The sun rose slow and bright over Mirestrom Hall, but the
energy buzzing through the student body made it feel like the world was on
edge. Word had spread—today was the day the placement results would be revealed.
Ashborn didn't rush to the Grand Hall. He didn't need to. Renar practically
dragged him along.
"They better post those results soon," Renar muttered. "I need to know if I'm
elite or just elite-adjacent."
Lyessa rolled her eyes. "You're not failing. Calm down."
The Grand Hall was packed. Every student who had taken the trials stood
shoulder to shoulder under the vaulted ceiling. Two massive arcane boards
hovered in the air—one for swordsmanship, the other for magic. They were still
blank.
Ashborn stood still while Renar bounced on the balls of his feet.
Then, light.
The boards came alive. First the swordsmanship rankings. Ten names appeared,
one by one.
1. Ashborn Blackhart
2. Renar Valebrand
3. Serin Thayde
4. Kaelith Voss
5. Dalen Aerron
6. Halrik Venn
7. Cedric Drelan
8. Mira Solen
9. Ardyn Feld
10. Bren Iless
A quiet buzz moved through the crowd.
"Blackhart's top of the board…"
"No way—he's a magic user too, right?"
Before anyone could say more, the magic rankings flashed to life.
1. Ashborn Blackhart
2. Lyessa Valebrand
3. Mira Solen
4. Elissa Croft
5. Kaelith Voss
6. Tamsin Marros
7. Serin Thayde
8. Jareth Horne
9. Talin Yurei
10. Melin Korr
The room froze for a second too long.
"First in both?" someone whispered.
"Who even is he?"
Ashborn said nothing. He didn't smile. He didn't react. He just watched the
others react to *him*.
Renar whistled. "Well damn. Can't even be mad."
Lyessa crossed her arms. "They're going to be watching you now. Closely."
Ashborn nodded once. "Good."
Cedric Drelan, meanwhile, stood stone-still, his name lower than expected on
the sword list and completely absent from the magic one. His two lackeys
flanked him as usual.
"This is a joke," Cedric muttered. "There's no way someone tops both. It's
rigged."
Tarren sneered. "They're trying to make a symbol out of him."
Elric nodded. "They'll regret it."
Ashborn didn't turn around, but he heard it all. And he didn't care.
Instructor Maire stepped forward. "Those listed under the top ten in each field
have been selected for the Elite Track. Pack your things. You'll be relocated
to the Glass Wing."
Renar blinked. "Glass Wing?"
Lyessa grinned. "Only the best go there. Quiet, secluded. No distractions."
Ashborn's jaw set. "Perfect."
As students whispered and others stared, Ashborn made his way out of the hall.
Not in a rush. Not gloating.
Just ready for what came next.
The world was starting to notice. And this was only the beginning.