At Mylanne High School,
the moment Caelan appeared in the classroom, the entire room fell deathly silent.
"Isn't he that lunatic who only knows how to hammer iron? Why is he here too?"
"Bro, your intel's outdated. Caelan didn't just awaken a class—he also earned an SSS-rank evaluation in the graduation Instance!"
"Do you think Caelan's going to join us for the Ranked Match?"
Caelan's sudden appearance sparked intense discussion among the students.
A red-haired girl frowned and spoke up,
"Even if Caelan got an SSS rating, he has zero experience in Ranked Matches."
"So if he really joins our team… isn't that a bit inappropriate?"
As soon as she finished, the two boys standing behind her immediately echoed her doubts.
"I also question Caelan's combat ability. After all, he's never fought in an actual Ranked Match."
"Akura, how about we talk to the team instructor and request a substitution?"
The red-haired girl, Akura, lowered her head and thought for a moment, just about to stand up and head for the teachers' office.
But at that exact moment, the classroom door slowly swung open.
The instructor leading the team stepped inside and swept his gaze across the room.
"Since everyone's here, let's get ready to depart."
Akura immediately stepped forward and raised her hand.
"Teacher, I don't think we should bring Caelan along."
"I'm not targeting him deliberately, but he lacks Ranked Match experience—and this match is extremely important for the entire school."
The instructor nodded, but didn't accept her suggestion.
"Akura, I understand this is your responsibility as team captain."
"But I must remind you—having Caelan represent the school is the principal's direct order."
Akura froze slightly, her fiery red eyes once again sizing Caelan up from head to toe.
"If that's the principal's decision, then I have nothing more to say."
"However… Caelan, I still hope you perform well. At the very least, don't drag us down."
Caelan nodded casually. He didn't take such a minor issue to heart at all.
A Ranked Match capped below level 100—how hard could that be?
He'd already crushed monsters over level 300. Compared to that, this was practically child's play.
"Don't worry. I'll do my best not to hold you back."
Yet despite his assurance, Akura's expression didn't improve.
The two lackeys behind her immediately turned their criticism on Caelan.
"Caelan, I advise you to withdraw voluntarily. With your experience, you're simply not qualified for Ranked Matches."
"Akura has put so much effort into this competition. Can you really bear to hold us back?"
Caelan couldn't be bothered with such minor characters. Calmly, he looked straight at Akura.
"I'll lead you to first place."
Akura frowned. Given the current situation, she had no better solution.
Just then, the instructor spoke again.
"Alright, it's getting late. Time to move out."
…
This Ranked Match
was held within a special Instance.
Under the instructor's guidance, Caelan soon followed the team into the Instance space.
However, once inside, he noticed that this Ranked Match had undergone significant changes.
In addition to the traditional format, new categories had been added: Legion Matches, Guild Matches, and School Matches.
Aside from the individual match, all other categories were group matches, and each participant could only compete in one category.
If you represented a legion, you could no longer represent your school—this rule existed to ensure fairness.
Even more surprisingly, the entire competition would be broadcast live.
When Caelan and his team entered the venue, they were stunned by what lay before them.
The decor was extravagantly luxurious, radiating a sense of elite grandeur from every angle.
Upon closer inspection, various areas incorporated elements unique to different city-states—
for example, the Desert Flower of Mylanne City, and the Shadow Black Scorpion of Toris City…
In addition to the contestants, spectator stands had also been set up for this Ranked Match.
It was said that ticket prices had already been scalped up to thousands of gold coins.
Fortunately, they had their instructor with them—otherwise, Caelan doubted he could've even found the competitors' entrance.
After completing the necessary procedures, the instructor led them to their exclusive resting area.
At this moment, however, his expression was far from relaxed.
His gaze swept over the students, and he let out a soft sigh.
"This Ranked Match involves more than thirty city-states."
"So for us, the competition will be exceptionally fierce."
"That's why I hope every one of you gives it your all. This isn't just for yourselves—it's for the honor of our school."
"Now, I'll distribute your competitor identity cards."
Just then, Akura raised her hand again.
"Teacher, are we allowed to participate in the Ranked Match as individuals?"
The instructor nodded and looked at her seriously.
"In theory, yes. But Akura, I hope you maintain peak condition. You know how much the school is counting on you right now."
After that, his gaze calmly swept across every student.
"If you believe your strength is sufficient, you may enter the individual match."
"As long as you're wearing the identity card, you won't need to worry about injuries. More importantly, you should consider your psychological endurance."
This time, it was Caelan who looked confused.
"Teacher, why won't participants get injured here as long as they have an identity card?"
The instructor stared at him in surprise.
"That's an Instance rule. Haven't you heard of this before, Caelan?"
"Different Instances have different rules. Once you experience more of them, you'll naturally understand."
"In the Ranked Match Instance, participants cannot be killed."
Caelan nodded.
At that moment, the teleportation gate outside the lounge began to glow with a faint light.
The instructor stood up, his tone noticeably more relaxed.
"Alright, young ones—it's your turn. Go out there and give it your best."
"The individual matches come first, followed by the group matches."
"Go on, prove your strength with everything you've got. I'll be cheering for you!"