My team began returning from their scattered positions upon hearing the announcement, regrouping efficiently as we had agreed on. Elen emerged from her hiding place as well, still safely carrying our accumulated Crest Marks.

As we assembled near the designated gate, I could feel the hostile stares from virtually every other team present. We had become public enemy number one, having destroyed multiple teams' accumulated resources through coordinated theft and tactical manipulation.

The resentment was palpable. Students from the lower-ranked classes glared at us with obvious hatred, while Kyle's team looked exhausted and bitter from their final desperate defense. Even teams we hadn't directly engaged seemed to view us with suspicion and anger.

But none of that mattered. The examination was over, and our approach had secured what appeared to be a commanding victory. The other teams' feelings about our methods were irrelevant compared to the tangible results we had achieved.

The tension remained high as all the surviving teams began the trek back toward the examination's starting point, where the final tallies would determine our rankings.

---

The Commander gathered all the students at the gate, his imposing presence commanding immediate silence from the exhausted and battle-worn participants.

"Before we announce the results, I want you all to reflect on what you've learned during this examination," he began, his voice carrying authority that made even the most resentful students pay attention.

"Survival isn't just about individual strength. It's about working with your team, coordinating efforts, and accepting differences even when you fundamentally disagree with your teammates' approaches."

As the Commander spoke, I could feel Seraphina's eyes fixed on me with laser-like intensity. Her gaze never wavered, plastered to my body like glue, but I deliberately avoided returning the look, keeping my attention focused on the Commander's words.

"You've learned that leadership requires difficult decisions, that resources must be managed strategically, and that sometimes the most effective approach isn't the most honourable one," the Commander continued. "Now, let's see how those lessons translated into results."

The tension in the assembled crowd became almost unbearable as everyone anticipated the rankings.

"Starting with the lower brackets," the Commander announced, pulling out a scroll. "Teams with single-digit Crest Mark accumulation..."

He listed the teams that had struggled throughout the examination, their disappointed faces reflecting their failure to compete effectively. The names droned on as teams with three, five, and seven Crest Marks were acknowledged for their participation.

He didn't explain to them what they did wrong nor did he give them any advice. Their class teachers were meant to do that.

The Commander moved through the middle rankings, each announcement met with mixed reactions of relief or disappointment depending on expectations.

Finally, he reached the moment everyone had been waiting for.

"Now for the top three positions," the Commander declared, his voice rising. "In third place, we have the green-banner class with ten Crest Marks!"

The green-banner team erupted in modest celebration - they had avoided complete failure and secured a respectable position despite only securing a measly amount and being outmatched by the Elite classes.

The remaining teams held their breath. Only two positions remained, and everyone knew they would go to the Elite classes that had dominated the examination.

"In second place," the Commander paused for maximum effect, "with seventy Crest Marks, the Elite class led by Kyle Morrison!"

Kyle's jaw tightened imperceptibly, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. Seventy Crest Marks represented substantial effort and fighting, but second place stung like a needle. His team had fought desperately, lost Seraphina, endured multiple attacks from other classes, and still fallen short.

The number hung in the air like an accusation. Seventy wasn't bad - it was actually impressive given the circumstances, but it meant they had been beaten decisively.

"And finally, in first place," the Commander's voice boomed across the assembly, "the Elite class led by Adrian Blackwood with one hundred and twenty Crest Marks!"

The announcement hit like a thunderclap. One hundred and twenty Crest Marks, nearly double Kyle's total.

My team erupted in celebration, shouting and embracing each other with unrestrained joy. Elen was practically glowing with excitement, while even the more reserved members couldn't suppress their triumphant grins.

Elen threw herself at me, hugging me tightly in joy that she couldn't contain. I paused for a moment before hugging her back with one hand. Returning the hug but still being respectful and dignified.

The other teams' reactions ranged from shock to bitter resentment. The gap was overwhelming, we hadn't just won, we had dominated with such superiority that it bordered on humiliation for everyone else.

"Congratulations on passing and excelling in this examination," the Commander announced with genuine approval. "Your reward will be one hundred thousand points each!"

Kyle stood perfectly still, his expression controlled but his eyes betraying the storm of emotions beneath. One hundred and twenty versus seventy, the gap was insurmountable and undeniable.

Instructor Victor Castellane approached Kyle and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering a soft smile that carried both sympathy and pride. "Don't worry about it kyle," Victor said quietly. "You fought well with the resources you had."

Kyle nodded stiffly, accepting the consolation while his mind already raced through everything he could have done differently to avoid this result. The Phoenix bloodline user had been outmaneuvered by his greatest rival.

It was a jab straight to Kyle's pride. To be outsmarted, and outperformed by his rival stung deeply.

Despite being eliminated from the examination, Seraphina wore a calm expression on her face as she watched the results unfold. She never fully showed her emotions out in public, always keeping it to herself, private.

She understood exactly what Adrian had accomplished. The person that she had decided to break up with because of his incompetence had not only removed her from the examination with his own hands, by knocking her out. He had also defeated her team mercilessly.

She felt pathetic, and for a moment she had almost let her emotions rage.

The examination had revealed a new power dynamic among the Elite students, and everyone in Adrian's class understood that Adrian Blackwood was the main reason behind their win.

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