The Hall of Fame at Zheno Academy was immense, its high ceilings arched like the inside of a grand cathedral. Sunlight poured through tall stained-glass windows, casting vibrant patches of color over the polished marble floors. Students crowded the hall, murmuring and shifting in neat black cardigans over crisp white polos, navy pants for boys, skirts or pants for girls, and neckties tied with precise knots. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and nervous anticipation. Wads, Klyden, and Liora moved carefully through the crowd, their eyes scanning everything—the arrangement of seats, the spacing between students, the towering statues of legendary figures, and the intricate plaques listing the academy's most notable achievements. Wads' analytical mind cataloged every detail, taking in the grandeur while remaining alert to the subtle hierarchies among the students.
The headmaster, a tall figure draped in a robe embroidered with gold trim, stepped forward and raised his hand, demanding silence. His voice carried clearly across the hall. "Welcome, new students, to Zheno Academy. Today's orientation begins with an introduction to the Personal Ranking system, which defines each student's strength and ability within our walls."
A massive board lit up behind him, detailing the ranking tiers, stages, and requirements for advancement:
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1. Zarcheo — Legendary
Arcana I: A prodigy unmatched by most. Requirement: Defeat multiple Archeos or demonstrate world-shaking abilities.
Arcana II: Revered by all; feared as a living legend. Requirement: Complete a legendary feat recognized globally.
Arcana III: Near-mythical; essentially untouchable. Requirement: Achieve a legendary status acknowledged by all other Zarcheos.
Only one or two people in the world hold this title. A living myth.
2. Archeo — Extremely Rare
Arcana I: Strong and respected. Requirement: Defeat multiple Macheos or accomplish a rare feat.
Arcana II: Can rival groups of elites. Requirement: Survive battles against top-ranked opponents.
Arcana III: Exceptionally powerful; recognized as one of the few who could challenge a Zarcheo. Requirement: Perform a feat of exceptional skill or strategy.
About 1 in 1,000 people reach this rank.
3. Macheo — Elite
Arcana I: Skilled and formidable. Requirement: Defeat several Clarkeos or master a specialized skill.
Arcana II: Feared by most; stands out among elites. Requirement: Complete a challenging trial or demonstrate extraordinary technique.
Arcana III: Near-Archeo level; respected by all elites. Requirement: Overcome an elite-level challenge or rival.
About 1 in 500 people reach this rank.
4. Clarkeо — Formidable
Arcana I: Competent in tough situations. Requirement: Defeat Yukereos consistently.
Arcana II: Can challenge elites. Requirement: Survive against Macheos or demonstrate strong strategy.
Arcana III: Mid-level power; feared by lower ranks. Requirement: Stand out in difficult battles or missions.
About 1 in 300 people reach this rank.
5. Yukereo — Average
Arcana I: Basic competency. Requirement: Complete standard training or missions.
Arcana II: Strong enough to survive challenges. Requirement: Show improvement against Clarkeos.
Arcana III: Approaching formidable level. Requirement: Master a technique or consistently succeed in mid-level challenges.
Typical strength for most people.
6. Wareo — Defective / Weak
Arcana I: Extremely weak. Requirement: Basic survival skills only.
Arcana II: Slight improvement. Requirement: Overcome minor challenges or improve core abilities.
Arcana III: Still below average but functional. Requirement: Demonstrate consistency in basic skills.
Struggles to compete in standard situations.
Wads' dark eyes narrowed as he processed each tier. He could already sense the implications: Zarcheo—untouchable, Archeo—one in a thousand, Macheo—rare but lethal, Clarkeo—dangerous if underestimated. He made mental notes about how these ranks could influence strategy, alliances, and survival in the academy. "So… the Zarcheo are essentially untouchable," he murmured under his breath, almost to himself. "Even an Archeo could rival groups, and Macheo still demands respect. Interesting."
Klyden, standing beside him with his usual grin, shrugged casually. "Sounds like we're gonna have to keep our eyes open just to stay out of Wareo," he joked, eliciting a small laugh from Liora.
Liora, walking slightly ahead with her confident poise, smirked and glanced back at Wads. "Don't worry about it, Wads. You'll figure out how to survive without being Wareo—if you're paying attention, of course." Her heterochromatic eyes glimmered faintly, one red, one green, with amusement.
The headmaster continued with announcements, discussing dormitories, schedules, and upcoming classes. As the students were being assigned, Wads noticed something that made him pause. Among the upperclassmen was a young man of striking presence—a tall, composed figure with an aura of authority. His sharp features and confident stance felt oddly familiar to Wads, though he couldn't place it. Only after a moment did he shrug off the feeling, focusing instead on the immediate details. That man was Razkar Gyalt Wrey Ravenscroft, fifth-year student and president of the Zheno Academy Order, overseeing student affairs. His reputation as the crown prince and the head of the academy's governing body preceded him, but Wads wisely kept his observation quiet.
Finally, dormitory assignments were announced. Wads' eyes widened slightly for the confirmation and seeing it really was not a mistake—his roommate would be Keiya Anastasia Zheka, a noble from the West whose presence radiated authority and dignity. Her long red hair framed a face of timeless elegance, and her violet eyes seemed to take in everything at once. Wads made a mental note of her aura, recognizing someone used to command respect effortlessly.
The first class began shortly afterward. Wads entered the room, taking careful note of the desks, the placement of students, and the murmurs of curiosity and whispers directed at a newcomer—Reiyell, a girl with long, wavy dark blue hair and striking indicolite eyes, whose presence commanded attention even without anyone announcing her identity. She slid into a seat beside Wads, and he noticed the cautious glances from those around them.
Wads, always observant, tilted his head slightly and spoke aloud enough for her to hear, his tone teasing but genuine: "You aren't from some prestige family for me to get these looks, are you?"
Reiyell only smiled faintly, her posture elegant and unshakable, and answered vaguely, "Let's just say… I don't mind a little mystery."
Wads smirked inwardly, amused by her evasive answer. As the lecture began and the teacher introduced the first concepts of the academy—though the deeper secrets of deity powers would be revealed in subsequent classes—Wads leaned slightly toward Reiyell, already calculating how to understand his surroundings, his classmates, and the subtle social dynamics. Even in this crowded, intimidating environment, he felt ready, his mind sharp, his senses alert, and his curiosity fully ignited.