The five academies were ranked according to their annual performance and proudly bore their titles:

Gladiator's Den, Michael's Brilliance, Aetherveil Academy, Crowdown Spire, and Ardentia Academy.

Their ranks were decided each year through two grand events—the Tempest Clash and the Honor Cup.

Last year, Ardentia had a real chance to seize victory in the Tempest Clash. With Emma and Kevin as their hidden trump cards, they had shocked everyone. Emma won all her matches, and Kevin stood undefeated—until the final stage. Just when he was on the verge of defeat, Talobo ambushed the venue, forcing the contest to be nullified.

All their efforts had gone to waste, and Ardentia's position remained unchanged.

While Ardentia gained quite a reputation after the ambush was subdued, it didn't affect their ranking.

The academy's low rank was often blamed on its lack of strictness and discipline compared to the others.

Ardentia's caution and their policy to not endanger the lives of their students often leads them to keep the students from reaching their full potential.

Not to talk about, Ardentia's natural surroundings were quite monitored by the capital since the academy was the closest to the empire.

That's why, the real world challenge was rather produced.

That leads to a very domesticated environment for the students that prevents them from becoming their best selves.

Not to mention, they were also short on staff, unable to send out scouts to recruit talented youngsters.

Every academy always keeps a tab of the churches where normally a kid awakens their blessings at a young age.

Based on their discovery, the other academies immediately contact the chosen one's parents and reserve their ward for their institution.

That provides them with a wide variety of quality students to choose from during the enrollment assessment.

Ardentia couldn't afford to send their school staff to keep an eye on the churches.

Because of that, Ardentia kept its enrollment requirements and annual fees low, giving commoners like Kevin a chance to study there instead of at more prestigious institutions.

Naturally, that causes several financial problems since the school provides tuition, accommodation, food, and other services. For that, the academy raises funds through donations.

For example, Count Delimore is one of the leading donors who has been constantly supporting the academy, albeit for personal reasons.

Undoubtedly, this generosity and leniency came with a price. For ten long years, Ardentia failed to produce any truly remarkable students, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the rankings.

People have also begun to worry that Ardentia might lose its position in the Five Major Academies on the continent since there are many others waiting for one of the five to fall.

This year, however, things were about to change.

Yes, there was Emma and Kevin—the ones who have shown promise during the last contest. Naturally, the other academies have already come prepared for them. To counter or even lure them away.

However, what none of them must have expected was a violent storm named William.

An anomaly who, until two weeks ago, was not even considered in the race to be a part of the team.

But now…he was the reason why the whole testing method had shifted.

….

"Mm…" William frowned as he felt someone shaking him awake.

A faint buzz filled his mind—a storm of thoughts belonging to the people around him. Out of habit, he quickly suppressed them before they could turn into a headache.

Blinking his heavy eyes open, he found Emma leaning over him, her finger pressed against his cheek. "What are you doing?" he asked groggily.

"Trying to wake you up…" Emma muttered, still poking his cheek with a stubborn pout.

William caught her wrist, making her gasp. A sly grin tugged at his lips. "I have a habit of having meat right after waking up," he teased, baring his teeth. "Should I try this tender one?"

Emma giggled softly, not backing down. "There's somewhere much more tender you'd love to bite," she whispered, tugging her collar slightly and exposing the smooth curve of her pale neck.

William froze, completely caught off guard. Releasing her hand, he shook his head and sighed.

"It's impossible to make you embarrassed."

Emma chuckled, "You don't need to try hard, dear."

"Where are we now?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

He glanced out the window and narrowed his eyes. Blue stretched endlessly on both sides—sky above, sea below.

They were crossing a vast bridge, the rail line suspended high above the shimmering water.

The others were also watching the scenery outside. It was quite a beautiful sight.

"We're just five minutes away from the destination, so I thought I should wake you up," Emma said as she smoothed her uniform and leaned closer to fix his slightly rumpled collar.

William didn't resist. He simply sat back, letting her do whatever she wanted while murmuring, "Sorry for sleeping most of the way…"

He had woken up once or twice—mostly to eat—but had dozed off again mid-conversation.

He really tried to remain awake knowing how excited she was for this trip but in the end, he lost to exhaustion. And now, he was feeling quite guilty.

Emma smiled softly. "It's okay. Watching you sleep is kind of a treat for the eyes."

William gave a faint, helpless smile. "Sometimes I don't understand you."

Emma only giggled in response, saying nothing more as she finished fixing his collar and turned her gaze toward the window.

The train had slowed to a stop right before the grand entrance to the island.

*Click.*

The door slid open, and Russel stepped in, her eyes scanning over the group before speaking in her usual stern tone, "Step out, and don't forget your luggage."

Kevin and Natalie were already on their feet, bags in hand, followed by Gizel. Emma and William stood next.

"Let me carry that," William said, taking Emma's bag before she could protest.

The silver-haired girl didn't insist. She only nodded and carried the small basket she had brought along—now empty.

As they passed by, Russel's voice stopped them for a moment. "Are you feeling better now?"

Despite her usual aloofness, there was a trace of concern in her tone. After all, she was one of the many who had witnessed William's fierce battle the night before.

The blond one blinked, caught off guard by the question. He wasn't used to his instructors showing concern—especially someone like Russel. For a moment, he just stared before giving a simple nod. "I'm better now."

Russel acknowledged his answer with a faint nod and turned silent once more, letting the duo pass.

As soon as William and Emma stepped outside, the crisp ocean breeze rushed to greet them, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and moss. The air here felt colder—cleaner—than the mainland.

Before them stretched a breathtaking yet imposing sight. The island rose from the sea like a sleeping titan, its cliffs veined with ancient gray stone that gleamed under the sun.

Seabirds circled high above, their cries echoing faintly across the waves.

A steep, winding path led toward the heart of the island, where a tall hill loomed. At its base stood a massive gate—carved from solid blackstone and lined with runic etchings that faintly glowed red.

Soldiers in red and black uniforms stood on either side, unmoving, their armor glinting like molten iron under the daylight.

William narrowed his eyes, studying the settlement beyond those closed gates. The buildings he could glimpse were orderly and fortified, their rooftops rising like a fortress city carved into the mountain's spine.

Naturally, this was his first time visiting a territory directly managed by the Great Hall.

Ahead, the other three students were already standing near the vice-headmaster. William and Emma joined them just as the elder man began to speak.

"For your own safety—and for the academy's reputation—do not wander off on your own," he instructed, his tone sharp and commanding. "You'll first be guided to your quarters. Later, the schedule of events will be provided to you."

The students faintly nodded before the man turned toward the entrance and said, "Miss Russel, bring them in when I signal."

"Understood."

The half-bald man approached the entrance and talked to the soldier.

He showed him a few documents before the soldier nodded and said something.

Turning towards another soldier, the first soldier signalled something before the massive doors of the island began to stir.

David waves at Russel before she says, "Let's go."

The students silently followed her as they finally entered the venue where they would be given the chance to prove their worth.

Once in a lifetime opportunity.

Despite their outer composure, three of the five were quite nervous about what they would be facing here.

Meanwhile, Emma was hoping for a single thing,

'Just don't let another villain ruin this event…please…'

Little did she know….

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, please drop a comment. It helps the future readers and motivates me too.

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