The return to the Aeterna Academy was made in heavy silence, broken only by the purring of the NAC engines and the groans of the wounded. Faces were hollowed out by exhaustion and shock. The jubilation of victory was tempered by the price paid.
As soon as they arrived, the academy's medical teams took care of the injured students. The most able-bodied, including Hakime and his team, were referred to the infirmary for checks. Loïd, refusing any help, walked straight towards the Skydream quarters, his shoulder cut leaving a trail of blood on the ground.
A few hours later, once the care was provided and the students rested, Director Kaelen summoned the entire promotion to the auditorium. The atmosphere was radically different from that of the previous briefing. The fear of the unknown had been replaced by the cold reality of the struggle.
Kaelen stood on the stage, more serious than ever. At his side, Master Rylan and the other instructors displayed stern faces.
"The expedition is over," the Director began, his hoarse voice rising in absolute silence. "The toll is as follows: four dead. Seventeen seriously wounded, thirty-two lightly wounded."
A thrill ran through the audience. Four names that would never come back. Faces that would be forever missed in dorms.
"It's a heavy price," Kaelen continued. "But in the context of a first expedition in the face of a tide of this magnitude, it's also a miracle. You held on. You've won. You saved the lives of your comrades."
His gaze rested on Hakime, then on Loïd, sitting apart with his team.
"Your watch data has been compiled. Your performance has been evaluated. The provisional classification is now established."
A giant screen lit up behind him, displaying the list. A whisper ran through the room.
Provisional classification - DELTA-7 expedition
1. HAKIME - Level 7 - Points: 8,450
LYRA MELTHORN - Level 10 - Points: 7,980
3. LOID SKYDREAM - Level 10 - Points: 7,850
4. CONOR - Level 10 - Points: 7,800
ARTHUR LECLERC - Level 10 - Points: 7,750
6. ELARA GRIFFIN - Level 10 - Points: 7,200
7. KAITO TANAKA - Level 10 - Points: 7,100
8. MARCUS - Level 9 - Points: 6,500
9. REN - Level 9 - Points: 6,450
10. SOPHIA - Level 9 - Points: 6,400
The surprise was palpable. Hakime, only level 7, in the lead? Many had seen the end of the fight and understood who had dealt the decisive blow to King Goblin. The value of the points awarded for leadership, strategy, and elimination of the boss had visibly weighed heavily. Loïd, despite his level 10 and raw power, was only third, probably penalized by his lack of coordination and his refusal to cooperate.
Loïd clenched his fists, his burning gaze fixed on Hakime's name at the top of the list. Shame and rage were visible on his face.
"This ranking is just the beginning," Kaelen announced, again attracting attention. "The expedition was your baptism. Now, the real competition begins. As announced, at the end of the year, only the top ten will receive the rewards: a substantial bonus and custom etheric equipment."
He let his words hover, knowing that they would act as a powerful motivator.
"The coming months will be devoted to strengthening you. You'll have access to advanced courses, simulated training dungeons, and new, more perilous expeditions. The ranking will change every month. You can earn points by completing missions, excelling on expeditions, and..."
He took a dramatic break.
..." by challenging you to a duel in the arena. The competition is open. Show your worth. Get stronger. Because the threat from the Towers is not weakening."
The speech was over. The students dispersed, the conversations suddenly exploding. Some congratulated Hakime and his team, others cast envious or calculating glances towards the top 10. The dynamics of the academy had just changed forever. The forced camaraderie of the expedition had lived. Make way for rivalry.
Hakime looked at the ranking, then at his hands. He was first, but he felt strangely empty. The death of four students, the toxic rivalry with Loïd, the weight of his grade... All this was heavy to carry.
Arthur patted him on the back. "Number one! I said it!"
"This is just the beginning," whispered Hakime, his gaze meeting that of Loïd on the other side of the room. The latter gave him a look that promised a merciless war.
The first act was over. The next one was going to be much more ruthless. The race for the summit had officially begun.