The girls arrived at the bathhouse, a massive structure that looked like it had been standing for centuries. The ancient stones were weathered to a moss-covered grey, and the wooden beams creaked with a soft groan, as if bearing the weight of countless years. The bathhouse was a relic of a bygone era, its architecture a testament to the academy's rich history.
As they approached the entrance, a crowd of children milled about, their eyes fixed on the doors with an air of agitation. They shifted their weight from one foot to the other, their faces twisted with impatience. Some of them tapped their feet restlessly, while others whispered to each other, their voices barely audible.
The older student in charge stood at the front, her eyes scanning the crowd with a stern expression. She wore a green and black outfit that resembled a military uniform, complete with epaulets and a crisp collar. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and her eyes seemed to bore into the souls of the children, as if daring them to disobey her.
"What is going on?" Wren asked Kinara, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You see those girls," Kinara responded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Wren nodded, before Kinara added, "This academy is divided into four main parts: The Nova class, Stellar Class, Aurora class, and Celestial class. Each class has different rules and ranking, with different lessons and subjects. Just like middle school to high school, the Celestial class is the giant of all classes, the seniors, the one who holds much power."
"But also the most dangerous territory in the school," Kinara continued. "Just like they have the power to command, organize trips and parties, and replace teachers, they come with a great disadvantage. They take the responsibilities as servants, each job nasty and dangerous as the last. They might be tasked with managing the academy's resources, mediating conflicts between students, or even participating in special projects that require a high level of skill and expertise. They might also be sent on perilous missions, like retrieving rare and powerful artifacts, investigating mysterious occurrences within the academy, or even negotiating with hostile factions."
"These missions can be treacherous," Kinara added. "They might involve exploring abandoned ruins, fighting off wild creatures, or even infiltrating enemy organizations. The Celestial class students have to be prepared for anything, and they have to be willing to take risks."
"However, the high-ranking students are treated like nobles and receive privileges like kings," Kinara said with a grin. "They have access to exclusive areas of the academy, special perks, and benefits. They're given more freedom and autonomy, with more opportunities to take on leadership roles and participate in extracurricular activities. They get to live in luxurious dormitories with better amenities, and they even get priority access to the academy's resources and facilities."
"They also get to enjoy special privileges like extra food, special outings, and exclusive events," Kinara added. "They're treated like VIPs, and they get to experience the best that the academy has to offer. They might even get to skip certain chores or tasks, or have them done for them by lower-ranking students."
On the other hand, the low-ranking students have a much tougher time. "They get the most easiest but smelliest of jobs in the academy," Kinara said. "Like bathhouse and toilet cleaning, laundry, and other menial tasks. They might also be tasked with helping with meal preparation, cleaning the dormitories, or running errands for the higher-ranking students. They have to do chores like scrubbing the floors, cleaning the windows, and taking out the trash. They might also be tasked with doing the laundry, ironing uniforms, and polishing shoes."
"Low-ranking students also have limited access to resources and facilities," Kinara added. "They might have to wait in line for longer periods of time, or use older equipment and materials. They might even get punished for small infractions, like being late to class or not completing their chores on time."
"It's not just the chores that are tough, but also the lack of privileges," Kinara explained. "They don't get to enjoy the same benefits and perks as the high-ranking students. They have to follow a strict schedule, attend classes, and complete assignments. They might also be tasked with doing extra work, like cleaning up after the higher-ranking students, or doing extra chores to help out around the academy."
Wren's eyes lit up with determination. "So, the annual competition determines which role they will be placed in?" she asked, her voice filled with purpose.
Kinara nodded, a glint in her eyes. "Yes, it does. And I've been preparing for it for a long time. My brother used to attend this school, and he taught me a thing or two about how to survive and thrive here."
Wren nodded slightly, digesting whatever she learnt about the academy
As they waited in line, Wren's determination grew stronger. She was ready to face whatever challenges the annual competition might bring. Kinara seemed to sense her resolve and nodded in approval.
"I'm glad you're serious about the competition," Kinara said. "It's not going to be easy, but if you're willing to put in the work, you might just have a chance to rise through the ranks."
Wren nodded, her eyes fixed on the older student in charge. She seemed to be barking orders at the other students, her voice firm but fair.
"What's the competition like?" Wren asked Kinara, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's a series of challenges and tests," Kinara replied. "You'll be evaluated on your skills, knowledge, and abilities. It's not just about academics, though that's important too. You'll also be tested on your physical prowess, your strategic thinking, and your ability to work with others."
Wren's eyes widened as she listened to Kinara's explanation. She had never thought about the competition being so comprehensive.
"I see," Wren said, her mind racing with possibilities. "And what happens if I win?"
"If you win?" Kinara repeated, a sly smile spreading across her face. "If you win, you'll level up and move to a higher class. As a Nova class student, you'll have the opportunity to advance to the Stellar class, and from there, you can work your way up to the Aurora class, and eventually, the Celestial class. Each class brings new challenges and opportunities, but also more privileges and benefits."
Wren's eyes lit up with excitement. She had never thought about the possibility of leveling up and advancing to a higher class.
"So, the competition is like a ladder," Wren said, her voice filled with determination. "If I do well, I can climb up the ranks and become a high-ranking student."
Kinara nodded, her smile growing wider. "That's exactly right, Wren. The competition is a chance for you to prove yourself and show what you're capable of. And if you're successful, you'll be rewarded with more power, more responsibility, and more opportunities."
As Kinara finished speaking, the older student in charge called out to the crowd, her voice ringing out across the courtyard.
"Alright, students! Let's get moving! We don't have all day to stand around and chat!"
The crowd of students began to move forward, filing into the bathhouse with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Wren and Kinara followed suit, their eyes fixed on the doors as they prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
"Let's go," Kinara said, her voice low and urgent. "It's time to show what we're made of."
Ashley and Wren nodded, her heart pounding with anticipation. They were ready to face the challenges of the competition and prove herself as a worthy student.