Chapter 10: A Rank Beyond Expectation
Morning sunlight spilled across the stone courtyard of Oakhaven Academy as hundreds of students gathered in front of the main administration hall.
The atmosphere felt strangely tense.
Everyone was waiting for one thing.
The results of the Green Mist Dungeon Trial.
Groups of students whispered among themselves while instructors carried stacks of reports into the building.
"I heard Marcus’s party almost got wiped out."
"They say a rescue squad had to enter the dungeon."
"There was even a Tier-Two monster..."
"Impossible. A beginner dungeon couldn’t spawn one."
Kael stood quietly beneath the shade of an old oak tree, his hands tucked into his pockets.
Unlike the others, he wasn’t interested in the rumors.
His attention remained fixed on the system notifications that had appeared after leaving the dungeon.
His mana had fully recovered overnight.
More importantly...
The blueprint for the Modular Scrap Forge kept replaying inside his mind.
If he gathered the right materials, he could finally establish a proper workshop.
That would change everything.
A loud bell echoed across the academy.
Students immediately fell silent.
Head Instructor Rowan stepped onto the platform carrying a sealed scroll.
His expression was unusually serious.
"The Green Mist Dungeon Trial has officially concluded."
"Before announcing the rankings, there is something that must be addressed."
He paused.
"As many of you already know, an unexpected Tier-Two Boss appeared inside the trial."
A wave of whispers spread through the crowd.
Rowan raised his hand for silence.
"The Academy has confirmed that the appearance of the boss was not part of the examination."
"The incident is currently under investigation."
He slowly opened the scroll.
"Despite the unexpected danger... every surviving student’s contribution has been evaluated."
The rankings began.
"Tenth place..."
"Ninth place..."
Names echoed across the courtyard.
Applause rose occasionally before fading again.
Marcus folded his arms confidently.
Even after the disaster, he believed his team’s performance would still place near the top.
Then Rowan reached the final three.
"Third place..."
A talented Elementalist stepped forward.
"Second place..."
Marcus’s name echoed across the courtyard.
His confident smile froze.
Second?
Impossible.
His eyes immediately searched for the only remaining possibility.
Rowan looked across the crowd before speaking one final name.
"First place..."
"Kael Vance."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Every student turned toward the quiet young man standing beneath the oak tree.
Even Kael looked mildly surprised.
Rowan continued.
"Highest monster elimination count."
"Highest total core value."
"Confirmed solo defeat of the abnormal Tier-Two Boss."
"The highest trial score recorded in the last twelve academy years."
The courtyard exploded.
"An F-Rank?"
"He beat Marcus?"
"Alone?"
"This has to be a mistake!"
Marcus clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.
His face burned with humiliation.
Everything he had built inside the academy disappeared in a single announcement.
Kael walked calmly toward the platform.
There was no arrogance in his expression.
No smug smile.
Only quiet confidence.
Rowan handed him a dark wooden box engraved with the academy crest.
"Congratulations."
"You’ve earned the Champion’s Reward."
Kael accepted it respectfully.
Inside rested three items.
A heavy pouch containing one hundred gold coins.
A silver academy token.
And a small crystal bottle filled with shimmering blue liquid.
Rowan explained for everyone to hear.
"One hundred gold as prize money."
"A Priority Resource Token, allowing access to restricted academy facilities."
"And a High-Grade Mana Elixir."
Several instructors couldn’t hide their surprise.
Those rewards were usually reserved for elite students.
Kael carefully closed the box.
They would all be useful.
Very useful.
Before he could step down, another voice interrupted.
"Wait."
An elderly man wearing deep blue robes approached from the administration building.
His long silver hair rested neatly over his shoulders.
Even the instructors straightened immediately.
"Vice Principal Aldren..."
The old man’s calm eyes settled on Kael.
"So..."
"You’re the Scrap Artisan everyone has been talking about."
Kael met his gaze.
"Yes, sir."
Aldren remained silent for several seconds.
Then...
A faint smile appeared.
"I’ve read your examination report three times."
"Tell me, Kael..."
"Would you be interested in becoming the first student admitted to the Academy Research Division?"
The entire courtyard froze.
Even Rowan looked surprised.
The Research Division accepted only the most gifted students in the academy.
No first-year student had ever received such an invitation.
And certainly...
Never an F-Rank.
Kael didn’t answer immediately.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
An opportunity like this...
Would come with benefits.
But also with attention.
And attention...
Could become dangerous.
To Be Continued...
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