"Your scores from the previous test will be displayed first and compared to today's results," the general announced, his voice commanding silence. "These are the rewards for the top five students."
A wave of murmurs and cheers rippled through the crowd of students gathered in the academy courtyard. Charles could hear snippets of excited chatter.
"I wonder what this test's reward will be," one girl whispered.
"In the last test, the top student got three Gana," another replied.
Charles' ears perked up. He hadn't realized just how coveted Gana was—free Gana, especially. With how difficult it was to gain, earning even one was a dream for most students. But three?
"Robert was top-ranked last season. With his family's status falling, do you think he'll rank first again today?" someone nearby asked.
Robert? That name was still taking time to get used to, even though Charles knew it was his name now. His jaw dropped. Wait… I was the top-ranked student last season?!
The shock must've overridden his thoughts, because he accidentally blurted out, "What?!"—loud enough to turn heads.
"Five Gana for the top spot," the general continued, unfazed. "Three for second, two for third, and one each for fourth and fifth. And since it's my birthday today—everyone gets one hundred carnation points!"
A stunned silence fell over the courtyard. Then, an explosion of cheers and applause. Students were giddy, clapping each other on the back, jumping in celebration. Even the most low-ranked among them would gain something today.
With the crowd now fully cooperative, the testing proceeded quickly. Student after student stepped up, placed their hand on the scanner, and had their status displayed on the great crystal screen hanging above the pavilion stage.
Soon, the final student was called.
"Robert Rous, please step to the testing area."
Charles' heart skipped a beat. Everyone's attention shifted to him. Whispers floated through the air like buzzing insects.
"That's him…"
"Let's see if he's still got it…"
After what happened in class, Charles wasn't confident. He walked to the scanner slowly, his palms clammy. He already had an idea of what the results would say. His Gana hadn't increased significantly, and he'd been using low-tier creatures to earn carnation points.
Mr. Brown stepped forward to manually input Robert's name. The large screen lit up with his previous stats:
---
Name: Robert Rous
Age: 15
Level: 2
Gana: 12
CR: 900
---
"Place your hand on the scanner," Mr. Brown instructed.
Charles complied, heart pounding. The results loaded slowly.
---
Name: ERROR
Age: ERROR
Level: ERROR
Gana: ERROR
CR: ERROR
---
A disappointed hush fell over the crowd.
"You're... normal," the voice in Charles' head whispered again, mocking him.
Mr. Brown leaned in to whisper something to the general, who let out a sigh before nodding solemnly.
"That concludes testing for the first stream," the general announced. "And here are the final results."
The names and scores flickered onto the screen one by one.
First Spot - Oscar Green
Previous: Level 2 | Gana: 10 | CR: 600
Current: Level 2 | Gana: 20 | CR: 800
Second Spot - Chris
Previous: Level 2 | Gana: 9 | CR: 600
Current: Level 2 | Gana: 12 | CR: 100
Third Spot - Malik
Previous: Level 2 | Gana: 8 | CR: 900
Current: Level 2 | Gana: 12 | CR: 0
Fourth and Fifth - David and Jane
Isaac: Ranked twentieth.
Charles analyzed the numbers. Most students had only gained two to three Gana since the last test. But Oscar had jumped by ten. That was a huge leap.
'How?' Charles thought, his gaze locking with Oscar's. The boy didn't smile. In fact, he looked disturbed, as though his sudden rise wasn't entirely pleasant.
The general continued.
"We now begin the second stream's testing."
Students moved to make space for the older year group. Charles, still reeling from his exposure, watched numbly as the tests continued.
Top of Second Stream - Mark
Age: 16 | Level: 3 | Gana: 49 | CR: 600
The name that came next startled Charles.
"Diana Rous—please step up."
"That's Robert's sister," someone nearby whispered.
"She used to be the top student of the second stream."
"Maybe failure runs in the family."
Charles clenched his fists. He had come to love Diana. She'd taken care of him since the accident—offering warmth, protection, and guidance. She wasn't just a sister. She was his anchor.
The screen lit up.
---
Previous: Diana Rous | Level: 3 | Gana: 42 | CR: 900
Current: Diana Rous | Level: 3 | Gana: 21 | CR: 0
---
Gasps echoed.
"What happened to the Rous family?" a mocking voice rang out.
"She's weak now—even a first year passed her."
"Her brother's a glitch. She's a joke."
Charles' chest tightened. It wasn't about pride or status anymore. It was about his family—their family. His heart ached for Diana. She had worked hard, and now, because of whatever had happened to them, her achievements were being diminished.
The family dinner that night was eerily quiet. Word traveled fast. Their parents already knew.
"We're sorry for putting you through this," John said, his head bowed.
"We should have done better," he added.
"It's not your fault, Dad," Diana replied, her voice calm, but her eyes full of worry.
Charles stood abruptly, the air too heavy to bear.
"Robert, son, where are you going?" Lucy asked gently.
"Just some air, Mom. Don't worry," he said, slipping through the door.
"I'll check on him," Diana offered, following.
She found him outside, fists bloody from punching the wall.
"Robert," she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.
He turned, tears escaping freely now. He couldn't hold them back anymore.
"We'll figure something out," Diana whispered.
She didn't sound like she was trying to convince him—she sounded like she believed it.
"Do you want to come with me to the pavilion tomorrow?" she asked.
He nodded.
"Looking for something?"
"Just checking if there are any new treasures or relics. Nothing serious."