Edwin Lunar Chapter 15: The New Rank Ceremony

Read chapter 15 of Edwin Lunar by MananTayal on NovelPedia.

Morning sunlight spread across the floating towers of Lunar Dominion Academy while giant silver banners moved through the skies above the central courtyard. Third-year students filled the academy grounds from every direction. Some wore combat uniforms. Others carried advanced weapons attached to magnetic belts across their backs. Floating drones moved overhead recording academy announcements while holographic screens displayed rankings and training schedules across the massive walls. The entire academy felt alive again. Edwin stood near the upper courtyard balcony beside Carl and Iris while hundreds of students gathered below. Carl stared at the crowd dramatically. "There are way too many people here." "It's the third-year opening ceremony," Iris replied calmly. "Of course there are many people." "Yes, but why are they all LOOKING at us?" Edwin sighed quietly. Because unfortunately, Carl was right. Students continued whispering while glancing toward Edwin. The rumors had clearly spread further than he expected. "The Sector Zero student." "I heard he activated forbidden systems." "They say Headmaster Humming personally protected him." Carl looked impressed. "You're becoming academy folklore." "I want less folklore." A loud metallic sound echoed across the courtyard suddenly. Every conversation stopped instantly. The giant academy gates opened slowly. Then the professors entered. Professor Raith walked first, his heavy boots striking the stone pathways sharply while silver-blue Flame energy flickered faintly around his combat staff. Behind him came: Professor Kael, Professor Seraphine, Professor Veyron, Professor Altair, Professor Nyra, and Professor Hest. At the center of them all— Headmaster Humming. Even after two years, Edwin still felt the same strange feeling whenever the old Marshal appeared. Power. Not loud power. Controlled power. Like standing near a sleeping storm. The entire courtyard became silent as Humming stepped onto the elevated ceremonial platform overlooking the academy. His long dark robes moved softly in the wind while silver markings glowed faintly beneath the fabric. "Students of the Third Year," he began calmly. His voice spread across the giant courtyard effortlessly. "Welcome back to Lunar Dominion Academy." Massive holographic symbols appeared behind him: the emblem of Noroel, the Eternal Flame, and the academy crest. "This year," Humming continued, "you will begin advanced tactical training, expedition missions, combat synchronization, and leadership development." Carl whispered beside Edwin: "That sounds extremely dangerous." "It probably is," Iris answered. Humming's expression grew slightly darker. "And this year… your choices will matter more than ever before." The atmosphere shifted subtly after those words. Edwin noticed Kael glance briefly toward Humming. Like they understood something the students didn't. Then giant holographic ranking screens activated across the courtyard. RANK EVALUATION CEREMONY Excitement immediately spread among the students. Carl straightened instantly. "Oh, this is important." Edwin looked toward him. "You're nervous." "I am ALWAYS nervous." Iris adjusted her tablet calmly. "Third-year promotions determine combat permissions and mission access." "That sounded terrifyingly professional." Students began stepping forward individually while academy systems scanned their combat history, Flame synchronization levels, and academy evaluations. Names and ranks appeared above the central platform one by one. BEGINNERADVANCED BEGINNERLUNAR Every promotion caused cheering throughout the courtyard. Carl bounced slightly on his feet. "If I stay Beginner after all that suffering, I'm leaving this moon." "You say that constantly," Iris muttered. Several students from higher divisions reached Lunar rank immediately, including Lucien Vale. The crowd reacted loudly. "Expected," Iris said quietly. Lucien stood confidently beneath the glowing silver projection while academy officials anno