Chapter 54: The Rankings
Second Year—Week One
The Academy was different now.
Karen noticed it in the way the halls thrummed with more tension, how instructors barked sharper commands, and how students—especially those with higher spirit cycles—moved with focused aggression in their eyes. It wasn't just about learning anymore. It was competition. Ruthless, unspoken, ever-present.
She and her group had barely settled into the new Second Year wing of the Academy when it started: murmurs of "Rankings," of challenges, of sudden disappearances from class rosters. Fewer laughs, more bruises.
They were sitting in the open plaza between lecture halls when it happened. A casual conversation with a group of older students turned into something else.
"You lot are new Seconds, yeah?" the Third-Year asked, casually tossing a soul orb between his fingers. He was tall and lean, with layered silver hair and a half-mocking grin. A pin on his robe identified him as Third Year Rank #37.
Karen nodded, polite but cautious. "We just advanced."
Jim folded his arms. "What's with everyone suddenly acting like we're prey?"
The Third-Year laughed. "That's because from now on, survival of the fittest isn't just a metaphor. It's law." He looked around at the rest of his group—other Third-Years in various states of readiness, a few with minor injuries. "This is the point where the real Soul Academy begins."
Marie blinked. "Because of the lectures?"
"No," the older student said, grin fading slightly. "Because of the Rankings."
Leslie frowned. "We've heard of them in passing. Leaderboards, right?"
"Wrong," he replied. "It's not just a leaderboard. From Second Year onward, the Rankings dictate your access to advanced resources— relic studies, combat simulations, mentorships. And the top 100? They get monthly privilege tokens. But the Top 10?" He gave a low whistle. "That's where the blood gets real."
Karen tilted her head. "What happens to the Top 10?"
The Third-Year turned to her slowly, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. "Wait. You don't know?"
Karen, Marie, Jim, and Leslie all looked at one another. Then Karen said, "Know what?"
"You're friends with an Ikemba," the student said, baffled. "And you don't know?"
Karen narrowed her eyes. "Know what?"
He dropped the soul orb into his pocket, crossed his arms, and leaned forward like he was revealing a sacred truth.
"The Top 10 get to meet the Progenitor. Jane Ikemba. The Matriarch. The first living Soulborne. The origin."
Even Jim's posture changed. "You're joking."
"Do I look like I joke about the Progenitor?" the student snapped, then pointed up toward the Grand Spire in the distance, where light spiraled slowly around its crown. "Once every year, she takes one official disciple. One. From the Top 10. The rest might get a few words of wisdom if they're lucky—but the one? They inherit techniques, soul secrets, maybe even direct evolution in their soul cycle."
Leslie looked slightly stunned. "And everyone is fighting?"
"Fighting, bribing, sabotaging, forging alliances. You name it. It's a war of attrition, not just talent. Politics, raw power, family backing—it all plays."
Marie glanced at Karen. "Is Cassandra…?"
"She's ranked," the student said, already pulling up his soul tablet. "Cassandra Ikemba. 2nd Year. Current Rank: 47."
Karen's eyes widened.
"Yeah," the student said. "She doesn't act like she cares, but believe me, she's not loafing around. No Ikemba does. Especially if you're blood to her." He nodded toward the Spire again.
Karen clenched her fist slightly.
"So… the Rankings control advancement, resources, and a shot at the Matriarch herself?" she asked.
The Third-Year gave a sharp nod. "Now you get it. Welcome to the second year. Welcome to the real Soul Academy."
He turned and left with his friends, leaving a long silence behind.
---
"That explains the pressure," Jim said, voice low.
"Cassandra never mentioned it," Marie whispered.
Leslie crossed her arms. "She doesn't mention a lot of things."
Karen stood still, her gaze fixed on the distant Grand Spire.
So that was it.
The true goal everyone was quietly chasing.
The throne behind the Rankings.
The Progenitor.
Jane Ikemba.
And Cassandra… was already far ahead.
But that didn't matter.
Karen clenched her jaw, her voice quiet but steady.
"We're not here to watch from the sidelines."
Jim grinned. "Damn right."
Marie and Leslie both nodded.
The Rankings had begun.
And they were not going to be left behind.