Chapter 81

The official announcement was corrected within hours, clarifying that first-year students would also be included. In just one day, the participants were selected.

Rosalia reviewed the documents.

“From the first year, there are three.”

Aint Armian, Aria Fridian, and Verian Kalburdern.

It was evident that most first-year students had been frightened by the unknown enemy called demons.

In truth, that number was appropriate. First-years were still inexperienced and required too much supervision on the battlefield.

Moreover, it fulfilled the rector’s order that Aint Armian had to participate no matter what.

‘It must be because they’re demons.’

If Aint Armian managed to stand out in the battle against them, even just by making a name for himself, the Schwaben would boil with rage.

‘Valoshi isn’t here…’

Probably because of her, but that wasn’t Rosalia’s concern.

“And in the second year, there are twenty.”

Upon confirming with surprise that all those who met the requirements had applied, Rosalia handed the documents to Professor Grad.

“All of them? Everyone applied?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Grad, after double-checking the papers, let out a short laugh.

“At least among the second-years, there are no cowards.”

“There are cowards. They just don’t want to be left behind.”

“Competitiveness is also good fuel. Who are they?”

“Who do you think? Fernan Pellenberg and Luina Bercheff, who took all the honors this time.”

When they signed up, Carlo Deneb and Almon Donertz, who had fallen behind, rushed to apply as well.

And with the top ranks signed up, the others didn’t want to be left behind either, fueled by rivalry.

“The only one missing was Ludger Schwaben.”

“He changed his mind when he heard Aint Armian was participating.”

“Destiny, I suppose.”

“Amazing, the Armians. Anyone could’ve been emperor, but that family held the throne for almost nine hundred years. Even after losing it a century ago, they still carry a weight that’s impossible to ignore…”

Though it’s not as if they were deified, which made it even more peculiar.

“The merit of the First Emperor was too great.”

“Of course it was. He defeated the Demon King and the demons, saving the world.”

The pride of being descendants of the First Emperor remained a flame in the hearts of the imperial people.

No one could deny that it was that very flame that sustained the Armian dynasty for so long.

“In any case, twenty will be hard to manage.”

Even if it was just defense on the walls, even if Altrierc had its elite, this wasn’t a simple duel—it was real war.

In the chaos where demons roamed, they couldn’t guarantee the safety of twenty students.

“I don’t care. I already warned them not to expect safety, so they’d better be prepared.”

“Still, can you say that so lightly?”

Even if they’d been told their lives couldn’t be guaranteed, it was still the instructors’ mission to ensure everyone returned alive to the academy.

That’s what Grad believed.

“Then what do you suggest?”

“Cut from the top. Reduce them by half. I think I could manage with about ten. What do you think?”

“I don’t mind fewer problems. Besides, you always get to be the villain, Professor, so I’ll gladly let you.”

Rosalia shrugged.

“It’s annoying, but I don’t hate you.”

Grad snorted hard.

“And I need to correct something.”

“What is it?”

“It won’t be ten, but thirteen. Including the first-years.”

“In second year, the top three are pairs, right? Don’t split them. Take all three groups as they are. Better to have fewer than ten in total.”

Not a bad idea.

“Is it really necessary? Everyone should take responsibility for their choice. In the end, they’ll blame you.”

“I’d rather be insulted. Dreaming of dead students is worse.”

“And do you think the rector will stay quiet?”

“That’s why we need to resolve this quickly and head to Altrierc.”

Grad scratched his neck in frustration.

“Then it’ll be done.”

“Understood.”

Rosalia nodded.

Honestly, she didn’t care much. Neither about the expedition nor the students—it stirred no particular interest in her.

***

‘Six?’

From the twenty qualified, they would cut it down to the top three of each year.

Only the top three counted.

“If anyone disagrees, beat me. Then you can go.”

“……”

The students fell silent.

“Why only six?”

“Because that’s the maximum I can take responsibility for.”

“……”

“What’s that look? Got a complaint?”

“No, sir.”

‘Is he sentimental?’

He didn’t seem the type, but Fernan sensed the professor Grad’s firmness and calculated quickly.

‘If he picks the top three from each department, that would be me, Carlo, Ludger. And Luina, Almon, and Alia.’

Gert and Neria, whom he had planned to bring as support, would be left out.

‘They were just backup anyway. If they don’t come, nothing I can do. But…’

“And what about the first-years?”

“There are three participating.”

‘At least that’s a relief.’

Fernan could bet his fortune and his arm that among those three was Aint Armian.

“Isn’t it more dangerous for them? They should stay behind and let more second-years go.”

“I’ll repeat myself—the rector gave me full authority over the expedition. If you have complaints, prove your worth.”

“……”

Those muttering criticisms went silent immediately.

“At least we’re lucky to be going.”

“If the top ones were excluded, then no one would go. Are you all ready?”

“Yes, we were told just to bring personal belongings…”

Luina was counting on her fingers the items she had packed.

“But is it really okay for them to support us this much…?”

“It’s a battlefield against demons. Even with the best gear, it’s a place where no one can feel safe.”

Besides, I’m your sponsor.

Of course, he kept that part to himself. It wasn’t something to say in front of the other students.

“Oh, I also brought all kinds of chocolate.”

“…Thanks.”

Gratitude aside, if just a few pieces of chocolate could earn him more favor from real Royal Knights, Fernan was willing to spend whatever it took.

That’s how powerful money was. With money, you could buy almost anything.

“Silence!”

Professor Grad’s voice echoed through the classroom. Instantly, the chatter ceased.

“Now that I’ve informed you who will be participating, I’ll give you the schedule.”

The six selected students nodded.

“Tomorrow at dawn, we will teleport to Count Altrierc’s estate using a teleportation circle.”

Altrierc. If the Bercheffs were the shield of the Empire’s north, Altrierc was the wall defending the west.

The Academy had teleportation circles installed that connected to all the houses of the Elector Princes, which made the transfer possible.

Of course, the cost was enormous. It was proof of how much the rector valued this mission.

‘Don’t tell me he reduced the number to nine just to save money…’

As he thought that, Grad continued.

“…Our objective is to experience war and face demons. If any of you, thinking you’re a hero, gets carried away and does something stupid, I’ll smash your face in myself. Understood?”

“Yes, sir!”

“The six of you will now return to your dormitories to pack. Tomorrow, before five, you must be at the dimensional pavilion—no delays.”

That pavilion was the place where the Academy’s transport circles were controlled and guarded. No unauthorized person could set foot there.

“And since we also have to prepare, today’s classes will be taught by other professors. The six of you, dismissed.”

Fernan left the classroom with Luina.

“Isn’t it interesting?”

Suddenly, Ludger, who was walking behind, grabbed his shoulder as if they were old friends.

“What is?”

“That in the end, we’re all going in pairs. Don’t you think it was deliberate?”

True.

Fernan and Luina, both first-ranked.

Ludger and Almon, second and third.

And Carlo together with Alia, third and second respectively.

The fact that Alia, normally in fourth place, had moved up a rank thanks to being Carlo’s partner was pure luck.

“It’s true.”

“Luina, last time you weren’t in shape, and we couldn’t really measure up. But now it will be different.”

“This time it’s not a duel. We’ll fight as allies.”

“We could wager—with demons and monsters in between.”

“No, thank you.”

“Why not?”

“Because we’re going to protect the Empire, not to have fun.”

Fernan let out a short laugh as he watched Luina flatly reject Almon.

In moments like this, she seemed like her usual self, but something in how she treated him had changed.

“……”

Then Fernan felt a burning gaze behind him. It was Carlo Deneb.

When their eyes met, Carlo walked up with firm steps.

“Do you know what Aria Fridian told me?”

An unexpected opening.

Fernan kept his merchant’s unshakable face.

“No.”

“She said she was disappointed.”

Carlo continued in a low voice, almost a murmur.

“That it would have been better if you had gone out instead of me. That I was weaker than Fernan.”

“Words from a brat who knows nothing.”

A blatant provocation.

Though the funny thing was, knowing Aria, those words weren’t provocation or mockery—they were a sincere impression.

“The ridiculous thing was that I couldn’t deny it.”

Carlo ground his teeth.

“I lost the first-place spot.”

His voice grew harsher.

“And even though it’s true, I was filled with rage. I couldn’t accept that a first-year student looked down on me. So I wanted to beat Aria Fridian in the Magic Tournament and prove my worth once again.”

“But you lost.”

“Yes. I lost. Pathetic.”

It was by a slim margin, but a loss was still a loss.

The second-ranked second-year student had been defeated by the second-ranked first-year.

For Carlo, who had always stood out even among the Academy’s geniuses, it was a devastating blow.

That’s why, as soon as Fernan signed up for the expedition, he reacted instinctively.

A premonition overcame him—if he kept falling behind, he would never catch up.

“I realized how lazy I had become, drunk on the label of being first. I was an arrogant fool. I won’t make that mistake again. This was the first and last time I lose the top spot.”

“…This might not be the best time to say it, but I’m actually not interested in being first.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Think what you want.”

Fernan shrugged.

Carlo, his eyes burning with renewed determination, gave him one last look before turning and walking away.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Fernan headed to the Golden Turtle Company branch.

***

“This is the plan sent from the Bardian branch.”

Bardian was the island between the two continents where the Academy was located. The document was addressed to the duke, Fernan’s father.

“A plan about the black obsidian mine?”

There was nothing more urgent to send at that moment.

The duke opened the papers. The information detailed the surroundings of the discovered vein, nearby monster nests, profitability—everything well organized.

“…What is this?”

It also included the amount of funds and troops needed to exploit it.

The duke rubbed his eyes.

“Any problem, sir?”

“Take a look at this.”

The butler leaned over the document. The duke’s finger pointed to the section on required troops.

“Five hundred mercenaries plus the Red Turtle Squadron and the Blue Turtle Brigade?”

The Red Turtle was the pride of House Pellenberg—their best knightly order.

The Blue Turtle was their best magical brigade.

Considering that their commanders were a Royal Knight and an Archmage respectively, the power of both forces was enough to wipe out an entire kingdom.

“…Is the young master planning to start a war against Frazia?”

“He’s not that foolish.”

The duke, though surprised, quickly understood his son’s move.

“He’s trying to manipulate me.”

It was the classic tactic—ask for a lot at first to ensure what’s truly necessary.

“What he really wants… is half the mercenaries, plus the Red Turtle Knights and the Blue Turtle Brigade.”

“But those are also elite forces. He can’t expect to use them just to guard a mine.”

Fernan knew full well it would be overkill.

Then why send such an exaggerated plan?

“…Fernan has never acted beyond reason, right?”

“Correct.”

“Except when it comes to Luina Bercheff or demons.”

“That’s right.”

“Then it can only be one of those two.”

Or rather, just one—demons.

If the mine was connected to them, that kind of troop deployment made sense.

“This bold kid…”

The duke let out an incredulous chuckle.

Fernan wasn’t someone who took on the impossible alone.

If he was asking for such force, it was because he had judged there was a high likelihood of needing it.

“Not even I was that ambitious.”

Meaning his son didn’t want to share the profits—not even with him, his own father.

And to top it off, using his men.

Even if he had advanced capital upon discovering the vein, it was still an insolent move.

“What shall we do, sir?”

“Send the Red Tail Order and the Blue Tail Brigade, along with one hundred mercenaries.”

They were the third-ranked order and brigade of House Pellenberg. Of lower level, but still among the best on the continent.

“Arrogant or not, if demons are involved, we can’t let them get away.”

“It will be done.”

The butler nodded. The duke’s eyes gleamed with a different light.

“And the demons infiltrated in Pellenberg?”

“We’ve identified forty-one. In the purge operation, thirty-three were eliminated, and eight were captured.”

“There were too many hiding under my own roof.”

“But…”

The butler lowered his head.

“When attempting to interrogate them, even after destroying their cores, they all died vomiting blood due to a secondary curse.”

“Not even Master Dureleo could lift it?”

“No. He says it’s not something that can be resolved quickly.”

The duke clicked his tongue.

“And the war supplies?”

“We’re buying in secret and steadily. Although prices have skyrocketed due to the monster wave in the Taklakan desert.”

“Keep buying.”

“Yes, sir.”

It might seem like a loss, but it wasn’t.

Since he saw Andromalius through the recording sphere, the duke knew.

The war was just beginning.

The tragedy from a thousand years ago was rearing its head again.

“Pellenberg became a prince-elector and the richest on the continent thanks to that war against the demons.”

So then, what would they gain this time?

A greedy smile appeared on his face.