**Chapter 116 – Friday and the Ranking**
Friday started later for the group.
No one had really planned it, but they all ended up waking up a little after the usual time. When they went down to the courtyard, the first class had already started. Instead of running to try to enter late, they simply decided to skip it.
— We're late — Astrid commented, still yawning.
— I prefer this over listening to theory early in the morning — Harley answered, stretching her arms. — Whoever invented class first thing in the morning deserves to be punished.
— You say that every day — Marina said, laughing.
— And every day I'm right.
Joker simply shoved his hands into his pockets and observed the movement in the courtyard. There were already quite a few people circulating, and several magical posters floated at strategic points, displaying lists and numbers.
It was Kuroe who stopped in front of one of them first.
— Ranking…
The group approached.
— What's this now? — Rina asked, frowning.
Before they could properly read it, a teacher who was passing through the courtyard raised his voice enough for several students to hear:
— Reminding everyone: ranking matches happen **only on Fridays**. During the rest of the week the ranking stays frozen. Only when it's Friday can the ranking change.
He paused for a moment and continued:
— Each victory and performance generates points. The ranking is updated only while the Friday event is happening. When Friday ends, the list stops again until the next one.
— These points only have value inside the academy. With them you can exchange for real food — not that tasteless stuff that is served for free to everyone —, weapons, clothes, armor, books, pets… and special versions of all of that. It is also possible to convert points into regular money, if you want.
— The basic food remains available to anyone. It's free… and it remains tasteless. If you want something better, or much better, you'll need points. The rest of the items too. Especially the special ones. The rarer, the more expensive.
He raised a finger.
— The rewards are only delivered at the **end of the month**, when the counting ends. And for the top three of each year there is an extra reward. However, the academy doesn't make it easy for anyone. The top three will have the chance to try for a special item… under the risk of losing all accumulated points if they fail.
With that, he continued on his way without giving further explanations.
The group stayed silent for a few seconds.
— Wait — Marina was the first to speak. — So the food we've been eating until now…
— It's the free one — Astrid completed, crossing her arms. — That's why it had no taste at all. I knew something was wrong.
— And to eat something decent you need points? — Rina looked offended. — What a scam.
— It's not just food — Sylvara said, still looking at the poster. — Weapons, armor, books, pets… everything locked behind this.
— And the ranking only moves on Fridays — Lirien completed. — During the week it stays frozen.
Harley gave a slow little smile.
— So we can only mess things up once a week.
— Basically — Joker answered.
Astrid looked at the list with more attention.
— There are people already pretty high up. That Darian is in seventh.
— He must be full of himself — Marina murmured.
— Let him be full of himself — Harley said. — The higher the pedestal, the bigger the fall.
Kuroe, who until then had only been observing in silence, spoke low:
— Today is the first Friday of the month.
Everyone looked at her.
— There are still three more left — she completed.
Harley turned her face toward Joker, the smile gaining a more dangerous tone.
— Did you hear? Four Fridays in total. Three still ahead.
— I heard — he answered.
— We can climb little by little… or leave it to mess everything up on the last one.
Joker stayed a few seconds observing the ranking, hands still in his pockets.
— Leave them comfortable the whole month… and take them down on the last Friday.
— Exactly — Harley gave a light pat on his shoulder. — I knew you'd like the idea.
— I always like your bad ideas.
— This one is good.
— Also.
Elowen, who was already accompanying the group more naturally, observed the list without saying anything. At a certain moment, Kuroe looked sideways at her.
— Are you going to participate?
Elowen took a second before answering:
— …I don't know yet.
Kuroe simply nodded, accepting the answer without pressing.
Since they had skipped the first class, there was still some free time left before the next one. The group stayed there in the courtyard for a few more minutes, commenting quietly on the possibilities, pointing out names on the ranking and discussing what would be worth exchanging when the points finally dropped at the end of the month.
For the first time since they had entered the Eternal Academy, the day carried a different weight.
It wasn't just routine.
It was competition.
And the plan was already starting to be born: climb for real only on the last Friday of the month.
**End of Chapter 116**