The air outside the grand hall was crisp and brimming with energy as the first-year students gathered in the massive training grounds. The arena stretched as far as the eye could see, its sections glowing faintly with the colors of the four primary powers used by the allied races: green for Nature Energy, blue for Mana, red for Ki, and golden-white for Aura.

Erik stood near the edge of the crowd, his stomach churning. Despite his efforts during the demonstration, uncertainty gnawed at him. Around him, students buzzed with excitement or whispered nervously about their performances.

“All first-years, attention!”

The sharp voice of Instructor Vayne silenced the chatter instantly. Standing on a raised dais, the scarred instructor exuded authority, his gray robes billowing slightly in the breeze.

“You’ve all demonstrated your abilities,” Vayne began, his piercing gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Now, you will be assigned to one of five classes: Class S, Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D. These classes reflect your current level of skill and potential. They will dictate your training regimen, your instructors, and your dormitory. Remember, this is only the beginning. Your place today does not define your future.”

A murmur ran through the students, and Erik clenched his fists.

“The top three students, who have already proven themselves to be exceptional, will be placed in Class S,” Vayne continued. He raised a scroll and began to read.

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“Aeliana Sylvari, Gurg Balac, Rodger Binter. Step forward.”

The three students strode confidently to the front. Aeliana’s silver hair gleamed under the sunlight as she nodded gracefully. Gurg towered over everyone, his presence commanding, while Rodger’s disciplined stance radiated quiet confidence.

“The best of the best,” someone muttered behind Erik. He didn’t need to turn around to know they were right.

Vayne’s voice broke the reverent silence. “Class A…” He listed several names, each met with a mix of relief and disappointment from the students. Erik’s heart pounded as Vayne moved down the list.

“Class B…” Another set of names followed. Erik’s name wasn’t among them.

“Class C,” Vayne finally announced. “Erik Miller.”

The words echoed in Erik’s ears, leaving him stunned. Class C? A wave of disappointment washed over him. He’d hoped to do better, to prove himself. But this placement... it wasn’t the worst, yet it stung all the same.

He trudged forward, joining the growing group of Class C students. Their expressions mirrored his own—quiet determination, uncertainty, and, for a few, outright frustration.

The sorting continued until the final names were read, and the Class D group was assembled. Vayne rolled up the scroll and addressed the entire assembly.

“Your classes are now set. Report to your dormitories for orientation. Dismissed.”

Erik followed the other Class C students to their assigned dormitory, a modest stone building nestled near the edge of the campus. Unlike the grand halls and ornate towers of the upper classes, the Class C dorm was simple, almost humble. Erik didn’t care much about the aesthetics; his thoughts were still swirling over his placement.

Inside, Erik found his room: a small but functional space with a single bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. Dropping his bag on the bed, he sat down and ran a hand through his hair.

Class C.

The word felt like a brand, but Erik wasn’t ready to accept it as his limit. He clenched his fists, determination flaring within him. This is just the start. I’ll prove I belong at the top.

For now, the only sound in the room was the steady rhythm of his breathing. Tomorrow, his journey at the United Continents Academy would truly begin.