The five academies were ranked according to their annual performance and proudly bore their titles:
Gladiator's Den, Michael's Brilliance, Aetherveil Academy, Crowdown Spire, and Ardentia Academy.
Their ranks were decided each year through two grand events—the Tempest Clash and the Honor Cup.
Last year, Ardentia had a real chance to seize victory in the Tempest Clash. With Emma and Kevin as their hidden trump cards, they had shocked everyone. Emma won all her matches, and Kevin stood undefeated—until the final stage. Just when he was on the verge of defeat, Talobo ambushed the venue, forcing the contest to be nullified.
All their efforts had gone to waste, and Ardentia's position remained unchanged.
While Ardentia gained quite a reputation after the ambush was subdued, it didn't affect their ranking.
The academy's low rank was often blamed on its lack of strictness and discipline compared to the others.
