Beyond the Script: The Extra Who Stole the Mangakyo

Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Chapter 20 – Welcome to S-Class

Alden stepped out of the Virtual Reality Capsule, his body still tingling from the aftereffects of the simulation. His heartbeat was steady now, but his muscles ached from the prolonged fight. He rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck as he took in his surroundings.

The grand auditorium was packed with students, each emerging from their respective capsules. Some were grinning, some were pale, and a few looked downright miserable.

He had made it.

His smartwatch vibrated on his wrist.

[Final Results Processing...]

A moment later, the academy's emblem flashed on the holographic screen above the stage, drawing everyone's attention. The Headmaster had arrived.

Alden glanced up, his gaze settling on the figure standing at the podium. Headmaster Alistair Von Reingarde.

The man's presence alone silenced the room. He had a towering frame, his silver hair neatly combed back, and piercing blue eyes that radiated authority. Even without seeing his status window, Alden knew—the man was at SS-Rank .

The Headmaster cleared his throat, his deep voice carrying through the auditorium.

"Congratulations. Each and every one of you has passed the entrance exam."

Murmurs spread through the crowd. Some sighed in relief, others exchanged excited whispers.

"But," Alistair continued, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room, "passing does not mean you are strong. It only means you were deemed worthy enough to train here. From this moment onward, your true journey begins."

A large screen behind him lit up, displaying the rankings.

Alden's eyes quickly scanned for his name.

Rank 37 – Alden Blackwood (S-Class)

A sharp exhale left his lips. He did it. He had aimed for top 40—just enough to secure S-Class benefits, yet not high enough to attract unwanted attention.

Around him, voices buzzed with excitement and frustration.

"Damn, I barely made it to A-Class..."

"Wait, look at who's in the top 10!"

"No way, Alicia von Rosenheim ranked 12th?! I thought she'd be top 5!"

Alden's eyes flicked toward Alicia, who stood a few feet away, arms crossed as she studied the rankings with a neutral expression. She seemed unfazed by her placement, but a small smirk played on her lips.

Another name caught his attention.

Rank 5 – Seraphina Everfrost.

Alden's gaze shifted to a girl with silver hair and piercing ice-blue eyes, standing silently near the edge of the crowd. She barely reacted to the rankings, her expression cool and unreadable.

"As expected, she's already that strong..."

Headmaster Alistair spoke again, commanding the room's attention.

"Your smartwatch will now receive your dormitory assignments and additional academy information. You are dismissed for the day. Rest well—class es begins tomorrow."

A beep from Alden's wrist confirmed the message.

[New Notification: Dormitory Assignment Received.]

As the students slowly dispersed, conversations filled the air.

"I heard S-Class has private dorms!"

"What kind of training do you think we'll get?" @@novelbin@@

"I just hope I don't get paired with someone annoying..."

Alden glanced at his smartwatch, then sighed.

"I survived the exam. Now comes the real challenge."