Rankings, huh.
To be honest, it wasn't entirely unexpected. Even though this world is a whirlwind mix of fantasy and magical girl elements, the concept of "insos" remained unchanged. So, I thought rankings would show up eventually. But...
I didn't expect it to be part of the official setup.
Wiping away the sweat with his palm, Sihyun, who was coughing, looked around with blurry eyes. Unfortunately, it seemed I was the only one feeling something odd about these rankings.
Sparkling, children's eyes lit up as they looked at Kang Donghyuk stepping forward. Admiration, envy, and a hint of jealousy poured out through their inadequate performances. I was the only one looking at confident Donghyuk with disdain.
Well, maybe Jeong Daun felt similarly.
Thinking of Daun, who surprisingly reacted normally to cringy elements like the "Four Heavenly Kings" unlike others, Sihyun, remembering Daun, looked at Donghyuk advancing. When their eyes met, Donghyuk's head rose high. His shoulders seemed ready to pierce the sky.
Following that, a female student addressed as the 9th rank walked forward. While applause erupted throughout the field, Sihyun had to suppress the cringe. Goosebumps covered his body. But what was more distressing was the fact that I was among those rankings.
I was in Class A, to be exact. Among the mere eight students in Class A, I was one of them. If I, being Class A, wasn't in those rankings, it'd be suspicious. An anxious Sihyun clenched his fingertips. If my name was called out from those ranks in front of everyone, I might have become the first person in the world to die of embarrassment.
It's embarrassing and pathetic.
Among the embarrassment felt since the fusion, this particular one seemed top-tier. So, as if climbing the scaffold, Sihyun's steps slowed. Not wanting to go, he showed it in his steps. As he lifted his foot, about to stand beside Haewoon, who was in front, Haewoon waved at him. Grinning, Haewoon smiled wider. As his smile deepened, Sihyun's face darkened.
I should have used the excuse of having a mental breakdown since the beginning. I mean, I'd only be at school; there was no chance of dying. Why did I bother attempting to excel? I should've pushed the concept of being delicate, not caring how others saw me.
I thought I could handle bullying born out of jealousy. But what difference would it make if awakened individuals led the harassment?
Useless thoughts of regret from the past swirled in his head.
I want to drop out.
A fervent wish after just two days of enrollment.
"Lucky number seven."
Looks like luck is on Sihyun's side!
Whispering as he stood beside Haewoon, Haewoon tried to convey something. Ignoring the pretense of familiarity from someone he barely knew, Sihyun looked at the 90 or so students in front of him. There were so many. It was the first time he faced so many students head-on. Maybe that's why Sihyun entertained thoughts of a grand withdrawal.
"Rank 6, Baek Geonu!"
As the name was called, the unchanging poker-faced Geonu walked toward Sihyun. The way he moved his long legs seemed like watching a model walking on a runway.
Geonu's gaze flickered toward Haewoon. Lightly, as if fluttering, when Haewoon waved his hand over Sihyun's shoulder, Geonu shifted his gaze to Sihyun.
Thud, Sihyun pushed Haewoon away. Geonu, who had silently observed that sight, slowly opened his mouth.
"Hey."
"...."
A sudden greeting made Sihyun freeze his expression. Wondering if he misheard, he turned his head, meeting eyes. It wasn't a hallucination but an intense gaze. A strange feeling bubbled beneath his feet.
He usually kept quiet, but today, why give water and greet first? Trying not to be swayed by the intense gaze directed at him, Sihyun narrowed his eyes. The boy with blue hair wore an indifferent expression. It was hard to tell what he was thinking.
What could it be?
As questions surged, he pursed his lips out of habit. But the innocent boy beside him eased the confusion.
"It seems Sihyun thinks of you as a friend!"
"What?"
An involuntarily incredulous voice escaped. Sporting an expression of disbelief, Sihyun looked at Daun, who was being called as 5th rank and walking over, with an odd expression after hearing Haewoon's voice.
Meeting Daun's eyes, Sihyun tightened his lips. Clicking her tongue, Daun, who seemed to understand, waved at Jihye, named 4th rank. Feeling misunderstood by the gazes directed at him, Sihyun wanted to justify himself. It was clear they were misunderstanding something.
"What are you saying?"
Trying hard to avert his gaze from Daun and ask, Haewoon shrugged. Trying to place his hand on Sihyun's shoulder again, he was obviously bad at understanding cues.
"Exactly that. You hang out with Seowoo, you've caught my attention, and even Hamin seems interested in you, so Geonu probably thinks of you as a friend."
"That's nonsense."
It was all utter nonsense.
To begin with, why would I define friendship in such a manner?
It was true I was often with Seowoo, but strictly speaking, it was more like Seowoo was sticking to me unilaterally. What am I supposed to do with one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" acting like a lunatic and clinging to me?
It was unjust for Haewoon to speak as if I had stuck with him due to that. The same went for Hamin.
But more unjust than that was the fact that there was no basis or suspicion for Geonu and Haewoon to think that he and Haewoon were close.
"We're not close."
"With me?"
"Yeah."
"I like you though."
"I don't like you much."
"That's why I like you even more!"
Is this guy insane?
The gap was intentionally left unbridged, but instead of feeling relieved, Sihyun found himself at a loss for words. The more he tried to speak, the more his composure faltered. He knew there was no point in talking extensively with someone like this.
So, Sihyun changed the subject.
"Not close."
"..."
At his retort, Geonu fell silent. Sihyun contemplated whether it was better to converse with someone who talked too much, or with someone who was left speechless. In the end, he chose to end the conversation. Both options were equally unappealing.
Haewoon was a bright lunatic,
Geonu, a handsome man of few words.
While engaging in pointless conversation with Haewoon and extracting information, Sowoo was labeled third in the rankings, followed by Hamin in second. It was an obvious fact as to who would be first, so Sihyun's gaze shifted towards Haru, who remained alone in Class A.
Haru stood alone, hesitantly, catching Sihyun's eye. Feeling absurd yet strangely relieved to consider Haru as the first, his expression softened.
"My puppy. No, my kid. No, my younger brother is doing so well."
Though he hadn't expected this when he first formed a partnership, he hadn't expected Haru to be a quadruple either. So, it was time for a fair challenge.
"First place, Ban Haru!"
"Wow!"
Cheers erupted. As if witnessing a newborn, Haru, with a bashful smile, walked forward while glancing around before lowering his head and stepping forward. As he reached Sihyun's vicinity and lifted his head, Sihyun found himself involuntarily offering a pleased smile.
It felt like the sensation a pet owner or parent experiences when their pet succeeds in training for the first time or when their child receives an award.
"Good job."
As Haru passed by, whispering softly, he startled and turned back. If one were to peek under his hair now, they might see his reddened ears.
"To the students ranked from first to tenth, we offer a Royal Badge for free use of the school store. Rankings can change anytime through monthly evaluations, so please keep up the effort."
Envious murmurs spread at the principal's words. Whether rich or poor, awakened or non-awakened, high schoolers were universally always hungry.
"The top-ranked student will receive special privileges to fulfill their wishes. Shall we call it a Wish Ticket? Of course, only wishes approved by the teachers can be fulfilled. Now, Ban Haru?"
"Uh, yes?"
Haru stuttered in front of the entire student body. Seeing this, Sihyun rubbed his forehead, determined to help Haru improve.
"Do you have a wish you want to fulfill?"
"Um... uh, I don't, I don't have any."
What a missed opportunity.
Sihyun's brow furrowed as he listened to the conversation. As Haru genuinely refused to make a wish, the principal, without further insistence, casually dismissed the wish ticket. Sihyun, disappointed, glanced at the dagger in Haru's hand. He might have at least asked for a better weapon.
It felt like watching a lottery winner flush their winning ticket down the toilet.
If it were him in first place, he'd have immediately asked to abolish the ranking system. Frustrated, as Sihyun licked his lips in regret, the principal mentioned the return of the rankings. "Now, all ranking students, please return to your positions." Sihyun quickly found his place in Class A, scattering the onlookers. It felt as relieving as loosening a tie.
"Everyone must have had a tough time with the sudden placement exams. For our freshmen who suffered through it, the Supreme King has a small gift. The weapons you hold in your hands are a small gift from the Supreme King."
Huh?
"For the next six months, you will undergo training to adapt to your abilities. Until then, the weapons allocated to you are yours to use as you please. Improve your skills! It might be a modest gift, but do you like it?"
"Yes!"
No.
Amid the excited voices, one disheartened voice seeped in. Sihyun looked at the pink staff in his hand with a feeling akin to having chewed on a bug. Even if it was a gift, it seemed mandatory to receive.
Amidst the joyous students, he alone displayed a sour mood, prompting the principal to speak again. The atmosphere, which had been lively, subtly calmed.
"You've all been through a lot with the sudden exams. Starting from tomorrow, regular school life will commence. You must be tired from fighting irregulars and using unfamiliar abilities. Please forgive us for the necessary class rearrangements."
The principal briefly showed regret but quickly recovered, continuing to speak.
"Observing, some of you utilized your abilities well, while some trembled in fear. It must have been terrifying. I understand. However, remember that you are all candidates for the next Mirgun. We'll have to fight numerous irregulars and protect our nation. Please, don't forget today's feelings and engrave them in your memory."
The weighty words were followed by silence. Sihyun swallowed, feeling even more awkward in the atmosphere. As if to dispel the tense ambiance, the principal smiled kindly.
"Today's school schedule ends here for all of you. Please follow the guidance of your dormitory teachers to move to the dorms, unpack, and take a well-deserved rest after the strenuous march. Feel free to use the dining hall across the dormitories for meals. Once again, a sincere welcome to those who have entered Supreme High School!"
"Wow!"
Like carrots and a whip, after thoroughly rolling them, the principal offered sweet rest, and cheers erupted. Tired physically and mentally, Sihyun was relieved by the fortunate news. Finally exhaling a lazy breath, the dormitory teacher appeared, ushering the kids towards the dorms.
Groups of three or five moved towards the dorms. The principal glanced around at the remaining teachers and then met eyes with Sihyun. Their exchange seemed like a signal, as all the teachers swiftly moved away from the field.
Dozens of feet headed towards the meeting room. With a creak, the door opened and closed, signaling the start of a meeting focusing on the unprecedented quadruple.
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