Ever felt like you were in a place with so much tension that it became physical you could cut it?

Well after the headmaster yelled to start, the tension of the fight only grew.

It seems the four were only having a staredown before the gong but as soon as it began it got real. The amount of mana they all started releasing for their attacks was astronomical even when compared to me.

No, I didn't even compare to them. I had thought that I was a cheat and I may be one but it's nothing compared to these five. Yep, five. The red slime as well had an unbelievable amount of power but then again, when I looked close, his nucleus looked different. It was both a slime nucleus and a ruby gemstone. All as big as a regular human’s brain.

I had no doubt that this is what is making the slime equal to the royals.

Asher and the slime each stood in a pose that was meant for a quick draw. They were back to back and holding the opposite direction each.

Their mana was rapidly condensing around the sword inside the sheaths they were holding.

The demon held his sword pointed down and had his eyes closed while he released his mana in the form of the black fog that circled around his blade.

The dragonoid on the other hand was gathering her mana in her stomach. I could already guess what would be coming up.

Finally the elf’s mana was gathering at the tip of her outstretched wand. Her eyes were closed as she concentrated.

It was plain to see that these four were the top four students of the year. I bet in terms of current power only the teachers could match them if they were this strong as well.

After a long minute the five of them completely charged their attack. Everyone opened their closed eyes and the mana that was flowing in the air was instantly sucked into their weapon.

Asher and the slime slowly unsheathed the sword, the demon held his sword over his head with his right hand. The dragonoid breathed deeply causing her belly to bloat and the elf rapidly swung her wand quickly, drawing a magic circle in the air.

At once the five released their attacks while shouting.

[X Cross Fang]

[Nature's Smite]

[Dragon Nova]

[Reaper's Awakening]

At once they all released their attacks. Asher swung his sword diagonally with his slime doing the same but towards the opposite direction. From the edge of the blade the mana condensed and launched out as a long X shaped mana slash that flew forward.

Standing opposite these two was the demon kid who swung down his blade sword releasing the same thing but as a black mana slash. To both sides of the boys were the two girls. The dragonoid leaned forward opening her jaw and releasing a great inferno and opposite her and to Asher's right was the elf.

She pulled her wand back for a moment before hitting the gem on her wand to the center of the magic circle. This released all the pent up mana in the wand in one large blast that looks like something from an anime. It looked like a green beam that launched out of the circle.

All four attacks were launched at the same time and at the center of the arena they impacted with each other.

As soon as the four made contact, that is when the fireworks began.

All four attacks began to push against each other until finally the mana became unstable and blew up filling the entire arena in smoke. The explosion was probably enough to shake everything on the island.

Many of the kids began screaming out of fear and because of the loud explosion.

After a moment, several adult mages stood up and used magic to stabilize the quakes. That is quite impressive considering the size of the island. Next a second group used a spell to purify the air and remove the smoke.

What we saw when all the smoke and dust was cleared, put everyone in total shock.

The location each person stood was still there but only the ground behind each of them remained. Below was the vast sky. From here we could even see the five giant chains. Each of them was attached to the heart of one of the mountains inside the territory of each country.

Not a single person spoke a word. Moments later the arena's remaining ground began glowing and I could feel the mana in the air thin out. The reason was that it was absorbing the mana and remaking the ground it lost.

Several adults landed behind each kid and poured their mana into the arena filling the hole.

Then a clear chuckle was heard. It was first started by Asher, then the demon kid started laughing until the two girls did as well.

“Looks like the blessing we all got last year made it possible for you three to catch up!” Asher said

As soon as he said that, the other three looked at him with a mischievous grin.

If he said catch up then that means they knew each other and trained together.

“Wah~~!” Kumi exclaimed

“Are you ok?” I asked.

“Yes, I just never thought I would get to study with four royal family members from the head families and they all have the family blessing?” Kumi said.

I looked confused which made her frown. “You don't know?” she asked

Shaking my head I look at her asking to continue. She simply sighs.

“You know the gods made this island right?” Kumi asked.

“I heard about it from the driver who brought me here.” I replied.

“Okay, well when the gods made this island hoping for peace between races they blessed the royal family and their bloodline. The reason we begin studying only at eight is also because of this. The gods said that if the child has the blessing, it will manifest one year before their eighth year of age. The blessing grants the kid super strength or immense amounts of mana. The blessing is different for elves. They manifest their blessing one year before their thirty second year. The reason is that elves age four times slower than humans so for them at the age of 32, they still have the mentality of an 8 year old.” Kumi explained.

Wow, who knew there was something like this. This game has been up for nearly three years already. And there was never any news of this.

I then look back at the blond making Kumi do the same.

Before I even ask she answers.

“Her family isn't the original royal family that was blessed. The old royal family at the time had not had a child manifest the blessing for at least three generations so her ancestors took the throne. The old royal family was said to have escaped and the bloodline still lives but no one knows where.” Kumi explained.

I feel something bad about her saying that. Kind of like a foreboding sense that keeps poking at the back of my mind.

As the arena finished repairing itself the tired adults left the arena and the headmaster landed on the field. He took out a small handkerchief from a pocket on his robe and wiped the sweat from his head.

Moments later, several men appeared before him holding papers and were yelling but it seems they were using barriers to block the sound.

Finally after five minutes they seem to come to a decision and the men leave, leaving the headmaster to deal with whatever was needed.

“Excuse us for the time it took to repair the arena as well as what I was discussing. The school council has decided that for the 10 students that showed the greatest abilities shall be put on the top 10 ranking list and be put out from further tournaments. And these are the students we choose as the top 10 ranked.” Charles said.

Ranking

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

#1

Nova Redscale (Draconoid Princess)

#2

Stephanie Danbolt Ashwood (Elf Princess)

#3

Asher Daniel Calder Bryton (Human Prince)

#4

Owen Zebub (Demon Prince)

#5

Kuroko Melody Ginshiro (Human)

#6

Emily Hornet Greenleaf (Elf)

#7

Zachary Midmill (Half Demon Human hybrid)

#8

Kumi Shitara (Human)

#9

Margaret Helen Flare (Red head fighter)

#10

Eleanora Velaria Maryland Vis Carmellian (Human Princess

Both me and Kumi, no, everyone was stunned to see the list. Though the top four were expected, the rest weren't.

“As I said before, we are sorry but this year we have many… great talents to the point that normal students have yet to show us anything. As such, those who exhibit great abilities at the end of each round will be directly ranked.” Charles explained.

More than half the audience missed part of it but those of us on the top ranking were still in shock. What broke everyone out of the shock was when the demon prince began to complain.

“OI OLD MAN! WHY THE HELL AM I FOURTH!!” Owen shouted.

“I used the size of the hole as a reference. The hole was pushed out more towards both boys while Nova pushed Stephanie's attack slightly more in.” Charles openly explained.

He clicked his tongue and quietly followed to rest out of the arena.

At once the crowd began to take pictures and shout.

Out of nowhere two arms hugged me from the side.

“NO WAY, I GOT ON THE TALENTED LIST!! KYAA~~! I can’t wait until mom and dad see this. A regular middle class citizen ranked high enough to appear with the top ranked!” Kumi explained.

I couldn’t help chuckling at her but I couldn’t help but wonder how I got fifth place.

Well I don’t have time to ponder on it because for some reason all four royals come towards us.

“Hey, looks like I couldn’t overpower them.” Asher said.

“Yes, even with the help from your slime you couldn’t win, man~~. I wonder if you are a match.” I say that in a playful tone which makes him go red faced and the three behind him laugh.

“I knew I was going to like this girl after hearing her say it must suck to be a royalty. Oh and by the way, yes it sucks big time.” Owen said.

“Yes I know, I was adopted by the tamer guild headmaster and it's a pain since he is a noble. Must be harder for you guys.” I replied

They nod. We begin introducing each other when I notice a certain green haired human fidgeting.

“Is there a problem Kumi?” I asked

“Kumi? The rank 8, right. Wow, it’s quite surprising how many mage humans are appearing this year and so powerful as well.” Stephanie said.

“Hey Hey Kuroko how much mana do you have?! How did you make that blue flame? Daddy only ever told me about the Dragon Nova and only after I awoke my blessing could I only use that fire.” Nova asked

“Wait, only that one? Did each of you get power or a skill?” I asked.

“Well there was a boost in growth actually. Besides that we gained 4000 mana points on top of our originally high mana capacity which was around 1000 right guys.” Asher said.

Sweat was forming on my forehead and I was forcing my face to smile but it was getting cramped.

“Hey? What's with that face? Come on, tell us how much mana you have?" Nova asked.

“F-f…”

The four narrowed their eyes and the pressure they released was getting intense.

“Tell us or we will leave and never talk to you.” Asher said

The others nodded and I started to sweat more.

“5...5750…”

I said that in a quiet voice but they still heard it. There was only silence and even those near were looking with their jaws dropped.

“Do you have any blessings?” Nova asked.

I nod weakly and usher them close before opening to the blessing.

“Is that the only one?” Owen said

I nod again looking down.

“And here I was about to think you were a descendant from the last royal family. HAHAHA! That would mean something big was about to happen.” Asher said, letting out a relieved sigh.

I looked up confused at them.

“You don’t know which is normal. All of us gained that blessing one year before our blessing awoke. It was so we could handle the second blessing which comes from a different god.” Stephanie said.

“I’ve had this ever since I woke up in the forests near the capital of Elunia. It has been three years.” I replied

They nod understanding and finally sit down since we were drawing attention. After saying the amount I had, I wouldn’t be surprised if rumors will spread. If there is one thing I know for certain is that humans are jealous creatures and to know someone who isn’t even a noble by birth has more power would frustrate them. I just hope that they don’t over exaggerate or tell lies about me...

Still the tournament continued and as more people succeeded they moved up the ranks until after 6 long hours passed and the full ranking board for our year was made. To say that this year held a lot of expectations wasn’t a lie for sure.

“Well, with this we finally reach an end to the ranking tournament. There are maids to lead you back. Those who didn’t have roommates will find that their rooms are moved to optimize space. Please take the rest of the day off. Tomorrow a maid will come with the class schedule and help you navigate the school to find your classes. You are all dismissed.” Charles said

With that we all are finally led out to the exit. Unlike before, the six of us are stopped by a few maids. The halfling was there.

“Greetings Kuroko-sama, because of your rank we will be moving your room. The same for you Kumi-sama.” the halfling maid said

“For what reason?” Kumi asked

An older maid walked up.

“It is simply because of your power, we tend to group talented children together. Students like you tend to learn better when near those with similar power or strength. Anyway the ranking can change depending on grades and how much you train. Ah! Miss Ginshiro, we received word from the tamer guild headmaster Dalton Halt that you require a specific supplement for your diet to help your body.” the older maid said.

“Yes but it's something I can make with my slimes at any time.” I replied.

“Yes, we heard about it. We think we can mix it with your food. It could help your growth more.” She said.

I tilt my head and think while scratching my head. I couldn’t see fault in it so I pulled out a vial of fox slime milk and handed it to her.

“I normally take three drops with a dropper. Any more and it has some side effects on humans that fills us with too much energy that would lead into severe fatigue.” I replied.

Hearing that I could see even behind the professional mask a shiver run down her spine. Why wouldn’t it, this thing could make an already large bundle of energy, even more hyper. If given to the royalty, those behind me, chaos would surely happen.

The maid stores the vial and hands us over to the other maids that hold our bags.

Curiously they didn’t take us to the dormitories, instead they took us into the main school grounds closer to the boys side. Deep in the back was a forest which blocked all the light but there was a clear path with paved cobblestone leading into the forest. At the end of the path was a huge building. If I called it a mansion, it would be an understatement.

It was in similar fashion to the dormitory setup. There was one building but it was a U shaped building. On the left side was the side for the girls and on the right side for the boys. At the end of the building was the lobby and behind that was the cafeteria. The dormitory building had at least 7 floors on each side.

“This is the top 20 building. This place was made to house those who grade in the top 20 at the start of the year. If by the middle of the year you lose that rank you will be put back into the regular dorms.” The halfling maid explained

“So, the carrot and the stick system?” I asked

She nods and the others frown.

Yep, give a bit of luxury at the start and see how it goes. The ranking for now is just magic power and strength but starting with school it will include school grades as well.

Well not like it will change much. I was already a good student so basic subjects like math, science, and all that are easy. What I need to worry about now is PE, history and magic studies. Yep there is no way in hell that stuff is easy. I only ever used mana coat for monk skills. Magic in all its wonder I know only basics and what I can come up with is mixing magic with physics.

Well that could wait for when we begin. In the lobby the boys and girls were split up. In our group there were four girls and two boys. They would be roommates and I would have Kumi as my roommate.

We were taken to the first floor room 2. Our things were once again arranged and we could finally rest.

“AH! What a hard day. I feel like I dug my own grave.” I complained.

“Yeah, I got the same feeling too. But still, it’s kind of amazing, having a god’s blessing that is. Oh what god was it?” Kumi said.

“Hm? Oh, the goddess of mana.” I replied.

“...”

“What?” I asked when i noticed the silence and looked at the young girl.

“The goddess of mana grants a huge amount of mana you know.” she said.

“Yep, 4000 points worth.” I replied.

I say that while crashing on top of my bed. The room was bigger by a bit, having a full bathroom with shower. The beds were bunk beds made of elf wood that have been enchanted to make them last long.

“You know that isn’t any small amount, it’s supposed to rise.” Kumi said.

“Yep but that is with my own work that I got this strong. Magic is what I can get stronger, with ease. My body is fragile and I need to work a lot more to get physically stronger.” I replied

“So weaker body but greater magic?” Kumi said.

“Yep, but it’s not like I hate it.” I replied.

I say that as I summon Peach and Glop.

“Okay you two. We are going to sleep. If any guests come through the window or use magic to open the door or teleport inside, treat them ‘kindly' okay?” I said.

The two jumped up and down cheerfully and hopped onto the bed.

I start taking off my uniform and find my pajamas before I head into the shower. I was dirty and needed this. I took a towel and that is when I noticed her fidgeting.

“If you don’t want to take a bath alone you can come in as well.” I said.

She turned red and nodded before grabbing her own pajamas and a towel before following me in. I will say this, I feel nothing towards her even though I was a man before. No, I feel nothing towards the boys either. Don’t know if that will last though but still, I am a kid so I don’t need to worry about that and I will not focus on it either.

With that in mind we jump in and freshen up before finally jumping into the comfy beds and falling asleep.