Extra's Descent

"All of you look so serious."

Delton sighed, genuinely astonished at the sight of an attentive class.

It might have been the first time since the school year started that class B's cadets were so focused, no unnecessary chatter or distractions.

All cadets of class B listened keenly without any unnecessary chatter.

Of course, Rachel had always been a diligent student—just like Raven. So her behavior wasn't surprising.

Rachel recalled everything that happened during the training camp.

From the cadets she had fought—taking their badges in the process. To the monsters she encountered, gaining experience all for her own.

And especially, the last scene.

Brandon—taking the wyvern down all on his own. The same creature over 200+ cadets had trouble suppressing, only surviving due to their collective efforts.

".....Crazy."

She muttered under her breath.

Of course, it had to be said.

Rachel passed with flying colors. It was the same for her friends.

In any case, while there were several S–rankers who didn't get publicity of this scale after awakening, Brandon becoming an S–ranked awakened at 17–years old was astonishing.

Much to the point where several users started theorizing his identity, after the article was posted in Ranker Weekly.

Ranker weekly.

A forum website personally hosted by the main guild, revolving news about rankers, guilds, and such.

While Brandon wasn't a ranker, it was still a topic that got a lot of attention.

It was also a website Rachel was an avid follower of.

She planned on becoming an apprentice of the current number one guild, 'The Crimson Veil.'

They would surely accept her. Especially knowing her financial power. Any guild would want Asami Company under their belt.

Rachel's mind wandered back to Delton as she snapped out of her thoughts.

She focused her attention on the front of the room where her instructor stood, hands clasped behind his back, a stern yet somewhat relaxed expression on Delton's face.

Delton was pacing slightly, as if collecting his thoughts before delivering the next big announcement.

"The final exams for this semester are approaching fast, and they will determine not only your standing but the course of the next semester."

A palpable tension spread through the room as the cadets sat up a little straighter, listening carefully.

"The midterms will consist of both theoretical assessments and practical exams. As always, your performance will directly affect your rank within the academy."

Delton's eyes scanned the room.

"However, this time, there is an additional incentive."

Rachel's heart raced, wondering what it could be.

"As some of you may know, those who manage to break through to A-rank within the next month will be promoted to Class A at the start of the second semester."

Murmurs spread through the cadets as the announcement sank in. For Rachel, this was it—the opportunity she needed to finally prove herself and rise to the top.

She could feel it. After all, she had been evaluated to be B–ranked. Specifically, B+.

If she continued applying what she learned, she would soon break through the A–ranks.

Even if it wasn't possible this week, or even this month, according to their curriculum, the second semester would start in three months.

She had enough time to break through.

"And after the midterms, your winter break will start. Use this time wisely. Recover, but don't let your guard down. The second semester will be even more grueling."

With that, he turned and walked toward his desk.

"That's all for today. Dismissed."

Rachel stepped out of the lecture hall soon after, and gathered with her friends.

Rachel, Claire, Reinhard, Cyrus, and Sarah gathered somewhere outside the academy.

Cyrus, though not a central figure in the wyvern subjugation, had used his abilities to save several cadets, pulling them out of harm's way.

Sarah, on the other hand, had served as part of the effort to distract the wyvern.

But distraction might've been overestimating it.

The wyvern hadn't been capable of thought or strategy. It was a mindless beast driven by primal instincts.

Amy started the conversation.

"It's lunch–break, where do you guys plan on eating?"

"I think I'm going to study at the library."

Rachel responded immediately.

While practicals were important, theoretical was important too. Especially the implementation of their fundamentals when it came to breaking through the ranks.

That, and increasing their mana core tiers.

After all, mana cores and ranks were rather relative. Mana cores acted as a foundation, allowing one to harness greater amounts of mana.

Without a sufficiently advanced mana core, breaking through to higher ranks would be near impossible, as the body wouldn't be able to handle the surge in power.

A strong mana core amplified one's control, endurance, and power, which directly affected combat ability.

Sarah had the same thoughts as her.

"I'll join you, Rachel."

"I'm probably going to train."

Claire responded as well. It was quite understandable. Claire was already at the top when it came to theoretical—alongside Rachel.

"I'll join you, Claire."

Cyrus voiced out his own plans.

"Sure."

Claire nodded her head. At that moment, her face darkened, and an ominous grin spread across her features.

"I actually needed a punching bag. Thanks, Cyrus."

"Uh… Okay?"

Cyrus tilted his head in confusion.

No, maybe not confusion, but playing obliviously.

"I'll probably train as well, but separately."

It was Amy's turn. After all, Claire and Cyrus fought like duelists—despite being a mage.

Amy, on the other hand, fought like a true mage.

Then their heads turned towards Reinhard, who had kept silent this whole time.

"What about you, Rein?"

As if he was snapped out of his thoughts, Reinhard lifted his head up and met all of their gazes.

"I think I'll—"

The moment Reinhard was about to speak….

Brrt…..

His phone began ringing.

"....Take this call."

With that, Reinhard left.

It looked as if he was in a hurry, and the others found it rather peculiar.

But they could care less, and were more focused on themselves, shrugging their shoulders.

With that the group dispersed. Each one going to their appropriate destinations.

***

Amelia had been engrossed in the library for a while now.

Currently, she was studying, while at the same time, finishing the backlog of tasks given to her by the Imperial Army.

They were mostly paperwork for particular proposals.

But Amelia had her own project she was working on.

She had gathered a respectable amount of backers that would support her and her faction.

But still, it was hard to top her opposing factions.

She was in a dilemma, and she wasn't sure how she could raise her credentials further.

Her achievements and the academy were already substantial enough, especially for a cadet of her age.

But at this pace, Amelia couldn't see herself increasing her faction size soon.

"Haaa…."

She sighed exhaustedly, resting her head on the desk.

There were so many things she had to get done, and she was only one person.

She didn't want to ask Brandon for help. If he wanted to, he would help her in his own way.

But still, Amelia didn't use that as a reason to be lax in her endeavors.

She raised her head and continued finishing the paperworks again.

Lunch–break would end in three hours. She needed to get the documents done so she could focus on other matters later.

She had to study for the finals, find a good time to train—all while keeping up physically for the practical exams.

Amelia lifted her head, her tired eyes catching the delicate flurry of snowflakes outside the window.

"Hm?"

It was snowing.

"Again…."

It would've been peaceful if it wasn't the third time this year that the cold had worn her down.

She was tired of it.

The constant chill that seemed to hang in the air, much like the pressure she felt from the endless tasks piled in front of her.

"Haaa…"

She sighed, dragging her attention back to the paperwork.

The snow outside, once calming, only reminded her of the long winter that showed no sign of ending.