After receiving quick treatment from Sorin, both Dessa and Draven returned to where the other S-rankers were standing. Minor wounds faded under Sorin's touch, though traces of exhaustion still lingered on their faces.
The arena gradually settled after the final duel. Dust drifted down, and the murmurs of excitement slowly quieted. Maren stepped forward once more, her presence alone enough to draw everyone's attention. Her calm yet commanding voice echoed clearly throughout the stadium.
"Today, you have witnessed the spirit of the Awakener Academy. Power clashing against power, will meeting will. These duels were not merely contests of strength, but lessons, proof that even the mightiest blade is meaningless without control, and even the sharpest mind is hollow without resolve."
Her gaze swept across the gathered students.
"Today, you also witnessed the courage of ten of your future companions. Without hesitation or complaint, they stepped forward, faced one another, and fought with everything they had. Their actions showed fearlessness, discipline, and competitive spirit. I believe each of you carries that same potential within you."
Some students straightened unconsciously at her words.
"Some of you triumphed. Others fell. But remember this, victory teaches pride, while defeat teaches growth. Both are necessary to become awakeners worthy of standing against the dangers that await beyond these walls."
Her voice grew heavier, filled with meaning.
"From this day forward, you are no longer just students. You are challengers of your own limits, and builders of your destiny. Every strike you make, every skill you master, every decision you choose will shape not only your future, but the future of those who stand beside you."
She raised her hand slightly.
"Carry what you have learned today. Honor your allies. Respect your rivals. And never forget, awakening is not an end, but a beginning."
A small smile touched her lips.
"On behalf of the Academy, I welcome you once more… to the path that will forge legends."
Thunderous applause erupted across the stadium as the ceremony came to a close. Cheers, whistles, and excited voices overlapped as the crowd slowly began to disperse.
Outside the stadium, five individuals dressed in academy uniforms stood in an orderly line, waiting for the newcomers. As soon as they became visible, students naturally gathered around them.
"Everyone, welcome to the Academy," one of them announced. "We are here to guide you to your assigned rooms. Please follow the representative of your rank. Your belongings have already been delivered to your rooms."
Following the B-rank representative, Ashan, Nevil, and Narasha made their way through the academy grounds. When they reached their dormitory floor, Nevil parted ways with them and headed to his own room.
Ashan followed Narasha to hers, helping her unpack and arrange her belongings. She worked quietly, her expression slightly stiff as she looked around the modest space.
After finishing on her side, Ashan excused himself and went to his own room. It wasn't large, but it was comfortable enough. Inside were a simple bed, a bathroom, and a worktable placed near the window.
"Hm… this room's basically the same as Narasha's," Ashan muttered. "No wonder she looked disappointed. Compared to how she lived before, this must feel cramped."
He placed his robe neatly on the bed and set his wand on the table.
"It's not much, but I can't complain. Still… I'm going to miss my apartment. I didn't stay there long, but it felt like home."
Knock. Knock.
Ashan turned instantly toward the door.
"Student, may I speak with you for a moment?"
It was a familiar voice.
"…Is that him?"
Ashan activated his Byakugan and glanced through the door.
"As expected. The representative," he thought. "Why would he come looking for me?"
He deactivated it, adjusted his robe, and opened the door. The representative stood outside, smiling politely.
"I hope I'm not troubling you," the man said.
"Not at all," Ashan replied with a nod. "It's a pleasure to see you. May I ask why you came?"
"Oh, nothing serious," the representative said. "I'm here on the Headmistress's orders. She instructed us to bring the students who won their duels. Could you come with me?"
Ashan nodded, locked his room, and followed him.
"Is this about the rewards she mentioned at the stadium?" Ashan asked as they walked.
"Yes, exactly," the representative replied. "I watched your duel, you know. Using lightning on your sword and breathing out a fireball… Those skills were strange, but fascinating. It's my first time seeing skills like that."
Ashan smiled politely. "Thank you."
As they moved through the halls, other rank representatives appeared as well, each accompanied by a duel winner. The water mage, the assassin girl, Draven, and Eirena were all there. When they noticed one another, they exchanged small smiles and nods.
The assassin girl stepped closer to Ashan, her eyes gleaming with interest.
"You're Ashan, right? The guy who breathed fire from his mouth. That skill was incredible. I almost got jealous."
Ashan chuckled lightly. "I'm flattered, but compared to proper fire spells, it's actually weak."
Draven, who had been listening, joined the conversation with a grin.
"It's not weak at all," he shot back. "If it had landed properly, the destruction would've been massive."
"Haha… it's really not that impressive compared to the fire spells used in duels," Ashan said casually.
Draven shook his head.
"You're being way too humble, Ashan. That's the kind of skill most B-rankers would dream of having."
Ashan gave a small nod in agreement.
Suddenly, Eirena stepped closer to him.
"Can I ask you something?" she said, locking eyes with him. Her gaze burned with curiosity. "How did you use lightning on your sword?"
The others fell silent, their interest clearly piqued.
'She's completely focused on the Chidori blade,' Ashan thought. 'Even if I explain the concept, she probably won't fully understand. Maybe I should make it vague.'
He paused, pretending to think.
"I have a skill that allows me to produce electric power," he began. "By using a sword, I can channel that electricity into the blade and trap it inside. It requires intense concentration to stabilize it. Once stabilized, the sword becomes a lightning blade, increasing its sharpness."
The group froze.
"You molded lightning inside a sword?" the assassin said in disbelief. "That sounds impossible."
Draven frowned thoughtfully. "Lightning is extremely unstable compared to other elements. If what you said is true, it explains how you shattered your opponent's weapon."
Eirena frowned, still confused.
"Then why did your own sword break?"
Ashan closed his eyes and sighed.
"It couldn't withstand the lightning. After clashing with another blade, it reached its limit."
Her confusion deepened.
"It couldn't withstand it? Then… what rank is your lightning skill?"
Ashan scratched his head awkwardly.
"They say it's A-rank."
Everyone froze again.
"A B-ranker with an A-rank skill?" the assassin muttered. "That's absurdly lucky."
Draven laughed softly. "Now I see why you got selected. You're going to have a very interesting time here."
Ashan smiled faintly, feeling the weight of every curious gaze settle on him once more.