Anomaly of Fate
Chapter 67: Challenger

Chapter 67: Challenger

Two days had passed since the end of the practical evaluation exam, and the academy had returned to its rigorous routine. Morning classes proceeded as usual, and now, during the homeroom session, Professor Vekar stood at the front of the lecture hall, addressing the students with his usual composed demeanor.

"Tomorrow marks the beginning of the weekend," he announced.

"As per academy regulations, students are permitted to leave the premises and visit the city beyond the academy walls. However—" his sharp gaze scanned the room, "—do not forget that you are representatives of this institution. Maintain your manners, uphold your dignity, and conduct yourselves in a way that does not tarnish the name of the academy. Any misconduct outside these walls will not be tolerated.

A murmur of acknowledgment swept through the class.

Satisfied, Vekar shifted topics.

"With the completion of the practical evaluation, you will now be assigned a rank based on your performance. This rank serves as an indicator of your current standing and will play a significant role in your future opportunities within the academy."

Velren listened attentively, intrigued. A ranking system? That had never been mentioned before.

"These ranks are not merely a decorative title. They determine eligibility for various privileges, including participation in the academy’s Commission System," Vekar continued.

The Commission System... that one Velren had already heard of.

Its an integral part of the students education here. Through this system, students are given the opportunity to take on requests and tasks issued by the academy or external clients. These commissions range from simple research assignments to fieldwork that requires combat expertise. By completing commissions, students gain not only experience but also rewards—whether in the form of credits, resources, or personal advancement.

Velren could hear some murmurs of interest among his classmates. The concept itself sounded appealing—real-world application of their training, and with tangible rewards.

Professor Vekar continued:

"Commissions are categorized by difficulty, and only students with an appropriate rank may take on higher-tier assignments. As you improve and prove your competence, your rank will rise, granting you access to more prestigious and lucrative commissions. This system serves as both a challenge and a means to refine your abilities under supervised conditions."

The Professor took a step forward, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room.

"Now that you understand the Commission System, let me explain how the procedure works."

He gestured toward the board behind him, where a series of neatly written points had already been listed.

"First and foremost, commissions are categorized based on difficulty, urgency, and required skill set. These categories determine who is eligible to take on a request. A student’s rank directly influences the type of commissions they may accept. The higher your rank, the broader your options."

He paused, letting the students take that in before continuing.

"Each commission will be displayed on the official Academy Commission Board, located in the Administrative Hall. The board updates daily, and students may browse through available requests at their own discretion. However, do not assume you can simply take whatever you please—approval is required."

The professor’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"If a student wishes to take a commission, they must first submit a formal request to the Commission Office. This request will be reviewed based on your rank, past performance, and the nature of the task. Some commissions require an individual effort, while others will mandate a team. You may choose your teammates if applicable, provided they also meet the rank requirement."

He clasped his hands behind his back.

"Once a request is approved, the student or group is given a set timeframe to complete the commission. Failure to do so without valid reasoning will result in penalties, including a deduction of contribution points, rank stagnation, or, in severe cases, temporary suspension from taking further commissions."

His gaze swept over the class, ensuring that the students paid close attention to him.

"Upon completion, the commission issuer must verify that the task has been satisfactorily carried out. Only then will you receive the designated rewards—whether they be monetary, contribution points, resources, or exclusive benefits. Be aware that certain high-priority commissions will come with additional scrutiny."

A brief pause. Then, he added in a firmer tone,

"And remember: attempting to forge results, abandoning a commission without cause, or interfering with another student’s commission will be met with severe disciplinary action. The Academy does not tolerate recklessness or dishonesty in this system."

His expression remained unreadable, but the weight in his voice made it clear—this was not something to be taken lightly.

’Commission, huh...’

***

Velren sat in the cafeteria, his usual spot tucked away near the far end, where the afternoon light spilled through the tall windows. The hum of chatter filled the air, students discussing everything from weekend plans to the latest exam results. It was a familiar atmosphere, one he usually welcomed. But today, his attention was elsewhere.

In his hand, he held two things—an intricately designed crest and a folded sheet of paper. Both had been given to him at the end of homeroom. He idly turned the crest between his fingers, feeling the cool weight of the metal.

Velren exhaled through his nose, unfolding the paper. His eyes skimmed over the neatly printed text detailing the academy’s ranking and commission system.

Ranks, from lowest to highest: Initiate, Aspirant, Challenger, Adept, Elite, Exemplar.

Below that, an explanation of their significance—how they weren’t just arbitrary labels, but a direct measurement of a student’s capabilities. Higher ranks meant greater trust, better opportunities, and access to higher-tier commissions. It wasn’t just about prestige; it was a system that dictated one’s standing and potential future.

He then continued to read the contents.

Commission Board & Rules:

Students can only accept commissions within their rank or lower. Attempting a higher-tier mission without authorization will result in penalties.

A commission must be reported upon completion to ensure proper ranking and evaluation.

Certain high-profile commissions may require faculty approval before students can participate.

Some commissions allow team-based participation, while others require solo execution depending on the task.

’This sounds... complicated...’

Velren’s gaze flicked back to his own crest.

Challenger.

He wasn’t exactly surprised. It was the middle rank, and given his performance during the exam, it made sense. He hadn’t shown anything particularly outstanding—not compared to the top students, at least.

Still...

It felt strange seeing it officially acknowledged.

Was this really where he stood?

He leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers against the table as he mulled over the thought.

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