Chapter 8
2iuWnThe classroom was now empty; all the students had left.EZt
P73Grad and Rosalia projected a complete map of the northern mountainous region onto the front wall.FQdUY
R7MOn the wide map of the northwest mountains, each pair’s location was updated in real-time.5c3
QwfjThis was possible because the maps given to students weren’t only imbued with defensive magic to detect elimination—they also had a real-time tracking spell.8ff5n4
y0g4An assistant instructor reported the situation: student eliminations were occurring faster than expected. And most importantly, none of them were eliminated by monsters.0zxnqp
FhuUAlthough only four hours had passed since practical training began, eleven pairs had already been eliminated.HSX
oCpNMAlmost a tenth of all participants were out, far exceeding expectations.pwJan
dFAVGThe fact that none had fallen to monsters meant only one thing: conflicts between students.KC6
zo6Three pairs stood out.RmDRzl
rsGLudger Schwaben & Almon Donertz; Carlo Deneb & Alia Torta; and Luina Bercheff & Fernan Pallenberg.DXtm
VwmXo“Fernan Pellenberg? What do you make of that, Professor Rosalia?”COqyVY
wUDs6K“It’s a bit unexpected. Fernan isn’t one to take such a step. Maybe he’s just matching Luina’s pace. She’s the kind of student who always gives her all—almost terrifyingly so.”PyD9
UKV8iXYFor Professor Rosalia, it was a real surprise. The Fernan she had observed over the last year was more merchant than noble—valuing profit and pragmatism over honor or prestige.OVXEB
w9GFrankly, the fact he teamed up with Luina at all was hard to understand.iArabg
QJ426vF“Could it be for money again? But if so, then Fernan shouldn’t settle for Luina.”HFbhFn
XO6“If he’s doing it, it must be because he sees it as more profitable.”ajBC7F
1MTolTzFernan was the kind of student who always prioritized gains. That was the Fernan Rosalia had come to know during the past year.d4yv7
tEP“The only thing pairing with Luina and following her would yield is high scores. But hasn’t he been indifferent to grades until now?”PsyK0
NFLlaUw“Fernan recently visited the Pellenberg estate. The Duke may have given him new orders.”82lI
2zW“That would make sense.”4pah7
prJ8zGrad stroked his chin.xFExK
Ydy7Rj“Well, it’s not that important. Professor Rosalia, in your opinion, who’s likely to win?”SgEedC
jF26S“Most likely one of the three pairs I mentioned before.”8Z8mAt7
UNXn“More specifically?”uxFvaZ
CA1l“All are strong contenders. I can’t give a definite answer.”YxL07
jRN“Steadfast as always.”rqGORN
EeoGrad’s gaze shifted as he noticed two markers converging.xwLKdDy
AAZH8M“At minimum, we’re about to go from three possibilities to two.”gLuD
jMl4eP“They might cross paths and then move on separately.”3De
rKx“Possibly.”1MjyfZ
T7izGrad stepped onto the magic circle.VAvz
TNxzJ“Are you going out?”0taa
AZZOtd1“If they clash, the assistants alone can’t guarantee their safety. Stay here and continue monitoring the situation.”N2e
0bM“Yes, sir.”bDoHE6
5X5kWith a flash of light, Grad vanished.yoG0VV5
a1uuLeft alone in the classroom, Rosalia sat down again and resumed watching the map.E0FaGmd
oumBShe could see many markers moving quickly: some encountering each other and clashing before fleeing, some seeking others to capture for extra points, others heading north, focused only on their destination.RTJ0D
w7SAmong the chaotic points, Rosalia’s gaze fixed on two.0quknE
kS98J“…Ludger Schwaben, Fernan Pallenberg.”D7s
y985fThe two most prominent second-year students.fgPc
mt8eOw***RX3jE
OMYJane Hux from the Knight Department and Ned Palan from the Magic Department had been eliminated—extra points went to Luina Bercheff (Knight) and Fernan Pallenberg (Magic).BoDjqI
hEikJust after Luina incapacitated Jane, an assistant teleported them away.fsUTJ
sBJThe map not only displayed locations but also protected students and served as official proof of elimination.nKGzKeW
FibXf“With the defensive magic active, we no longer have to hold back in combat.”V65EuQ
lKK“Was that you holding back?”Ke79
17K0FS“I tried to stop just before the hit. But with the defensive magic, it wasn’t necessary.”EcgG0D
KI3YO5“She looked like she was about to pass out.”a6p
jliwHz“Jane’s usually a bit timid. She’ll need to fix that if she wants to become a knight.”iuE9Rr
Gag9HLuina genuinely cared about her. Noticing that continuing the conversation would only give him a headache, Fernan changed the subject.EpSXu
iq5XTbi“So, where to now?”sOZ2
s0geDThe two floated above the terrain using Fernan’s magic, surveying the land.abbuRq
bUuU3aZA vast mountain range lay beneath them.dJNTYN
xhaiX“The area marked on the map is the northern coast, and we should be somewhere around here.”bcvpm
GfpZP“The western mountain range, huh?”Zqp
JXpThe northern region was the academy’s largest terrain segment, split into east and west.D02M
RRrzg“We’ll need to head northeast.”Eifqz
frvS“Alright then.”Fd3IXwV
yatFernan dispelled the magic. The towering cliff beneath them receded.eqU
DnBlz“There were quite a few people nearby, right?”7HCngE5
Y65“Yes.”xkr
Sp8Pbw“What do you want to do?”pXZRG
0TAZ“Do I really need to answer that?”fYHIm9
Z9aAs expected, a slight smile curved Fernan’s lips.9sHg
pKDEvery year there was one outstanding student and one second-tier. But only a few become Royal Knights.nuz42vc
cTozYet, the prophecy had mentioned it—and so far, every prophecy had come true.ayF2GFH
N0IThat’s why he decided to confirm it himself.ai15Kzi
Po1odd“You can never verify something too many times.”U03ui
gVGg3YAfter all, he was a merchant. A single mistake or misinformation could mean catastrophic losses. He was someone who always questioned, researched, and sought increasing assurance.3jxqce
qNrNYFOHe didn’t intend to settle for one or two rounds. His alliance with Luina was both a means to earn her favor and a test of his capabilities.ys9F
TD2ZZ5“To the west.”LYj95
rhG6C“The west, huh?”AAjrKl
3r9The presence came from the west.JvjLi
6MS“I’ll go ahead before we lose track of them.”QX0aRWD
vsE2Luina launched off the ground and shot ahead like an arrow.WwHbVjt
3E9“It’s not that I intended to hang back.”Hpc6
rytpHpW“…What’s that supposed to mean?”rGTR4gN
pG6“You have to use magic. It spares a lot of physical strain.”abgu
AcqRumble.TT4hkbm
tl5rZhFernan stood still with arms crossed. Yet, the ground flowed on its own, forming beneath Luina and keeping pace with her.ue1u
EdVJ1p“I’ve never seen that magic before.”8Y6
bSn3Y“I learned it quickly from a family mage. I hate sweating.”yKVe
Ij2AXo“Moving your body alone keeps illness at bay.”5QmJzY
6T13o“Mana handles that. It keeps me healthy.”K4vD
UOABQC“…You’re a very lazy merchant.”n1KZ
9VXq“…What did you say?”tSLg
yALv“Nothing.”pZ31E
nuDALuina drew her sword. Its polished blade sharply reflected sunlight.w6nPD6
rlN6DJV“That’s Luina!”Kqc
dbbT4W“Run!”LJMfRdk
VDZLa3“Damn it, of all people!”jE0H9O
N93vThe battle began.MrMVTwh
udCnIn fact, the second‑ranked student was worthy of her title. As Fernan watched Luina fight, he thought that.6KuEi
QJtsXyJAint Armian’s impression of her as “beautiful” was not wrong.K6o
M4AILuina Bercheff’s swordsmanship was swift, elegant, and noble in appearance.iDPQ
Ecw‘So that’s it…’Ae7bI
2LAeV…The secret fencing style of the family of guardians who had protected the empire’s northern border—coveted by his father.jP3
42bkWatching it awakened a desire within him. But he shook his head quickly.dgQ6Y2g
dhHA great merchant must pursue the greatest profit in the distance, not the small gain that lies before his eyes.blmJ4V
0O13Oo2The battle ended in an instant, without Fernan needing to intervene. Partly because their opponents were lower‑ranked, but the most important reason was Luina’s overwhelming strength.NxU
VovGuxL“Good job.”GLm
F3KVLz“It wasn’t particularly difficult.”P24mnFy
awWSRBG“You say that, but it looks like you rolled around quite a bit.”hLm1
XuBr“I’m not hurt.”jGLAgT
PmACsLuina replied calmly. Her armor was simply dirty from dust kicked up by the magic.2Mn
NfFe“Then we should save a potion.”mxc9h1d
FX3F“You sure have a way of making even the most ordinary comments sound annoying.”shWs
DAUfX“And you have a gift for taking jokes way too seriously.”8jG0h
rLT25YxFernan shrugged and handed her a piece of cured meat. Luina took it silently and began chewing.YSq5E
b1i2gb“Should we start looking for the next pair…?”lBC6l
ghA8xFShe stopped mid‑sentence. Fernan followed her gaze.8tlaEt
DzlLNNot far away, they sensed a presence—entirely different from any earlier encounter.GnpWJeo
e7X6lAnd then.lmZ
RkTvmoL“…Carlo?”UKABL
cWEGcQrSomeone appeared.xxQwnU
mNYoX5Carlo Deneb, the top student of the second‑year Magic Department.MCc5no
A6JBBeing among the empire’s hundred assembled prodigies (and even from neighboring realms) was no easy feat.6Pp
wt7ncThe title “outstanding student” alone proved his ability and strength.VbZW
eN4pAnd now, of all times, they ran into him so early.etmMeXv
6yief7“Carlo Deneb.”F4oCdD
kvfq3B“Fernan Pellenberg.”lZ2aV
cE1DYTheir eyes met.q9PJ
tZBj“Quite a coincidence! Meeting you so soon.”Nsd
4IO5“Indeed.”QPVaA
ikFu4bW“It’s still early. No point in tiring ourselves out, don’t you think?”urGEz5
pMF“Who knows.”dMMewW
IsDeeKThat vague response made Fernan realize Carlo had no intention of yielding easily.bEr1
Pgro6Even if it mightn’t do him any good, he pressed on. Why? Rivalry? Pride for losing to Luina?kpdijJZ
kxBwVCJOr maybe it was just for the extra points. After all, defeating Luina—the second‑ranked knight student—would yield great rewards.0hCH8G
ZlIJSThe point was, it seemed there was no avoiding this fight.eoP
Rf0“Will you handle Carlo Deneb for a bit? I can take Alia.”yOKEmef
EXVUiCLLuina whispered.HtYDl
t9e“You don’t really think they’ll let us go, do you?”dsuq
y9VtVqU“Do we really have to run? As long as it isn’t Almon, there’s no reason.”McPt1Qk
o0sHer eyes brimmed with confidence. Realizing there was no escape, Fernan nodded.pZSFCf
xS2ms“I guess we have no choice. Go ahead, if needed.”9d022KC
NSBIn a way, it would be the perfect opportunity to witness Luina Bercheff’s true skills.hSP2
wxk“…You’re not just going to stand there watching, are you?”qWhwjG
vIT“I mean, I’ll support you. We’re partners—why fight separately?”UjgL
916ISurely that wasn’t what the professors intended.PcjPv
L0F3“Let’s work together, and the assistants will probably award us more points.”sxk
gOU7SG“…We’ve never tried working together, not once.”nmb
Tqw3aLe“Trust me.”eohN
qtSb“Trust what, exactly?”annfau
Frj6“If you can’t trust me, trust the elixir I gave you. It should cover a few mistakes.”2jk
NV6i“…”zl36
TqDYgLuina made a bitter face. Something felt off, but she couldn’t find anything to argue.gzwTzAQ
5ncOMS9“Alright…”RJY4u
UgEm“…!”NeXgXcj
FY4zAt that moment, a lightning bolt struck. It fell directly, as if aiming at Luina.rWjuy5H
sITOr so it seemed, until a thick stone wall rose and protected her.Kyh
njO2“A lightning bolt, huh? Brings back bad memories.”OKWeaYV
ZRX2Fernan clicked his tongue.Ouf
aqDG4KY“Attacking in mid‑conversation. How cowardly!”taIt
H6Z41Luina gripped her sword tightly.WuQEIV
a1LUZZz“Talking during battle is the real problem, if you ask me.”aNGF4t
cbRqo0N“Which side are you on?”Zi7i
dHYd“Yours, of course.”RGw
nYK“…Then I’ll count on that support of yours.”7cllu06
9bM6With a soft murmur and a sigh, Luina didn’t wait for a reply and lunged forward.BjO1
1gDrhCHer first target was the mage Carlo.Sc6PNoK
KHAe5l“Not so fast!”T2QoU
MBTjAlia rushed forward, intercepting Luina’s sword.iDJQ
bw8CT6A metallic clang rang, sparks flew. Simultaneously, a lightning bolt and a stone collided in the air above Luina’s head.DOHgZ
f1DqGO8BOOM!OXti
T782After doing its job, shards of rock scattered to the ground. Amid the rising dust, the swords of the two knights intertwined like serpents.aWESkTP
G8iomcAfter exchanging two swift blows, Luina felt her body suddenly lighter and stronger than usual. Unbeknownst to her, Fernan had cast an enhancement spell.BvdCPjx
L4bj45Q‘When did he…?’HcnDcW
VPWUtHis casting speed hadn’t been what she expected. It was disconcerting—but not the time to be distracted; she had to focus on her opponent.xr8
XyoFRYA“…!”VjB
RpV6HcS“…!”7nXI
JyEhTLuina quickly adapted to her altered body. With her sword now heavier and reflexes sharper, she unleashed an unrelenting attack on Alia.fOn
D67weYASteel struck steel, shockwaves rippling through the air.ER2P1l
734DeHFChunks of earth scattered, and the edge of her blade cut through the void.OoaDNZQ
zZiTShe maintained constant pressure on Alia. She already held the advantage, and with Fernan’s enhancement, it was utterly overwhelming.3lnOa
EFrRBut Carlo didn’t stand idly by.94pc5
uXNCrackle—vI9vUaT
wBFXwOA massive net of lightning spread across the sky. Its reach extended beyond Luina—and even touched Fernan.ipCb0BQ
jT24IHCThe net descended. Luina wielded her sharp aura to slice it, but the lightning was tougher than expected. Unable to fully cut it, she had no choice but to weave through the gaps.2pvjLz
W0MU8At that precise moment, the wide net began to contract.ByTEXva
Dq7RV0“…Ugh?”EING8
EVqBYP“I’ve got you, Luina!”u9N1
rr1l3The lightning ensnared her, its discharges disrupting her aura flow. Alia seized the opportunity.Rj2pM
qGnVO9PIt took only an instant to pass through the net—but Alia’s attack came faster.mPCC
EQBxHer sword fell with a clang. Luina, still trapped within the net, braced herself, ready to sacrifice a wound to counterattack.utKpe
yeyA40NAnd at that very moment.sAl5rA5
2O70Hk2“…!”bQ7ue
P2INCQCAlia’s sword passed through the rock, while Luina’s sword missed and sliced empty air.nbV
RJrZS6U“…What is this?”5wAzmsb
qPyLuina jumped at the sudden shift. Right before her, where the rock had been moments ago, stood a large stone, split in two by Alia’s sword.7Wzctw
WtmttThat is an artifact. One that swaps objects of equal weight.AYL
s7TR2Vn“Using an artifact in a training exercise? How cowardly!”17J
OFfA“In combat, nothing is cowardly.”yqGh
RXIJyR“Well, that’s true—but… wait.”60Ky6Rx
cQs“Equal weight…?”NVkF
WgcBN03Luina’s face flushed red.7izMI
DAqzhO“How…?”6vcKdc
aNukndq“It was on the student document.”Gw9H
rwOwya7“Y‑you…!”9Gr
vJhrHer outburst was cut short suddenly, spells and swords flew at them from all sides.rF69DRH
MClXLuina grabbed Fernan instinctively and dove. A lightning bolt struck where they had just stood, shattering the ground.3r9
pzXdk60“Yuck!”bkCPFF
ACvWBaAFernan hit the ground with a grunt.9VgPxay
EvpN“Couldn’t you have thrown me down more gently? The fall was hell!”AfStYos
jdx3“I’m going to burn that student document of yours you have in your hands!”cyTjp5s
TetOOJLuina shouted as she blocked Alia’s sword. Another lightning bolt fell—no time for Fernan even to dust himself off before he hit the ground again.b5pEr
VZYFernan looked up, spitting dirt.Ytxf
H3NSo“Pfft. Took you long enough to do the double cast.”R7X
jYiThat was the move that could have earned you first place.jebbnHw
dmBwanAbove them, another massive spell formed alongside the lightning.Fi8nF
e6HMhiAn imposing column of light—a convergence of dozens of bolts. Its destructive power far exceeded a student’s level.ofobf
1wJt“Fernan!”IxgM3A1
H1WLK“Don’t worry—focus. Finish them.”UmMDPgM
vPQD7Fernan ignored her cry of concern.0vuvi
I3x0He pulled something from his sub‑space, threw it, and began incanting.jfo1LhB
YvQvs“…!”PgA
n9tA brilliant white lightning bolt shot toward Fernan, Luina, and even Alia—who was trying to create distance. Or so it seemed.Buyt
emEqThree orbs that Fernan had thrown intercepted the spell.0T43Mb
iPUABGtThough the orbs were reduced to ashes, they weakened the spell enough that a thicket of metal spikes rose and dispersed the remaining energy.yyad
PDHXAnd then, with a slight delay.qM3IIfM
pxhPO“Kyaaa!”EBj
2nlTAlia’s sword cut the air.7FNC
80sfwP“…What’s this?”3xrRBo
Kss“I’ve done a lot of research since you beat me. How do you like that, effective?”YH9
jFKoq2Fernan smiled as he looked at a nervous Carlo.XibQIdA
ZePLuina, now holding her sword at Alia’s throat, pointed to the three charred orbs.c6im
UY0AwOQ“…What are those things?”k7mAQmL
zc8V“Mana‑storage orbs.”CaZ
lfuHnG2“…You used mana‑storage orbs to absorb the spell?”8QT
Y8LyEC“Of course I modified them. They’re expensive and difficult to make. And now they’re all destroyed at once. I guess you’re the best student.”qLQgKQ
1BSRkoqThose things cost a fortune. Fernan clicked his tongue.cAEuHWL
dOZgu6hCarlo’s eyes widened with rage.eDHQ
IaR75T“Using artifacts? That’s cheating!”Nxn
oXfow“If a merchant fights like a merchant and that’s cheating, then stop using magic too.”kIJ
8JoWx“What kind of nonsense logic is that…!”CZGT
mcFi“We can discuss that later.”i9G3
xcjA0“Luina.”HDgn
mn9y4wFernan murmured calmly.4zO
jjUy“Finish them.”ebdogfk
6EeCarlo and Alia’s markers on the map turned to ashes.xNg
Xdn9Joz“Kyaaaah!”VqYIQSH
GmViJ“Run!”sqRSI
p6vmBOOM!WAo
K33“Block it!”7BW
tz937s“Here we go.”QhQ
V5lemLudger scratched his chin as sounds of screams and explosions echoed in every direction.MB0me
DCQN98oIt was inevitable from the moment the idea of sharing points between pairs emerged.WqIeT1
Vs0Um“What will you do, Your Highness?”Gsxg
Ly9“What are you going to do?”y4r
OTVj0“I’ll follow Your Highness’s lead.”hFJw
uUgJAlmon Donertz, the top student of the Knight Department, bowed expressionlessly.oCTf3ib
Q9X“Will you be able to defeat Luina Bercheff?”7O8X5kb
45Gj“I’m the top student.”h1ebEvk
yImyiN“Excellent. I trust I can handle Fernan, so there will be no problem.”4use
Myx3Ludger smiled.PWST
SkC“Let’s join the chaos. I care about grades too, you know? If a prince’s performance drops, there’s a pack of wolves ready to tear him apart.”ZWkkV
D0Yb0“Yes, Your Highness.”UB4SLA
lBpc“Oh, and don’t eliminate everyone.”n0b
9HD8sJ“Any reason?”4Db
e5Nd“Of course.”6MA5Jn
myNThe prince and the Knight Department’s top student began their hunt.MLJ9GB
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