After lunch, the children were given the opportunity to clean themselves up, Wren took a moment to collect her thoughts.
She then took her time to look into the academy hierarchy system, her curiosity piqued by the mysterious badges and rankings she'd seen. According to her level of knowledge, and from the understanding she acquired from both the stern teachers and the burly man, their principal, she realized that only after the yearly test could their badges reveal their positions in the school's intricate hierarchy.
Although there would be more competitions to come, their first competition would determine their life paths until their twelfth year, a prospect that both excited and intimidated her.
What she didn't know was that, once she turned eighteen, there was a high possibility she might be sent to serve the kingdom in a distant land, never to return back to her homeland.
She was still stuck at E level, her progress stagnant like a roadblock on her path to advancement. The stats she desperately needed to boost seemed like an insurmountable mountain, and every attempt to climb it felt like a futile effort.
Although she was excelling in the high-stakes missions, her success was overshadowed by the nagging feeling that she was still far behind her peers.
The academy seemed determined to torment her life, its rules and expectations suffocating her like a tightrope walker on a high wire. The side tasks offered a glimmer of hope, but the points they brought were hollow, offering no tangible boost to her stats. It was like running on a treadmill, expending energy but getting nowhere.
Even though she tried her best, the elite students in Group 1 and Group 2, particularly Kai and Elsa, seemed like untouchable gods, their abilities and accomplishments leaving her in awe. She hated to admit it, but those two were exceptionally talented, and if they continued at this pace, they would level up twice over, leaving her even further behind in the dust.
The irony was bitter – they were in her dormitory, their presence a constant reminder of her own inadequacies. She often wanted to ask Elsa for advice, to tap into her knowledge and expertise, but the malice and disdainful glances she received made her hesitate, fearing it would only lead to more humiliation and ridicule."
***
"Later that evening, as the dormitory's warm glow enveloped Wren and her fellow newcomers, they received an invitation card with an embossed crest, signaling an exclusive gathering hosted by the esteemed Stellar Class.[middle school]
The academy was a place where students from different levels of education came together to learn and grow, divided into four main levels: the Nova Class for the youngest students, who were just starting their academic journey; the Stellar Class[middle school] for those who had gained some experience and were building their skills; the Aurora Class [junior high] for students who had demonstrated significant growth and were preparing for more advanced challenges; and the Celestial and Apex Classes[high school] for the most senior students, who had proven themselves to be exceptional in their studies and were nearing the pinnacle of their academic careers.
Wren and her badge companion belonged to the Nova Class, a label that came with its own set of limitations and expectations. The higher-tiered students, known as the Celestial and Apex Classes, barely acknowledged the existence of mere novices like Wren, their indifference a palpable force that made her feel like an invisible speck.
Yet, after a month of navigating the academy's labyrinthine rules and expectations, they had garnered enough attention from some Stellar Class students to warrant an invitation to a party organized specifically for Nova Class students. The invitation card, adorned with intricate designs and a wax seal, felt like a golden ticket, offering a glimpse into a world beyond their own tier."
"The party was a welcome celebration for the Nova Class students, marking their one-month milestone at the academy. Rumors had been circulating among the newbies that this gathering would be a determining factor in securing backing from influential seniors, who would mentor and support those with exceptional skills. Conversely, those who failed to impress might be cast aside, viewed as unworthy of attention.
The party was a subtle test, a chance for seniors to scout out potential leaders, befriend talented individuals, and identify those worthy of their support. With so much at stake, every Nova Class student was determined to make a lasting impression. Wren observed her peers frantically preparing for the evening, each one trying to outdo the others. Even Elsa, notorious for her aloof demeanor, was visibly anxious, deliberating over what to wear, her usual confidence wavering in the face of this crucial opportunity. The air was electric with anticipation, as everyone sensed that this party could be a turning point in their academic careers."
Wren rummaged through the luggage she had cast aside a month ago, digging through the clothes she hadn't worn since arriving at the academy. The strict uniform policy meant she hadn't had a chance to wear anything else, and now she was regretting not packing more carefully. As she searched, she found every piece of her garment to be trash and unworthy, a reflection of her own hasty packing and lack of enthusiasm for the academy. She had thought on her way here that her mom would change her mind and send her home, but instead, her mother had dragged her willingly to the academy, leaving Wren feeling unprepared and frustrated.
After half an hour or so searching, she pulled out a crisp white tank top with a subtle sheen to it, its simplicity a refreshing change from the monotony of her uniform. The tank top had a relaxed fit and a soft, breathable fabric that would keep her cool and comfortable, with a slight V-neckline that framed her face. She paired it with her black baggy jeans, which had a loose fit and a slight fade at the knees from wear, giving them a laid-back vibe. The jeans were made of a sturdy denim fabric that would withstand the rigors of daily wear, and had a few threads loose at the hem, adding to their casual charm. Her black heavy boots added a cool touch to her outfit, with rugged soles and silver buckles that gave them an edgy look. The boots had a chunky design and a low heel, adding a bit of height to her frame, and the laces were slightly worn, giving them a well-worn look.
When everyone had finished dressing, Wren hurriedly rushed to the changing room, slipped into her clothing, and rushed back to her dormitory. There, she found Elsa dressed extravagantly in a stunning black dress that sparkled with intricate sequins and glittering beads. The dress was fitted at the bodice, accentuating Elsa's slender figure, and flared out into a flowing skirt that caught the light as she moved, creating a mesmerizing effect. The dress had a delicate sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves, adding to its feminine charm. Elsa's hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down, adding to her glamorous look, and her eyes sparkled with excitement as she prepared for the party.
Ashley, on the other hand, looked like a Barbie doll, her petite frame clad in a bright pink dress with a full skirt and a sweetheart neckline. The dress was made of layers of tulle underneath, giving it a voluminous appearance that made her look like a doll come to life. The dress was adorned with intricate lace trim and sparkling glitter, adding to its fairy-tale quality, and the pink hue was so vibrant it seemed to glow in the dim light of the dormitory. Ashley's hazel brown hair was curled and styled perfectly, framing her heart-shaped face and adding to her doll-like appearance, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she twirled around, her dress fluttering around her.
Wren couldn't help but feel a little underdressed compared to her friends' elaborate outfits, but she stood tall, confident in her own simple yet stylish ensemble.