Almost all students gathered in the gym, wanting to see the participants. They just wanted to see who could actually finish all the assignments. After all, it was the first time they heard someone entering Hero Rank before graduation, it was an unknown concept.
At the same time, they wanted to see the first-year students who had become Champion Rank. If there were another two years, they might easily reach Hero Rank before graduation.
Hence, most people were curious to see the appearance of the participants.
"Who do you think will win the competition?"
"Will they assemble the team from scratch?"
"But there's no announcement they will do such a thing."
"Indeed. I hope they can assemble the team from scratch. I know that Theodore Griffith has worked hard, but he can easily be replaced by other first-year students. He is just lucky."
"Yeah. I don't even understand why Alea Eilric wants to be in the same group."
"That's right. I don't understand as well. We have so many great first-year students like Aisha Gata."
"Ye-yeah."
Many people were talking about Theo most of the time. After all, he was the joker that no one would ever expect to become one of the candidates. Theo's reputation, although had increased, wasn't to the point he got recognized by many like Laust.
As the discussion became even more heated, the principal finally walked onto the stage with a smile on his face.
He waved his hand and clutched his palm, signaling the students to be silent. In that instant, there was no whisper inside the gym as if his motion truly had the power to silence the entire building.
"My dearest students. After a long six months, we've finally finished our small competition. In order to become a candidate, all of you have worked hard during the past six months. And finally, two days ago, we've received the information that the last group has finally returned from the other side, ending this competition.
"I can't explain how proud I am to see the students of my academy achieving this kind of feat. And by no means am I belittling those who fail. You all are the same… You all are my beloved students.
"Before going to the participant, I would like to present you with honorable mentions… I believe their achievement is worth it for all of you to witness."
He took a deep breath and called the winner. "For third place… They have almost fulfilled the first assignment with all of them becoming at least Champion Rank Experts. The group has also killed two Hero Rank Monsters, almost finishing the second assignment and with the total kill of five thousand monsters, I present you the third winner: Aisha Gata, Hontar Dagher, Makkal Avtor, Leca Avtor, Milea Ashifer, and Ginza McKeroy."
All six participants entered the stage with proud faces. No one managed to come close to them in this assignment because they had different strategies.
With Aisha Gata becoming the second leader after Alea, the group had become more solid.
The principal smiled and applauded them together with all students and teachers inside the gym.
"Although they can't participate in the Grand Gaia, the school has decided to reward them one D Rank Skill for each of them."
The applause became louder when they heard about the reward. D Rank Skill was worth more than a hundred thousand Zils, so it was a lot for a reward.
Yet, this type of reward was only for the third place. The school must be going big for this event.
The principal decided to ride the hype and continued his speech, calling the second winner. "And now, for the second winner, with only one of them failing to reach Hero Rank, the group is barely unqualified to finish the mission. However, they have successfully killed three Hero Rank Monsters, finishing the second mission. Last but not least, I can proudly say that the group has killed seven thousand monsters within the past three months! Let me present…
"Jay Mao, Kong Sovan, Iv Rith, Aydemir Tauqi, Palanaswe, and Katita!"
This time, the second winner was the group led by the vice-president of the student council. They deserved such a spot since all of them were strong people.
Another round of applause shook the gym as some of them even cheered for them, knowing they barely missed their target.
"To reward their effort, the school will give them one D Rank Skill as well as a Champion Rank Weapon."
The reward became even bigger and bigger, making the other students drool. However, there was still one group that had yet to be called and they were the most hyped group because of the members.
"And finally… It's time to announce the first-place winner!" Principal Eigen smiled when he saw their names. "No words can describe their achievement because I myself can't even believe how this could happen, but… I can undoubtedly say that this group has created a miracle!
"To our surprise, they have surpassed our first assignment easily! I wonder if I should give them a harder assignment to be honest."
The students laughed and were astonished at the same time. They could hear many people whispering to each other.
"What?!"
"Does that mean the Champion Rank is not a mere Champion Rank Experts… Instead, they are level 200 or something?"
"If that's the case, this is the strongest team in history."
"That's right. No one has ever achieved this before."
"Maybe they can compete with other countries' schools, becoming the pride and joy of our country!"
All of them were excited to see the winner, but the principal increased their excitement even more. "However, that's not all. Even if they can finish the first assignment, I can't say it's a miracle yet. That's why they surpassed their own limit and let all members kill at least one Hero Rank Monster. We've even seen their footage and I can proudly say that none of them were cheating. In other words, they used their own strength to kill a Hero Rank Monster!"
"What? Each member killed a Hero Rank Monster?"
"This group is insane."
"As expected of the champion, if they can't even do something like this, they don't deserve such a spot."
With their excitement at the peak, the principal finally called their names. "With a total of twelve thousand kills, let's invite them to the stage! Alea Eilric, Ellen Marcines, Sihan Raskaka, Phyrill Hilbert, Laust Lange, and Theodore Griffith."
"Oh!"