Chapter 178

The spring semester at the Academy began, marking the start of Fernan’s third year’s second semester.

“This semester too, count on me.”

“Same here, count on me.”

Luina handed him a small box.

“This?”

Inside was a carved figure of Wooden, shining in gold.

“It’s a gift to thank you for everything until now, and to ask you to keep guiding me from here on.”

“Wooden?”

“Yes. I don’t know if it turned out well, but…”

“It looks just like him.”

— Kyu!

Hearing his name, Wooden, who was hiding in Fernan’s clothes, poked his head out with curiosity.

Then, upon seeing his golden figure, he excitedly waved his hand.

“Get in.”

Fernan immediately pushed his head back in. Fortunately, no one besides Luina had seen it.

“Is it gold?”

“Yes. I thought hard about what to give you, but it seemed like you wouldn’t need anything else.”

After all, Fernan thought only of money, breathed money. That’s why Luina got a gold bar from her father and carved it.

“You made it yourself?”

“Yes, using aura.”

No wonder. Though it looked a bit rough, the cuts were clean as if magically finished. It was the work of aura.

“Do you like it?”

“I’d like to hire you as a craftswoman for the company.”

“I’m honored to hear that.”

“I’m serious.”

Ordinary artisans could never control aura with such finesse, and knights who could didn’t work in carving.

If he hired Luina, he could sell jewelry crafted by her at a much higher price.

‘And if she becomes a Royal Knight, the value would be immeasurable.’

Jewels carved by a Royal Knight. He was sure they’d sell for astronomical sums.

‘And even more if this was her first one…’

Its value was even more brilliant. Fernan immediately closed the lid to keep dust out.

“Thank you. I really like it.”

“I’m glad.”

“I didn’t prepare anything…”

“It’s fine. I’ve already received more than enough from you.”

Of course, she had given him a lot. But just with Luina—one of the most important—he couldn’t fall short.

“This is my return gift.”

He pulled out two boxes of chocolate from his subspace: kraken ink chocolate and World Tree bark chocolate, Luina’s favorites.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t prepare anything?”

“These are always in stock, so they don’t count as preparation.”

“…And you don’t even like chocolate.”

“I don’t, but it’s not forbidden to keep them.”

“…And who said anything?”

A faint blush appeared on Luina’s cheeks.

“How were your holidays? Your aura seems much more stable.”

“I made a small breakthrough.”

“Again?”

So soon after her last revelation?

‘No wonder the prophecy book acknowledged her as Aint’s companion.’

Luina’s potential was truly amazing. Making her his ally right after getting the book was undoubtedly the best decision of his life.

“I was lucky. In a fight against a group of monsters in the snow, I pushed myself to the limit and…”

But as she spoke, Fernan frowned.

Was she saying she nearly died?

It was true that knights and mages often had revelations on the verge of life and death, but that also meant she’d nearly lost her life.

‘After everything I’ve invested in you?’

Like nurturing a tree, watering and feeding it, only for it to almost die before bearing fruit.

He couldn’t allow that. And if she died, he’d drag her back from hell if needed.

Fernan pulled out a top-grade potion from his subspace and handed it to her.

“This is…?”

“Never die, Luina. Never.”

“……”

Her face turned so red it seemed it couldn’t blush any more—but Fernan didn’t notice.

“Fernan Pellenberg.”

Someone approached him at that moment.

Amid long blue hair, black eyes sparkled.

“Carlo Deneb?”

“This semester will be different.”

“Obviously, every semester is different.”

“I mean in grades and the Magic Tournament.”

“Do what you want.”

Fernan had no intention of participating in the tournament. And as long as he shared a carriage with Luina, his grades were secured.

“Did you live on a mountain during break? Your hair’s a mess.”

“…It’s proof I made good use of my vacation.”

“Training in the mountains, I suppose.”

“…Think what you want.”

Carlo returned to his seat.

‘Despair all you want.’

It was cruel to think, but Fernan doubted Carlo could beat Luina even if he gave it his all.

‘And I’m not about to fail exams on purpose to help him.’

He’d never commit such stupidity.

When Fernan looked away from Carlo, he spotted another figure.

‘Ludger?’

Ludger sat beside him.

“It’s been a while, Fernan. Curiously, this vacation was quiet for me.”

“I didn’t do anything unusual either.”

“More than accidents, I’d say you have a talent for always being at the center of trouble. You were in Bercheff last winter, weren’t you?”

Well, that part was true. And though Ludger didn’t know, he’d been in the thick of it this summer too.

“But… nah, never mind.”

Ludger shook his head and looked away just as the professor entered the classroom.

***

“Nice to meet you all. I’m Ahgrot.”

The 21-year-old dwarf stood before the others, his heart pounding, trying to hide it as best he could.

Among the scattered empty seats, dozens of student eyes focused on him.

“Ahgrot is a special student transferring this semester to our academy. It’s not common, but it happens, so don’t discriminate against him for arriving suddenly—treat him well, understood?”

“Yes!”

“A question.”

Someone raised a hand.

“What is it?”

“Does that mean he’s not a new professor, but a student like us?”

“…I’m 21 years old.”

“You heard him. Even if he’s a little scrappy, don’t discriminate and treat him well. Ahkroto, go sit wherever there’s an empty seat.”

“…My name is Ahgrot, professor.”

“Yes, yes, Ahkroto.”

The professor waved his hand dismissively. It wasn’t that he didn’t know the name—he simply didn’t care.

‘Senior Fernan said they’d treat me well…’

What was this professor’s name again? Something like Grad… what else?

Ahgrot quickly searched for an empty seat.

“Sit next to the blond boy with brown eyes. That’s Aint Armian, I know him, so if you mention my name, he’ll treat you well. If you suggest hunting corrupts together, he’ll welcome you with open arms.”

“Are you Aint?”

“You know me…? No, wait, you know who I am?”

Nailed it on the first try.

“Fernan has spoken of you several times.”

“You know senior Fernan…? Ah.”

So Fernan had arranged for him to transfer. Aint understood the situation much better now.

“If Fernan sent you, then…”

Aint’s voice dropped.

“Have you already fought corrupts?”

“Not corrupts—monsters. With a little help from Fernan.”

“I see. Got it.”

Aint held out his hand.

“I’m Aint Armian. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Ahgrot.”

“Silence, everyone. The next one—well, no need for introductions. Sit wherever you like.”

“Yes, professor.”

The second student also sat next to Aint.

“Long time no see, Aint.”

“We saw each other recently.”

“Don’t you remember that was last winter?”

The prodigal son who had left the academy, Varus Dene, was back.

***

After finishing his first class without issue, Fernan requested an audience in the faculty building and received it promptly.

“Well, here comes the idiot.”

Professor Rosalia greeted him with a cigarette in her mouth.

“Talking about me?”

The last time he’d seen her was in Valerich, when they traveled together to attend the reopened Continental Academic Conference.

After that, she had stayed in Valerich until the holidays.

“Didn’t you say that anyone who got someone without merit into the academy was an idiot?”

“I said if it’s someone without aptitude, yes.”

“I didn’t use those words.”

“Well, I’m using them now.”

“So you’re telling me that short dwarf has aptitude.”

“He’s strong. And he’ll be quite useful.”

The oracle had already pointed him out as Aint’s companion.

And both Luina and Aria, the first to join him, were growing powerfully.

Ahgrot was one too—and he would grow even more.

“How did you convince the dean?”

“I made a generous donation.”

It wasn’t just money; he also mentioned the corrupts. It hadn’t been easy, but in the end, it worked.

“What a shame. It would’ve been better if you’d invested in me.”

“Didn’t you finish your research already?”

“For now, yes, but who knows when I’ll start another.”

“They say the rich always want more. With this contract, you already have enough to live comfortably for life.”

“…Did you just say that to me?”

Professor Rosalia was stunned. Her mouth dropped open and the cigarette fell from her lips.

“Must be that the stress of research made me go mad for a moment. Hearing you say that…”

“…Is it really that shocking?”

“Enough. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

Rosalia picked up the cigarette, lit it again, and took a deep drag.

“Thanks for everything.”

“Thanks?”

“Thanks to you, I earned a lot. I owe you.”

“You were the only kid who dared to invest a fortune in me. What you achieved is yours, not mine.”

Back then, her research had potential, but her youth was a big obstacle.

Even though she was recognized as a genius in Vienderk, she was still just a girl.

Not even her own family invested in her. Who would?

They’d think it was just the Duke of Vienderk’s will.

The only one who ignored all that was Fernan, who even as a child understood the real value of money.

“Still, I didn’t expect the results to come so soon.”

She had estimated at least twenty years.

“I’m better than you think.”

“Yes, that’s clear.”

Fernan sat back in the chair.

“So, did you already talk to my father?”

“Yes.”

Rosalia tapped the ash into the ashtray.

“We agreed to do it over the winter break. Thanks to you. That box you gave me opened my eyes.”

“But you said back then it was just a small clue.”

“The more I study it, the deeper it gets.”

“…Have you had another revelation?”

Instead of answering, the professor lit another cigarette.

“…What the hell is in that box?”

“You shouldn’t be asking me.”

“I suppose not…”

Who the hell made it? Did the first emperor have such an amazing mage at his side?

‘The high priest of the Dragon God Cult?’

In his time, he was considered the most powerful mage in the world.

Maybe he was even greater than Fernan had imagined.

“…And have you decided who it’ll be?”

The positions of Archmages and Royal Knights were limited.

For someone to rise, another had to give up their place.

“Duke Yvon is a coward. I told him I didn’t care who it was, but…”

“There’s no point picking the weaker option when there’s a stronger one.”

“With a 0.001% chance, if it’s me, it becomes 100%.”

Professor Rosalia spoke with absolute confidence.

Fernan knew it wasn’t empty confidence—but still, you never know.

“It can’t be taken lightly.”

Because her opponent would be an Archmage.

And her first step couldn’t be a misstep.

Not for her. Not for Fernan. Not for his father.