Time trickled by as the reassessments continued, the courtyard gradually shifting from tense anticipation to quiet murmurs and drifting conversations. A few more students had their placements altered—some demoted with grim expressions, others walking away with stunned smiles as they rose to higher ranks. Yet among all the shuffling and recalibration, only a handful were pulled from Class 1-A. Aside from Marcus and Cynthia, the top class remained largely unchanged—a silent testament to its elite status.
By the time the sun hung high above, casting warm golden rays through the shifting clouds, a decision was made: the rest of the students were dismissed for lunch. No need to subject them all to hours of watching their peers rise or fall. Some found benches beneath shady trees; others wandered off to hidden corners of the expansive courtyard to enjoy a moment of rest.
