen, mouth agape. Then suddenly, he jumped up, screaming in disbelief and relief.
> "You saw that, right? Did you see that?! This guy's insane! He's a monster!"
Though Flower had once been defeated and humiliated by Luciel, and made the laughingstock of the fifth grade, he now felt vindicated. Luciel's stunning performance gave his past loss new meaning. For the first time, he felt proud of being beaten by someone so strong.
But few were paying attention to Flower's outburst—most were still too stunned.
Even Bourne was shaken.
> "So… this is why he was allowed to take the cross-grade assessment," he muttered to himself. "I always knew Luciel was strong, but not this strong…"
He recalled Luciel's record-breaking achievements within the Fencing Association's challenge rooms. It all made sense now.
A smile gradually formed on Bourne's face.
> "I made the right call supporting him… He's rising faster than I imagined."
Even Ferranstu was silent for a moment, eyes locked on Luciel's name. After a pause, he asked someone nearby:
> "This Luciel… is he the one they say reached stage three swordsmanship at such a young age?"
The person nodded.
> "Yes. He's the same one who defeated Flower—Ferdy's younger brother—two months ago."
Ferranstu's eyes gleamed faintly.
> "Interesting…" he murmured.
---
Meanwhile, Lawrence finally emerged from the tower, clearly exhausted. His legs wobbled slightly, and his broad sword dragged behind him.
Despite his pallor, his eyes were alight with pride and satisfaction. He had pushed past his previous limits and reached the fifth floor—defeating seven opponents in the process. It was an extraordinary performance for someone his age.
> "Luciel shouldn't be able to match this," he thought confidently.
He looked around, expecting cheers or praise.
But something felt… off.
> "Why's it so quiet?" he muttered.
Everyone was still staring at the light curtain, stunned into silence.
> "Is it… because of my results?" Lawrence wondered, a flicker of pride in his chest.
But then he looked up.
And his heart sank.
Luciel. Lanster – Third Grade – Knight Tower: Eighth Floor.
His eyes widened. The sword slipped from his hand with a metallic thud.
He stood motionless, stunned. Reality crashed down around him like a thunderclap.
> "Impossible…" he whispered.
Luciel had completely and utterly surpassed him.
Lawrence… was crushed.