Once is a mistake.
Twice is a coincidence.
And three times is destiny.
When Fernan ranked first in the practicum, some assumed it was due to others' mistakes.
When he came first in the midterms, they said it was thanks to the exam being changed to a written one after an incident.
But the third time.
When he seized first place even in the final exam of Combat, War, and Magic, no one could dismiss it as luck anymore.
It was inevitable.
They realized Fernan Fallenberg's skill was genuine, and that he had simply been hiding it all along.
[Fernan Fallenberg and Ruina berchef, who even triumphed in Combat, War, and Magic. Top of the class within reach?]
"Hmmm."
In the thick forest, an elf with orange hair sat perched on a tree branch, humming as she flipped through a newspaper.
Tick. With a light snap of her fingers, the spirits conjured a gentle breeze. The essence of the forest softly caressed the branches of the World Tree.
"If everything goes too well, it actually feels scarier."
"What exactly is going well?"
"You, senpai. Look at this."
Aria held out the newspaper. Fernan, looking up from below, checked it.
"They say there's a high chance you'll be the top student."
"So what?"
"It makes me really happy that my first friend who's a prince-elector might be the top student."
"I think you're misunderstanding something."
Crack! A clump of dirt flew and tore the newspaper to shreds.
"We were never friends."
"Then let's say we're allies. The Grand Demon Alliance, against the demons. Either way, you're the one I'm closest to."
Aria grinned brightly.
"Are you being ostracized?"
"No way. Even if I ostracize the world, the world can't ostracize me."
"What nonsense is that?"
"I mean it."
She was still smiling. But Fernan felt that the seemingly pure and clear eyes weren't all there was to her.
He changed the subject.
"Is there any ominous presence on the branch of the World Tree?"
"Nope. It's perfectly clean, not a speck of dust—just like always."
Fernan checked the hidden surveillance recorders he'd placed. Aside from Aria, not a single person had approached the World Tree's branch.
'No one's moved in yet.'
It was reassuring—yet a faint sense of unease still lingered.
'Could I have interfered too much and changed the future?'
The sinister ones had begun hiding themselves more thoroughly. Perhaps they'd altered the plan entirely.
Would the descent of Andromalius be prevented?
Would Aint lose his chance to fight the demons?
'And then, in the end, Aint—lacking real experience—might fall to the demons who prepared more thoroughly…'
Which could lead to Fernan's own downfall—an utterly disastrous future.
A future that must never come to pass.
"If even the slightest anomaly occurs, you must tell me immediately."
"Don't worry. This concerns the Mother Tree, so I'll give it my all too."
"What about your side?"
"You mean my father?"
Fridienga had witnessed the monsters with the elves, and they too had sensed the stirrings of the sinister ones.
Nothing they did would be surprising.
"Things are quiet. You asked back then, didn't you? To stay silent about the monsters and those creatures for a while."
"I didn't expect them to actually keep their word."
"Of course they would. It's a request from my dearest senpai in the academy."
Then, as if sharing a secret, Aria lowered her voice even though no one else was around.
"My father doesn't know either."
"You really are obsessed with connections."
"Well, since you are obsessed with money, maybe we're surprisingly compatible."
Whether that was true or not, Fernan couldn't say.
But he chose to believe it was a lie.
After all, it was unthinkable that she'd deceive her clan leader and act alone.
"Are your finals going well?"
"Not bad. I have no chance of beating that noble person from the Dragon God Cult, but I should come right below them."
"I see."
Well, she was the companion of the great hero recognized by the prophecy. That level of talent was only natural.
And Fernan, who was buying his victories with money, was in no position to be worrying about others.
Thanks to excellent adaptability and clever strategy, Fernan had managed to secure first place in Combat, War, and Magic, but the finals weren't over yet.
There were still several other subjects to go, most notably the two remaining five-credit courses: Magical Survival Techniques and Studies in Magical Beasts and Monsters.
While Combat, War, and Magic, Magical Survival Techniques, and Studies in Magical Beasts and Monsters were technically separate subjects, they were deeply interconnected.
Naturally, the structure and scale of the exams for all three were similarly intense.
"The stage for the Magical Survival Techniques exam will be the northern snowy fields. There, you must survive for four days. Nothing will be provided. Your enemies will be not only the harsh environment but also monsters."
Thankfully, this exam didn't involve direct competition between students.
However, the monsters this time were on another level.
Still, the results of this test played out differently than before.
The academy students weren't fools.
Having been caught off guard several times already, they had prepared themselves—and that became evident in the Magical Survival Techniques exam.
Rudger and Carlo in particular were confident.
"You're not the only one who can afford things, you know? I may not be Fallenberg, but Schwaben's got enough money to stand shoulder to shoulder with any noble family in the Empire."
"If the conditions are equal, there's no reason I should lose to you."
In the blizzards that raged year-round, and among the monsters that stormed through them, Fernan and Ruina survived to the end.
However, perhaps due to the help of artifacts, more students survived than expected.
And since it was a relative grading system, the survivors were judged on other factors.
Carlo Deneb—
Known for having the most powerful firepower among second-year students—
And Alia Torta,
Together hunted the most monsters and took first place.
Rudger and Almon came in second.
Fernan and Ruina were pushed down to third.
To make matters worse—
"I've heard the reports. The atmosphere around the exam became overheated, with frequent use of artifacts, elixirs, and potions."
"So, we've decided to cool things down a bit. In the next exam, Studies in Magical Beasts and Monsters, absolutely no external items will be allowed."
A worst-case scenario for Fernan.
"…Even if I don't use artifacts, it doesn't mean I lose all my skills, does it?"
"It does. I rely on money way more than you think."
The exam for Studies in Magical Beasts and Monsters was simple: a large-scale monster-hunting task using training dummies.
Ten dummy monsters with different traits would appear one by one, and teams were scored based on how quickly and effectively they defeated them using cooperation and strategy.
"But I believe no one knows and utilizes monster traits better than you."
"Well, anyone who made it into this academy probably has most monster traits memorized."
"But you know how to use those traits to fight with maximum efficiency, don't you?"
"Of course."
"Then that's enough."
And it really was enough.
When Fernan explained the most efficient method of subduing each monster, Ruina carried it out with unmatched speed.
"…Your skills?"
"I've been working hard not to become a burden. And lately, I've achieved some small results."
Thanks to Ruina's unexpected performance, the two of them claimed second place in Studies in Magical Beasts and Monsters.
"Another win."
"I'm just glad I was finally able to show Your Highness my full potential."
Rudger and Almon had taken first place, but it didn't change the overall standings much.
After the joint exams concluded, the individual subject exams followed.
[Second-Year First Semester Magic Department Final Exam Rankings]
1st – Fernan Fallenberg
2nd – Carlo Deneb
3rd – Rudger Schwaben
4th – …
[Second-Year First Semester Knight Department Final Exam Rankings]
1st – Ruina berchef
2nd – Almon Donertz
3rd – Harold Volcan
4th – …
And finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for—the overall results.
From the beginning of the semester, Fernan and Ruina had caused a stir, and now, they had risen to the top.
[Second-Year First Semester Magic Department Overall Rankings]
Top Student: Fernan Fallenberg
Second Place: Carlo Deneb
Third Place: Rudger Schwaben
Fourth Place: Daisy …
The cumulative rankings, based on all practicals and the midterms, were officially announced.
[Second-Year, First Semester – Knight Department Rankings]
Top Student: Ruina berchef
Second Place: Almon Donertz
Third Place: Alia…
The top rankings, which had been more or less fixed throughout the year, had shifted.
It was a major stir:
Almon, who hadn't relinquished the top spot since enrollment, had fallen to second place—
And Fernan, who had only ranked tenth, had now claimed first in just one semester.
"…Fernan really became top of the class?"
"From tenth to first in a single semester. He must have been hiding his skills. But why only reveal them now?"
"Ruina finally made it to the top too."
"Congrats, Ruina!"
"I've dropped…"
"It's the first time I've lost the top rank."
A crowd had gathered in front of the publicly posted academic rankings, compiled from final exam results and earlier practicals.
Some were simply surprised. Some offered congratulations.
Others were angry. And others were burning with competitive fire.
"…Top of the class, huh."
Yet the one at the center of the commotion didn't look all that happy.
"You really wanted this position. But you don't seem all that pleased."
"It's just… it doesn't feel like I earned it entirely with my own hands. I wouldn't have managed this without your help."
"You're overthinking it."
So even this stubborn person worries about things like that?
Fernan gave a short laugh, thinking Ruina really was different from himself.
"We were partners. And a pair is a unit. We earned these results together—there's no need to dwell on anything extra. I wouldn't have done as well without you either."
"Is that so?"
"That's right."
"Was I ever a burden to you?"
"Not even once."
"…I see."
Ruina gave a small nod.
Still—
"I'll work even harder next time."
"As much as you want. Anyway, congratulations on being top of the class. You're one step closer to your goal now."
"Thank you—and congratulations to you too. I hope we work well together next semester."
"Likewise."
Ruina gave a respectful bow and returned to her friends.
"You look good."
"Rudger."
"Honestly, I didn't see this coming. That you'd surge ahead as soon as the second semester started—I completely let my guard down."
"Maybe for the midterms, but not the finals."
"Midterms played a big part."
That was true.
Since the midterm was changed to a written exam, Fernan had taken full advantage of it.
Even if the comprehensive ranking placed more weight on the finals due to their practical nature—
"Anyway, congrats. But don't forget—there won't be a second time."
"Wasn't your position borrowed to begin with?"
"Can't you feel the glare of the rightful owner?"
Not far off, they could see Carlo biting his lip as he stared at the rankings.
Truthfully, no one had suffered a greater blow from Fernan's rise than Carlo.
'Originally, Ruina and Carlo were supposed to be paired.'
If that had happened, the outcome might've been quite different.
But that wasn't Fernan's concern.
A bit unfortunate, sure—but that was all.
"Any plans for the break?"
"I'm planning to return home."
"Sounds like a boring vacation."
It wasn't boring at all.
Thinking about what awaited him back at his family's estate made his heart race.
After a bit more chatting, Rudger left. Fernan walked a few steps and checked another ranking chart.
[First-Year, First Semester – Knight Department Rankings]
Top Student: Valoshy Bienderk
Second Place: Aint Armian
Third Place: Berrian Kalburden
Fourth Place: Barus Drne…
"Hmph."
Aint Armian was achieving unbelievable results, especially considering he'd ranked 38th on the entrance exam.
"Not bad."
It was disappointing he didn't place first, but that wasn't Aint's fault.
It simply meant Valoshy Bienderk was that impressive.
It truly wasn't bad.
Valoshy Bienderk – endlessly friendly without reason.
Aria Fridien – shamelessly pushy, driven by a thirst for connections.
Ruina berchef – approached first by Aint, who fell for her at first sight.
And finally, Barus Drne, who bonded with Aint over mercenary work during the break.
These were Aint Armian's four companions.
There might be more to come in the future,
But for now, this was everything Fernan had confirmed through the Prophecy Tome.
'And the last to form a connection with Aint was Barus Drne, the disciple of the Mercenary King.'
When Andromalius descended, Barus had fought alongside Aint, and through that battle, they had become close.
But Fernan intended to shift that future slightly.
"Barus Drne. I'd like to commission you and your mercenary group."
"Fernan-senpai? If it's a request, I'm always happy to accept. Especially since I know you pay handsomely."
Barus grinned with undisguised greed.
"The request is…"
Fernan already knew what commission Aint would accept, thanks to the Prophecy Tome.
His plan was to insert Barus and his group into that same job.
The timeline had already been altered by his actions.
Which meant the threats Aint would face might be even more dangerous than those described in the prophecy.
'I'd prefer to handle it personally, but I can't.'
Andromalius's descent was set to happen just before the break ended.
For that fast-approaching day, it only made sense to have a hidden ace up his sleeve.
'With Barus Drne and his mercenary group, I should be well covered.'
Barus ranked 3rd—or rather, 4th—in the Knight Department,
And his mercenary group consisted of elite members personally selected by the Mercenary King.
They were more than qualified to act as Aint's guards.
Bringing him in a bit earlier wouldn't drastically alter the future.
After signing the contract with Barus, Fernan stretched.
The long, long first semester of second year had finally come to an end.