Final exams had begun.
"Anyone who finishes the test may submit their paper and leave."
The first subject Fernan had to take was Introduction to Runology, the foundation of magic.
Since about 90% of the class was theory-based, the test consisted of simple writing. It wasn't particularly difficult, nor would it take long.
Fernan filled all ten pages of the test sheet densely and submitted it.
"…Already done?"
"Wow, he really is insanely fast with written exams."
"When you see him acing all the written stuff, it doesn't make sense that his practical rank is only 10th."
Since this had already happened six times before, it didn't cause much of a stir.
As always, he could feel a searing gaze on him, but that was it. Probably Carlo Deneb.
A guy who had an intense desire to be top of the class and hated losing at anything.
'Not that I care.'
The next subjects were Understanding Hand Seals, Incantations, and Rituals and Structure and Principles of Magic Circles.
Understanding Hand Seals, Incantations, and Rituals was also simple. You had to break down the given incantation and ritual, then perform it.
Structure and Principles of Magic Circles followed a similar format.
Fernan completed both of these subjects without much trouble. He was the first to leave the exam room and finished everything perfectly.
With those three basic subjects done, the first combined exam was waiting for him.
A joint exam of Combat, War, and Magic and Warfare and Practical Dueling.
"This time's test is pretty straightforward. Looks like they're dividing the students into four teams for a large-scale battle."
"What's that?"
"Details about the exam."
"Is it Professor Grad again?"
"I bought the info since it was on sale."
"Can you even do that?"
Fernan flipped to the next page instead of answering.
"The teams will be assigned by the professors. Balance-wise, there probably won't be much issue. The key is the environment."
The terrain used as the stage for the battle would change the combat method, what preparations were needed, and how to respond.
"Isn't it already written there?"
"You catch on quick. We're Team 3, and the battlefield is mountains and hills. The area is roughly a 5-kilometer radius."
Fernan closed the file.
"Confident?"
"That's the wrong question."
Ruina's eyes gleamed with fighting spirit.
"We will win. No matter what."
The overall format was similar to a previous training session.
Every student received a map. The map ensured their safety, but also served as the criteria for elimination.
The only difference this time was that 100 teams had been reduced to just 4.
Also, the goal now was either to eliminate the opposing teams or to seize the flag placed at their base.
The rules and format weren't anything too special. It was a commonly used method in training to develop tactics and strategy.
"I'll announce the teams."
On the day of the exam, the team assignments were done just like the documents Fernan had purchased.
"You'll be fighting in the northern mountain zone. You must either eliminate the other teams or steal the flag placed in their territory."
That short explanation from Professor Grad signaled the official start of finals.
Each team was guided to their designated base, and under the supervision of professors and assistants, the exam began.
The base for Team 3, which included Fernan and Ruina, was located on a small hill densely covered with trees. The other 50 students assigned to Team 3 were moved there as well, each of them watching the others warily.
The key to team battles was unity. If everyone kept voicing their own opinions without consensus, the team would turn into a disorganized mess, easy prey for the others.
No one here was unaware of that fact.
"Anyone here want to be the leader?"
Someone asked suddenly, raising the tension.
Hands went up in different places.
Five in total — from both the Knight Faculty and the Magic Faculty.
But Fernan didn't raise his.
Making Ruina the top student was important, but he had no particular desire to take on the role of team leader himself.
Of course, if Ruina decided to take the position, he'd gladly support her. But taking the lead personally? He wasn't interested.
"You're not volunteering?"
"I don't particularly have a talent for leading others."
"I doubt you're incapable, though."
"Well, I wouldn't say that, but if someone better suited for the role is available, there's no reason for me to step up."
"Someone better suited?"
Ruina didn't answer and instead looked at him steadily.
"…Me?"
"Yes."
"That's ridiculous."
"After working with you, that's how I feel."
"I've never actually commanded a unit in front of you."
"Even if that's the case, among everyone here, you're the only one who's had real hands-on experience leading people."
She wasn't wrong—but commanding merchants and commanding troops in combat were entirely different things.
"It seems the other students think the same."
"What do you mean…?"
Fernan cut himself off mid-sentence. At some point, everyone had turned to look at him.
"Fernan Pellenberg. We've judged that you're the best candidate to be our commander."
The one who had first brought up the subject of a leader took a step forward.
What was his name again? Ah, Erun Rahas, ranked 21st in the Magic Faculty.
"Me, huh?"
"There are two reasons. First, you have the highest ranking."
"There's Gert Grotz and Neria Hafman. And Ruina, too."
"Ruina just yielded to you. And Gert recommended you."
Fernan turned his head.
Through the crowd, he could see Gert Grotz smirking and Neria Hafman letting out a sigh and giving him a small nod.
"And the second reason?"
"You're the only one here who's actually commanded people in a real setting."
"Merchant business and mock battles are entirely different."
"But everyone else here has done neither. And you're ranked first in theory. No one can match you in knowledge."
"..."
Fernan silently looked at Ruina. Her sparkling eyes softened his resolve.
He really didn't want to do it. Truly, he didn't. But—
If Ruina wants it…
And if this would push their downfall a bit further away—
"Fine."
Besides, if he wanted to make Ruina the top student, this was the most effective route.
"You chose me, so trust me completely. If you do, I'll lead us to victory."
He was confident. He had a rough estimate of who the other teams would pick as leaders anyway.
"Alright, Captain. What's our first move? Fortify our base?"
"We're not doing anything so petty."
Fernan unfolded the map and checked the other teams' positions.
"Send messengers to Teams 2 and 4. Immediately."
A man who was more used to standing above others than anyone else.
A man who had actually commanded a real military unit.
That made him the most advantageous person in this exam.
"We take down Rudger Schwaben first."
Public enemies must always be eliminated swiftly—
With allies at your side.
Just as Fernan had expected, the representative of Team 1 was Rudger Schwaben.
"I trust in Your Highness."
Excluding Almon, he had the highest ranking. He was also a prince.
And he was someone used to commanding others—he had even led a knight order before. There was no better candidate.
"Yes. Believe in me."
Rudger accepted that as only natural.
"Of course I'll win."
He didn't even consider the possibility of defeat.
He had lost once to Fernan during training, but that had only happened because of a completely unforeseen attack.
Now that the sword was drawn, there was no reason he couldn't win.
"First, send scouts to assess the other teams' movements and strengthen our defenses."
With all four teams observing each other, the first to make a reckless move was most likely to fall.
Rudger began to devise plans to devour each team, one at a time.
"Set traps around the perimeter."
There were also various supplies for field operations in the camp. About thirty minutes passed.
"Your Highness, we have a problem! Group 2 is charging this way!"
"How many?"
"Looks like around 30 of them."
"They seem to be coming with everyone except for the minimum number left behind to guard their camp."
At Almon's report, Ludger nodded. Just then, the students who had gone to check on the other groups began arriving one after another.
"Dozens from Group 3 are headed this way!"
"Same with Group 4!"
"This is…"
The students swallowed groans. No one here was foolish enough not to understand what this meant.
"They've formed an alliance?"
Ludger let out a hollow laugh.
He immediately realized who was behind this.
"…Fernyan Pallenberg. Seems like we were thinking the same thing."
He too had planned to eliminate Fernyan and Luina's pair first, but he'd been beaten to the punch.
"What should we do, Your Highness?"
"What else? We hold our ground."
He had no intention of letting the alliance take them down so easily.
And holding out wasn't out of the question.
There were only three groups, and each of them had left some behind to guard their camps.
The number coming this way was roughly 90.
Compared to Group 1's full force of 50, it was almost twice as many, but it wasn't as if they had no advantage.
"We've spent the past 30 minutes setting up traps here and there. Those guys aren't a well-coordinated regular army. If we try, we can hold out to some extent."
"But isn't that just delaying defeat?"
"Which is why we're not just going to defend—we'll counterattack too. Almon."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Ludger spread out the map and pointed to Group 4.
"Their camp should only have leftovers. Can you sneak in and take their flag?"
"It doesn't seem impossible. But if I leave, won't we be at a major disadvantage? Especially since I'm the only one who can stop Luina."
"Don't worry. Fernyan knows me well, which is why he's using this method. But I know Fernyan just as well."
Ludger smiled.
"Fernyan and Luina won't go all out. Neither will Gert or Neria. That makes holding out doable."
"Understood. But why target Group 4 instead of Group 2?"
Group 2 was closer. Given the numerical disadvantage and uncertainty of how long they could hold out, it seemed better to quickly eliminate even one group.
"Simple. Group 2 has Carlo."
"You don't mean…?"
Instead of replying, Ludger gave a faint smile.
Soon after, before the allied forces stormed Group 1's camp, Almon slipped out first.
Meanwhile, as Fernyan led the students in an offensive against Group 1, he secretly spoke to Luina.
"Luina, if a battle breaks out as planned when we arrive, don't give it your all. Just coordinate your moves moderately."
"What do you mean if? Are you saying there might not be a battle? And what do you mean by only coordinating?"
"You'll understand the first question when we get there. As for the second—if it comes to that, we mustn't end the battle quickly."
If they wiped out Ludger's Group 1, what would be the next target? Fernyan assumed there was a 90% chance it would be him.
There were many reasons: his recent rise in grades, Luina Berchev's outstanding skills, and the fact that he was the ringleader behind this attack.
The students weren't stupid. After finishing off Group 1, they would think about what came next.
But Fernyan had also thought of that.
So he intended to stall for time, giving Ludger a chance to act—letting the other groups suffer more losses.
"…That's cowardly."
"There's no such thing as cowardice in battle, Luina. Only victory matters."
Just like how there's no such thing as dirty money—only good money.
"Do you want to be a cowardly top student or a righteous loser? Make your choice."
"…A righ… no, a co… ngh."
"You have to be top. It's the first and most crucial step to becoming a Royal Knight, isn't it?"
"…I will be the victor."
Luina bit her lip, forcing herself.
"Good. Keep that in mind, Luina. Victory is justice."
"..."
"This is an offering of repentance for asking a righteous knight to do something unrighteous."
"…Kraken Ink Chocolate?"
"A luxury treat."
She popped one piece into her mouth. Her gloomy expression was instantly colored with joy.
"No matter how dirty the process, victory will always taste this sweet."
"…Yes, you really didn't have to go that far. I'll do it anyway."
Excellent.
Fernan smiled.