Evolving Infinitely: SSS-Ranked Talent Awakening.

As the sun began to set, our trio gathered by the academy gates, reflecting on how much had changed since our first day at RAA: Cindralock.

"Seems like we're all growing," Zed remarked, his eyes scanning the horizon. "But you, Levi... you've really changed. Stronger, smarter. You're not the same guy who walked through these gates in the first semester."

I glanced at my friends, a faint smile on my face. "Neither are you two. We've all grown. And we'll need every bit of that growth for whatever comes next."

With that, we left the academy grounds, ready to face whatever challenges awaited us in the new semester.

»»»«««

The morning sun cast a soft glow over the academy grounds as I stood at the gates, awaiting the arrival of the nobles and wealthy students.

My job today was simple yet tedious: oversee the entrance exam and ensure everything went smoothly.

I had been briefed on the details thirty students were set to arrive, each one from a powerful family that contributed to the academy's budget.

I sighed. I wasn't particularly thrilled about the task, but it had to be done.

Beside me stood Zed and Valeria, both looking mildly interested in the upcoming events.

"Thirty of them, huh? That's a lot," Zed remarked, leaning against the gate, arms crossed.

"Are we supposed to babysit them or something?"

I smirked. "No babysitting. Just making sure they don't break anything or anyone."

Valeria's glanced at the list of names I had received from Professor Fiona earlier that morning.

"So, what's the plan? We're supposed to test them, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah. They're going to be divided into groups of fifteen. You and Zed are going to be their opponents in a three-minute sparring session. The teachers will be observing and grading their performance."

Zed's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, this might be fun after all. I'll get to see what these so-called nobles are made of."

Valeria, on the other hand, looked more skeptical.

"Let's just hope they can put up a fight and aren't all talk."

As they stood there, a line of luxurious carriages began arriving one after another, each emblazoned with the crest of a noble family.

The students stepped out, dressed in fine robes and armor, looking confident, if not slightly arrogant.

I scanned the group, already recognizing the air of superiority that hung around them.

Once all thirty students had gathered, I stepped forward, my voice calm but commanding.

"Welcome to RAA: Cindralock. My name is Levi, and I'll be overseeing your exam today. Behind me are Zeddack Quickman and Valeria, two of my fellow students, and they'll be your opponents during the sparring session."

The nobles exchanged glances, some looking unimpressed, while others whispered among themselves.

I paid no mind to their reactions and continued. "You'll be divided into two groups of fifteen. Each group will take turns sparring with Zed or Valeria. The fight will last three minutes. Your performance will be graded by the teachers observing from the stands."

I gestured toward the training grounds, where several academy instructors sat, ready to evaluate the noble students' abilities.

I could see some of the nobles sizing up Zed and Valeria, likely underestimating them based on their casual demeanor.

"Any questions?" I asked.

A tall boy with sharp features and expensive-looking armor stepped forward.

His face bore the mark of a prestigious family, and he spoke with a tone that dripped with arrogance.

"I'm not sure why we need to fight students like you. We should be facing the real instructors, don't you think?"

I didn't react to the challenge in my voice. Instead, I gave the boy a neutral stare.

"If you think you're ready to take on the instructors, feel free to prove it here first."

The boy smirked but said nothing further. I split the group as instructed, directing one group to Zed and the other to Valeria.

As the first group approached the sparring ring, Zed stretched his arms, a grin spreading across his face.

"This is going to be interesting," Zen muttered under his breath as the first group of students entered the ring.

"Three minutes on the clock. Begin!" I called out.

The nobles moved with speed and precision, clearly well-trained, but Zed was faster.

I weaved between their attacks, my sword flashing in quick, controlled movements.

I parried blows, using my agility to dodge and counter effortlessly.

It was clear that Zed wasn't going all out, but even with his restrained power, the students struggled to land a hit.

As the first three minutes ended, the students were breathing heavily, some of them looking frustrated at their inability to corner Zed.

I observed from the sidelines, my keen eyes noting how each student performed under pressure.

Next, it was Valeria's turn. She faced the second group with her characteristic calm and focus.

As soon as the match began, she summoned fire and wind magic, creating a whirlwind of flames that forced the students to work together to break through.

Despite their coordination, Valeria held them off easily, her control over her elemental magic impeccable.

After another three minutes, the group was exhausted, many of them sweating profusely from both the exertion and the heat of Valeria's fire magic.

Valeria, meanwhile, looked as composed as ever.

I signaled the end of the sparring session and called the groups to attention.

"That's it for the first round. The teachers will now review your performance. Take a moment to rest while we prepare for the next round."

The nobles gathered in small groups, talking amongst themselves. Some were clearly impressed with Zed and Valeria's abilities, while others tried to downplay their loss.

Zed walked over to I, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Not bad for a warm-up. But honestly, I expected more from them."

Valeria nodded. "They're strong, but they lack

practical experience. They rely too much on their training and not enough on adapting to the situation."

It's looks like they never been on real battle.