SWNOVELXO Chapter 13: Chapter 13 – Grand Ranking Trials: The Countdown Begins
A month had passed since the Cliffstone mission. The academy had settled into a rhythm—lectures, sparring, elemental theory, and whispered rumors of ancient stones. Show's popularity had risen sharply, but so had the expectations on him.
Then, on an unusually silent morning…
🏛️ The Announcement
Professor Eldren entered the grand hall, his long coat trailing behind him, flanked by two assistant professors. His voice rang across the crowd.
> Eldren:
"Students of Arcane Academy. The time has come to reveal what you've all awaited…"
A pause.
> "The Grand Ranking Trials shall begin this week."
Gasps filled the room. Even Hibiki dropped his wind scroll mid-snack.
Eldren continued:
> "This competition will determine the top six ranked first-years. Only those with the highest cumulative performance may participate."
A shimmering list appeared midair—names glowing one by one:
1. Raelyn
2. Chris
3. Show
4. Drake
5. Cyrus
6. Lina
The hall burst into murmurs.
> "Lina?!"
"She never fights!"
"How…?"
Karen, frowning, muttered,
> "Healing spells… She's been scoring support points all semester."
Even Lina blinked in surprise, blushing slightly.
---
🤝 The First Trial: Duo Formation
Eldren raised his hand, silencing everyone.
> "The first round will be a Team Trial. A tactical battlefield scenario. You will enter in duos."
> "You have one day to select your partners. Choose wisely."
And with that, the hall erupted with energy as students rushed to strategize.
---
🔥 Show & Karen – Fire Meets Friction
Show was still stretching outside the training grounds when Karen approached—arms folded, expression cold.
> Karen: "Listen. I don't like you. You're loud, reckless, impulsive…"
Show blinked.
> "...Thanks?"
> Karen: "But you've got power. And guts. So I'll team up with you. Just don't slow me down."
> Show (grinning): "Deal. Just try not to fall for me mid-battle."
> Karen (blushing slightly, scoffing): "Ugh. Arrogant flamehead."
From the distance, Hibiki whispered, "That's love denial energy."
---
❄️ Drake & Lyra – Ice and Ivy
Lyra had been nervously pacing, unsure who to ask. But when Drake strolled by casually tossing an ice orb in his hand, she gathered the courage.
> Lyra: "Hey… um… you free?"
Drake tilted his head, calm as always.
> Drake: "Depends."
> Lyra: "For the trial. You know I'm not the strongest but—my plants can trap enemies. I'm not useless."
> Drake (with a rare, soft smirk): "I know. That's why I was waiting for you to ask."
Lyra turned bright red.
> Lyra (whispering to herself): "Oh gods I'm going to die—"
---
📘 Raelyn & Teach – Brains Over Brawn
Raelyn walked straight into the library, ignoring the groups outside.
> "Teach. You're partnering with me."
Behind a towering stack of books, Teach, the telekinetic spell nerd, raised a brow.
> Teach: "You're a top duelist. Why would you want me?"
> Raelyn: "Because you read every battlefield theory scroll in this place. I fight. You outthink. It's a match."
Teach adjusted his glasses and floated a chair aside with his mind.
> "Fine. But I won't be blamed if you trip on your own ego."
> Raelyn: "As long as your brain doesn't trip on your cowardice."
---
⚔️ Cyrus & Akito – Pride and Tricks
Cyrus was walking past the dueling grounds when Akito dropped from a balcony and landed perfectly beside him.
> Akito: "You. Me. Trial. Thoughts?"
Cyrus scoffed.
> Cyrus: "Why would I team up with a sleight-of-hand wannabe?"
Akito flicked a card in the air. It exploded midair in smoke and illusion magic.
> Akito: "Because I know how to distract and dismantle. While you punch."
Cyrus paused. Then nodded with a grin.
> Cyrus: "Fine. Just don't get in my way."
> Akito: "Oh I'll be ten steps ahead. Promise."
---
🌩️ Chris & Presto – Calm and Chaos
Presto ran across campus yelling.
> "CHRIS!! Be my partner!!"
Chris was meditating near a fountain.
> Presto: "Let's gooo! Stone and Thunder! Earthquake and Lightning Strike!"
Chris opened one eye slowly.
> "...Fine. Just don't yell in my ear mid-fight."
> Presto: "Too late, already planning our duo name! Team TremorStorm!"
Chris sighed.
> "What have I done…"
---
🌸 Lina & Lily – Serene Synergy
Lina and Lily were already sitting under a tree, quietly talking.
> Lily: "I didn't expect your name to be on that list…"
> Lina: "Me neither. But maybe it's time I stopped hiding behind healing spells."
> Lily: "We'll cover each other. You guard the field, I entangle the enemies. Sound fair?"
> Lina smiled softly: "Perfect."
---
😂 Bonus Scene – Hibiki's Rejection Arc
Hibiki stood dramatically beneath a sakura tree, striking a heroic pose.
> Hibiki (thinking): "Surely someone will ask me."
Cue: everyone walks by. No one asks. Not even a squirrel.
Later…
> Hibiki: "Even the wind has no partner…"
He suddenly turned to the camera (breaking the fourth wall):
> "Dear viewers, this is what despair looks like."
---
🏁 The Stage is Set
As the sun set on Arcane Academy, the teams were finalized. Emotions were high—rivalries tense, friendships tested, and romance quietly brewing.
Tomorrow… the first trial begins.
> TO BE CONTINUED