Chapter 134 | Entering Supernal Class

Chapter 134: 134 | Entering Supernal Class

An hour later, Andrew and Monica finally emerged from the private dormitory.

After cleaning up and changing into fresh clothes, the two walked side by side through the peaceful streets of Maryland Academy. Morning sunlight bathed the campus in a warm golden glow while students hurried toward various buildings.

Andrew suddenly stopped.

"Hm?"

With a casual flick of his wrist, his storage ring flashed.

A tiny figure appeared on the ground.

Puff.

A small saber-toothed tiger cub blinked its large golden eyes before wobbling unsteadily on its little paws.

Monica’s eyes widened.

"Ah!"

She immediately crouched down and scooped the fluffy cub into her arms.

"So cute!"

The cub let out a tiny growl before comfortably curling against her chest. Its soft fur pressed against her skin as it began to purr. Monica held it gently, her fingers stroking its tiny head.

Andrew smiled.

"I almost forgot about him."

Ever since obtaining the storage ring from Gerald after killing him, the little beast had remained safely inside. Between training, battles, and everything that had happened recently, Andrew had completely forgotten the cub was even there.

The guilt crept in quietly.

He had left a helpless creature alone in the dark for hours.

Monica gently rubbed the cub’s head.

"Where did you get such an adorable little guy?"

"I found him during the expedition."

Her eyes widened.

"A monster cub? Those are incredibly expensive."

Andrew merely shrugged.

"I got lucky."

The cub suddenly sniffed the air before letting out a pitiful cry.

"It’s hungry."

Andrew nodded.

He reached into his storage ring and pulled out several pieces of raw beast meat. The meat came from monsters he had hunted during the expedition.

The cub excitedly pounced toward the food.

Crunch...

Its tiny teeth failed to pierce the thick flesh.

The cub whined and pawed at the meat with its little claws, frustrated and hungry.

Andrew felt something tug at his chest.

He knelt down beside the cub.

"Still too young."

Drawing a small knife, he carefully sliced the meat into thin strips before placing them before the cub.

Immediately, the little tiger began happily chewing away. Its tiny tail wagged nonstop. The look of pure contentment on its small face made Andrew smile quietly.

Monica couldn’t stop smiling either.

"I think it already likes you."

Andrew looked at the little creature for a long moment.

"It was the weakest among its siblings."

Monica looked at him.

"So that’s why you chose it?"

Andrew nodded slowly.

"Something that weak wouldn’t have survived on its own."

He paused.

"It can still become strong."

The little cub continued eating greedily, completely unaware of how much those words reflected Andrew’s own journey.

Monica held the cub closer.

"Does it have a name?"

"Not yet."

"You should give it one."

Andrew thought for a moment but shook his head.

"Later."

Just then...

Beep.

Monica’s communicator rang.

She glanced at the screen before looking toward Andrew.

"It’s almost time."

"The principal’s meeting?"

She nodded.

"We should get going."

Andrew stored the remaining meat before carefully returning the cub to his storage ring. The cub let out a small whimper as the light swallowed it.

"I’ll be back soon," Andrew murmured quietly.

Monica gave him a look but said nothing.

Together, they headed toward the auditorium.

---

A few minutes later...

The two entered the academy’s main auditorium.

Nearly one hundred elite students had already gathered inside.

Principal Constance stood behind the lectern as usual, calmly waiting for everyone to arrive.

Although Andrew and Monica had left early, they were still among the last students to enter.

The moment Andrew stepped inside, several pairs of eyes turned toward him.

Unlike before, however...

There were no whispers.

No mocking laughter.

No open contempt.

The students merely glanced at him before quietly looking away.

The expedition into the secret realm had changed many of them.

They had faced real danger.

They had bled.

And they had seen what true strength looked like.

Strength earned respect.

Andrew noticed the difference but said nothing.

Not everyone, however, had changed.

Across the hall, Xavier sat with his arms crossed. His eyes locked directly onto Andrew. A cold sneer twisted his lips before he finally looked away.

Andrew simply ignored him and took a seat beside Monica.

Once everyone had settled down, Principal Constance nodded in satisfaction.

"I’m pleased with your progress."

His calm voice echoed throughout the auditorium.

"Most of you advanced to Levels Seven and Eight during the expedition."

His gaze swept across the room before briefly landing on Andrew.

"Some of you even reached Level Ten."

Several students instinctively followed the principal’s gaze toward Andrew.

Constance smiled faintly before continuing.

"Improving this much in only three days is commendable."

"But..."

"It still isn’t enough."

"The tournament is approaching quickly, and your future opponents are considerably stronger than the monsters you faced."

The entire hall fell silent.

"I’ve received detailed reports from every expedition team."

"Based on your overall performance, teamwork, contribution, and achievements..."

"I’ve selected the top three performers."

A few students immediately sat up straighter.

The principal chuckled.

"Don’t expect prizes."

"I’m not generous enough for that."

Soft laughter echoed throughout the hall.

"Still..."

"Recognition has its own value."

He unfolded a sheet of paper.

"We’ll begin with third place."

His voice rang clearly.

"Xavier Smith."

Xavier slowly stood.

His expression wasn’t one of pride.

Instead...

It was disappointment.

His jaw tightened. His hands hung stiffly at his sides. In his mind, he had been certain he would claim first place. Or at the very least, second. He had fought. He had struggled. He had pushed himself beyond his limits in that secret realm.

And yet.

Third.

The word burned like acid in his chest.

Principal Constance nodded.

"Third place is still an excellent achievement."

"Continue working hard in Heaven’s Domain."

Xavier forced a stiff nod before quietly taking his seat.

His fists remained clenched under the desk.

Constance glanced back at the list.

"Second place..."

He paused for a moment.

"...Aurora Valerium."

A young woman with long emerald-green hair streaked with crimson and striking sapphire-blue eyes gracefully rose from her seat. She carried herself with quiet dignity, her expression calm and composed despite the murmurs rippling through the hall.

The principal gave her an approving nod.

"You performed exceptionally well. Keep improving."

Aurora bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Principal."

She quietly returned to her seat.

The auditorium fell silent once more.

Everyone held their breath.

There was only one name left.

Principal Constance looked across the hall before announcing loudly,

"First place..."

"...Andrew Daeth."

Instantly, every student turned toward the back of the auditorium.

Andrew calmly stood from his seat.

His expression remained as indifferent as ever. No excitement. No pride. No smugness. He simply rose and met the principal’s gaze.

Monica placed her hand lightly on his arm for just a moment.

He glanced at her.

She gave him a small, proud smile.

Something warm spread through his chest.

Even Xavier couldn’t help clenching his fists. Although he had expected Andrew to perform well, seeing him officially ranked first still left a bitter taste in his mouth. It felt like salt rubbed into an open wound.

Principal Constance smiled.

"Excellent work."

"You achieved the highest contribution during the expedition."

"However..."

His smile faded slightly.

"Don’t become complacent simply because you’ve taken first place among your peers."

"There will always be someone stronger."

Andrew nodded respectfully.

"I understand."

"Good."

The principal folded the report before continuing.

"Now, there is another announcement."

The hall immediately became quiet.

"As many of you already know, I previously mentioned that outstanding students would have the opportunity to advance directly into the Supernal Class."

Excitement immediately appeared on countless faces.

"Originally..."

"I only intended to promote the top three."

Several students sighed inwardly.

But Principal Constance smiled.

"However..."

"After reviewing all of your reports..."

"I’ve decided to change my mind."

A ripple of anticipation spread through the auditorium.

"The performances exceeded my expectations."

"So..."

"The students ranked from first through tenth will all advance directly from the Elite Class into the Supernal Class."

For a brief moment...

Silence.

Then...

The entire auditorium erupted.

"What?"

"Top ten?!"

"Seriously?!"

The students ranked within the top ten couldn’t hide the excitement on their faces. Some gripped their friends’ arms. Others broke into wide grins. A few simply sat in stunned disbelief, hardly able to process what they had just heard.

The Supernal Class represented the elite among the elite.

Its students received vastly superior cultivation resources, personal instruction from the academy’s strongest teachers, exclusive missions, and opportunities unavailable to ordinary elite students.

It was the dream of nearly every student in Maryland Academy.

Meanwhile, the remaining ninety students reacted differently.

Some sighed in disappointment.

Some accepted it calmly.

Others simply continued chatting with their friends, appearing completely indifferent to the announcement.

But deep down, every student who was not chosen felt the quiet sting of being left behind.

After allowing the excitement to settle, Principal Constance raised a hand.

"The second announcement concerns the academy tournament."

The hall quieted immediately.

"The tournament begins in five days."

"It will determine the captains of each class."

He looked toward the newly promoted students.

"Those advancing into the Supernal Class will compete in the Supernal Tournament."

"The remaining students will compete in the Elite Class Tournament."

Hearing that, many students who had not made the top ten secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Without monsters like Andrew, Xavier, Aurora, and the others remaining in the Elite Class, their chances of claiming first place had increased dramatically. Hope flickered in their eyes for the first time since the meeting began.

Principal Constance nodded once.

"That concludes today’s meeting."

"Dismissed."

The students gradually began leaving the auditorium.

Unlike before, Principal Constance didn’t call Andrew aside for a private discussion.

Andrew was actually relieved.

Time was precious.

He still had far too many things to accomplish.

After the meeting ended, Monica walked beside him toward the academy entrance.

"I’ll head back first," she said with a gentle smile. "I need to stop by the hotel before returning."

Andrew nodded.

"Take care."

"You too."

She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. The warmth of her lips lingered on his skin long after she pulled away.

"See you soon," she said softly.

She turned and walked away, her figure growing smaller with each step until she disappeared around the corner.

Andrew stood there for a moment.

Then he as he turned toward his private dormitory.

The moment he entered his room, he locked the door behind him.

He sat on the edge of the bed.

Without wasting another second, he lay back and slowly closed his eyes.

His consciousness sank once more into Heaven’s Domain.

He was eager to continue the blacksmith’s quest.

More importantly...

He wanted to discover the secrets hidden within the mysterious God’sfall Tower.