The Survival of the Third-rate Villain

After declaring the start of the ceremony, Sariel first introduced the headmasters—

First was of course, the headmaster of the [Zion Academy], Bryan Blackwood.

Second was the headmaster of the [Zephyros Institute]—Ariel Celada.

He's a well-built man, mature-looking with short brown hair and eyes, round glasses, and a long flowing blue robe that matched the school's signature color. His presence was calm, but solid—like a firm wind behind your back.

After him, the headmaster of the [Crimson Academy] was next—Cassiel Gallim.

She didn't look old at all.

Even though she's supposed to be in her 50s like the other headmasters, she looked like someone in her late twenties.

She had long, bright red hair that went past her waist.

Fierce red eyes.

Her robe was red like a burning flame, and even the way she stood… was like a warrior forged in a battlefield.

Then lastly, the headmaster of the [Night Academy] was introduced—Micah Abella.

Like Cassiel, she also didn't look her age.

She had sharp features and elegant posture.

Her silver hair went just past her shoulders.

She wore fitted pants, a crisp white shirt under a deep blue robe that fluttered slightly from the breeze. A slender sword was attached to her waist, as if it belonged there since the day she was born.

All four headmasters stood from their seats.

And as the crowd stared at them in awe—

They waved at the students below.

Clap- clap- clap—

Applause filled the entire venue.

The freshmen, upperclassmen, teachers, and staff gave them the respect they were due.

It was the first time most of the students saw all the prestigious headmasters gathered in one place.

It felt surreal. After all, they're seeing living legends.

Anyway, after that—

Sariel smiled softly and stepped back into the center.

"I suppose I should introduce myself as well."

He chuckled lightly.

"I am Sariel, one of the senior professors under Headmaster Bryan. And today, I'll be serving as your host for this special ceremony."

He gave a light bow.

Then raised his hand slightly.

"But first… allow me to extend my congratulations to the freshmen who have entered the gates of the four prestigious academies this year. You've all gone through rigorous tests and screenings… and you made it. That is something to be proud of."

A few students in the back straightened their posture at that.

"I know many of you are nervous. After all, this is the first official ceremony you'll be witnessing inside the academy. But you'll find that... all of your seniors standing before you today—"

He pointed to the students sitting in the inner sections of the stadium.

"They were once just like you. Nervous, anxious, and still uncertain of what lies ahead."

He paused, letting that sink in.

"So watch them. Watch the people we're about to award today. Watch their composure, their pride... and their results. Let them inspire you."

A few freshmen students exchanged glances.

Some whispered in awe.

Others nodded silently, their nerves easing just a little.

Sariel smiled.

And with that, the event officially began.

Cheers returned as the music resumed in the background—soft and regal. It was being done by a live band at the back of the room.

The headmasters each returned to their seats.

And Sariel raised his hand again, this time holding a sheet of paper.

"Now then… let us begin the awarding ceremony!"

He flipped the page.

"I will be calling students one by one to the stage, based on their overall performance across our recent assessment: including the written exam, the physical test, the skills demonstration, and lastly... the combat performance."

Everyone became silent.

Eyes sharpened. Whispers began again.

Some were excited. Others… nervous.

Sariel just continued.

"Those who ranked highly in these exams have proven their academic prowess, practical talent, and combat readiness. These students are examples of what it means to strive for excellence."

And then he called the first name—

"Rank 1... Raye Alvah."

A faint smile appeared on Sariel's face after calling out that name. He still remembered the time when Raye started changing for the better.

The crowd murmured.

But not in surprise.

Everyone had already expected that.

"..."

Raye calmly stood from his seat.

Jerusha looked at him with a proud smile.

Zephyrus gave him a wings up.

Pyro crossed his arms, smiling cutely.

The others just smiled at him as well, waiting for him to make his move.

"Fuuuu..."

Raye simply sighed and walked toward the stage.

Tap. Tap. Tap—

His footsteps were steady.

As he arrived in front of the headmasters—

It was Bryan Blackwood himself who handed him the award.

Bryan looked at him with a calm face.

A certificate sealed with the academy crest, and a small golden pin.

"You've done well."

Bryan said with a slight nod.

Then in a whisper—

"I hope you've been using well the telekinesis I taught you... Congrats, kid."

He added, smiling secretly.

Raye nodded back with a small smile.

"Thank you."

Then turned around.

Clap- clap- clap—

Applause erupted once more.

He went back to his seat without any grand gesture. Just sat down and relaxed again. Like nothing happened.

But those watching him?

They weren't relaxed at all.

That was the number one. The one who topped everything.

Then after that, the next student was called—

"Rank two, Leon Lightbringer."

Leon walked with calm dignity.

He accepted the award from Bryan as well, who gave him a warm nod.

They seemed familiar.

"Rank 3, Lycus Fenrath."

Another expected name followed after Leon.

Then came Lena as Rank 4, Devin as Rank 5, and Allen as Rank 6.

Each of them were called, awarded, and returned to their seats.

Then next—

Sariel smiled.

"The top ten students from the other prestigious academies!"

He announced.

And with that, the audience clapped again as the attention now shifted to the invited academies.

"From the [Zephyros Institute]!"

Sariel raised his hand as a group of students began walking up the stage.

"The top 10!"

He continued.

Each of them walked with pride, heads high. Among them were tall, confident boys, and girls with sharp eyes and steady steps. Their uniform was mostly blue, and they stood in a straight line once they got to the center.

Christian Hartford was there, Raye and the others still recognized him.

(They fought him before in the [Battle of Elites].)

Ariel Celada, their headmaster, walked forward and began handing the awards with a calm smile on his face.

"Good work."

"Well done."

"Keep it up."

He said softly to each one of them.

Then after that—

"The top 10 students of [Crimson Academy]!"

Sariel said again, raising his hand.

Another group of students walked out—most of them with fiery red-colored accessories on their uniform, and the way they walked… it was confident. Bold.

Ignis Valefor was there too.

(Same with this guy.)

They stood tall on the stage.

Cassiel Gallim stepped forward, handing the certificates to her students, her red eyes filled with pride.

"You're doing well."

"I'm proud."

"Make Crimson shine."

She said to them with a smile.

Then lastly—

"The [Night Academy] top 10!"

Sariel announced.

And the final group walked out.

This group was quiet, but sharp. Their expressions were calm, and there was a strange grace to how they carried themselves.

Ace Silvercrest was there.

(This dude too.)

Following behind him was Elias Alvah.

(Same with this guy, and he's Raye's older brother.)

Micah Abella walked over to them and gave their awards one by one.

"Excellent."

"Stay strong."

"I expect great things."

She nodded at them.

And with that, the top students of the three prestigious academies had been awarded.

The stage was lively again.

The second prince, Aurelian Rakon, just smiled and clapped throughout the event.

The awarding ended after about an hour.

And with that done—

"Now... It's time for the news you all have to know."

It's time to move to the next topic.

Sariel's face turned serious after saying that. The same with the headmasters, the professors, and the second prince.

The students didn't miss their reactions, they were confused. They grew nervous.

Everyone did... Except Raye.

'Hmm, I need to get ready.'

He thought to himself, calmly looking up at Sariel on the podium.