Primordial Expanse: I have the Strongest Talent!

The room fell into a tense silence as the Principal's words reverberated through the air.

Jonathan Stein, cowed into submission, leaned back in his hair, muttering to himself but otherwise keeping quiet.

The other professors exchanged glances, some relieved, others like Professor Will and Professor Fayre amused at Jonathan's comeuppance.

The Principal, a man of commanding presence and steely grey hair and a sharp gaze, took a moment to let the quiet settle before continuing. He glanced at the holographic screen in front of him one more time, the first year ranking prominently displayed.

"Let's proceed," he said, his voice calm but authoritative. "Professor Will, I want you to oversee the mentorship program. Pair the top ranked students with experienced mentors. We need to ensure they are cultivated well."

Professor Will nodded, his expression serious. "Understood, sir. I'll begin the arrangements immediately."

"Fayre," the principal continued, turning to the silver haired woman. "You will be responsible for the tactical training sessions. Focus on developing advanced strategies and combat techniques. Our students must be prepared for any situation."

Fayre smiled confidently. "Consider it done, sir."

The principal then directed his gaze at a middle aged woman with a stern demeanour. "Professor Hart, you'll handle the periodical psychological assessments. Identify any potential issues and provide the necessary support. Mental fortitude is just as important as physical strength."

Professor Hart inclined her head. "Of course, Principal. I'll ensure each student develops hardened wills by the end of the year."

Satisfied with their responses, the Principal addressed the rest of the professors seated around the table. "Each of you will have a role to play in shaping these students. Our goal is to produce the best and brightest, capable of leading our Federation in the future. Do not underestimate the importance of your duties, no matter how trivial they may seem."

He paused, letting his words sink in. The professors nodded in agreement, fully aware of their responsibilities. They wouldn't have been hired as professors at the best university in the federation if they didn't.

Now, onto the matter of the first year ranking," the principal said, shifting the focus back to the holographic screen. "We will release the rankings to the public shortly. This transparency is essential to foster a sense of competition among the students."

Jonathan shifted uncomfortably in his seat but remained silent. The principal's eyes flicked to him briefly before continuing. "Remember, these rankings are not set in stone. They are a reflection of current performance, not potential. Encourage your students to strive for improvement, regardless of their position."

With that, the principal pressed a button on his terminal, and the holographic screens around the room flickered, displaying the names, scores, and assessments in meticulous detail.

"The rankings will be live in five minutes," the principal announced. "Make sure everything is in order."

The professors busied themselves with last minute checks, ensuring the data was accurate and ready for public release. It would be embarrassing if one of the professors submitted the wrong student's data. The AI wouldn't have made any mistakes, but the same couldn't be said about the professors.

The atmosphere in the room was tense but focused.

As the countdown reached zero, the principal stood, signalling the end of the meeting. "You are dismissed."

The professors rose, murmuring their acknowledgements before filing out of the room. Jonathan lingered for a moment, his frustration evident, but he ultimately followed suit, a dark expression on his face.

***

The news of the first year rankings spread rapidly throughout the whole city. Students gathered in groups, eagerly checking their devices for the official list. Excitement, anxiety, and curiosity were palpable in the air.

Alex and Mira were among the first to see the rankings.

'I did it…'

Alex's name was prominently displayed at the top, with the results of each of his assessments displayed right beside it. He stared at the screen in disbelief, a mix of pride and astonishment washing over him.

"First place…" Mira whispered, her eyes wide in admiration. "You deserve it, Alex."

Alex glanced at her, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. "I guess we know who's stronger out of us then, don't we?"

He glanced at the ranking, with Mira's name sitting comfortably in second place, Nikolas Stein in third place, behind them both.

"I wish I could see Nikolas's face right now!" Alex laughed.

Around them, students reacted to the rankings with various emotions. Some were thrilled with their placements, while others were devastated.

But like the principal said, these placements weren't set in stone. Even the students near the bottom of the rankings felt determined to improve.

Every student accepted into Capital Prime had potential — some of them just display it much later than others.

It didn't take long for the students to notice that the top 2 ranks were among them either, and many of the students looked at them with ferocious looks on their faces.

If it weren't for the 2 week cooldown period before anyone could challenge the rankings, Alex and Mira would probably be swamped with requests to fight right now…

"Let's get out of here…" Alex spoke to Mira, not liking the kinds of gazes some of the students were giving them.

Particularly the lustful gazes some of the male students were giving Mira.

He didn't need to protect her or anything like that, as she was very capable of dealing with these nobodies herself.

A few minutes later, the two found themselves in a more secluded park.

"What do you say we start that training now?" Alex asked, referring to the training Mira had promised a few days earlier, before they had officiated their relationship.

"Sure, when do you want to start?" Mira happily obliged, as she was the one who offered it in the first place.

"How about right now?-"

Ring!

Alex asked, but had to pause as his communicator started ringing.

When he looked at who it was, his face couldn't help but frown, and Mira couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"Rowan! It's this guy again! I swear he must be choosing this timing on purpose, that's two times now!"