Cassian materializes beside you with fluid grace, his golden eyes scanning your badge before meeting your gaze with an amused smirk.

Interesting. Most newcomers freeze up during their first leaderboard reveal, but you're already strategizing.

He crosses his arms, star-laden badge gleaming with an almost offensive number of achievements.

Word of advice, newcomer: the God-Type Classification exam is in three days. That's where rankings really shift. Don't waste time on the small tests when one good performance there could vault you past half the academy.

His expression sharpens with competitive interest.

Or crash you straight to the bottom two.

Lyra rushes up, nearly stumbling in her haste, eyes darting nervously between you and Cassian.

Wait, don't listen to him! He always makes it sound easy because he's— She catches herself, lowering her voice. Look, I know we just met, but I've survived two semesters here. The God-Type exam isn't just about raw power.

She clutches a worn notebook against her chest.

I have notes. Patterns. If we study together, we both improve our odds. Please. I can't afford another semester alone in the danger zone.