Chapter 8

The classroom was now empty; all the students had left.

Grad and Rosalia projected a complete map of the northern mountainous region onto the front wall.

On the wide map of the northwest mountains, each pair’s location was updated in real-time.

This 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.

An assistant instructor reported the situation: student eliminations were occurring faster than expected. And most importantly, none of them were eliminated by monsters.

Although only four hours had passed since practical training began, eleven pairs had already been eliminated.

Almost a tenth of all participants were out, far exceeding expectations.

The fact that none had fallen to monsters meant only one thing: conflicts between students.

Three pairs stood out.

Ludger Schwaben & Almon Donertz; Carlo Deneb & Alia Torta; and Luina Bercheff & Fernan Pallenberg.

“Fernan Pellenberg? What do you make of that, Professor Rosalia?”

“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.”

For 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.

Frankly, the fact he teamed up with Luina at all was hard to understand.

“Could it be for money again? But if so, then Fernan shouldn’t settle for Luina.”

“If he’s doing it, it must be because he sees it as more profitable.”

Fernan was the kind of student who always prioritized gains. That was the Fernan Rosalia had come to know during the past year.

“The only thing pairing with Luina and following her would yield is high scores. But hasn’t he been indifferent to grades until now?”

“Fernan recently visited the Pellenberg estate. The Duke may have given him new orders.”

“That would make sense.”

Grad stroked his chin.

“Well, it’s not that important. Professor Rosalia, in your opinion, who’s likely to win?”

“Most likely one of the three pairs I mentioned before.”

“More specifically?”

“All are strong contenders. I can’t give a definite answer.”

“Steadfast as always.”

Grad’s gaze shifted as he noticed two markers converging.

“At minimum, we’re about to go from three possibilities to two.”

“They might cross paths and then move on separately.”

“Possibly.”

Grad stepped onto the magic circle.

“Are you going out?”

“If they clash, the assistants alone can’t guarantee their safety. Stay here and continue monitoring the situation.”

“Yes, sir.”

With a flash of light, Grad vanished.

Left alone in the classroom, Rosalia sat down again and resumed watching the map.

She 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.

Among the chaotic points, Rosalia’s gaze fixed on two.

“…Ludger Schwaben, Fernan Pallenberg.”

The two most prominent second-year students.

***

Jane 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).

Just after Luina incapacitated Jane, an assistant teleported them away.

The map not only displayed locations but also protected students and served as official proof of elimination.

“With the defensive magic active, we no longer have to hold back in combat.”

“Was that you holding back?”

“I tried to stop just before the hit. But with the defensive magic, it wasn’t necessary.”

“She looked like she was about to pass out.”

“Jane’s usually a bit timid. She’ll need to fix that if she wants to become a knight.”

Luina genuinely cared about her. Noticing that continuing the conversation would only give him a headache, Fernan changed the subject.

“So, where to now?”

The two floated above the terrain using Fernan’s magic, surveying the land.

A vast mountain range lay beneath them.

“The area marked on the map is the northern coast, and we should be somewhere around here.”

“The western mountain range, huh?”

The northern region was the academy’s largest terrain segment, split into east and west.

“We’ll need to head northeast.”

“Alright then.”

Fernan dispelled the magic. The towering cliff beneath them receded.

“There were quite a few people nearby, right?”

“Yes.”

“What do you want to do?”

“Do I really need to answer that?”

As expected, a slight smile curved Fernan’s lips.

Every year there was one outstanding student and one second-tier. But only a few become Royal Knights.

Yet, the prophecy had mentioned it—and so far, every prophecy had come true.

That’s why he decided to confirm it himself.

“You can never verify something too many times.”

After 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.

He 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.

“To the west.”

“The west, huh?”

The presence came from the west.

“I’ll go ahead before we lose track of them.”

Luina launched off the ground and shot ahead like an arrow.

“It’s not that I intended to hang back.”

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You have to use magic. It spares a lot of physical strain.”

Rumble.

Fernan stood still with arms crossed. Yet, the ground flowed on its own, forming beneath Luina and keeping pace with her.

“I’ve never seen that magic before.”

“I learned it quickly from a family mage. I hate sweating.”

“Moving your body alone keeps illness at bay.”

“Mana handles that. It keeps me healthy.”

“…You’re a very lazy merchant.”

“…What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

Luina drew her sword. Its polished blade sharply reflected sunlight.

“That’s Luina!”

“Run!”

“Damn it, of all people!”

The battle began.

In fact, the second‑ranked student was worthy of her title. As Fernan watched Luina fight, he thought that.

Aint Armian’s impression of her as “beautiful” was not wrong.

Luina Bercheff’s swordsmanship was swift, elegant, and noble in appearance.

‘So that’s it…’

…The secret fencing style of the family of guardians who had protected the empire’s northern border—coveted by his father.

Watching it awakened a desire within him. But he shook his head quickly.

A great merchant must pursue the greatest profit in the distance, not the small gain that lies before his eyes.

The 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.

“Good job.”

“It wasn’t particularly difficult.”

“You say that, but it looks like you rolled around quite a bit.”

“I’m not hurt.”

Luina replied calmly. Her armor was simply dirty from dust kicked up by the magic.

“Then we should save a potion.”

“You sure have a way of making even the most ordinary comments sound annoying.”

“And you have a gift for taking jokes way too seriously.”

Fernan shrugged and handed her a piece of cured meat. Luina took it silently and began chewing.

“Should we start looking for the next pair…?”

She stopped mid‑sentence. Fernan followed her gaze.

Not far away, they sensed a presence—entirely different from any earlier encounter.

And then.

“…Carlo?”

Someone appeared.

Carlo Deneb, the top student of the second‑year Magic Department.

Being among the empire’s hundred assembled prodigies (and even from neighboring realms) was no easy feat.

The title “outstanding student” alone proved his ability and strength.

And now, of all times, they ran into him so early.

“Carlo Deneb.”

“Fernan Pellenberg.”

Their eyes met.

“Quite a coincidence! Meeting you so soon.”

“Indeed.”

“It’s still early. No point in tiring ourselves out, don’t you think?”

“Who knows.”

That vague response made Fernan realize Carlo had no intention of yielding easily.

Even if it mightn’t do him any good, he pressed on. Why? Rivalry? Pride for losing to Luina?

Or maybe it was just for the extra points. After all, defeating Luina—the second‑ranked knight student—would yield great rewards.

The point was, it seemed there was no avoiding this fight.

“Will you handle Carlo Deneb for a bit? I can take Alia.”

Luina whispered.

“You don’t really think they’ll let us go, do you?”

“Do we really have to run? As long as it isn’t Almon, there’s no reason.”

Her eyes brimmed with confidence. Realizing there was no escape, Fernan nodded.

“I guess we have no choice. Go ahead, if needed.”

In a way, it would be the perfect opportunity to witness Luina Bercheff’s true skills.

“…You’re not just going to stand there watching, are you?”

“I mean, I’ll support you. We’re partners—why fight separately?”

Surely that wasn’t what the professors intended.

“Let’s work together, and the assistants will probably award us more points.”

“…We’ve never tried working together, not once.”

“Trust me.”

“Trust what, exactly?”

“If you can’t trust me, trust the elixir I gave you. It should cover a few mistakes.”

“…”

Luina made a bitter face. Something felt off, but she couldn’t find anything to argue.

“Alright…”

“…!”

At that moment, a lightning bolt struck. It fell directly, as if aiming at Luina.

Or so it seemed, until a thick stone wall rose and protected her.

“A lightning bolt, huh? Brings back bad memories.”

Fernan clicked his tongue.

“Attacking in mid‑conversation. How cowardly!”

Luina gripped her sword tightly.

“Talking during battle is the real problem, if you ask me.”

“Which side are you on?”

“Yours, of course.”

“…Then I’ll count on that support of yours.”

With a soft murmur and a sigh, Luina didn’t wait for a reply and lunged forward.

Her first target was the mage Carlo.

“Not so fast!”

Alia rushed forward, intercepting Luina’s sword.

A metallic clang rang, sparks flew. Simultaneously, a lightning bolt and a stone collided in the air above Luina’s head.

BOOM!

After doing its job, shards of rock scattered to the ground. Amid the rising dust, the swords of the two knights intertwined like serpents.

After exchanging two swift blows, Luina felt her body suddenly lighter and stronger than usual. Unbeknownst to her, Fernan had cast an enhancement spell.

‘When did he…?’

His 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.

“…!”

“…!”

Luina quickly adapted to her altered body. With her sword now heavier and reflexes sharper, she unleashed an unrelenting attack on Alia.

Steel struck steel, shockwaves rippling through the air.

Chunks of earth scattered, and the edge of her blade cut through the void.

She maintained constant pressure on Alia. She already held the advantage, and with Fernan’s enhancement, it was utterly overwhelming.

But Carlo didn’t stand idly by.

Crackle—

A massive net of lightning spread across the sky. Its reach extended beyond Luina—and even touched Fernan.

The 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.

At that precise moment, the wide net began to contract.

“…Ugh?”

“I’ve got you, Luina!”

The lightning ensnared her, its discharges disrupting her aura flow. Alia seized the opportunity.

It took only an instant to pass through the net—but Alia’s attack came faster.

Her sword fell with a clang. Luina, still trapped within the net, braced herself, ready to sacrifice a wound to counterattack.

And at that very moment.

“…!”

Alia’s sword passed through the rock, while Luina’s sword missed and sliced empty air.

“…What is this?”

Luina 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.

That is an artifact. One that swaps objects of equal weight.

“Using an artifact in a training exercise? How cowardly!”

“In combat, nothing is cowardly.”

“Well, that’s true—but… wait.”

“Equal weight…?”

Luina’s face flushed red.

“How…?”

“It was on the student document.”

“Y‑you…!”

Her outburst was cut short suddenly, spells and swords flew at them from all sides.

Luina grabbed Fernan instinctively and dove. A lightning bolt struck where they had just stood, shattering the ground.

“Yuck!”

Fernan hit the ground with a grunt.

“Couldn’t you have thrown me down more gently? The fall was hell!”

“I’m going to burn that student document of yours you have in your hands!”

Luina 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.

Fernan looked up, spitting dirt.

“Pfft. Took you long enough to do the double cast.”

That was the move that could have earned you first place.

Above them, another massive spell formed alongside the lightning.

An imposing column of light—a convergence of dozens of bolts. Its destructive power far exceeded a student’s level.

“Fernan!”

“Don’t worry—focus. Finish them.”

Fernan ignored her cry of concern.

He pulled something from his sub‑space, threw it, and began incanting.

“…!”

A brilliant white lightning bolt shot toward Fernan, Luina, and even Alia—who was trying to create distance. Or so it seemed.

Three orbs that Fernan had thrown intercepted the spell.

Though the orbs were reduced to ashes, they weakened the spell enough that a thicket of metal spikes rose and dispersed the remaining energy.

And then, with a slight delay.

“Kyaaa!”

Alia’s sword cut the air.

“…What’s this?”

“I’ve done a lot of research since you beat me. How do you like that, effective?”

Fernan smiled as he looked at a nervous Carlo.

Luina, now holding her sword at Alia’s throat, pointed to the three charred orbs.

“…What are those things?”

“Mana‑storage orbs.”

“…You used mana‑storage orbs to absorb the spell?”

“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.”

Those things cost a fortune. Fernan clicked his tongue.

Carlo’s eyes widened with rage.

“Using artifacts? That’s cheating!”

“If a merchant fights like a merchant and that’s cheating, then stop using magic too.”

“What kind of nonsense logic is that…!”

“We can discuss that later.”

“Luina.”

Fernan murmured calmly.

“Finish them.”

Carlo and Alia’s markers on the map turned to ashes.

“Kyaaaah!”

“Run!”

BOOM!

“Block it!”

“Here we go.”

Ludger scratched his chin as sounds of screams and explosions echoed in every direction.

It was inevitable from the moment the idea of sharing points between pairs emerged.

“What will you do, Your Highness?”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’ll follow Your Highness’s lead.”

Almon Donertz, the top student of the Knight Department, bowed expressionlessly.

“Will you be able to defeat Luina Bercheff?”

“I’m the top student.”

“Excellent. I trust I can handle Fernan, so there will be no problem.”

Ludger smiled.

“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.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Oh, and don’t eliminate everyone.”

“Any reason?”

“Of course.”

The prince and the Knight Department’s top student began their hunt.