Chapter 54

Once can be a mistake.

Twice, a coincidence.

But three times is fate.

When Fernan took first place in practice, some thought it was because of others’ mistakes.

When he was first in the midterm exam, they said it was only because it was switched to a written test due to a fortuitous incident.

But the third time—

When even in the final exam of Battle, War, and Magic he again took first place, no one could say it was luck anymore.

It was inevitable. Fernan Pellenberg’s talent was real, and everyone understood that he had been hiding it until now.

【Fernan Pellenberg and Luina Bercheff also take victory in Battle, War, and Magic. One step away from being the best of the year?】

“Hmm.”

In a lush forest, a red-haired elf sat on the branch of a tree, humming as she flipped through the newspaper.

Tick.

With a light snap of her fingers, the spirits summoned a gentle breeze. The forest’s energy tenderly caressed the branch of the World Tree.

“When everything goes so well, it’s almost scary.”

“What exactly has gone so well?”

“You, senior. Look at this.”

Aria held out the newspaper. Fernan, looking up at her from below, read it.

“They say there’s a good chance you’ll become the best of the year.”

“And?”

“It’s just that I’m very happy my first marquis friend is doing so well.”

“You seem to be misunderstanding something.”

Crack. A mound of dirt shot up and tore the newspaper apart.

“We were never friends.”

“Then let’s call it an alliance. A great demonic alliance against demons. In any case, to me, you’re the closest person.”

Aria smiled carefreely.

“Are you an outcast or something?”

“Of course not! I could ostracize the whole world if I wanted to, but the world could never ostracize me.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

“I mean it.”

Even smiling, her pure, bright eyes weren’t showing everything. Fernan felt there was something more.

Then he changed the subject.

“Any strange energy in the World Tree branch?”

“None. It’s clean as always, not a speck of dust.”

Fernan secretly checked the surveillance spheres he had hidden. Other than Aria, no one had approached the World Tree branch.

They still haven’t come close.

That reassured him, but also left a faint unease.

What if I’ve gotten too involved and that’s changed the future?

What if the corrupted were hiding even more? What if their plan had already shifted?

What if Andromalius’s appearance no longer happened, and Aint lost his chance to fight a demon? And if, in the end, an inexperienced Aint was defeated by demons who had prepared more thoroughly?

What if that led to Fernan’s total downfall…?

A nightmare. A future that must never happen.

“If you notice any anomaly, no matter how small, tell me immediately.”

“Don’t worry. It’s a matter related to the Mother Tree. I’ll do everything I can.”

“And what’s the situation over there?”

“You mean my father?”

The Fridian family, together with the elves, had witnessed the monsters and detected the activity of the corrupted.

It wouldn’t be strange if they started to act.

“It’s quiet. Don’t you remember you asked me yourself not to say anything about the monsters and corrupted for a while?”

“I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”

“Of course! It’s a request from the senior closest to me at the academy.”

She lowered her voice as if it were a secret, even though no one was around.

“Not even my father knows yet.”

“You’re obsessed with relationships.”

“And you with money. Maybe that’s why we make a good team.”

It wasn’t clear if she was being serious or joking.

But Fernan decided to assume it was a lie. He couldn’t imagine someone deceiving the head of the family and acting on their own.

“How are the final exams going?”

“Not bad. Although against that noble from the Dragon God Cult I don’t stand a chance, right below him I’m doing fine.”

“I see.”

It made sense. She was the companion of the hero proclaimed by the prophecy book. Having that level of talent was normal.

And besides, he, who won with money, was in no position to worry about anyone else.

***

Despite taking first place in Battle, War, and Magic thanks to his excellent improvisation and sound strategies, the final exam wasn’t over yet.

Several subjects remained, including two more worth five credits each: Magical Survival Techniques and Study of Monsters and Magical Beasts.

Although the three subjects—Battle, War, and Magic, Magical Survival Techniques, and Study of Monsters and Magical Beasts—were different courses, they were deeply related.

Naturally, the contents of the three exams also had many similarities.

“The exam setting for Magical Survival Techniques will be the snowy northern region. You will have to survive there for four days. Nothing will be provided, and your enemies will not only be the harsh conditions but also the monsters.”

Luckily, there was no direct competition between students this time, but on the other hand, the level of the monsters was higher. Still, the exam results were somewhat different from before.

The academy’s students weren’t stupid. They had suffered through several situations already, so they prepared as best they could, which was especially evident in the Magical Survival Techniques exam.

Ludger and Carlo, in particular, were confident.

“It’s not like you’re the only one who can use money, you know? Maybe not on the Pellenberg level, but the Schwaben are also a family with money to throw around anywhere in the Empire.”

“If we’re on equal footing, there’s no reason for me to lose to you.”

Amid constant blizzards and monster attacks, Fernan and Luina managed to survive until the end.

But perhaps because of artifact use, there were more survivors than expected. Since the evaluation was relative, not absolute, among the survivors other factors were considered.

Carlo Deneb, the student with the highest offensive power among the second years, and Alia Torta were the ones who hunted the most monsters and took first place.

Ludger and Almon came in second.

Fernan and Luina were pushed to third place.

And to top it off—

“We’ve received the reports. They say the fever over the exam got out of control and artifacts, elixirs, and potions were used far too often.”

“That’s why we’re going to cool that enthusiasm a bit. In the next Study of Monsters and Magical Beasts exam, the use of any external item is prohibited.”

The worst possible news for Fernan.

“…It’s not like without artifacts I lose all my skill, right?”

“You do. I depend on money more than you think.”

The Study of Monsters and Magical Beasts exam was simple—hunting large monsters using mannequins.

It was evaluated based on how quickly and in how much coordination they managed to bring down ten monsters of different characteristics, which appeared one after another.

“But I think you’re the one who knows best and understands how to use the monsters’ traits.”

“I’m not so sure. If someone made it this far, they’ve probably already memorized the basic traits of most of them.”

“But not everyone knows how to use them efficiently when facing them, right?”

“That, you’re right about.”

“Then that’s enough.”

And indeed, it was. Fernan explained the most efficient method for handling each monster, and Luina executed it with astonishing speed.

“…Your skill?”

“I’m working hard not to be a burden. Thanks to that, lately I’ve had small achievements.”

Thanks to Luina’s unexpected performance, they both took second place in Study of Monsters and Magical Beasts.

“We won again.”

“At last, I was able to properly show you my skills, Your Highness.”

Ludger and Almon took first place, but that didn’t change the overall picture much.

Once the group exams were over, the individual ones began.

【Second Year, First Semester – Department of Magic Grade Ranking】
【1st: Fernan Pellenberg
2nd: Carlo Deneb
3rd: Rudger Schwaben
4th: …】

【Second Year, First Semester – Department of Knights Grade Ranking】
【1st: Luina Bercheff
2nd: Almon Donertz
3rd: Harold Volkan
4th: …】

After the exams came the results everyone had been waiting for.

Fernan and Luina, who had caused a stir since the start of the semester, finally rose to first place.

【Final Ranking – Second Year, First Semester – Department of Magic】
【Best Student: Fernan Pellenberg
Second Place: Carlo Deneb
Third Place: Rudger Schwaben
4th: Daisy…】

【Final Ranking – Second Year, First Semester – Department of Knights】
【Best Student: Luina Bercheff
Second Place: Almon Donertz
Third Place: Alia…】

The positions that had remained almost fixed all year finally shifted.

***

Ever since he enrolled, Almon had never lost first place, so dropping to second was quite an event.

And Fernan, who had been in tenth place, rising to become the top of the semester was even more shocking.

“…Did Fernan really get first place?”

“From tenth to first in a single semester? He was definitely hiding his skill. Why show it now of all times?”

“Luina finally became the best!”

“Congratulations, Luina!”

“I can’t believe I dropped…”

“This is the first time I’ve lost first place.”

In front of the board with the grades and rankings, many students gathered.

Some were surprised at the change, others offered congratulations, some were upset, and others were filled with competitiveness.

“…I got first.”

But the main person responsible for all of it didn’t seem particularly happy.

“You wanted it so much, and now you don’t seem pleased.”

“More than that… I feel like I didn’t quite earn it by myself. Without your help, it would’ve been impossible.”

“What a useless thought.”

Is this upright guy really worrying about that? Fernan thought with an ironic smile. It felt like he came from a completely different world.

“We were partners, and a pair is a team. We got the result together, so there’s nothing to worry about. I wouldn’t have had these results without you either.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“I was never a burden?”

“Not even once.”

“I see.”

Luina nodded lightly. Even so—

“Next time, I’ll work harder.”

“As much as you like. Congratulations on your first place. You’ve taken one step closer to your goal.”

“Thank you. Congratulations to you too. I hope we work just as well together next semester.”

“Of course.”

Luina gave a polite bow and left with her friends.

“You’re looking good.”

“Ludger.”

“Honestly, I didn’t expect it. The moment the second semester started, you came out swinging so hard I completely let my guard down.”

“You didn’t seem so relaxed during the final exam.”

“The midterms hit me hard.”

And since the midterms were all written tests, Fernan had benefited considerably.

Though, due to their particular nature, this final evaluation placed more weight on the final exams than on the midterms.

“Anyway, congratulations. But be clear on this—there won’t be a second time.”

“Wasn’t it your spot to begin with?”

“Don’t you feel the fierce eyes of its original owner?”

Not far away, Carlo was biting his lip in front of the board. He was the one who lost the most from Fernan’s sudden rise.

‘Originally, Luina and Carlo were partners.’

If that had stayed the same, the results would have been very different. But that wasn’t something Fernan cared about. At most, he felt a little bad.

“Any plans for the break?”

“I’m going back home.”

“What boring vacations.”

But they weren’t boring. Just thinking about everything he’d do once he returned to his family’s territory made him excited.

After chatting a bit more, Ludger left, and Fernan moved to another board.

【Department of Knights Ranking – First Year, First Semester】
【1st: Valoshi Bienderk
2nd: Aint Armian
3rd: Verian Kalburdern
4th: Varus Dene…】

“Hmm.”

Aint Armian, despite having ranked 38th in the entrance exam, had achieved a surprisingly good result.

“Not bad at all.”

He wasn’t first, which was a shame, but that didn’t mean Aint lacked talent—only that Valoshi Bienderk was even more outstanding.

Truly, not bad at all.

***

Valoshi Bienderk, always friendly for no apparent reason.

Aria Fridian, thirsty for social connections, even more insistent than Valoshi.

Luina Bercheff, who had fallen in love at first sight and had approached him first.

And Varus Dene, whom he befriended during the break while working as a mercenary.

In total, Aint Armian had four companions.

Perhaps more would join later, but for now, these were all Fernan had been able to confirm in the prophecy book.

And the last one to approach Aint was the Mercenary King’s disciple, Varus Dene.

After Andromalius’s arrival, Varus would end up fighting alongside Aint, and from that, they would grow closer.

But Fernan intended to alter that future a little.

“Varus Dene. I want to hire you and your mercenary group.”

“Senior Fernan? Gladly! If it’s a request, I’m always willing. And even more so if you’re the one asking. I know you’ll pay well.”

Varus smiled greedily.

“The job is…”

Fernan already knew, from the prophecy book, which requests Aint would accept. He planned to include Varus and his group in that job.

Since he had already altered the course of events several times, it was likely that the dangers Aint would face were now even greater than foretold.

‘Although the safest thing would be to prepare myself, I can’t do it.’

Andromalius’s arrival would happen right before the end of the break. And for that near day, he needed at least one ace up his sleeve.

‘Varus Dene and his group should be enough.’

Varus was fourth in the Department of Knights, with enough talent to be Aint’s companion, and his group was made up of the best chosen by the Mercenary King.

They would be more than sufficient as escorts.

Even if he recruited them a little early, the future shouldn’t change too much.

After signing the contract with Varus, Fernan stretched.

Thus ended the long, long first semester of the second year.