As the night descended and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, the Arknights gathered in their Homeroom, their uniforms freshly donned after the day's grueling training and intense battles. The room was softly lit, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos in the woods. The exhaustion was palpable, but so was the camaraderie as they settled into their seats, chatting among themselves as they awaited the final rankings of the day.

Haru, still buzzing from their victory in the forest, leaned back in his seat, a satisfied grin on his face. "So, what do you guys think? Who’s taking the top spot today?" he asked, glancing around the room.

Luis, sitting a few seats away, smirked. "You’re pretty confident, aren’t you, Haru? But don’t forget, it’s not just about that last game. The rankings take the whole day into account."

Blaze, ever the competitor, leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I’d say it’s between Callus and Haru’s team. You did well in the woods, but don’t count me out just yet. I had a pretty solid day overall."

Aurora, who sat next to Emma, nodded in agreement. "True, but Haru’s team did manage to secure the prey and protect their own. That’s got to count for a lot."

Emma, always strategic, added, "Callus has been consistent all day, though. That endurance of his is hard to beat. If he’s not at the top, he’ll definitely be close."

Saki, who was sitting next to Junko, chuckled softly. "Honestly, I’m just hoping not to be in the bottom five again. That extra training is no joke. But I think Haru might just edge it out today."

Junko, ever the quiet observer, nodded in agreement. "We’ll see. The rankings have been pretty unpredictable so far."

Across the room, Callus sat with his usual calm demeanor, his thoughts seemingly far away from the chatter. Matteo, sitting beside him, glanced over and asked, "You think you’ve got it, Callus?"

Callus shrugged slightly, a faint smile on his lips. "It’s not about winning every day. It’s about getting stronger, understanding the competition. If I’m at the top, great. If not, there’s always tomorrow."

Ashelyn, sitting near the front, chimed in. "Well, you’ve certainly got the consistency part down. I’m just hoping my performance in the woods didn’t drop me too far down the list. That fight with Haru was tougher than I expected."

Haru glanced over at Ashelyn, a smirk playing on his lips. "You were a tough opponent, Ashelyn. But I’m not planning on staying in the middle ranks. Today was just the beginning."

Azrael, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, his voice soft but confident. "Rankings or not, it’s clear we’ve all got a lot to learn from each other. But I think we all know who’s going to be in the top five."

Luis, catching the competitive glint in Azrael’s eyes, raised an eyebrow. "And who’s that, Azrael?"

Azrael smiled mysteriously. "Callus, Haru, Blaze, Lawrence… and probably you, Luis. The rest of us are still catching up."

Angel, leaning back with a relaxed grin, added, "I just hope I’m not at the bottom. Got to save some face, you know?" His lighthearted comment drew a few chuckles from the others.

As the conversation flowed, the tension eased, replaced by a shared understanding of the journey they were all on. They might be competing against each other, but there was a mutual respect growing among them—a recognition of the different strengths and challenges each one brought to the table.

The room settled into a comfortable hum of chatter as they waited for the official rankings to be announced, each of them reflecting on the day’s events and what they had learned. No matter where they ended up on the list, they knew they were all growing stronger, day by day, battle by battle.

As they sat in their seats, Haru found himself next to Aurora and Emma. The day's events played on a loop in their minds, each of them assessing their performances in the various challenges they had faced. The room was abuzz with quiet conversations, the energy a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

Haru, his usual confident grin softened by exhaustion, glanced at Aurora and Emma. "What do you guys think? Today was a rollercoaster. Who do you think will rank higher?"

Aurora, still replaying the battle in the woods in her mind, shrugged slightly. "It’s hard to say. Everyone had their moments today. But Saki and Emma were pretty consistent throughout."

Emma nodded in agreement. "I think consistency might give us an edge. Saki was really on point, and I managed to hold my own in the fights. But who knows? The rankings have been surprising so far."

Haru leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the front of the room. "I just hope my efforts today pushed me higher up the list. That fight with Ashelyn was intense, and I’m glad we pulled off the win in the woods. But it’s anyone’s guess how it’ll all shake out."

Aurora smiled, her confidence matching Haru's. "You did well, Haru. But don’t forget, there’s more to this than just fighting. The way we all handled ourselves today… it’s a lot to consider."

Before they could continue their discussion, the door at the front of the room swung open, and Garo strode in, followed closely by Takurov. The room fell silent almost instantly, the students sensing the importance of what was about to happen. Garo’s presence alone demanded attention, his stern expression softened by a hint of pride.

"Everyone, out of your seats," Garo commanded, his voice firm but not unkind. "Line up at the back."

The students exchanged quick glances before standing up and moving to the back of the room, forming a line as instructed. The anticipation in the air was almost palpable as they waited to hear the results of the day’s efforts.

Garo and Takurov stood at the front of the room, exchanging a few quiet words before Garo addressed the class. "Today was a challenging day, and each of you pushed yourselves beyond what we expected. Takurov and I have put a lot of thought into these rankings. We’ve analyzed every moment, every battle, and every decision made throughout the day."

Takurov nodded, his usual flamboyant demeanor replaced with a rare moment of seriousness. "You all made progress today. Real progress. And that’s something to be proud of. But remember, these rankings are just the beginning. They’re not a reflection of your potential but of your performance today."

Garo’s gaze swept across the line of students, his expression stern but approving. "I want you all to remember that this is a journey. Each day will bring new challenges, new opportunities to prove yourselves. And we expect nothing less than your best, every single time."

The students stood at attention, their focus completely on Garo and Takurov as they awaited the new rankings and their updated seating plan. The room was filled with a sense of pride, anticipation, and a collective determination to keep pushing forward.

As Garo prepared to announce the new rankings, a sense of unity settled over the group. They had faced a grueling day together, and despite the competitive nature of the rankings, there was a shared understanding that they were all in this together, each one of them striving to become the best Arknight they could be.

//////////////

Garo stood at the front of the room, his gaze sweeping over the students. He could feel the tension in the air, each student waiting with bated breath for their name to be called. This was the moment they had been dreading or hoping for—the reveal of their rankings after a long, grueling day.

“We’ll start with the bottom 10,” Garo announced, his voice carrying the weight of authority. The room was silent, everyone on edge.

20th Place: “Enri Volkanov.”

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The announcement hung in the air, and a murmur of surprise rippled through the room. Enri's face fell, his usually confident demeanor shattered as he walked slowly to the back of the room. It was a harsh reminder of the challenges he had faced today, particularly his disappointing performance during the forest game.

19th Place: “Penelope Quinn.”

Penelope clenched her fists as she stood up. The shock was clear on her face—she had expected more from herself. Her steps were heavy as she moved to her seat, the weight of her low ranking pressing down on her.

18th Place: “Matteo Amador.”

Matteo couldn’t hide his disappointment as he walked to his seat. He had struggled more than expected in today’s challenges, and it showed in his placement.

17th Place: “Junko Kazaka.”

Junko’s expression was hard to read as she stood and took her seat. She had hoped for better, but deep down, she knew she had faltered in key moments.

16th Place: “Autumn Yanaz.”

Autumn’s eyes were downcast as she walked to her seat. She had given it her all, but today, it simply wasn’t enough.

With the bottom five revealed, a collective sigh of relief swept through the room from those who hadn’t been called yet. The pressure was still on, but for now, they were safe from the bottom tier. Meanwhile, those who had been named sat in their seats, feeling the sting of failure, their minds already racing with thoughts of how they could improve.

Garo continued, the tension still thick in the air.

15th Place: “Luella Amador.”

Luella was surprised she didn’t rank lower, given her struggles today. She walked to her seat, feeling a mix of relief and determination.

14th Place: “Yue Zaurel.”

Yue’s eyes widened in surprise. She had expected to be much lower but found herself ranking a bit higher than she had feared. She quickly made her way to her seat, feeling a glimmer of hope for improvement.

13th Place: “Aslan Yusiger.”

Aslan beamed with happiness as his name was called. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to be this high up in the rankings. The satisfaction was clear on his face as he walked to his seat, practically glowing with pride. He wasn’t just relieved—he was ecstatic, feeling a newfound confidence in himself.

12th Place: “Ashelyn Vonstrakov.”

Ashelyn’s eyes flashed with frustration. She had expected better, but after losing twice in battle, she knew this fall was inevitable. Still, it stung. She walked to her seat, already planning how to reclaim her position.

11th Place: “Angel Goldstone.”

Angel’s expression remained unchanged as he walked to his seat. He had neither risen nor fallen in the rankings, holding steady at 11th place. It wasn’t what he had hoped for, but it wasn’t a disaster either.

With the bottom 10 revealed, the atmosphere in the room shifted slightly. Those who had escaped the lower ranks felt a mixture of relief and anxiety—relief that they hadn’t been called yet, and anxiety over where they would place in the top 10. Meanwhile, the bottom 10 were left to reflect on their performances, each of them determined to do better in the days to come.

Garo paused for a moment, allowing the weight of the rankings to settle over the class before preparing to move on to the top 10.

Garo took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room as the tension built once more. The top 10 was where the real competition began, and everyone knew it. The room was silent, the anticipation almost palpable as the students awaited the next set of rankings.

10th Place: "Aurora Ravenheim."

Aurora’s face betrayed her disappointment as she stood up. Falling from Rank 6 all the way to 10th was a harsh reality check. She walked slowly to her seat, her usual confidence dimmed by the unexpected drop. As she took her spot, Haru caught her eye and gave her a reassuring smile, trying to lift her spirits. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to her. She managed a faint smile back, grateful for the support.

9th Place: "Emma Goldstone."

Emma clenched her fists as her name was called. As a member of the prestigious Goldstone family, even a slight drop in ranking was a bitter pill to swallow. She had fallen by just one rank, but that single place felt like a significant blow to her pride. She moved to her seat, her mind already racing with ways to improve. She couldn’t afford to let this slip become a trend.

8th Place: "Elif Yildrim."

Elif’s face lit up with pure joy as her name was announced. Making it into the top 10 was a dream come true for her, especially after a day filled with challenges. She practically bounced to her seat, her excitement contagious. For her, this wasn’t just a ranking—it was a validation of her hard work and potential. She knew she had performed well today, and this was the reward.

7th Place: "Azrael."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room as Azrael’s name was called. His performance throughout the day had been a series of highs and lows, but clearly, his strengths had shone through. He walked to his seat, his expression as unreadable as ever, but there was a slight nod of acknowledgment to himself. He had earned his place among the top ranks, and that was all that mattered.

6th Place: "Saki Kazaka."

Saki couldn’t help but grin as she was called next. She had climbed steadily through the ranks, her grit, determination, and strategy paying off in a big way. She walked confidently to her new seat, her eyes shining with the realization that she was now among the elite. She knew that if anyone in the top 5 faltered, she would be ready to step in.

As the tension in the room reached its peak, the final five students stood, each one aware that their placement would be the most scrutinized. These were the ones who had dominated the day, and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation.

5th Place: "Lawrence Goldstone."

Lawrence’s expression was as stoic as ever, but inside, he was conflicted. He had aimed higher, knowing that he had the potential to challenge the very top. As he walked to his seat, his mind replayed the day’s events—his battles, his strategies. He knew he had held back during his fight with Ashelyn, trying to outthink rather than overpower. Perhaps that had cost him. As he sat down, he nodded to himself, resolving to climb higher next time. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

4th Place: "Blaze."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Blaze’s face as his name was called. He had been gunning for the top spot, and while 4th place was respectable, it wasn’t where he wanted to be. He had fought fiercely, his battle against Haru a testament to his strength and resolve, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to break into the top three. He walked to his seat with his usual swagger, but inside, a fire burned. He would train harder, push further—next time, he would make sure no one stood in his way.

3rd Place: "Luis Tadashima."

Luis let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. 3rd place was a strong finish, especially considering the fierce competition. His battle with Blaze had been intense, a clash of wills and power, and though he had emerged victorious, it had taken everything he had. As he walked to his seat, he glanced at Haru, his brother, with a mixture of pride and a hint of envy. Luis knew he had the skills to go further, and next time, he would aim for the very top. For now, though, he would take this as a win.

2nd Place: "Haru Tadashima."

Haru felt a rush of satisfaction as his name was called. 2nd place—so close to the top, and yet just out of reach. His performances today had been a rollercoaster, from his physical training to his tactical acumen in the final exercise. He had pushed himself to his limits, and it showed. As he walked to his seat, he couldn’t help but glance at Callus. The man who had taken the top spot was a powerhouse, and Haru knew he still had work to do to surpass him. But he was close—closer than anyone expected. He sat down with a smile, knowing that the top was within his grasp.

1st Place: "Callus Imanov."

Callus stood there, unflinching as his name was announced. 1st place was expected, but it still felt good to hear it. His calm demeanor betrayed little emotion, but inside, he felt a sense of fulfillment. He had dominated every aspect of the day, his endurance, strategy, and sheer power placing him above the rest.

As Callus walked to his seat, the room seemed to hold its breath. He had been the benchmark, the one everyone else measured themselves against, and he had proven once again why he deserved to be at the top. His steps were measured, his expression calm. He knew the others were gunning for him, eager to take his spot, but that only fueled his determination. Callus sat down in the front row, exuding a quiet confidence that made it clear—he wasn’t going to relinquish his position easily.

The room buzzed with a mixture of emotions. Haru couldn’t help but feel both pride and frustration. He had come so close, yet Callus still held the throne. Blaze’s irritation was palpable, his competitive nature refusing to accept anything less than the best. Luis, though satisfied, couldn’t shake the feeling that he was just shy of where he wanted to be. And Lawrence, ever the strategist, was already planning his next move, determined to climb higher.

Garo stepped forward, looking at the assembled students with a nod of approval. "You’ve all worked hard today, and these rankings reflect that. But remember, this is just the beginning. Every day is a new opportunity to prove yourselves, to rise higher, and to challenge those above you."

Takurov added, his usual flamboyance tempered with genuine praise, "Today was a test of your skills, your strategies, and your will. But it was also just a glimpse of what you’re capable of. Keep pushing, keep striving, and remember—these rankings can change as quickly as the tide."

As the final rankings were settled, the room gradually relaxed, the intensity of the moment giving way to a sense of accomplishment for some and determination for others. The top five exchanged glances, a mix of respect and rivalry in their eyes. They knew the battle for supremacy was far from over, and tomorrow would bring new challenges, new tests, and new opportunities to prove who truly belonged at the top.