The morning sun had barely crept over the horizon, casting a soft amber glow over the Academy's grand courtyard.
The air was crisp, cool with the early dew of the day, and a lingering sense of anticipation hung heavy over the academy grounds.
Students in their crisp uniforms filed into the main hall, the chatter of conversation muffled by the weight of expectation.
Luke stood near the entrance of the assembly hall, his hands resting behind his back as he waited with the others.
The results of the trials would be revealed soon, and with them, the fates of every student who had participated.
He was not as nervous as some of the others, though the anticipation was still present, he had given his all, but what would come next was entirely out of his control.
He was flanked by Gwen and Elysia, both of whom stood with quiet confidence, though Gwen's hands were slightly clenched at her sides.
"I wonder what they'll say," Elysia mused softly, brushing a loose strand of her dark hair behind her ear. "I know it's not just about magic… but it feels like we're all just waiting for them to decide how they'll treat us. Based on what we've done."
Luke nodded.
"It's strange, isn't it? To be so focused on something we have no control over. But it's part of the game, I suppose."
"I wish we didn't have to play it at all," Gwen said, her voice almost wistful.
"Everyone needs a place to fit," Luke said quietly.
Elysia's eyes flickered to Luke.
"You're one of the ones who doesn't seem to care about the results."
"I care," he said firmly. "But not about the class itself. I care about what comes next. And I'll do my best, regardless of what they decide."
There was a brief silence as the doors to the assembly hall opened, and the students filed in, taking their places in neatly organized rows of seats.
The grand hall buzzed with low murmurs, as students exchanged nervous glances and whispered their speculations.
Luke, Gwen, and Elysia took their seats among the other students, their positions near the front but not the closest, allowing them a clear view of the podium at the far end.
It was not long before a hush fell over the room, the sound of heels on marble echoing through the hall as the Queen stepped onto the stage.
Her regal presence commanded immediate attention, and the murmurs quieted completely as she stood behind the podium.
Beside her stood the headmaster, his tall, wiry frame silhouetted against the light streaming from the stained-glass windows.
His sharp features and wise eyes were softened by the slight smile on his lips, though there was no mistaking the tension in his posture.
The man, though composed, was fully aware of the weight of what was about to take place.
"Students of the Royal Academy," Queen Adrian began, her voice calm yet filled with undeniable authority, "I stand before you today with great pride, as you have all proven your resilience and strength through trials that would test even the most seasoned warriors and scholars."
Her gaze swept over the crowd, lingering for a moment on each face.
Luke could feel her eyes pass over him, though he remained focused, meeting her gaze with his usual calm demeanor.
"There were many worthy candidates who participated in the trials," she continued, "and though the results may not reflect your full potential, know this: these tests were only the beginning. The future holds more challenges, and your journey here at this academy will shape the future of this kingdom."
There was a pause, and for a moment, Luke thought she might say more, but the Queen turned her attention to the Headmaster, nodding for him to take the floor.
The headmaster cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he said with a deep bow before addressing the students. "As you all know, we conducted a rigorous set of trials to assess your abilities. These trials, however, were only the first step in your journey here at the Academy. The results will determine the class assignments, and it will also set the stage for your education moving forward."
He paused, his gaze scanning the room.
"You've all proven your worth in one way or another, but some have stood out more clearly than others. I will now announce the results of the trials, and afterward, you will be assigned to one of the following classes."
The Headmaster's voice grew more solemn as he presented the details of the class system. "As you know, there are six distinct classes: Class S, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class F. Class S is reserved for those with exceptional potential and demonstrated skill in all areas, whether it be intellect, strength, leadership, or talent. The students of Class S will undergo the most demanding and challenging curriculum, those who excel here will be prepared to shape the kingdom in more ways than one."
He let the words settle, allowing the students to absorb the weight of the class designation.
"Class A will be for those who show promise in their area of strength but who may not have excelled in every aspect of the trials. Classes B, C, and D are for those who will need further guidance and refinement in certain areas. And, lastly, Class F is for those who are still finding their way, whose abilities may need more time to develop."
There was an audible intake of breath from the crowd as some students shifted nervously in their seats, exchanging glances.
Luke felt his stomach tighten, though he wasn't one to worry about his own results, the implications for those who might not make it into higher classes were never far from his mind.
"Now," the Headmaster continued, "I will announce the students who will be placed in Class S." His voice rang out across the hall.
The moment he said the words, a hush fell over the room.
The air in the hall was thick with anticipation.
The Headmaster unfurled the scroll he had in his hand, and there was a brief pause.
Then, he spoke the first name.
"Princess Gwenevere Eldoria."
A round of applause swept through the room, a few students nodding in acknowledgment.
Gwen, standing tall, offered a regal bow of her head in recognition of the applause.
Though her title made her a natural candidate for Class S, it was clear that she had earned this through her abilities, intellect, and leadership during the trials.
"Lady Elysia Ravenshade of House Ravenshade."
Elysia stood next, her poise unshaken as her name rang through the room.
The whispers were quieter this time, though there was an undertone of respect that followed her.
Elysia, though not as renowned as the princess, had shown great promise in the trials, and now her place in Class S was assured.
She gave a small, polite nod in acknowledgment of her peers.
"Lord Luke Greythorne of House Greythorne."
Luke's heart skipped a beat.
His name echoed in the hall, and for a moment, everything seemed to slow down.
The room filled with applause, some more enthusiastic than others, but he was aware of the curious gazes directed at him.
He stood tall, his chest puffing with pride, but his face remained calm and collected.
He nodded briefly, acknowledging the recognition.
"Lord Edward Fairfax of House Fairfax."
The applause was immediate and loud.
His place in Class S was not surprising, but it did not lessen the respect he had earned through his dedication.
Edward gave a proud but humble bow as the applause continued.
"Lady Sarah Maplewood of House Maplewood."
Sarah's name was met with a mixed response, but it was clear from her confident stance that she expected nothing less.
As the youngest daughter of House Maplewood, she had always been a wild card, known for her sharp tongue, wit, and skill.
Now, she had earned a place in Class S, and her gaze flicked around the room, daring anyone to question her worth.
The Headmaster paused, then continued, his voice growing even more serious.
"Now, we move to the students from less illustrious backgrounds, commoners, who have shown extraordinary talent and intellect."
There was a shift in the room as many students sat up straighter, some exchanging looks of surprise.
The commoners, long viewed as less likely to earn such a place, had made it into the prestigious Class S.
Murmurs filled the air, but the Headmaster's next words quieted them.
"First, Tamsin of the Ironforge family," he said.
Tamsin, a girl with short dark hair and eyes filled with determination, stood with quiet pride.
Her family's roots were humble, but her quick mind and ingenuity during the trials had been undeniable.
As she stood, her stance was unshakable, even as some of the nobility looked on in confusion.
She had proven herself.
"Jorah of no family, but with a strength of character that few can match."
Jorah stood next, a boy with broad shoulders and a quiet presence.
There were no noble titles to his name, no illustrious lineage to back him.
But his resolve and skill with his hands had won over even the most skeptical of the instructors.
His quiet smile was met with a few reserved but respectful nods from the crowd.
"Linette of the Riverbirch village."
Linette's name was announced, and the room seemed to hold its breath for a moment.
A commoner from the rural village of Riverbirch, she had displayed a brilliant mind for agriculture and business during the trials.
It was clear now that the academy had recognized her for her intellect ability.
"Callen, of the Eastern Forest village."
Callen's name was met with a mixture of surprise and admiration.
His skills in physical endurance and his understanding of blacksmithing had set him apart.
Though his background was obscure, his talents were undeniable, and his presence here was a testament to the strength of the trials.
"Finally, Rylen, who comes from the villages near the western mountains."
Rylen was a quiet young man, his dark hair falling into his eyes.
His talents had been more subtle, a quiet intelligence mixed with a deep understanding of politics and business.
As his name echoed through the room, Rylen stood with quiet confidence, a small but proud smile curling on his lips.
The Headmaster looked up from the scroll, his gaze scanning the room, and then turned to face the students of Class S.
"These are the students who have proven themselves. Regardless of their origin, whether noble or commoner, they have shown exceptional skill, intellect, and potential. I expect you all to rise to the challenges ahead and support one another as classmates. Together, you will lead Eldoria into its future."
There was a long, reverent silence before the room erupted in applause.
A few moments pass and the headmaster clears his throat.
"All formal classes will begin tomorrow morning so enjoy the rest of today and good luck for the coming months."
All the students breathed a sigh of relief as they were finally released for the day.
Some exited the main hall, others begin to mingle amongst themselves but, the students of Class S, both noble and common, stood proudly together, knowing that the trials were over but their true journey had only just begun.