Alan looked at everyone's expectant eyes, smiled slightly, and continued, "First, let's announce the results. In this monthly exam, everyone in the House scored above passing, which is a good start."
"We've ranked by year, and for subjects with an 'E' or above, the Third Year has the highest percentage, reaching 45%, followed by the Fourth Year at 42%, and then the Second Year with 40%. It is an improvement. However, our goal is to reach 100%, so everyone still needs to work hard."
Upon hearing Alan announce their year had the highest score, the Third Year students immediately became excited, their faces beaming with joy. They were on the verge of cheering and applauding, but remembering the discipline, they immediately restrained themselves, looking expectantly at the Chief.
"If you want to applaud, then applaud. Everyone, please give a round of applause to the top three as encouragement," Alan said calmly, seeing through their thoughts.
With Alan's permission, enthusiastic applause immediately erupted in the stone hall, with the young wizards from the Third Year applauding the most vigorously.
"Alright, next, I will announce the year group and individuals with the highest overall scores in the entire House." Alan raised a hand, motioning for silence. Hearing this, the crowd below grew even more excited.
"The year with the highest overall score this month is... the Third Year. Your academic scores are the highest, and this month you earned 22 points for Slytherin, placing second in the House, only behind the Fourth Year's 24 points. Your discipline deduction was nine points, which is the second lowest among years one through five, only behind the Fifth Year."
Alan once again focused his gaze on the Third Year students. They were so excited they almost jumped up, and after Alan nodded in acknowledgment, they enthusiastically applauded once more, their young faces flushed red.
"Now that the year rankings have been announced, let's look at the individual rankings. Wizards whose names I call, please stand up." Alan waited for the excitement to subside before continuing.
"Ranked first is Evan from the Third Year. He had no discipline deductions this month, earned seven points for the House, and his monthly exam results included six 'O's and three 'E's—the highest in the entire House."
"Ranked second is Jenny from the Fifth Year. She also had no discipline deductions, earned seven points, and her monthly exam results included five 'O's and four 'E's."
"Ranked third is Mona from the Fourth Year. She had no discipline deductions, earned five points, and her exam results matched Jenny's with five 'O's and four 'E's."
The three students stood up excitedly, receiving applause from the entire House. Alan then glanced at Joey, who was standing next to Mona and looking a bit disappointed.
"Joey, honestly, your improvement in scores is the greatest in the House, and your overall score reached fourth. Keep up the good work." Joey immediately nodded excitedly upon hearing the Chief specifically encourage him.
"Now, as promised, I will announce the rewards." Alan waved his hand, and a small table appeared beside him, on which three pairs of leather boots were placed. Beside the table stood a familiar humanoid target.
Alan first pointed to the target. "This is a new one I made. The year ranked first will gain the right to use this humanoid target for practice for the next month. I will also clear out an empty dungeon as your exclusive practice room."
The Third Year students excitedly clenched their fists; this reward was exactly what they wanted. Since Alan had developed the target, it had become a hot commodity. Everyone wanted to use it to practice—visible progress was the ultimate motivator. Previously, there was only one target for years one through five, and even with the upperclassmen using their own, the queue was always long. Now they had an exclusive one.
Then Alan pointed to the leather boots. "These are three pairs of alchemical boots I made from high-quality cowhide. They have multiple functions, and their magical effects will last for two years. You can choose to take these or receive my personal training."
Mona and Jenny chose the training without a second thought; they had worked hard for exactly that opportunity. Evan, having already trained under Alan for a long time, chose a pair of 'Phase Boots.'
"Alright, happy times are always short." Alan quickly put away his faint smile, his face turning stern. "Next is the discipline announcement segment."
The atmosphere in the common room instantly turned cold. Those who had been beaming moments ago wiped the smiles from their faces, feeling only apprehension. They had almost forgotten that punishments were coming.
"Third Year Hader Chris, Second Year Gael Murray, Fourth Year Dante Mulenga." Alan's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's you three again, brazenly walking side-by-side down the corridor. What? Do you think walking three abreast makes you look impressive, as if the entire corridor belongs to you?"
The three students stood up. Their faces showed some embarrassment, yet also a hint of nonchalance; it clearly wasn't their first time receiving punishment.
"I truly don't understand." Alan gave a cold smile. "Why is it that after all this time, some people still make these low-level mistakes? This isn't the first time you three have violated discipline. Perhaps my punishments have been too lenient, or perhaps your bodies have become tough and you are immune to mere push-ups?"
Alan looked past the three, scanning the other young wizards coldly. "It seems ordinary punishments no longer bother you."
Alan slowly walked down the steps. "Second, Third, and Fourth Years, all stand up!"
The years he called out obeyed, though their faces showed bewilderment.
"Facing those who repeatedly violate discipline, why don't you, their classmates, help them? Have you already given up on them?" Alan's gaze swept over the crowd with chilling intent.
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