Chapter 39

“…He filled the entire dueling field with magic.”

“It doesn’t look like he used a complex spell. He just crushed it with pure mana volume.”

“Crude, but effective.”

“How much mana does that guy have?”

“It’s obvious that’s not something just anyone can do.”

“Why was he hiding that ability all this time?”

Once could be a coincidence. But when something happens two or three times in a row, it stops being chance and becomes certainty.

Even though the students were surprised to see how Fernan ended the dummy training in a single blow, they no longer showed the same astonishment as before.

Because from the very first training, it had become clear that Fernan had been hiding his true strength all along.

Though no one knew why.

“…This I did not expect.”

Professor Balmon gave a light round of applause.

“It’s not a tactic that can be used outside the confined duel field, but we can say he made excellent use of the current environment.”

At the academy, they taught you to use everything at your disposal.

And using the enclosed space of the duel arena was also a demonstration of skill.

Following Fernan and Luina, other pairs began managing to immobilize their respective dummies and claimed victory.

“They said it was 53 seconds?”

“Jeez, that’s crazy…”

“That’s even possible?”

“Was Fernan really that strong?”

Ludger and Carlo’s reactions were especially intense.

“How have you lived hiding that strength? Aren’t you worried it’ll cost you your second place?”

“Don’t exaggerate.”

“Exaggerating? I don’t think so.”

Ludger smiled at Fernan’s reply.

“Looks like you’re adjusting to your partner, but… are you aiming for first place too? Carlo, if you don’t push harder, he’s going to take your spot.”

“I won’t lose that position, Your Highness.”

With eyes full of fury, Carlo glared at Fernan.

“Just standing out a little doesn’t mean you can reach the top so easily. The academy isn’t that generous.”

“That’s true.”

Though if it were that easy, it would be disappointing too.

The murmur he added under his breath made Carlo frown.

“In any case, Almon. We also have to give it our all. We can’t lose to a second and tenth-ranked pair when we’re first and second.”

“Of course, Your Highness. That’s what makes it a ‘surprise’—because it’s unlikely.”

Almon flashed a faint smile, showing his motivation. When his eyes met Luina’s, sparks practically flew.

Though with varying intensity, even those in the top ranks were showing their competitive spirit.

“That’s enough. Return to your seats. Don’t hold up the class.”

The tense confrontation ended with Professor Balmon’s intervention.

Thus, the hundred pairs fought against the dummies, but none managed to beat the 53-second mark.

***

“Luina.”

“Yes.”

“We have several dummies made by the Order in the main house. If you’d like, I can bring one for your training.”

“Really?”

Seeing Luina’s joyful expression, Fernan finally relaxed.

“Ah, no, that would be too much.”

“Don’t worry, it’s no trouble at all.”

Still, Luina shook her head again, but Fernan had already decided to bring it.

He would just drop it off and say that since it was already there, it’d be a waste not to use it.

‘I underestimated a knight’s pride.’

Fernan scolded himself and promised not to make that mistake again.

“But are you really revealing your abilities because of me?”

At that moment, Luina threw a different kind of question. Maybe she had been thinking about it since her talk with Rudger.

“What if I say no?”

“It’s not because of me?”

“No, it is.”

He had no intention of standing out in the classes he took on his own, but at least in those he shared with Luina, he made a point to try.

“We’re partners. Your goal is to be the best, and since you’re accommodating my whims, it’s only fair I do my part too.”

The real reason, of course, was to avoid the worst possible future.

If the one who caused disaster was a nobody, the most efficient response would be to eliminate them. But if the cause was a future Royal Knight… well.

If necessary, he’d build her a golden house.

‘Though it’d be fake gold, of course.’

He wouldn’t destroy it just to prove it.

“…”

Suddenly, Luina seemed speechless.

“…Your face looks a little red, don’t you think?”

“It’s your imagination. Good work today. See you in the next joint class.”

Luina walked away briskly. Hmm, maybe it came off as a pickup line.

That wasn’t the intention, but thinking about it, it could be taken that way.

‘If it’s a misunderstanding, I’ll clear it up later.’

It wasn’t something worth worrying too much about.

“Hmm, I didn’t come at a bad time, did I?”

“Stop talking nonsense and let’s go eat, Gert.”

“This is the first time I’ve seen Luina react like that. Is that why you ditched me and partnered with her?”

“You never shut up, do you?”

The one leaning against the wall, clapping, was Gert Valor. Sixth in the Department of Knights, and Fernan’s original intended partner.

But ever since Fernan got the prophecy book and partnered with Luina, that no longer mattered.

“That’s my charm, don’t you think?”

“A commoner like you sure doesn’t hold back, huh?”

“Weren’t you the one who said skill is all that matters?”

“That’s why I still keep you around.”

“And I’m still here because it pays well, young master.”

“Isn’t it for the money?”

“The benefits I get are quite sweet, yes.”

Gert didn’t hide his ambitions.

That was one reason Fernan trusted him to some extent.

No one in this world hates money. And if they say so, they’re either crazy… or hiding something worse.

At least, those who show their ambitions openly are less likely to betray you if you keep them satisfied.

Fernan took Gert to a luxury restaurant owned by the Golden Turtle Guild.

As they crossed the crowd and reached a private room, a woman who had been sitting alone at a table stood up.

“Senior, I’ve been waiting for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes. Please, have a seat here.”

Fernan frowned at her casual demeanor as she pointed to the seat across from her.

“Did we arrange to meet?”

“No, I just thought you might come by.”

“And why would you think that?”

“You like the food here, don’t you? It’s the place you visit most often.”

That was true. The restaurant was run by a chef brought in especially from the continent, and Fernan liked it a lot.

“You researched me?”

“No, I confirmed it personally.”

The young woman blinked with an innocent expression. Her pointed ears twitched as well.

How curious. Are all elves like that?

“If you have something to say, make an appointment. I’m busy, Aria Fridian.”

As Fernan walked past her, a phrase she murmured under her breath made him stop.

“How odd. Didn’t you receive a letter from the family?”

“…It was you.”

At last, the question that had been bothering him all morning began to clear up.

“That’s right. It was because of me that…”

“Follow me.”

“Oh dear, I just remembered something. I’ll excuse myself.”

Gert, understanding the situation, vanished immediately, and Aria followed Fernan to a private room on the restaurant’s third floor.

“Talk.”

“Did you receive the letter?”

“The Fridian Family demanded that I be the one responsible. Was that your doing?”

“That’s right. I had a hand in it.”

Aria smiled sweetly.

“There are others in the guild more capable than me. If you chose me and came to speak in person, there must be a good reason.”

“Big if seen as big, small if seen as small. But yes, there is a reason.”

She nodded firmly.

Fernan couldn’t understand it. In every transaction, someone had to benefit.

But in this case, if he participated, there didn’t seem to be any clear gain — at least, not from what he could see.

“What is it?”

However, if something was being hidden, that changed everything.

“What did the letter say?”

“Nothing special. Just that there was an agreement between the academy and your family, and that various goods were being exchanged.”

Among those goods were spirit stones and World Tree leaves — extremely costly items that couldn’t be obtained easily without the elves’ help.

He didn’t know what the academy had offered in return, but it must have been something quite valuable.

“That’s right. But that’s just a facade.”

“A facade? You mean there’s more?”

“Exactly.”

Aria paused.

“Don’t beat around the bush. I’ve lived as a merchant. I’ve seen everything — strange and priceless things. You think you can surprise me? Unless you’re planning to transport the entire World Tree…”

But that was something impossible from the start. The elves would never commit such madness.

“That’s right.”

“Yeah, that would never… what did you say?”

Did I hear that right?

“It’s the World Tree. More precisely, a branch of the World Tree.”

“…You’re bringing a branch of the World Tree to the academy?”

It was true it didn’t hold the same importance as the tree itself.

But that didn’t mean its value could be underestimated. Even if called a “branch,” it wasn’t just any branch.

It was a sprout the World Tree produced only once every hundred years. An extension of the tree itself.

By itself, it contained the spirit of the forest and deep mana, and was an object that constantly influenced its surroundings.

“They’re delivering something like that? What the hell did the academy promise in exchange?”

“You didn’t think I’d tell you that, did you? And they say you’re a great merchant, senior. What a letdown.”

“…I admit I let myself slip.”

Fernan quickly regained composure.

A branch of the World Tree was, without a doubt, an astounding item. He didn’t know what the academy had offered in return, but that wasn’t what concerned him at the moment.

“I see. I understand the importance of all this. Is that why you insisted I be responsible?”

“Yes.”

Aria smiled after a brief pause.

“If the heir of a noble house is responsible, the weight of the duty changes entirely.”

It was a clear sign of how important this was for the elves.

“And, while we’re at it, I want to use this opportunity to strengthen ties with the future duke. Remember I told the assistant I wanted to get along with all the princely houses?”

“You’re coming too?”

“The academy’s been very generous. I think I’ll be able to validate this as fieldwork.”

Of course they would allow it. They weren’t receiving just anything — it was a branch of the World Tree.

“I’m not interested in your second reason. But I understand everything you’ve said.”

Fernan leaned back in his chair.

“Going in circles, we’re back where we started — you want me to be responsible for the guild.”

He rested against the backrest with a disinterested expression.

“Then tell me, what are you offering me in return?”

They were the ones who bowed first. That gave him the power.

***

Early in the morning, Fernan opened his eyes.

[“Looks like they’re going to replace the professor of spirit magic.

Maybe there was some deal between the Fridian Family and the Imperial Academy, since the family donated various items related to spirit magic.

The academy prepared to receive them, and Fernan Pellenberg was appointed responsible to transport them safely.”]

[—They’re replacing the professor just because they got a few spirit magic materials?

“Yes.”

— Hmm, something doesn’t add up…

“Aria told me not to say, but I’ll tell you anyway.”

— What is it?

“Among those materials is a branch of the World Tree. That’s why she’s coming in person.”

—A branch of the World Tree! No wonder the academy is in a frenzy! But why give up something like that? Have the Fridian gone mad?]

[“It doesn’t seem to be growing well. Maybe because it was relocated?”

— There weren’t any problems during transport?

“No, Aria said nothing happened.”

— Then stay out of it. Let those pointy-eared folks and the academy handle it. It’s vacation time, isn’t it? Get ready to suffer like a dog during the holidays.”]

[Sky dyed in dark red.

People out of control, tainted by demonic energy. A rift opening, and demons descending on the world.

At the center of it all was the branch of the World Tree.

— It’s the branch of the World Tree! It’s acting as the most powerful mana source in the summoning circle!]

Though he had read the whole prophecy book, he was annoyed not to recall what came right after. But that worry vanished instantly.

Because another, far more alarming concern took its place.

“…”

This wasn’t the first time. By now, he should be used to it. But he wasn’t.

The pain in his head, the content of the vision — it was all horrifying.

“Wasn’t nothing supposed to have happened!? And why does it become a catalyst right when I’m the one in charge!?”

Fernan’s body was drenched in cold sweat, and his eyes were bloodshot.

A nightmare.

A cursed nightmare showing him, step by step, the path to ruin.