It was the start of the school year at Vendal High, a place for both the Awakened and the Zeroes.
With new ranks and a new classification system, the goal of the school was to analyze the mana of each Awakened student—whether they were ranked S, A, or even F.
Their first trial was to fight a type 0 monster—harmless, small creatures with no real threat.
After defeating one, the Awakened were required to face one of the Chosen.
There were four in total:
Aaron Dark, from Italy, was an A+ rank hunter. Arrogant and proud, he had reason to be—he was powerful, and his family was rich.
Everyone knew his family had ties to the Italian mafia, but no one seemed to care. In their eyes, he had helped elevate the country in the global rankings.
Emron Kade, also an A+ rank, was strong too, though not quite like Aaron.
He was the calmest of the group, a true strategist.
Nothing was known about his family or his abilities, which only added to the mystery surrounding him.
Ren Samike, from Japan, had an unknown rank.
Rumor had it he had already fought a type 2 monster—one of the most dangerous among the legged beasts.
His silent presence and cold aura made people uneasy.
Leila Red was the daughter of a famous hunter and a scientist.
Her rank was also unknown.
Like Aaron, she was selfish and full of herself, never hesitating to look down on others.
But above them all stood Caden Storm—ranked number one in the country and the world.
Caden was anything but normal.
His father had been a legendary hunter—an avatar, an assassin, and a dark shadow mage all in one.
At first, no one wanted anything to do with Caden. Too dangerous. Too unpredictable.
But turning your back on someone like him was risky—if he ever sided with the monsters, it would spell disaster.
And his mother? She was a sage.
With a bloodline like that, Caden Storm was born to be unstoppable.
Among all of them were the Zeroes—the powerless—constantly bullied by the S-ranks.
I wasn't one of the victims, though. My aunt was the principal of the school, so I had a bit of respect, even if I was placed in Class F.
A voice echoed through the school corridors:
"All students are requested to return to their respective classes."
It was always the same routine—go to the combat room where an S-rank fought a monster. Everyone had to be present.
This room, more like a theater or cinema hall, was used for selection events.
This time, the fighter was a girl.
Some people in the room didn't agree with that, and of course, as expected, it was mostly the boys.
The fight was about to begin, and the Chosen Ones were already seated.
They were going to start the introductions, and as usual, it was that girl Leila who took the lead.
Leila (with a cold stare):
"Tell me—what is your name, where are you from, what is your rank and status? Are you sure you can complete the task I'm about to give you?"
Ranker 1 (whispering):
"She's putting pressure on her. Why is she being so harsh?"
Ranker 2:
"I don't know, but I wouldn't want to be in that girl's shoes."
Candidate (nervous and stuttering):
"I... I... I am Ari Park. I'm Korean. I'm rank S. I work and, um... um... I'm sure I can do what you ask."
Leila (expressionless):
"Very well. You should fight someone of rank A."
Ari (smiling nervously):
"I'll do my best."
The room suddenly erupted in whispers and low laughter.
Some students mocked the candidate quietly.
Didn't she know who she was dealing with?
Leila:
"Very well... face me in a duel.
If you win, you'll become one of the Chosen. We'll be five.
If you lose... you'll stay at rank S, but no one will see you as an S-rank anymore.
Do you want to give up ?"
Candidate (scared, but determined):
"I'm ready."
Everyone already knew how this would end—even the candidate probably did.
I didn't know why I stayed to watch. I didn't want to see a disaster unfold.
And yet... something intrigued me.
I had a feeling this girl had potential.
She might be the one who could help me.