Chapter 10: Class Trials Begin
HERO UNIVERSITY GROUND
The midday sun cast sharp shadows across the sprawling campus field, now filled with tense, silent rows of students. Not a word was spoken; every pair of eyes was focused on the stage where Principal Grey Ford stood tall, his aura as imposing as ever. Moments earlier, the field had been bubbling with youthful chatter—now, all that energy had condensed into expectant nerves.
Ford's gaze swept over the students, pausing briefly on Ray and the four family heirs who had withstood the pressure earlier. Without preamble, he raised his voice, steady and commanding.
"So, young heroes," Ford began, his words rolling over the crowd, "I see you've learned a thing or two about discipline. But the real challenge starts now—today you'll be assigned your classes. Your class placement depends entirely on your performance in the entrance tests."
He paused for effect, letting the tension sink in.
"There are six classes," he continued, "Ranked F, D, C, B, A, and S—the special class. The S-class is the pride of Hero University. Only those in S-class will represent us in the upcoming inter-academy events. The rest of the classes are strong too, but remember one more thing…"
Ford's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping ominously.
"By the end of the year, only three classes will remain. Students in the lowest ones will be eliminated—you'll lose your chance to train here and be heroes. That means every test, every skill, every decision matters. Fight for your place, and prove you deserve to stay."
A ripple of mixed excitement and anxiety ran through the crowd. The pressure, competition, the daunting possibility of elimination—all drove the students to steel their nerves.
Suddenly, another figure strode onto the stage, tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of confidence and strict authority. He took the microphone from Ford with a brisk motion.
The man's voice was deep, clear, carrying the tone of an experienced soldier.
"I'm Instructor Robert Fil," he announced. "I'll be leading your first test—the Class Evaluation. Here's how it works: each of you will come forward, one at a time, and enter the evaluation room behind me." Robert nodded to a side door off the stage, guarded by two assistants.
"In that room, you'll face a timed trial—challenges that test your decision-making, speed, and ability under pressure. The fastest completion time gets first place. Special perks go to the top three students—so do your best! This isn't just about strength; it's about who can stay calm and make the smartest choices."
He stepped back, crossing his arms, as the assistants began organizing the roster.
Excitement flared among the students. Some buzzed with confidence, others whispered in worry:
"I'll aim for top three—just watch!"
"No way, I'll be number one."
"Come on, it's going to be the four family heirs."
"What about that mystery kid—Ray? He withstood principal Ford. He could break the rankings."
"Don't be dumb, speed is everything. Pressure's only one part. I've trained for this my entire life—I'm going for first."
Instructor Robert snapped his fingers once, and the crowd fell quiet instantly.
"Enough talk. You'll be called soon—stay ready. One mistake, and someone else will take your spot. This is the first step on your journey. Don't waste it."
As the assistants started checking off names and moving students toward the trial room, the atmosphere thickened with anticipation. Eyes darted from Ray, Lyra, Will, Vera, and Sera to the unknown faces, each hoping to prove themselves and take the first step towards greatness, or risk falling behind.
Ray glanced at the stage, mind steady—a far cry from the panic he once felt in this place. He knew what was waiting. Memories of both past failures and victories flickered through his thoughts. But this time, he would face everything head-on.
The doors to the evaluation room slid open, beckoning the first student forward. The crowd watched, silent and hungry, as the class trials finally began.
Seconds passed in breathless anticipation. The first student disappeared inside. For a long moment, nothing happened—then suddenly, after only twenty seconds, the doors burst open again. The student stumbled out, uniform torn, face bruised, and collapsed unconscious onto the grass before the entire crowd.
Gasps and shocked silence swept through the students. Even the bravest heirs straightened in nervous anticipation. It became clear—the test that awaited was far harsher than anything they had imagined.
And as the next name was called, a sense of dread fell over the field. No one knew who would emerge victorious—or who might not emerge at all.