Chapter 48

Final exams had begun.

“Those who are finished may hand in their exam sheets and leave.”

The first subject Fernan had to take was “Introduction to Runic Language,” the theoretical foundation of magic.

It was a simple test, purely theoretical—almost 90%—that could be solved with just a few notes. Neither difficult nor long.

Fernan filled out all ten pages of the exam and turned them in.

“…Already finished?”

“Wow, for written exams he’s unbelievably fast.”

“Seeing how he always scores the highest, it makes no sense that he’s only ranked 10th in practical exams.”

It was the sixth time it had happened, so it didn’t cause much of a stir.

As always, he felt a burning gaze on him, but nothing more. Probably from Carlo Deneb.

A guy who couldn’t stand losing even a bit in his obsession with being the best.

‘I don’t really care.’

The next subjects were “Understanding of Manual Seals, Spells, and Techniques” and “Structure and Principles of Magic Circles.”

The first involved analyzing the presented spells and techniques and executing them.

The second followed a similar format.

Fernan passed both without difficulty. He was the first to leave the room and the one who completed them best.

With that, the three core courses were done, and what awaited him next was the first combined exam.

A combination of the subjects “Combat, War, and Magic” and “War and Practical Duels.”

“This exam is simple. They’ll divide the students into four teams and have a large-scale confrontation.”

“And what’s that?”

“Exam info.”

“Professor Grad again?”

“They were selling it around, so I bought it.”

“Does that even make sense?”

Fernan replied while flipping a page.

“The teams will be formed by the professors as they please. They’ll likely be balanced. What matters is the environment.”

Depending on the terrain, the way of fighting, preparations, and strategies varied completely.

“Isn’t all that written there?”

“You’re quick. We’re team 3, the terrain is mountainous with hills. A circular field about 5 km wide.”

Fernan closed the documents.

“Are you sure?”

“You asked the wrong question.”

Luina, full of fighting spirit, replied.

“We’re going to win.”

***

The general structure was similar to previous drills.

Each student was given a map, which not only ensured their safety but also determined their elimination.

The only difference was that the previous 100 teams had been reduced to 4.

The goal was to eliminate the others or capture the flags located in enemy bases.

The rules weren’t complicated. It was a commonly used method to train tactics and strategy.

“I’ll announce the teams.”

On the day of the exam, everything was organized just as the document Fernan had acquired had described.

“You are in the northern mountainous region. You must capture the enemy’s flag or eliminate all of their members.”

That brief explanation by Professor Grad was the starting signal.

Each team was taken to their assigned base, and under the supervision of professors and assistants, the test began.

Team 3’s base, which Fernan and Luina belonged to, was on a wooded hill.

The 50 students in the team eyed each other cautiously.

In group combat, unity was key. If everyone gave different opinions without leadership, they would just be a disorganized troop at the mercy of others.

No one there was unaware of that reality.

“Does anyone here want to be the captain?”

At the unexpected question, tension rose.

Several hands went up. Five in total. There were students from both the Knight Department and the Magic Department.

But Fernan didn’t move.

It was important for Luina to become the best, but he had no interest in being captain. Of course, if Luina wanted to do it, he would support her. But he had no intention of nominating himself.

“You’re not going to step up?”

“I don’t have a talent for leading others.”

“Doesn’t seem like you can’t do it.”

“I’m not terrible, but if someone else is better suited, there’s no reason I should do it.”

“Someone better suited?”

Luina stared at him without answering.

“Me?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“After being with you, that’s what I think.”

“I’ve never commanded a troop in front of you.”

“Even so, you’re the only one among us who’s led people in the field.”

She wasn’t wrong, though leading merchants and leading troops were different things.

“Seems the others think so too.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

Fernan stopped. All the students were looking at him.

“Fernan Pellenberg. We believe you’re the most fit to be captain.”

The one who had asked the initial question stepped forward.

What was his name again? Ah, yes—Erun Rahas, 21st in the Magic Department.

“Me?”

“There are two reasons. One, you have the highest rank.”

“But there’s Gert Grotz and Neria Huffman. And Luina too.”

“Luina just gave up the spot. Gert recommended you.”

Fernan turned his head.

Among the crowd, he saw Gert Grotz with a mocking smile, and his companion Neria Huffman sighing as she gave a slight bow.

“And the second reason?”

“You’re the only one with real experience leading people.”

“Working in a caravan and a simulated battle aren’t the same.”

“The rest of us haven’t even done that. Also, you’re number one in theory. No one beats you there.”

Fernan looked silently at Luina. Her shining gaze softened his heart.

He didn’t want to do it. He really didn’t. But if Luina wanted it…

And if this could push ruin a bit further away.

“Alright.”

After all, turning Luina into the best was the goal, and this was the surest way.

“Since you chose me, trust me completely. If you do, I’ll lead you to victory.”

He was confident. He could already guess who the captains of the other teams would be.

“Alright, captain. What’s our first order? Defend the base?”

“We’re not doing something foolish like that.”

Fernan spread the map and pinpointed the positions of the other teams.

“Immediately send messengers to team 2 and team 4.”

A person used to being above others. With real experience leading troops.

And therefore, the most advantageous in this test.

“We’ll eliminate Ludger Schwaben first.”

You take down public enemies before anyone else.

Together with everyone.

***

Just as Fernan had foreseen, the representative of Team 1 was Ludger Schwaben.

“We trust in His Highness.”

Excluding Almon, he held the highest position. He was a prince and also had experience leading knights, so there was no better candidate.

“Yes, trust me.”

Ludger also accepted it as something natural.

“Of course I’m going to win.”

Defeat wasn’t in his plans.

It was true that he had been defeated by Fernan during the practice, but that was only because he was caught completely off guard. Now that the sword had been drawn, there was no way he’d lose.

“First we’ll send a reconnaissance unit to assess the situation of the other teams and strengthen our defenses.”

With the four teams observing each other, the first to move recklessly was more likely to be eliminated.

Ludger began to plan how to devour them one by one, with patience.

“Set traps around the perimeter.”

The camp had supplies for open-field combat. About thirty minutes passed.

“Your Highness, we have a problem! Team 2 is heading this way!”

“How many?”

“Around 30 people, it seems.”

“Looks like they left only minimal defense and are bringing almost everyone here.”

At Almon’s words, Ludger nodded. At that moment, the students sent to scout the other teams returned.

“Several dozen from Team 3 are also coming this way!”

“Team 4 too, same!”

“This is…”

The students swallowed hard. No one was so dumb as to not understand what that meant.

“They allied?”

Ludger let out a chuckle. In an instant, he knew who was behind it all.

“…Fernan Pellenberg. Seems we think alike.”

He had also planned to eliminate Fernan and Luina first, but they beat him to it.

“What do we do, Your Highness?”

“What else? We resist.”

Just because they had allied didn’t mean he would fall without a fight. And it wasn’t impossible to hold out.

Even though three teams were coming, they had all left some people behind to defend their bases.

Approximately 90 people were approaching. Almost double Team 1’s 50, but that didn’t mean all was lost.

“We’ve been setting traps for half an hour. They’re not a well-coordinated regular army. If we hold out, we might just make it.”

“Wouldn’t that just delay the defeat?”

“That’s why we won’t just defend. We’ll attack too. Almon.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ludger unfolded the map and pointed to Team 4’s location.

“There should only be stragglers at their base. Think you can sneak in and steal the flag?”

“Doesn’t seem impossible. But if I leave, won’t that be a big disadvantage? I’m the only one who can stop Luina.”

“Don’t worry. Fernan knows me well, that’s why he planned this. But I know Fernan just as well.”

Ludger smiled.

“Fernan and Luina won’t go all out. Same with Gert and Neria. In that case, it’s not impossible to hold out.”

“Understood. But… why Team 4 and not Team 2?”

Team 2 was closer in terms of distance. In a situation where you didn’t know how long you could hold, it made sense to reduce a team as soon as possible.

“It’s simple. Because Team 2 has Carlo.”

“You don’t mean…?”

Ludger replied with an ambiguous smile.

Just before the alliance reached Team 1’s camp, Almon silently infiltrated.

***

Meanwhile, Fernan, who had instigated the students to attack Team 1, gave Luina a secret instruction.

“Luina, if we arrive and the battle unfolds as planned, don’t go all out. Just cooperate enough.”

“If it unfolds? You’re implying there might not be a fight? And what do you mean by ‘just cooperate’?”

“You’ll understand the first part when we get there. The second means that if it happens, we shouldn’t finish the fight too quickly.”

If they eliminated Ludger’s Team 1, who would be the next target? Fernan believed with 90% certainty it would be him.

There were many reasons.

Because his grades had improved recently. Because Luina Bercheff was highly prominent.

And because he was the one who orchestrated this operation.

The students weren’t stupid. They’d think about what came after taking down Team 1.

But the same went for Fernan. That’s why he wanted to buy time.

Wait for Ludger to do something. Let the other teams suffer more damage.

“…That’s cowardice.”

“In combat, there is no cowardice, Luina. Only victory.”

Just as there’s no dirty money, only useful money.

“Would you rather be a cowardly champion or an honorable loser? Your choice.”

“…Cha… champion… no, lo… ugh.”

“You must be the champion. It’s the first step to becoming a Royal Knight.”

“…I’ll be the winner.”

Luina bit her lip hard.

“Good. Don’t forget, Luina. Victory is justice.”

“……”

“This is an act of redemption for asking something unfair of a righteous knight.”

“…Kraken ink chocolate?”

“A luxury delicacy.”

She brought the truffle to her mouth. Her previously gloomy expression instantly lit up with joy.

“No matter the process, victory will be as sweet as this.”

“…Yeah, you didn’t have to do all that, I’ll do it anyway.”

Perfect.

Fernan smiled.