The academy hall was filled with tension.
Hundreds of students stood in organized rows, their eyes fixed on the elevated platform where the instructors stood.
"…Today, you will receive your class assignments and initial rankings," the head instructor announced firmly. "From this moment onward, your position will determine your access to training resources and opportunities."
A murmur spread across the hall.
"…So the ranking system starts immediately, without any adjustment period for new students," one student whispered. "That means we are already being judged before even attending our first class."
"…That is intentional," another replied. "This academy values performance from the very beginning, not potential alone."
Luxe stood calmly among them.
"…A system designed to force competition from the very start, ensuring rapid growth through constant pressure," he said quietly. "Those who cannot adapt quickly will fall behind without even realizing it."
Lumi stood beside him, her posture composed.
"…And those who rise too quickly will attract unwanted attention from both rivals and hidden enemies," she added softly. "Balance will be difficult to maintain in such an environment."
Luxe gave a faint nod.
"…That is why control is more important than speed at this stage," he replied. "Growing too fast without preparation only creates more vulnerabilities."
The instructor raised a hand.
"…Class assignments will now be announced," he said. "Listen carefully, because your placement will define your starting position within this academy."
Names began to echo across the hall.
One by one—
Students stepped forward.
"…Leonhardt Virel — Elite Class A," the instructor announced.
Leonhardt smirked slightly as he stepped forward.
"…As expected," he muttered. "Anything less would have been disappointing."
"…Christy Astrell — Elite Class A."
A brief silence followed—
Then whispers spread.
"…Astrell family? That's one of the most influential noble houses," someone said. "And she's already placed in Elite Class A on her first day."
Christy stepped forward calmly.
Her eyes—
Moved.
Until they met Luxe.
For a brief moment—
She smiled faintly.
"…Luxe Valcrest — Elite Class A."
The hall grew quieter.
"…Of course he would be placed at the highest level immediately," a student muttered. "Anything lower would not make sense given his performance."
Luxe stepped forward calmly.
"…Elite Class A means constant competition against the strongest individuals," he said quietly. "Which is exactly what I need right now."
Lumi observed silently.
"…And it also means that every mistake you make will be noticed immediately," she said softly. "There will be no room for carelessness."
Luxe nodded slightly.
"…That is exactly why it is the most efficient environment for growth," he replied.
The announcements continued—
Then—
"…Kael Draven — Elite Class A."
Silence.
A figure stepped forward slowly.
Black hair.
Sharp eyes.
Calm expression.
Unremarkable—
At first glance.
But—
Something felt off.
Luxe's gaze sharpened slightly.
"…So this is him," he muttered quietly. "His presence is suppressed, but there is something unnatural beneath it."
Lumi narrowed her eyes.
"…That individual does not feel like the others," she said softly. "His presence is too controlled, almost as if he is deliberately hiding something."
Kael glanced briefly—
Toward Luxe.
Then looked away.
"…Interesting," he murmured quietly. "So that's the Crown Prince everyone keeps talking about."
The instructor raised his voice again.
"…Elite Class A students will now form temporary teams for their first mission," he said. "Your teamwork, coordination, and adaptability will determine your initial rank within the class."
Students began grouping quickly.
Some confidently.
Some hesitantly.
Leonhardt stepped forward.
"…I will not waste time with weak teammates who will only slow me down," he said. "Anyone joining my team must be able to keep up without becoming a burden."
A few students stepped toward him.
Meanwhile—
Christy walked toward Luxe.
"…Your Highness, it seems we have been placed in the same class once again," she said calmly. "This coincidence is starting to feel less like chance and more like inevitability."
Luxe looked at her.
"…Perhaps it is neither coincidence nor inevitability, but simply the result of our current choices," he replied. "We both chose to move forward, so naturally our paths intersect again."
Christy smiled slightly.
"…You always speak as if everything has meaning beyond what is visible," she said. "It makes it difficult to determine whether you are serious or simply thinking too far ahead."
Luxe gave a faint smile.
"…Thinking ahead is necessary if you want to avoid unnecessary mistakes later," he said. "And I prefer preparation over regret."
Christy stepped closer.
"…Then allow me to ask directly," she said softly. "Do you intend to form a team with me for this mission?"
Luxe paused briefly.
Then—
"…Yes," he said. "Your abilities, awareness, and composure make you a reliable partner in this environment."
Christy's expression softened slightly.
"…Then I will accept," she replied. "Because I believe working with you will allow me to understand you better."
Lumi observed quietly.
"…Your compatibility appears stable, and her awareness level is above average compared to others," she said. "She will not become a burden during coordinated combat situations."
Luxe nodded slightly.
"…That is why I chose her," he replied.
A third presence approached.
"…Then I will join as well," a calm voice said.
Luxe turned.
Kael stood there.
"…Forming a team with strong individuals increases survival probability during missions," Kael continued. "And I prefer efficiency over unnecessary struggle."
Lumi's eyes sharpened slightly.
"…This individual is approaching too naturally despite being aware of your identity," she said quietly. "His behavior suggests confidence rather than caution."
Luxe observed him carefully.
"…And what makes you think we will accept you without hesitation?" he asked calmly. "Trust is not something given freely in environments like this."
Kael smiled faintly.
"…Because rejecting a capable ally without testing them first would be inefficient," he replied. "And I assume you are not someone who makes inefficient decisions."
Silence.
Christy looked between them.
"…He is not wrong," she said quietly. "Forming a balanced team requires strength, adaptability, and awareness from all members."
Luxe narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…Then prove that you are worth including," he said. "I have no intention of carrying unnecessary risks."
Kael's smile widened slightly.
"…That's fair," he said. "Then I'll prove it during the mission."
The team—
Was formed.
Luxe.
Christy.
Kael.
Three individuals—
Each with their own intentions.
From the distance—
Leonhardt watched them.
"…Interesting," he muttered. "That team might actually become a problem if they work well together."
Luxe looked ahead.
"…This mission will determine more than just rank," he said quietly. "It will reveal strengths, weaknesses, and intentions."
Christy nodded.
"…Then we should prepare carefully," she said. "Because first impressions in this academy seem to carry long-term consequences."
Kael chuckled softly.
"…Now this is starting to get interesting," he said. "Let's see how this plays out."
The academy stood silent.
But beneath that silence—
Everything had already begun to move.