Chapter: 55
While attending the Academy, all students are treated as equals. Regardless of whether someone is royalty, nobility, or a commoner, they receive the same education and form friendships without prejudice. No hierarchy exists; there’s only a distinction between teachers and students. That is the ironclad rule of the Imperial Academy.
Expressions like “I’ll stay behind to work, so you can leave early,” or “I’m not angry, so just tell me the truth,” may sound familiar. They say one thing, but if you look closer, the reality is quite different. Honestly, there’s no need to delve too deeply; even a casual glance reveals the truth.
‘At least Ainter is the exception.’
Only four exist who can make their opponents cry and ultimately surrender. Even without real power, Ainter is still part of the Imperial Family. Then there’s Rutis and Lather, who bear shields that are seemingly impenetrable for your average noble. And finally, we have Tannian, revered as the son of God.
Among these four, Ainter doesn’t even take practical classes. He’s the type who’s more engrossed in pure academics than in swords, magic, or divine power. I mean, it’s kind of ridiculous to think a Crown Prince is just tap dancing around with a dragon-headed staff, while building strength would be sheer recklessness!
‘I guess there’s no need to worry about Tannian either.’
Though he’s labeled as a candidate, Tannian’s divine power is divinely ordained. According to the doctrine of the Dawn Sect, no one dares to evaluate the divine powers gifted to Tannian by God, making his practical exams a free pass. So, we’re left with just Rutis and Lather.
The Royal Knights of Armein, including Villar, will be stationed at Rutis’s arena, while the Yuben Knights and Mage Corps will keep their eyes on Lather’s arena. With Tannian enjoying a free pass, forces from the Holy Kingdom also get dispersed.
Considering their abilities, the chances of anyone defeating the two princes are pathetically slim. No matter how you slice it, the real victims of this practical exam are the sacrificial lambs facing off against the two princes. It’s a shame, but what can you do? If those two are the only ones to fall, everyone else gets to be happy.
‘I’m at least glad it’s only for a day.’
After checking the schedule given by the Principal, a sigh of relief escaped me. There aren’t many students taking the practical exam, and there are plenty of arenas, so things should proceed swiftly. Just a single day of tension, and it should all go smoothly.
Students tackling the practical exam can be divided into two groups: those who treat it lightly like a leisurely walk in a park and those who are all in, giving it their all. Naturally, I’m more interested in the latter. The former will take care of themselves, so there’s really no need for me to get involved.
Thus, I’ve been roaming the various arenas with the Principal to prepare for any potential incidents. Although he seems like just an elderly man on the outside, the Principal is a powerful magician across the continent. Mages tend to become scarier as they age—how terrifying is that?
“The future of the Empire seems bright.”
“I think so too. It makes my heart race to see such outstanding kids join us every year.”
And, for safety reasons, I’d expected little from the students’ skills, but they have exceeded my expectations.
Some toy with their opponents using techniques; others overwhelm them with sheer brute strength, and then there are those who dig deep, fighting through adversity with sheer guts. They all displayed unique styles, but the common thread is that, regardless of their dueling approach, they achieved victory in the end.
‘Not bad at all.’
Although they’re still students and naturally haven’t reached their peak prowess, they’re certainly promising. With the right coaching, they could become great assets—much like the Student Council President.
…Like the Student Council President?
‘Oh.’
Suddenly struck by inspiration, I hurriedly fished out my notebook and dove in.
*
“The future of the Empire seems bright.”
Principal Bernhardt Mursch nodded in agreement with the Executive Manager’s words. The Empire is vast, filled with an abundance of talent. Every year, when remarkable new students join, it makes his heart race.
“I feel the same. Seeing so many exceptional students entering every year brings so much excitement!”
These kids are destined to become the pillars that support the Empire. Once, he traversed the battlefields alongside the Iron-Blooded Duke, devoted to the Empire, but now, he is just an old man. Yet how joyous it is to contribute to nurturing new pillars with this aging body.
While Bernhardt watched the students with pride, a rustling noise caught his attention, prompting him to turn.
The Executive Manager had been scribbling something in his notebook. Normally it wouldn’t bother him, but the sharp gaze directed at the students raised alarms.
“Executive Manager?”
“Oh, my apologies!”
The Executive Manager closed the notebook, but the unease lingered within Bernhardt. Since the Executive Manager had come to the Academy, everything he had done had been beneficial, but the sharpness of his gaze on the precious students felt predatory.
“Is there something to apologize for? However, I must admit, as I’ve aged, my curiosity has only grown. May I ask what you were writing?”
“It’s nothing important.”
The Executive Manager tucked the notebook away, but his eyes remained trained on the students.
“I was jotting down names of talented individuals who could serve the Empire.”
With a slight smile, the Executive Manager appeared quite satisfied.
“That’s good to hear! The Empire’s future is indeed looking bright.”
Bernhardt scratched his head, unsure how to respond. On one hand, students gaining attention from a high-ranking official is certainly a positive. Yet the intensity of the Executive Manager’s gaze unsettled him.
However, he didn’t dwell on it for long. Despite his dubious reputation, the Executive Manager was known for his patriotism, so it’s unlikely he’d do anything odd to students aspiring to serve as soldiers or civil servants.
“Yes, I’m eager to witness their growth!”
These children are bound for a brilliant future.
*
Thoughts tumbled through my mind. Yes, the Student Council President! I had discovered a jewel like him and secured him before anyone could. The Academy is filled with inexperienced gems like him, and whoever finds and snags them first is truly the fortunate one.
I could push the promising ones toward the 3rd or 5th Division. Or, if that’s not feasible, recommending them to the Special Service Agency or the Military would suffice. They’re always grumbling about staff shortages, so sending potential recruits now could smooth things over when I need favors later.
‘This is quite a goldmine.’
Each time I noted down the arena numbers for notable duels, my satisfaction grew. Is this what professors feel when they spot a prospective graduate student? If I can manage to whisk about ten promising students away from here, smoothing my own path forward will be so much easier. I might even send a few to other departments—they’d be over the moon with joy!
Thus, my meticulous crafting of my precious little compendium didn’t cease until the Principal summoned me.
‘I need to review again during the next exam.’
New gems might emerge then. It feels like both the Empire’s future and my own are enviably bright.
Finally, Rutis’s duel commenced in the swordsmanship arena. There was a noticeable shift in the spirits of the Armein Royal Knights, who had been lurking in the shadows.
“I concede…”
And shortly thereafter, the match ended with an absurdly anticlimactic whimper. Even in a duel, who could muster the courage to swing a blade against someone from the Imperial Family? Only a truly deranged rebel might dare to attempt that.
Had Lather chosen the knight path, he’d have faced Rutis! But alas, that guy decided to be a magician—what a letdown!
“It was an enjoyable duel!”
For you, maybe…
I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the opponent who shook hands with Rutis. He didn’t seem half bad, yet he was in a match against royalty. What a sad predicament.
‘He’s a decent fellow too.’
I ran my fingers along my chin while observing the opponent who bowed his head as if wanting to bend over at a 90-degree angle. If he had surrendered at the start, it would have been far too blatant, potentially earning the scorn of royalty. Thus, he endured the blows, lumbering on through the duel.
Getting hit, nicked, and slashed while tanking the least painful areas is no small task! Earning a covert defeat without tipping off the opponent is undoubtedly the most challenging maneuver.
‘So many promising individuals here.’
I also noted the name of Rutis’s opponent deep within my heart. I’m not sure if this Academy has hit a golden age or if the average skill level here is just that high. Regardless, that’s splendid for someone who has the selecting duty.
“Oh, what a coincidence! It seems like Erich’s duel is about to start too!”
“Erich?”
As I turned my gaze toward the Kaiser student, who was limping on his way over to the opposite side of Rutis but then resumed walking normally, the Principal’s voice echoed as he surveyed other arenas.
“Should we take a look?”
“I’m not sure if we’ll have time.”
“Since Rutis’s duel just wrapped up, there’s no pressing issue, is there? The Battle of the Magic Department isn’t starting for a while, so we have plenty of time.”
I nodded appreciatively at the Principal’s considerate suggestion. I’m honestly curious about how much Erich has improved.
“Well then, if that’s the case, I’m on board.”
“I hear Erich has been showing visible improvements every day. This will be my first time witnessing it, so I’m quite looking forward to it.”
“Knowing you think that makes me feel even prouder.”
“It’s no flattery; it’s the truth, so feel free to feel proud!”
We exchanged mutual compliments as we made our way to the next arena, where we could just spot Erich stepping in.
As soon as we appeared, the previously calm Erich’s energy skyrocketed, startling his opponent noticeably.
Once the duel commenced, Erich charged in as if possessed by a demon. His skills were dazzling enough to fill me with pride.
‘Everything’s good, but…’
It’s genuinely splendid, but is it just me, or is he charging at me like a bull after noticing my presence?
Could it be merely a feeling? It certainly seemed like his gaze was squarely locked onto me.
I thought we had started to bond, but perhaps my presence is still lingering as a berserker’s totem in Erich’s eyes.
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