I am Just an Average Tamer

The Ace.

It wasn't just a title.

It was a symbol.

A mark of supremacy earned, not given.

An Ace stood at the pinnacle of their batch.

They weren't just the top student, they were the benchmark, the face of excellence that others chased and fell short of.

The academy held them up with pride, presenting them at major events, using their names to inspire, and intimidate.

With the title came privileges no ordinary student could touch-

Access to elite training grounds, restricted areas of the Grand Archives, first claim on rare resources, and personalized one-on-one mentorships from none other than the Vice Principal.

And on rare occasions… even a direct session with the Principal himself—a living legend.

One of the known 14 Apex-Core Rank holders.

Everyone wanted to become one. Everyone tried.

But to stand alone at the summit was not for the weak, the lucky, or the average.

Aces were feared, admired, envied.

They were not just students.

They were monsters in human skin.

They even can have their personal sanctuary.

Though, one can't remain at the summit for whole time.

Every 3 months, there's a 'Challenge Cycle.'

Top 10 can challenge the Ace in official duels.

If no one defeats them, they remain Ace.

"Now… to end the ceremony's formalities, allow me to introduce someone who truly needs no introduction. The top scorer of this year's entrance trials. The one standing at the peak of this year's first years…"

He smiled faintly. "The Ace of the Freshman Class. Please give a warm welcome to…"

He gestured to the side of the stage—

"Lei Mei."

Then came the soft sound of footsteps, a rhythmic tap echoing from behind the velvet curtains that lined the stage.

The hall quieted as a figure emerged under the warm light.

A girl stepped onto the podium, calm and composed.

Dressed neatly in the academy's uniform, her green hair shimmered gently under the light, flowing down her shoulders like a cascade of emerald silk.

Her eyes, a matching forest green, scanned the room with gentle poise.

Her slender figure with an elven grace that seemed natural to her kind, she didn't possess the overwhelming presence of nobility, nor the air of someone from a prestigious bloodline.

And yet, she stood there, confident and grounded.

She gave a small bow before offering a polite smile.

Her voice, when it came, was soft but carried clearly across the auditorium.

"Greetings, everyone. My name is Lei Mei," she began, her tone smooth and earnest.

"I'm a first-year student here, and though I do not come from royalty, nor bear any titles of grandeur, I stand before you as a fellow learner, just like each one of you."

A few students sat straighter in their seats, surprised by how unassuming she was.

"I know stepping into a new world like this can be overwhelming," she continued.

"New rules, unknown faces, high expectations. It's easy to feel lost or small. But please remember, you're not alone here. We're all growing, stumbling, and learning, together."

Some students nodded, others simply listened in rapt attention.

"I'll do my best to guide and support you whenever you need. Whether you're unsure about a class, need help with training, or just need someone to talk to… my door is open. Always."

She smiled again, this time with a warmth that felt real.

"So let's make this year a meaningful one. Let's grow stronger, together."

With that, she gave a small wave and stepped back, her expression never losing that soft, steady calm.

The silence held for a heartbeat, then the hall erupted into claps and cheers, some genuine, some simply caught up in the energy of the moment.

The same professor from earlier walked back onto the stage, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Thank you, Lei Mei," he said, giving her a respectful nod as she exited behind the curtain.

"Always inspiring to hear from someone who's walking the same path."

The cheers began to die down as he cleared his throat.

"Now, before I dismiss you all, just a few important reminders. Discipline is expected at all times—within and outside of the campus. Curfews are to be respected. Unauthorized duels will be penalized. Use of training facilities without supervision are prohibited. You'll find a full list of rules and schedules in your academy-issued handbook."

He glanced once over the crowd.

"And remember. This isn't a place to pretend. It's a place to become."

A few students shifted uncomfortably. Others met his gaze with fire in their eyes.

"Your classes will begin from next week. Till then choose the subjects you want and submit them to the staff within the give time period. Now then… that's all. You're dismissed."

Murmurs returned as students began to rise, buzzing with excitement and curiosity.

Liliana and Kai rose from their seats, the crowd around them slowly dispersing.

"So, what should we do now?" Liliana asked, stretching her arms.

Kai gave her a sideways glance. "I just want to explore a bit… then get some actual rest."

"Alright, it's settled then, le—"

"I missed you, brother."

A familiar voice cut through her words—cocky, amused.

Both of them turned.

A green-haired boy with sharp golden eyes strolled toward them with a smug grin.

Beside him walked a calm, composed girl with long blonde hair and striking emerald eyes. She offered Kai a gentle smile and a nod, then turned to Liliana and gave her a polite one as well.

"It's been a while," the blonde girl said softly.

Liliana smiled. "Yeah… it really has. How've you two been?"

Riven smirked, sliding in closer. "Missy, we met before too, right? Man, everyone's changed so much, except you. You're still exactly the same."

Liliana's lips twitched. Aria gave him a sidelong stare.

Unbothered, Riven casually slung his arm around Kai's shoulder. "Come on, brother. Let's take a tour before we're drowned in boring lectures."

Kai immediately swatted his arm off. Still, the four of them began walking, Riven chatting endlessly beside Kai, both of them taking the lead.

Liliana and Aria trailed behind.

"I'm sorry for his behavior," Aria said with a quiet sigh.

"Oh, it's fine. I don't mind," Liliana replied, brushing it off.

They continued down the marble path in silence for a few moments before Riven turned around and clapped his hands.

"Alright, enough walking. Let's grab a bite at the canteen, I'm starving."

"Same," Kai muttered. "After hearing nonsense from morning till now, I'm about to pass out."

Riven gasped dramatically and clutched his chest. "My brother talks about me like that…"

Liliana shot back. "Hey, I wasn't the one talking all morning."

Aria giggled, clearly amused.

"Okay, enough whining," she said, stepping forward. With a grin, she grabbed Liliana's hand. "Let's go. Don't make us starve because of your little drama."

The four of them stepped into the canteen, the warm scent of freshly cooked food wrapping around them like a cozy blanket.

After placing their orders, they found an empty table near the window and sat.

Kai and Riven on one side, Aria and Liliana across from them.

Just as Riven leaned forward, about to open his mouth, Liliana beat him to it.

"If you're about to call me missy again, don't."

Riven blinked. "Huh?"

"My name's Liliana. Liliana Raelis," she said with a cool smile.

"Okay, so then Liliana, I have been meaning to ask, I didn't saw you in trials, —"

"If you're wondering why, you didn't see me during the entrance trials, it's because I didn't go through them. I was accepted through recommendation."

Riven and Aria both leaned back, blinking.

"Oh."

"You must a pretty big shot then?" Riven asked, raising an eyebrow.

Liliana simply gave a smug smile and nodded.

"Raelis… Raelis…" Aria mumbled, tapping her finger on the table.

Then it clicked. "Wait—are you related to Duchess Raelis?"

Liliana turned her head toward Aria, her smile growing. "Yes. She's my aunt."

"I see," Aria nodded thoughtfully, then let the topic drop as their meals arrived.

The table quieted as they all began eating, the earlier tension melting into the comforting clink of cutlery and occasional small talk.

Once finished, they stood and stretched, stepping back outside into the fresh air.

"Man, that hit the spot," Riven said, patting his belly.

He glanced around, ever energetic. "So? Where to next?"

Kai yawned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't wanna do anything now. I just want to sleep."

"Damn, bro," Riven teased, feigning disappointment, "we just started the day!"

Kai ignored him and began walking ahead.

They took the long way around, passing through the academy gardens, the marble paths flanked by flowers in full bloom, and fountains.

Eventually, the dormitory buildings came into view.

Kai slowed down near the boys' wing and turned to the group. "I'll see you all later."

He gave a small wave and peeled off toward the dorms, the others watching him go.

Then they turned and left.

-------------END!-----------------------------------------------------

[Hey there guys, how you all have been? And if you are having problems or didn't like somethings, please feel free to comment, so I can improve and do better next time.]