Tenebrous Wolf-Chapter 39: School Hierarchy

Klaus was shocked, rightfully so. Just as Ascendants were ranked by a grading system, the same applied to Angelion Pilots, whose ranks progressed from lowest to highest:

Trainee → Cadet → Private → Corporal → Sergeant

When Trainee Riders arrived at the academy, they first underwent rigorous training and VR simulations for an entire year to test their motor skills. Those who passed the first-year assessments advanced to Cadet Riders, gaining access to basic training Angelions. After their second year, they became Private Riders, typically assigned as support in large-scale operations. Corporal Riders were experienced enough to assist in squad tactics and unit cohesion, while Sergeant Riders had proven themselves capable of leading smaller Angelion teams independently.

Of course, these were just for the enlisted riders. There are also other ranks such as the Officer Ranks, High Command Ranks, and Special Ranks.

Regardless, this was simply the natural order of things. Yes. That was how it should be.

So why was a Trainee already piloting a training Angelion unit?

Was something like this even possible? No, something was definitely off here.

Wait... Didn't she say she received an acceptance letter from the academy?

Inadvertently, Klaus recalled the strange words she had spoken during the induction ceremony.

But did the academy even send personal invitations?

Certainly, those words had been off. Everyone had to undergo a testing and selection phase when they turned eighteen. He himself had undergone the same process before it was determined that he had no talent for piloting an Neon Angelion Unit.

So why would the academy hand-pick someone without testing them first?

Something was not right.

Perhaps it was a personal arrangement by the government. But if that were the case...

What kind of existence would she have to be, to receive a direct recommendation from the government itself?

Noticing his expression, Adrian raised an eyebrow and asked:

"Hey, wassup? Why are you staring so hard? Do you know her?"

Klaus replied hesitantly:

"Actually, I do know her somewhat. I met her at the induction ceremony and her name is Yuki Asahina."

"Hmm. Snow of the Rising Sun, is it? What an interesting name. Wait... did you just say that you met her at the induction ceremony?"

"Yes, I did."

"Hold on... If that's the case, then that means she's a trainee, right? Yet, she's already piloting a training Angelion? That doesn't make sense."

'See? So I'm not that strange one here.' Klaus thought while looking beyond the window.

He then turned his gaze toward the other pilot, who was still climbing out of the Black Angelion. Unlike Yuki, this one moved sluggishly, as if exhausted.

A few moments later, the pilot stepped out. It was a young man with dark brown hair and a frown. From his expression, it was clear that he couldn't understand how he had lost in such a manner.

Adrian seemed to recognise him because he muttered an 'O', which caught Klaus's attention.

"Do you know him?"

He shook his head.

"Not particularly, but I have heard about him. His name is Cedric. He's a private rider that has already completed his training. In fact, he was even popular at the time due his high synchronization rate of 60%."

"I'm sorry if I sound ignorant, but how is that special?"

"Ah, you don't know? It's really a big deal! The standard synchronization rate of a rider is around 30 to 40%, and most of them don't even pass 35% on average, so 60% is an anomaly!"

Klaus furrowed his brows.

"Then, shouldn't he have won that fight? I mean, if he's that good, how did he lose to a Trainee?"

Adrian crossed his arms, deep in thought.

"That's the thing... A high sync rate means better control over the Angelion, but it's not the only factor in a battle. Skill, experience, and combat instincts all play a part. Still, for a Trainee to take down someone like Cedric—no, to overwhelm him like that—it's not normal. It's certainly strange. Is this even possible?"

Klaus turned his gaze back to Yuki on the testing zone. She stood near the White Angelion with an unreadable expression as she was scanned for injuries by the medical team.

If she was pleased with her victory, she didn't show it. No, that wasn't the face of someone reveling in their triumph. If anything, she carried the painfully detached demeanor of a veteran soldier who had merely completed another assigned mission.

What kind of life had she lived to wear such indifference?

I wonder how high her synchronization rate is?

Surely, it had to be exceptionally high. But exactly how high?

Perhaps somewhere around 90%, but that was simply impossible.

If that were the case... she wouldn't even be human, right?

Klaus sighed and scratched the back of his head.

He then turned to Adrian and said in a tired voice,

"Since the sparring match is over, let's go somewhere else."

"Ah, that would be for the best. Besides, it's getting late too."

Klaus nodded, and the two of them left, stepping back into the Eastern Division of the academy. During this time, they remained unaware that they were not alone within the Safety Zone Building. Two Aspirants with eyes filled with desire and lust. Their target was undoubtedly the unsuspecting Yuki.

After wandering for a bit, they finally returned to the dormitory. Klaus bid Adrian farewell before heading to his own room.

Inside, Briar was already fast asleep on the mattress, her tongue sticking out slightly, with a Mini Pad clutched in one hand.

Certainly, one wouldn't expect to find a demoness in such a ridiculous sleeping position.

But Klaus wasn't surprised. This was simply one of her bad habits.

Letting out a sigh, he muttered, "How unlucky," before carefully taking the Mini Pad from her grasp and placing it inside the dresser. Then, he pulled the blanket over her.

Finally settling onto his own bed, Klaus replayed the events of the day in his mind. Excited for what tomorrow would bring, he closed his eyes, hoping to drift into slumber.

Unfortunately, Briar had claimed the only fluffy pillow.

Cursing under his breath, he muttered, "Misfortune."

† †

Early in the morning, Klaus woke up and stretched his stiff body. Beside him, the succubus was still sleeping peacefully. Not only was she a picky eater, but she was also a deep sleeper.

Briar mumbled something in her sleep. "...Please, no more bread..."

What is she dreaming about? Well, at least one of us slept peacefully.

Of course, he couldn't blame this on misfortune.

Still feeling stiff, Klaus entered the bathroom to wash up. After freshening up, he dressed in his uniform and stepped out of his room. As he exited, the door automatically locked behind him.

Coincidentally, Adrian stepped out of the room across from his at the same time. They exchanged greetings and headed toward the cafeteria together.

It was a simple arrangement. They were neighbors, after all. So it wasn't strange for them to walk together.

Along the way, they passed several Aspirants clad in black uniforms, each adorned with the Ascension Academy's emblem. To ascend meant to go beyond the skies, and following that metaphor, the emblem's design was that of a golden angelic wing.

It was required for all Aspirants to wear the uniform, themselves included. For Trainee Riders, however, their uniforms were slightly different.

That's none of my concern.

With that thought, Klaus continued his nonchalant stride beside Adrian. They moved at a steady pace, neither too slow nor too fast, allowing them to chat idly about trivial matters.

There was no need to rush. Soon, they arrived at the cafeteria.

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The cafeteria was a bit crowded and bustling with activity. The entire space was filled with Aspirants, each not only striking in appearance but also exuding an air of poise and composure.

In the Imperial City, beauty and handsomeness were the norm on the surface, so this sight was nothing out of the ordinary.

The real problem, however, lay elsewhere.

Adrian's expression soured as he scanned the room.

"Damn. Is it just me, or is this place even more packed than usual? At this rate, all the seats will be taken. Tch."

"Well, training starts today, so this much is expected."

"Yeah, you've got a point. Anyway, let's grab something to eat before all the seats are gone."

They both approached the counter and eagerly piled their plates with a small mountain of delicious dishes. The cafeteria food was free, so they didn't have to worry about paying, and with evil smiles, they took full advantage of that fact.

Naturally, it was their duty to eat the food—or else it would simply end up in someone else's stomach!

Fortunately, by a stroke of luck, they managed to find an empty table amidst the bustling crowd. The two took their seats and focused entirely on conquering the mountain of food before them.

Some students glanced their way for a brief moment, finding their enthusiasm somewhat odd, but they soon lost interest and turned back to their own conversations.

However, without warning, a sudden announcement interrupted the cafeteria's usual noise.

"Huh? What's going on? The ranking list came out early!"

"Ah, so fast!"

"I wonder what place I got!"

Excitement spread through the crowd like wildfire, drawing both Adrian's and Klaus's attention.

Klaus muttered through a mouthful of food, puzzled, "What's going on?"

"Oh? Something interesting just happened. Look over there."

Says Adrian disinterestedly as he pointed toward the large screen hanging on the cafeteria wall, where a growing number of Seekers had gathered, their faces filled with anticipation. Displayed on the screen was a list of names, ranking the new batch of Seekers from weakest to strongest, likely determined from their interviews and initial assessments.

Just as he expected, when Klaus looked for his own name, he found it resting at the very bottom of the list. Since their physical attributes hadn't been tested yet, it was clear that this ranking was based solely on a Seeker's abilities.

Ugh. What a shame. I'm not particularly interested in these things. This is just another way for the government to push Seekers into proving themselves and expose their abilities. I'm sorry, but I won't fall for such obvious tricks!

Unbothered, Klaus turned back to his food and devoured the chicken in his hand. Even so, the cafeteria only grew louder.

"Oh, what's this? That Adrian guy got third place!"

"Isn't he from the Lei Feng Clan?"

"Damn. Those Imperial Clan bastards are really lucky."

Klaus blinked in surprise.

Wait, what?

He turned back toward the rankings, and sure enough, Adrian's name was listed in third place.

At that moment, his eyes widened.

His abilities are that strong? Damn. Did I underestimate him?

Truthfully, Adrian never carried an overwhelming presence. He wasn't weak by any means, but his aura was warm and composed. Klaus had never expected someone so laid-back to rank so high in terms of raw ability.

Yet the person in question didn't even seem remotely interested. Adrian didn't so much as glance up from his plate, as if silently declaring that food was far more important than some pointless ranking.

That nonchalant attitude... It reminded Klaus of a sleeping dragon, waiting for the right moment to awaken.

Wait... if he's third, then who are second and first?

Now too curious to ignore it, he scanned the list again.

Second place belonged to Miguel. His portrait was displayed right there, confirming his identity.

That's unexpected. I figured someone like him would take first place.

But if Miguel was only second, then who...?

Klaus's gaze moved up to the top of the list.

Then, he froze.

For a matter of fact, there was no reason for him to freeze up like that. It's not like he had seen a ghost.

Even so, it was strange why he suddenly stopped like that. But what he saw was too shocking for him to react any other way.

At the very top, ranked first, was a familiar face.

A girl with silvery-white hair, light tanned skin, icy-grey eyes and a lonely yet powerful presence.

He had seen her before back at the Grand Mall.

And next to her portrait, her name was displayed clearly:

"Name: Seraphim"