The sophomore’s top ranker eventually got defeated under the hands of another comrade. After that, there were some changes that happened between the 2nd and 3rd years. However, it was not that much different from the previous years. 

Even if they were talented, it was only natural that they couldn’t go beyond their own grade since there was a difference with experiences. However, in the eyes of the professors, the real thing had not yet begun. After all, the 1st years were still not included in this ranking battle. 

“Did all of you prepare well?”

“Yes!”

Each and every freshman student answered the knight’s question with a loud and energetic voice. 

The freshmen even trained much harder after the ranking battles had begun. It seemed like they had been stimulated by the sight of the 2nd years being pushed back by the 3rd years so as a result, they trained even harder.  

The knights knew that the children were doing their very best in their training so they also gave their all to help them prepare before the ranking battles. They did not even nitpick at the kids like they usually did. Instead, the knights helped the children further by informing them of their know-hows. After all, they wanted the children to have a more satisfying battle against their peers. 

“We’re going to go our separate ways soon. What a pity.” 

The other freshmen looked at Jaiden pitifully. They knew that Jaiden planned on getting a two step promotion so they had no choice but to let him go and fly freely. 

If they were being realistic, they knew that their best outcome would be reaching the 3rd year. They knew that the only people with the highest chance of moving up to the 4th year were numbers 13, 3, 1 and 2 as well as half of the students in the top 30. It wasn't their turn yet. 

“Well… We’ll only know once we’re there.” 

Jaiden grinned at them as he said those words. However, he was actually feeling quite confident. A feeling that was contrary to his self-deprecating words.

From what he had heard, the 2nd year top rankers were able to beat the 3rd years and climb up to their ranks. Although their rankings were lower than expected, it was already unofficially confirmed that they had climbed to become 3rd years.

Based on his observations, numbers 1 and 2 were similar in strength to the sophomores’ number 1 so their chances of climbing to the 3rd year were high. The only problem was the other kids. From what he could see, there would be no problem for the first 30 students to rub against the 3rd year students if they tried their hardest. But the rest would probably have a harder time.

However, he was sure that the rest of the kids would still be able to advance at least once with their current strength. He had seen the unofficial ranking battles in their year and they had grown stronger. Each of their battles were so intense that their rankings had mixed up constantly. So he was sure that their hard work would definitely pay off.

“Hoo… Can I do it?”

“You have to do it.”

“I can do it!”

“Yeah!”

The freshmen wrapped up their final training session for the day as they walked back to their dormitories. Each of their steps were filled with some sort of nervous excitement for the upcoming battles that they would take.

In fact, they had already stopped training hellishly since a few days ago to prevent over exhaustion. The only training that they did were light exercises and stretching so their bodies were brimming with energy. From the looks of it, every single one of them were now truly prepared for the battles that they would fight.

The next day, the children woke up energetically. Their bodies were filled with both excitement and tension as they moved about to go to the training grounds. By the time that the sun had gone up in the sky, all of the children had already gathered in the training grounds with faces that were stained with excitement and trepidation. Gathering in the training grounds early in the morning had already become their daily routine but somehow, it felt a bit strange that the more than 300 students of the freshman year had gathered together here.

“All of you will be going to the 2nd year academy today to fight in the ranking battle. I know that all of you have been preparing hard for this day so don’t be nervous and fight your match without leaving any regrets.”

The freshmen’s professors’ representative, the military science professor, gave the children an encouraging speech before turning around. When the professor left, the other professors approached the students to guide them to the 2nd year academy.

When the more than 300 freshmen students arrived in the 2nd year academy, they were greeted by the students that had already fought in the ranking battles. The gathering of people here included those who had been defeated and had their rankings lowered as well as those who had been held back.

The nervousness that they had suppressed with their excitement suddenly burst out once again. The freshmen students’ faces were suddenly stained with nervousness and anxiety once again. After all, the sight of the students gathered in front of them was not only a gathering of sophomores. There were also some 3rd year students that got held back in the 2nd year academy after losing to their peers.

“Number 13.”

“Yes!”

Jaiden tilted his head in confusion when his number was called first. 

“As evaluated by the freshmen’s professors, you are the current number 1. Go out there.”

“Yes.”

Jaiden stepped forward after hearing the words of one of the young professors. Then, a student with a 3rd year name tag on him also stepped forward.

“3rd year, number 278. 15 years old.”

“1st year, number 13. 9 years old.”

Jaiden and the 3rd year student both bowed to each other as they introduced themselves.

The boy that stood in front of Jaiden was quite tall with bulging muscles. His appearance looked extremely sturdy and intimidating. However, it did not matter how intimidating he was, he was still someone who lost against someone else.

From what Jaiden could tell, the sophomores’ top rankers were clearly a cut above this student in terms of strength. If that was the case, then Jaiden thought that this fight wouldn’t be that difficult.

“Start.” 

When the professor gave them the signal to start, the 3rd year student immediately lowered his body as he dashed forward with his thick and heavy steel sword. Seeing this scene, Jaiden felt like he was under the illusion of a bull charging straight at him.

The 3rd year student even raised his mana to the limit increasing the pressure in the area and making the air turn heavy. However, this charging momentum was something that Jaiden could easily ignore. Compared to the tense atmosphere in the battlefield, this was nothing like a child’s prank in his eyes. 

Jaiden easily parried the incoming attack before launching a quick counterattack. The 3rd year student fell into a fluster. He did not expect that Jaiden would be this quick in his movements. He quickly changed directions as he tried to launch an attack of his own. However, after a minute of continuously attacking and parrying, the 3rd year student was left in a position where he could only defend against Jaiden’s assault. The fight ended not long after that.

“I lost.” 

“Number 13, win. Go over there.” 

Jaiden won in a flash as he went to a corner and took a relaxing break. 

While taking his break, number 3 had finished her match. And just like expected, her fight ended with her victory. Numbers 1 and 2 were also able to win against their 3rd year opponents after a hard-fought match. There were also a considerable number of freshmen students from the top 30 that won against their opponents.

However, losing did not mean that the defeated had no more chance to turn things around. As long as the ranking battles were still ongoing, they would still have their opportunities. They still had the opportunity to get a two step promotion as long as the matches did not end. 

So the students gave their all as they fought desperately. Perhaps it was because they had gone closer or perhaps there were some other reasons, but for some reason, the other students wanted to at least go to where Jaiden would be going. But a dream was only a dream.

Most of the freshmen students were not able to cross the wall and climb over their seniors. After all, the students that remained in this place were all elites despite losing to others in the ranking battles. Just like the freshmen students, they were also doing their best to gain victory and trump over their opponents.

And just like that, the ranking battles began to fall into chaos. Everyone did their best for their own personal reasons. They each fought fiercely not wanting to get pushed back and lose in the ranking battles. Each battle was intense and nerve-wracking making the rankings more chaotic.

It was only after a few days that a vague outline of their rankings started to emerge.

“We have confirmed those that will be going to the 3rd year academy.” 

The ranking battles were not over yet. There was still another ranking battle that would begin once the freshman and the other eligible students went to the 3rd year academy. So right now, the confirmed students were being led to the 3rd year academy.

Usually, they would only walk to the other mountain peak. But the professor that would take them to the 3rd year academy had a problem with his schedule. He needed to take the confirmed students there as fast as he could. So instead of walking, he opted to take a drake and fly with the students. The distance between each peak was considerable so it would take some time if they walked but flying would take significantly less time than that.

Just like that, the students and the professor rode on the drake and arrived at their destination quickly.

“Ayaa~ Our juniors are finally here.” 

A student that looked like he had been waiting for them stepped forward. He welcomed Jaiden and the other freshmen with open arms. But the professor stopped the student.

“Stop. Provocations are only allowed once the ranking battles have started.” 

The 3rd year student obediently stepped down after hearing the professor’s words. The professor was sure that this student was confident about himself so he did not understand why he went there to do this. However, the professor understood one thing, provoking these students would definitely put them at a disadvantage.

Jaiden’s eyes sank when he watched the scene in front of him. The 3rd year student’s arrogant and mocking smile as he provoked them for no reason at all brought forth a scene from his past life. 

The scene of the nobles that argued and made fun of him saying that he was Leonhardt’s incomplete family head. Mocking and laughing at him just because he took the seat despite not being the legitimate heir. He remembered enduring their mocking words just because the Emperor warned him not to make trouble for no reason.

“You’re all tired so we’ll start the ranking battles in the afternoon.”

The freshmen gathered under the shade of a large tree when they heard the professor’s words. They could see that the 3rd year students were gathered together and giggling as they openly looked at them.

Meanwhile, the 2nd year students who had finished their decisive ranking battles couldn’t help but shake their heads at the 3rd year students’ childish behavior. Of course, the 2nd year’s top ranker was also included in the people that shook their heads at their questionable behavior. 

“The 3rd year students do not have good attitudes.”

The freshmen’s expressions hardened when they heard Jaiden’s words. They already felt that they were being mocked and laughed at together with the defeated 3rd year and 2nd year students.

“Because of that guy?”

Number 3 talked about the incident with Jaiden earlier. Jaiden nodded lightly in answer as he looked at the 3rd year students that were sitting not far from them.

It was clear that the person who created this atmosphere was none other than 3rd year’s number 1. He had slipped far away from them but he was sure that he was also laughing at them. After all, some of the 3rd year students were looking at the direction that he was in. 

“It’s our bad luck.”

Number 3 frowned when she saw the 3rd year students laughing and mocking them. Then, she looked at the 3rd year student that had the number 1 name tag on his chest before looking back at Jaiden.

“Don’t lose.” 

Jaiden’s eyes widened when he heard her words. It was quite a shocking encouragement. He couldn’t help but grin at her. Even the other students including number 1 and number 2 were looking at him and telling him that he shouldn’t lose.

Looking at these children, all Jaiden could do was nod his head in agreement as he chuckled at them. 

Such a cheeky child. He desperately needs to be caned severely.

He did not grow close with anyone back in his previous life since the heroes that fought in the battlefield despised him. So Jaiden had already seen enough of this behavior. Enough to know how to crush those egotistical bastards’ heads.

‘How do you deal with these people again…’

Usually, to deal with these prideful bastards, the best course of action was to nip the bud and easily defeat them. However, there were a few rare cases that were so hateful that they needed to be beaten up like crazy to the point that they would not be able to scream their surrender. However, both things were only possible if he had an overwhelming strength.

He knew that he and 3rd year’s number 1 were most likely equal in strength. There was even a good chance that his opponent was ahead of him in terms of strength and skill. If that was the case, then Jaiden had to defeat him and make him kneel with his experience.

‘They said that he’s still not yet at Stage 3… then, it’s more than enough.’

Aside from their age, the only advantages that his seniors had over him were the amount of mana and the physical stamina that they had accumulated. The other things like experience, skill and solid foundation were things that he had the upper hand on.

In a way, they were quite similar. However, there was one thing that he was sure about. That was the fact that he was confident enough.

He’ll lose…

“1st year, number 13. 3rd year, number 1. Step forward.” 

Hearing the professor’s call, the two of them stepped forward and faced each other. 3rd year’s number 1 was even looking at Jaiden mockingly.

“1st year, number 13. 9 years old.” 

“3rd year, number 1. 10 years old.” 

“Ready.” 

At the professor’s signal, Jaiden took his posture. But 3rd year’s number 1 just stood leisurely as he talked to him.

“Don’t be too nervous. I’ll go easy on you.” 

Jaiden just stared at 3rd year’s number 1 when he heard his provocation. They hadn’t even started yet but he was already laying on the provocations thickly. Jaiden couldn’t help but smirk at him.

“Me? Why?” 

The 3rd year’s number 1’s expression stiffened when he saw Jaiden shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

“Junior. You’re quite cheeky.” 

“Stop talking and get ready. Talking a lot doesn’t mean that you have the skills.” 

“What?” 

Hearing Jaiden’s words, 3rd year’s number 1 stared at him with an unreadable expression. Even the professor listening to the side had his eyes widened. It seemed like the Jaiden in front of him was quite different from the Jaiden that he had heard about.

“It seems like the loser has been a king for quite a long time that he can’t see properly.” 

“You…” 

A murderous aura wafted out of 3rd year’s number 1’s body when he heard his words. However, Jaiden just ignored it.

Although 3rd year’s number 1 was called a genius, he still failed to get a two step promotion. Knowing this, he was definitely no match against Jaiden or number 3. From what Jaiden had heard, he was the youngest student to be admitted to this school so the professors had called him a genius. But it seemed like the title had gone to his head too much that he had already become arrogant.

Jaiden knew that his provocations had worked well. It definitely looked like he had scratched his pride properly so he couldn’t help but smirk. And the professor, who had been watching the fight between these prideful beings, finally lowered his arm.

“Start.” 

“Bend down! You bastard!” 

Number 1’s eyes were bloodshot as he unleashed a powerful strike towards Jaiden. However, Jaiden just calmly sidestepped and avoided Number 1’s crazed attacks.

“It looks like your attacks aren’t that much compared to your words.”

Jaiden provoked him as he fought back and attacked the gaps in number 1’s movements. Seeing that his attacks were easily parried easily, number 1’s expression stiffened visibly. Then, Jaiden unleashed an onslaught of attacks on him and all he could do was to back away and avoid him completely.

In that short amount of time, Jaiden had been able to cut off a part of number 1’s clothes. So Jaiden swung his sword leisurely as he stared at his opponent with a calm and relaxed expression.

“You…”

After having his pride pricked, number 1 finally took on a proper stance. The mocking and leisurely look that he took on at the start of the match had disappeared in just a blink of an eye. A hazy light slowly covered and engulfed his sword as he pumped it with mana. The light that was spreading quickly like smoke indicated that he had also reached the peak of the 2nd Stage.

Then, the smile that number 1 had lost after being led around by the nose by Jaiden had come back once again. It seemed like his confidence had been restored after pumping his mana on his sword. After all, he was sure that his mana and level was in a dominant position.

“I’m going to have an enjoyable time training my cheeky junior.”

“You’re running your mouth again.”

Jaiden clicked his tongue.

This time, he was the first to make a move. However, number 1 just swung his sword leisurely and sloppily. Seeing this, Jaiden realized that he was planning to trap him. So instead of dashing forward quickly, Jaiden dragged his steps longer while pretending to attack.

He knew better than anyone else that there were people who wanted to drag their opponent to the bottom with a huge show of strength. However, if that was the case, then dragging the time would give him more advantage.

Number 1 noticed that Jaiden had been dragging his steps so he started to pressure him harder. He slashed his sword down to force Jaiden to block his attack. He believed that Jaiden would be forced to block him since a sword that was infused with mana was extremely strong and could not be avoided so easily.

Jaiden’s eyes shone brightly at the moment of his attack.

He had not loaded his sword with mana on purpose because he was waiting for the right opportunity. And the opportunity had already presented itself to him.

Bang!

“Keuk! You…”

“Your foundation is poor.”

Jaiden snickered at number 1 as he swung his sword continuously.

Both their swords had the same blue haze surrounding it. However, the one at an advantage was Jaiden. Their strengths were similar so Jaiden with his superior experience and foundation definitely trumped over number 1. In addition, Jaiden was the one who got the upperhand in their psychological warfare earlier. And adding his unusual tricks and movements, Jaiden had now become number 1’s formidable foe. In the end, number 1 was cornered.

“Your bottom is open.”

“Don’t you need to block your upper body?”

“Your flanks are open.” 

“Your movements are too big.” 

Jaiden stabbed at number 1’s openings as he gave pieces of advice. They looked like they were master and student doing a spar for guidance with how they were fighting.

In the end, number 1 stumbled  and fell down with a thud after getting kicked by Jaiden. His exhaustion had reached its peak after being toyed around by Jaiden so he was unable to get up at all. 

“1st year, number 13. Win.” 

Jaiden nodded at the professor as he approached 3rd year’s number 1. 

“You shouldn’t live like this in the future.” 

Jaiden kindly gave him a piece of advice on how he should live in the future before leaving the area.

The rest of the 3rd year students’ expressions turned stiff as they watched him step down from the stage. However, instead of relaxing, their expressions distorted further when number 3 came out on stage.

Number 3 defeated 3rd year’s number 2 with her overwhelming strength. Even the rest of the freshmen fought stably and settled down in their positions. Although they weren’t at the top, they were still able to grab a victory against some of the 3rd year students.

Ever since then, 3rd year’s number 1 had repeatedly requested for a spar against Jaiden. However, with Jaiden’s overwhelming experience and solid foundation, 3rd year’s number 1 always ended up losing.

It wasn’t that long after when number 3 issued a challenge against him. And the 3rd year’s mocking and stubborn mentality started to falter when their number 1 experienced a defeat under number 3’s hands.

Because of this, the 2nd year and 1st year students were able to gain their momentum as they settled in a ranking that was far higher than their original skill. 

“This concludes the ranking battles.” 

The professors couldn’t help but look at the students with tired faces after the most confusing and most chaotic ranking battle in the history of the Northeast Academy had ended.

“Hoo… The 4th year professors must be quite worn out. Huh?” 

Because of the factions created during the ranking battles, the amount of sparring requests had exceeded their expectations. This resulted in a lot of work for the professors. When this happened, the only thing that the head professor could do was shake his head hoping that these students would just move up as soon as possible.