The Great Hall of Eldavia Academy hummed with tense anticipation as first-year students gathered for the class placement ceremony. Sunlight streamed through towering stained-glass windows, casting prismatic patterns across the marble floor and illuminating the massive display board that dominated the northern wall. Currently blank, the board would soon reveal the fate of every student present—their assigned class rank determining everything from their instructors to their academic opportunities for the coming term.
Marcus stood among the other commoner students, his posture relaxed despite the nervous energy surrounding him. Edwin fidgeted beside him, continuously adjusting his glasses and muttering theoretical formulas under his breath as though final preparation might somehow influence the imminent announcements. On Marcus's other side stood Coltan, the Valkarien tribal student towering over most of the gathered first-years, his massive arms crossed patiently across his chest.
"They say Magister Varian himself performs the final evaluations," Edwin whispered, his voice pitched higher than usual with anxiety. "He can supposedly assess magical potential with a single glance."
Coltan grunted skeptically. "In my tribe, worth is proven through action, not old men's glances."
Marcus remained silent, his attention fixed on the staff entrance where academy officials would soon emerge. His performance during the initial assessments had been solid despite his disability—his theoretical knowledge exceptional, his practical demonstrations impressive within the limitations of his one-armed status. Yet he harbored no illusions about receiving special consideration. Eldavia's system was notoriously rigid, designed to stratify students based on both ability and social standing.
A hush fell over the hall as the massive doors at the northern end swung open. Seven figures in formal academic regalia processed toward the raised platform at the front of the chamber—the Department Heads of Eldavia Academy, led by Dean Karalis himself. Behind them floated an ornate crystalline device that pulsed with arcane energy, clearly the mechanism that would determine their placements.
"First-years of Eldavia Academy," the Dean's voice carried effortlessly throughout the hall without apparent magical amplification. "Today you will receive your initial class placements—the foundation upon which your academic journey will be built."
He gestured to the display board behind him. "As tradition dictates, placements are determined by a combination of assessment scores, practical aptitude, theoretical knowledge, and certain... intangible qualities identified by our evaluation crystal. These placements are not permanent—they represent merely your starting point."
One of the Department Heads, a severe-looking woman whom Marcus recognized as Professor Voss from his re-evaluation, stepped forward. "Students will be divided into three tiers: Normal Class, ranks F through D; Advanced Class, ranks C through A; and Grand Class, rank S. Each semester, you will have one opportunity to challenge for advancement to a higher rank through the Proving Trials."
Marcus's gaze drifted across the hall to where the noble students stood in their gold-trimmed uniforms. Among them, he spotted Lysander Thorn, looking as imperious as ever, his posture radiating absolute confidence in his placement. Not far from him stood Lia, her vivid green hair impossible to miss even among the ostentatious nobles. She had somehow managed to modify her uniform to include emerald accents that matched her hair, standing out even among the privileged elite.
The Dean raised his hands toward the crystal device floating behind him. "Let the placements commence."
The crystal flared with brilliant light, sending a wave of energy toward the display board. Names began to materialize, arranged by rank from lowest to highest:
NORMAL CLASS F-RANK [48 names] E-RANK [53 names] D-RANK [47 names]
ADVANCED CLASS C-RANK [35 names] B-RANK [26 names] A-RANK [12 names]
GRAND CLASS S-RANK [8 names]
Edwin let out a strangled sound as his name appeared under B-Rank. "B? I got B-Rank?" His surprise quickly transformed into elation. "That's... that's higher than I expected!"
Coltan nodded with satisfaction as his own name appeared in C-Rank. "Acceptable. Our tribe's magic is different from yours. I will rise through combat."
Marcus scanned the lists methodically, working from the bottom up. His name was absent from F through C ranks, a good sign. When he reached B-Rank and still didn't find his name, he felt a flicker of hope that perhaps his performance had outweighed his physical limitation.
The A-Rank list was short, only twelve names. He found his near the bottom:
ADVANCED CLASS - A-RANK:
Cassandra Brightwood, Thorne Blackwell, Sylvia Windcrest, Arman Desai, Nicholas Stonevault, Helena Frost, Darius Nightshade, Olivia Stormheart, Marcus Phoenix, Linden Oakencrest, Emilia Ravenwood, Raven Silverbrook
A-Rank. Not S, but still among the highest placements available to first-years. Given his circumstances, it represented an exceptional evaluation. Yet Marcus couldn't help but wonder if his missing arm had been the deciding factor between A and S ranks.
His eyes moved to the S-Rank list, confirming what he already suspected:
GRAND CLASS - S-RANK:
Lysander Thorn, Lia Verdant, Viktor Crownsguard, Seraphina Ashborne, Roland Dragonheart, Celeste Mooncrest, Elias Sunfire, Morgan Shadowveil
Lia and Lysander, as expected, had secured positions in the highest rank. He felt a mixture of pride for his friend and the familiar competitive spark that had always characterized his relationship with Lysander.
The Dean's voice cut through the growing murmurs as students located their placements. "These ranks determine your core curriculum and instructors. Advanced and Grand classes will have access to specialized facilities and research opportunities not available to Normal classes. Remember, however, that advancement is possible through dedication and the semester Proving Trials."
As the ceremony concluded and students began to disperse, Marcus found himself approached by both Lia and Lysander, who had apparently spotted him in the crowd.
"A-Rank?" Lia's tone was a perfect blend of surprise and teasing. "I thought you'd be right up there with us in S."
"The assessment criteria are precise," Lysander remarked, his voice carrying that familiar superior tone, though his eyes betrayed something almost like respect when they briefly flicked to Marcus's missing arm. "Given certain... limitations, A-Rank is quite impressive, Phoenix."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Impressed enough to worry about the Proving Trials, Thorn?"
A flash of the old competitive fire lit Lysander's eyes. "Hardly. Though I admit some curiosity about how you'll adapt your techniques with your... situation."
"You two can posture later," Lia interrupted, rolling her eyes. "The important thing is understanding how the ranking system works for someone planning to advance."
She lowered her voice, leading them away from the crowd. "Rankings are based on points accumulated through both theoretical classes and combat practicals. S-Rank requires maintaining at least 90 points overall, A-Rank needs 80, and so on down the line."
"And the Proving Trials?" Marcus asked.
"Once each semester, students can challenge for advancement," Lysander explained with surprising seriousness. "It requires formal application and sponsorship from a professor. The trial itself is a combination of written examination and practical demonstration, culminating in combat assessment against a current member of your target rank."
"Which means," Lia added with a grin, "if you want to move up to S-Rank, you'd need to defeat one of us in formal combat."
Marcus smiled slightly. "Sounds straightforward enough."
Lysander scoffed. "Overconfident as always, Phoenix. S-Rank facilities are significantly advanced compared to what you'll have access to in A. The gap will only widen as the semester progresses."
"Perhaps," Marcus acknowledged. "Though I recall similar advantages you had at Emberfall. Didn't seem to help much then."
Before Lysander could respond, a chime sounded throughout the hall, signaling students to proceed to their assigned orientation sessions.
"That's us," Lia said, tugging at Lysander's sleeve. "S-Rank orientation is in the north tower." She gave Marcus a quick, fierce hug. "Don't worry, I'll tell you all the exclusive S-Rank secrets later."
As they departed, Marcus found himself rejoined by Edwin and Coltan, both looking at him with new interest.
"You know Lysander Thorn?" Edwin asked, clearly impressed. "And that green-haired girl in S-Rank?"
"Old acquaintances," Marcus replied simply.
Coltan's expression was more calculating. "The way you spoke to them—as equals. You have history with these high-ranked ones."
"We trained together at Emberfall," Marcus acknowledged. "Competition has a way of equalizing relationships."
As they made their way toward the A-Rank orientation session, Marcus considered his placement with practical assessment. A-Rank would provide excellent resources—not the very best that Eldavia offered, but more than sufficient for his research needs. The relative anonymity might even prove advantageous, allowing him to work without the additional scrutiny that would come with S-Rank status.
And if his investigations required access to S-Rank facilities... well, the Proving Trials offered a clear path forward.
The A-Rank orientation took place in a spacious chamber lined with bookshelves and elaborate magical apparatus. Only twelve students gathered there—the elite few who had qualified for Advanced Class but fallen just short of Grand Class placement. As Marcus observed his fellow A-Ranks, he noted that nearly all wore the gold-trimmed uniforms of noble students. He and perhaps two others were the only commoners to achieve this rank.
Professor Reed, whom Marcus recognized from his special assessment, entered and surveyed the small group with evident satisfaction. "A-Rank students, congratulations. You represent the upper echelon of this year's incoming class—those with exceptional potential who require only refinement to achieve greatness."
He paced before them, hands clasped behind his back. "Your curriculum will be intensified compared to lower ranks. You will have access to the Advanced Research Library, the Enhanced Practice Arenas, and specialized instruction from senior faculty."
A student raised her hand—a tall, elegant girl with platinum blonde hair whom Marcus recalled was named Cassandra Brightwood, the highest-ranked of the A-Class students.
"Professor, could you explain the point system in more detail? For those who might aspire to S-Rank advancement?"
Reed nodded approvingly. "A practical question. Your overall ranking is determined by points earned across all courses. Theoretical classes provide up to 50 points based on examination scores and research projects. Combat practicals provide the remaining 50 points through assessment of technique, power, adaptability, and competitive performance."
He gestured toward Marcus. "For example, Mr. Phoenix here scored exceptionally high in theoretical assessment—nearly perfect marks. His combat evaluation, while impressive given his circumstances, necessarily reflected certain physical limitations. The combination placed him in A-Rank rather than S."
Marcus kept his expression neutral despite the unwelcome attention. The professor's explanation confirmed his suspicion—without his injury, he would likely have placed in S-Rank alongside Lia and Lysander.
"The Proving Trials," Reed continued, "offer opportunity for advancement through demonstrated improvement. To challenge for S-Rank, a student must maintain at least 85 points throughout the semester leading up to the trial, secure faculty sponsorship, pass a written examination, complete a practical assessment, and finally defeat an S-Rank student in formal combat."
His gaze swept the room. "I would caution against premature ambition, however. The gap between A and S is substantial. In the five years I have taught at Eldavia, only two students have successfully advanced from A to S through the Proving Trials."
The orientation continued with details about their course schedules, faculty advisors, and academy regulations. Marcus listened attentively while part of his mind already calculated what would be required to qualify for the Proving Trials. The 85-point minimum threshold seemed achievable—his theoretical knowledge would easily secure high marks in academic courses. The combat aspect would present greater challenges, but his newly acquired skills from the Skill Shop would help compensate for his missing arm.
When orientation concluded, students were directed to collect their detailed schedules and room assignments. As Marcus approached the distribution table, he found Professor Reed waiting for him.
"Mr. Phoenix, a moment." The professor handed him a sealed envelope bearing the Theoretical Applications Department insignia. "Your unique background in dimensional theory has attracted some interest. This is an invitation to a special research seminar conducted by Professor Eldritch. Normally restricted to second-year students and above, but an exception has been made in your case."
Marcus accepted the envelope with carefully concealed surprise. "Thank you, Professor."
Reed lowered his voice. "Between us, your theoretical scores were the highest I've seen in a first-year student in over a decade. Had circumstances been different..." He glanced meaningfully at Marcus's missing arm. "Well, suffice to say, don't be too hasty to attempt the Proving Trials. Your theoretical work alone may open doors that others must fight to access."
As Marcus departed the orientation chamber, schedule and special invitation in hand, he considered the professor's words. The path forward at Eldavia was becoming clearer—excel in theoretical studies while methodically adapting his combat techniques to compensate for his missing arm. The Skill Shop would provide valuable advantages in both areas.
A-Rank was not S-Rank, but it represented a strong starting position considering his circumstances. And the special seminar invitation suggested that his expertise in dimensional theory had already been noticed by the faculty—a potential avenue for advancing his research into the approaching convergence.
Outside in the courtyard, he spotted Lia and Lysander emerging from their S-Rank orientation, surrounded by their fellow elite students. Lia noticed him and waved enthusiastically, earning a disapproving look from Lysander.
Marcus raised his left hand in acknowledgment, then with a mischievous glint in his eye, lifted the stump of his right arm and wiggled it as if waving. "Don't worry!" he called out, just loud enough for them to hear. "I'm all right!"
The terrible pun caught them both off guard. Lia burst into genuine laughter, doubling over and drawing curious stares from other S-Rank students. Even Lysander, despite his obvious attempt to maintain his dignified facade, couldn't suppress a reluctant chuckle, quickly disguised as a cough.
As the two rejoined their elite classmates, Marcus smiled to himself. The competition that had defined their relationship at Emberfall would continue here at Eldavia, albeit with new parameters and higher stakes. His friend and his rival had achieved the highest rank immediately, while he would need to work his way up—a familiar dynamic that had always served to push him further.
And perhaps that was exactly what he needed. The approaching dimensional convergence would not be forgiving of weakness or limitation. If he could turn even the loss of his arm into a catalyst for growth, adapting and evolving in response to challenge, then perhaps he might succeed where previous guardians had failed.
[Status Update] [Name: Marcus Phoenix] [Age: 15 years, 2 months] [Level: 80] [HP: 520/520] [MP: 870/870] [Class Placement: Advanced Class, A-Rank] [Right Arm: Missing] [Arsenal Manifestation: 10 simultaneous constructs] [Construct Arm: 14 minutes duration at full articulation] [Left-Hand Swordsmanship: Level 14] [Skills:] [Left Hand Dominance - Level 1] [Construct Stabilization - Level 1] [Mana Efficiency - Level 1] [Arsenal Expansion - Level 1] [Remaining Skill Points: 4] [Quest Update: Eldavia Integration - In Progress] [New Objective: Maintain 85+ points for Proving Trial eligibility]
[System Message: A-Rank instead of S? Oh, the tragedy! Clearly losing a limb has consequences beyond just shopping for one-handed can openers. At least now you have a classic underdog narrative. Nothing motivates like having to prove everyone wrong!]