The Extra's Rise-Chapter 569: New Students

Professor Nero moved toward the classroom door, opening it with a gesture that suggested the new students had been waiting just outside. "Please, come in and introduce yourselves to your new classmates."

Four figures entered the classroom, each carrying themselves with the poise that marked them as exceptional individuals despite their unfamiliar faces. The first was a young woman I recognized immediately—Seol-ah Moyong, with her distinctive black hair and golden eyes that seemed to assess everything with analytical precision. Her presence here was unexpected but not entirely surprising, given the political upheavals in the East.

Following her was a young woman with an elegant bearing and confident stride. Her hair was styled in a sophisticated manner, and she carried herself with the kind of natural authority that suggested noble breeding. There was something about her posture that spoke of both intelligence and determination. Aria Gu.

The third transfer student was a young woman with sharp, intelligent eyes that suggested considerable capability. Her dark hair was styled in a practical manner, and she carried herself with the kind of quiet confidence that spoke of serious training and discipline. Ava Peng.

The fourth and final student was another familiar face, though one I hadn’t expected to see in an academic setting. Deia Solaryn entered with grace that seemed almost otherworldly, her red hair catching the light and her golden eyes reflecting a mixture of nervousness and determination.

"Seol-ah Moyong," the first student introduced herself with a small bow that managed to be both respectful and dignified. "Previously of Starcrest Academy. I’m honored to join Class 4-A."

The second student stepped forward with natural confidence. "Aria Gu of the Gu family," she said, her voice carrying the cultured tones of established nobility. "Also from Starcrest Academy. I look forward to the challenges ahead."

The third student’s introduction was crisp and professional. "Ava Peng, formerly of Starcrest Academy as well. Thank you for welcoming us into your class."

Finally, Deia stepped forward, her voice carrying a slight tremor that suggested this moment held particular significance for her. "Deia Solaryn. I... come from a different background than the others, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to study here."

Professor Nero waited for the introductions to conclude before addressing the obvious questions that were undoubtedly forming in everyone’s minds. "As you may have surmised, these transfers are part of a larger reorganization within the magical education system. Starcrest Academy was unfortunately destroyed during recent conflicts, necessitating the relocation of its surviving students."

The sobering reminder of the ongoing dangers that plagued our world cast a momentary shadow over the classroom. Starcrest Academy had been a respected institution, and its destruction represented not just the loss of a school but the loss of lives and futures that had been cut short.

"Mythos Academy has accepted numerous transfer students this year," Professor Nero continued, "as we lost several of our own students during the exchange program due to vampire attacks. However, the caliber of students now assembled in Class 4-A represents the largest and most talented fourth-year class in the Academy’s history."

I found myself glancing around the room, taking in the faces of both familiar and new classmates. Fourteen students—each representing exceptional talent and potential. The tragic circumstances that had brought us together couldn’t diminish the reality that this class would likely produce some of the most influential figures of our generation.

"This brings me to another important matter," Professor Nero announced, producing a holographic display that materialized above his desk. "Given the changes in class composition and recent achievements both within and outside the Academy, it’s time for updated rankings."

The familiar tension that always accompanied ranking announcements settled over the classroom. These numbers would influence everything from course selections to internship opportunities, and for students at our level, they often foreshadowed future career trajectories.

"The refreshed rankings for Class 4-A are as follows," Professor Nero began, his voice carrying the weight of official pronouncement.

"Rank 1: Arthur Nightingale."

I felt a mixture of satisfaction and pressure at getting the top position.

"Rank 2: Lucifer Windward."

Lucifer’s expression remained composed, though I caught a flash of competitive determination in his eyes. The small gap between us had always pushed both of us to greater achievements.

"Rank 3: Ren Kagu."

Ren’s positioning was impressive, though I noticed the way his shoulders tensed at the announcement. The weight of family expectations and recent political changes in the East were clearly affecting him.

"Rank 4: Seol-ah Moyong."

The newest transfer student’s placement in the top five was remarkable, speaking to exceptional abilities that had been recognized despite her recent arrival.

"Rank 5: Rachel Creighton."

Rachel’s slight smile suggested satisfaction with her position, though I knew she would use it as motivation to climb higher. Her combination of natural talent and rigorous training made her a formidable student.

"Rank 6: Cecilia Slatemark."

Cecilia’s red eyes showed approval at her ranking. Her political acumen and magical capabilities made her a natural leader among our class.

"Rank 7: Seraphina Zenith."

Seraphina’s expression remained characteristically serene, though I could see the competitive spirit that drove her constant improvement.

"Rank 8: Jin Ashbluff."

Jin nodded acknowledgment of his position, his recent experience in the West having clearly contributed to his development.

"Rank 9: Rose Springshaper."

Rose’s ranking reflected steady growth and increasing confidence. Her journey from uncertainty to capability had been remarkable to witness.

"Rank 10: Ian Viserion."

Ian’s placement in the top ten maintained his status as a serious student, though his reserved nature often caused others to underestimate his abilities.

"Rank 11: Clara Lopez."

Clara appeared to be dozing through her own ranking announcement, though I suspected she was more aware than she appeared.

"Rank 12: Deia Solaryn."

Deia’s positioning was notable given her unconventional background. Professor Nero seemed to anticipate questions about her placement.

"Rank 13: Aria Gu."

The Gu family representative’s ranking was respectable for a transfer student, though I could see the determined glint in her eyes that suggested she wouldn’t remain in that position for long.

"Rank 14: Ava Peng."

The final ranking completed our class roster, though being last among such exceptional students was hardly a mark of shame.

Professor Nero addressed the obvious question about Deia’s placement. "Miss Solaryn is approximately one year older than most of you, but her educational background and the timing of her circumstances made fourth year the most appropriate placement. Her formal education was... interrupted by external factors beyond her control."

The diplomatic phrasing couldn’t entirely mask the tragic circumstances that had brought Deia to the Academy, but it preserved her dignity while acknowledging the unique challenges she faced.

"Now then," Professor Nero continued, his tone shifting to the brisk efficiency that marked the beginning of serious academic work, "let’s begin this year’s curriculum. You’ll find that fourth year presents challenges unlike anything you’ve encountered previously..."

As the Professor launched into his overview of our upcoming coursework, I found myself stealing glances at the four new additions to our class. Seol-ah’s presence suggested political maneuvering in the East that I would need to understand better. Aria Gu represented the influential Gu family’s interests, which could have significant implications for class dynamics. Ava remained an unknown quantity that would require careful observation. And Deia’s placement here opened possibilities and complications that I was only beginning to consider.

The largest Class 4-A in Academy history was about to embark on what promised to be the most eventful final year any of us could imagine.