Author's note: Sorry, this chapter is a little shorter than usual.

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"Wow, the old man can actually give off an aura of dignity."

The opening ceremony is in progress. The old man just walked up to the podium. Unlike usual, he actually seems dignified. All of the SS students are waiting backstage, we will be called to come forward near the end of the old man's speech. Adalric seems bothered by my comment, everyone but Clover is.

"Chaise he is a very respected man. An SS ranked mage who is the headmaster of the best academy. He is also our elder as mages, so we should be respectful towards him."

"When you've seen his expression whenever Garet smashes through his door, you would never be able to sense any dignity."

"See? Clover knows what I mean."

"Cat, you are being noisy. Shut up."

"Hahaha, Sis I don't think he needs lessons on manners from you."

"Shut up, you're noisy too..."

The twins have joined the conversation. For whatever reason Sevi has started referring to me as cat. She tries to act arrogantly, but she's always glancing at her brother, so it can be hard to take her seriously. She's probably just trying to act spoiled to get her brother's attention. He's laid back and always laughs, often chatting with girls, she isn't one of them though. He's different than me though, the way he's laid back and playful is in the sense of never being serious. 

Adalric behaves as a perfect gentleman. He tries to scold others with an air of patience and kindness when he feels that they aren't 'being very nice'. Melody is graceful and polite, even more so than Lavender. She gives off a motherly vibe. Jacob is stoic, in a way completely different from Clover. Sometimes I catch him staring at my or Clovers ears, like he's trying to make up his mind about something. Otherwise he mainly feels like he's tired of something. He is very patient with people, but you can tell he's not interested in paying attention to them.

Basically, besides Jacob, all of them feel off. Like they're hiding something or lying. False, false is the word that I am looking for. Like most animals do, I also can tell a person's real personality.

I can already tell how well I'll get along with them. I won't seek Jacob out, but only because he wouldn't appreciate it. I'm willing to hangout with him. I won't seek Ferris out either because our friendship would end up being very shallow, I still wouldn't mind hanging out with him every once in awhile; although I get the feeling he will seek me out. 

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Whenever our paths cross, it will be funny to watch Sevi's acting. She's actually pretty good at playing her self-made image, I doubt very many people can tell. I will not actively avoid Adalric, but he rubs me the wrong way. I can see right through his act. He seems to think everyone is an idiot and that his pretending is for their benefit. He seriously needs to get rid of that additude.

"These are the geniuses who made it to the SS class this year."

Oh, looks like we're up. I lead the line as we march out on stage. I give a big lazy wave, Clover nods to the audience and adjusts his glasses, Melody smiles politely and flutters her fingers at the crowd, Adalric gives a small wave with a friendly laugh, Ferris winks and blows kisses, Sevi harrumphs and raises her nose, and Jacob touches two fingers to his forehead in an informal salute.

"Take a close look at these seven. They are the strongest. They stand at the top of all of this years students, but that doesn't mean they have to stay there. If you think that you have what it takes you can challenge them, or anyone in a class above yours, to try and advance into that class. If you can manage to defeat someone you will swap places with them, and they will fall to your former class and have to work their way back up. That goes for the SS class too.

This is hope for those labeled weak and pressure for the ones considered strong. I'd wish good luck to all of you, but you'll need to make that on your own."

Ahahahahahaha! Old man you sure love trying to mess with us. Everyone besides Clover and I was shocked into changing their expressions. Even Adalric's face cramped when he heard the announcement. It's not without reason though, there has never been such a system before this year. I like it though. It will force us to keep growing stronger if we want to remain on the top.

There was quite the stir in the audience. Normal students were worried about the possibility fighting and dropping from their class. The most arrogant nobles were 'looking forward to besting the royals' not putting Clover and I in their eyes. The ones who are simply ambitious or jealous looked at Clover and I because we seemed weaker compared to the well know royals. And last were the strength seekers, who saw all of us as a challenge they would enjoy.

I can already tell that the first week will be a flood of challengers crashing down on us. I don't know about the other, but I'm happy to be getting this extra practice in.