Aeris stepped into the Black Raven homeroom, her eyes narrowing as she took in the stone walls and dim lighting.

 Located in the bottom keep of the academy, the room was adjacent to the labyrinth, a notorious maze beneath Priscilla Academy that only the most daring or foolish students ventured into. 

The air felt heavier down here, and the oppressive atmosphere suited the Ravens’ reputation for cunning and power-hungry ambition.

Her classmates sat scattered around the room, each wearing expressions that ranged from nervous to indifferent. 

Aeris, however, wasn’t concerned. 

This was a chance to test her skills and gauge the usefulness of others. 

And with the looming specter of Priscilla's challenges, she intended to assert her dominance early.

Their homeroom teacher, Sorithra, stood at the front of the room. 

The dark elf priestess was a vision of lethal elegance, with raven-black hair that cascaded down her back and sharp violet eyes that glowed faintly in the dim light. 

Her armor was ceremonial but reinforced, a reminder that she was just as dangerous as she was beautiful. 

She leaned against her desk, her lips curled into a sardonic smile, clearly unimpressed by the class before her.

"Welcome, Black Ravens," Sorithra began, her voice smooth but laced with soft undercurrent of disdain. 

“Orientation is simple. I’ll explain this once, so listen carefully. If you miss something, that’s on you.”

Her gaze swept the room, daring anyone to challenge her. No one spoke.

“I prefer a hands-on approach,” Sorithra continued. 

“I despise wasting my time with lectures when actions speak so much louder. And, in case you haven’t noticed, the Black Ravens thrive on a ridgid hierarchy. Power determines your standing here, and we’ll establish that pecking order here and now.”

Aeris leaned forward slightly, intrigued. 

Sorithra’s attitude suited her perfectly.

 It was clear that this teacher valued strength and cunning above all else traits that Aeris favoured too.

“So, we’ll be holding a impromptu tournament,”

 Sorithra announced, her eyes gleaming. 

“I want to gauge your skills, your classes, and your potential. 

This will determine who among you is worth paying attention to.”

Aeris couldn’t help but laugh.

 A tournament? It was the perfect opportunity to test her power, see where her classmates stood, and, more importantly, begin asserting her dominance. They have no idea what they’re in for.

The introductions began, each student standing and reciting their name, class, and family background. 

Aeris tuned most of them out none of them were particularly interesting. 

 A noble here, a soldier’s son there. 

All of them dull, grating voices bleeding nto the background.

All save for Talia.

Aeris’ eyes ignited with interest when Talia arose to introduce herself. 

Her fiery hair captured in the dim lantern light, and her voice oozed confidence Talia’s presence, despite the rough edges, was a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy room for her.

Aeris already knew of her skills from the game Talia had been a fencer of unparalleled speed, earning the nickname

 “Quicksilver” for her lightning-fast strikes. 

And though Aeris hadn’t particularly liked Talia’s route in the game, she was curious to see those skills in up close and in person.

When it was her turn, Aeris stood at attention allowing a smile to touch her lips. 

“I am Aeris Garland, a humble mage of the esteemed House Garland.” 

Her words dripped with practiced sweetness. 

“I look forward to learning alongside all of you.”

Her classmates murmured in response, some impressed, others indifferent, but Aeris knew she had made the intended impression. 

House Garland’s name carried weight, and she wasn’t afraid to use it.

Sorithra gave a slight nod. “Good. Now, let’s begin.”

With a snap of her fingers, a glowing bracket appeared on the stone wall, displaying the matchups for the impromptu class ace tournament.

 Aeris smirked, her eyes scanning the names. 

This would be entertaining.

The first match was between Talia and Cedric Kael, the son of Baron Kael and a minor character Aeris recognized from the game. 

He wielded a halberd a powerful but cumbersome weapon that, Aeris noted, was a poor match for someone like Talia. 

 A nimble fighter like her would easily outmaneuver its slow, heavy swings.

The class gathered around the training arena, an open stone space in the center of the room. Talia stepped forward, drawing her slender fencing sword, her expression determined. 

Cedric followed, gripping his halberd with a smirk of arrogance.

Aeris leaned against the stone wall, crossing her arms as she watched the match begin. Talia was quick, weaving effortlessly through Cedric’s initial onslaught of halberd strikes.

 Each of his swings was powerful but slow, and the recoil left him wide open for Talia’s rapid counterattacks.

“She’s impressive,” Aeris mused quietly to herself. 

She knocked me on my villainous ass more than once in the game.

Cedric, growing frustrated, attempted a desperate thrust with the spear-tip of his halberd, hoping to catch Talia off guard.

 But Talia was ready. She darted forward, jumping onto the halberd’s shaft, using it as a springboard to launch herself into the air. 

Aeris smiled as she recognized the move Velocity Slash, Talia’s signature technique.

With a flash of her blade, Talia descended from the air, her sword cutting through the air in a lightning-fast arc.

 Cedric had no chance to react. The force of her strike sent him sprawling to the ground, and Sorithra called the match.

“Winner, Talia Valcrest,”

 she declared, her voice dispassionate but with a trace of approval.

Aeris clapped politely, though internally, she was impressed. 

Talia had dispatched Cedric with ruthless efficiency, just as she’d expected. She’ll make a fine pawn.

The next match was between Aeris and Tristan Draycott, a fellow spellcaster who specialized in flame magic.

 Tristan strutted into the arena with an air of arrogance, his crimson robes fluttering behind him.

“Aeris Garland,” Tristan said, his voice dripping with condescension.

 “I’ve heard of your family’s reputation. But it won’t be enough to save you. My victory is assured.”

Aeris smiled coldly. 

“Is that so?”

She had no intention of revealing her full range of skills just yet. 

House Garland was known for its expertise in ice magic, so she would limit herself to that.

 No need to arouse suspicion.

“Let’s see what you’re made of,” Tristan sneered, flames flickering in his hands.

Aeris narrowed her eyes, preparing to show him exactly why underestimating her would be his biggest mistake yet.