Chapter 81
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: The Chosen Nine
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Within hours, the notice was amended to include first-year students, and the participants were selected within a day.
Rosalia reviewed the document.
“Three from the first year.”
Aint Armian, Aria Friedien, and Verian Calburden.
It seemed the first-years were intimidated by the unknown enemy of demonic beasts.
In truth, this was the perfect number. The first-years were still lacking and would require a lot of attention on the battlefield.
And the Chancellor's order to ensure Aint Armian’s participation had been fulfilled.
‘It must be because of the demonic beasts.’
However, if Aint Armian distinguished himself in battle against the demonic beasts and made a name for himself, the Schwabens would foam at the mouth and throw a fit.
‘Valoci is not on the list…’
It was likely because of her, but that was no concern of hers.
“And twenty from the second year.”
Confirming the surprising result that all eligible students had applied, Rosalia handed the document to Professor Grad.
“All of them? You mean every single one applied?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Grad, after checking the document again, let out a short laugh.
“At least there are no cowards among the second-years.”
“There are cowards. They just don’t want to be left behind.”
“Competitiveness is good fuel. Who are they?”
“Who else? Pernyan Fallenberg and Ruina Bercefe, who took the top spots this time.”
As soon as they applied, Carlo Deneve and Almon Doneretz, who had been pushed to second place, applied as if they had been waiting.
Once the top and second-ranked students all applied for the dispatch, the other students, not wanting to fall further behind, were fired up with determination.
“The only one left was Ludger Schwaben.”
“He must have changed his mind when he heard Aint Armian was participating.”
“It’s their destiny.”
“Truly, the Armians are remarkable. Though anyone could become emperor, one family held the throne for nearly nine hundred years. And even a hundred years after they stepped down, they still possess an undeniable presence…”
Yet, it wasn't as if the Armians were deified, which made it all the more peculiar.
“It must be a testament to the monumental achievements of the first emperor.”
“Monumental indeed. He defeated the Demon King and his demons, saving the world.”
The pride of being descendants of the first emperor was etched in the hearts of the Empire’s citizens like a badge of honor.
No one could deny that this pride and self-respect played a significant role in the Armian dynasty's long-lasting reign.
“In any case, twenty students will be difficult to manage.”
Even if they were only defending from atop the castle walls, and even with Altriark’s elite soldiers present, this was war, not a sparring match.
He wasn't confident he could perfectly protect twenty students amidst the chaos of a battlefield teeming with demonic beasts.
“It makes no difference to me. I’ve already notified them not to expect safety, so they should be prepared.”
“Even so, we can’t just let that happen.”
Though he had warned them that their lives couldn’t be guaranteed, their mission was to bring everyone back to the academy safely.
That was the duty of an escort. At least, that was what Grad believed.
“Then what will you do?”
“Hmm. We’ll cut from the top. Halve them. I think I can manage about ten. What do you think?”
“I don’t mind having less trouble to deal with. More importantly, since you’ll be playing the villain, Professor, I will gladly follow your lead.”
Professor Rosalia shrugged.
“You’re somehow cheeky, but not unlikeable.”
Grad let out a rough snort.
“And there’s one thing I need to correct.”
“What is it?”
“It’s thirteen, not ten. Including the first-years.”
“The second-years up to third place are all pairs, aren’t they? Let’s not force it and just take the top three pairs. A number under ten is perfect.”
It wasn't a bad idea.
“Is there really a need to go that far? They made their choice, and it’s their responsibility to bear the consequences. In this case, won’t they just blame you, Professor?”
“I’d rather be blamed. If a student dies, my dreams will be haunted.”
“Do you think the Chancellor will stand by and do nothing?”
“That’s why we have to handle this quickly and bolt for Altriark, isn’t it?”
Professor Grad scratched the back of his head in irritation.
“Then we’ll proceed with that.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Rosalia nodded.
It truly didn't matter to her. She wasn't particularly interested in the first place.
Not in this dispatch, nor in the students.
* * *
‘Six people?’
Since all twenty eligible students had applied, they were cutting the list to the top three.
Something about only recognizing the ranks up to third place.
“Anyone who has a problem with this can try to defeat me. If you win, you’re free to go.”
“……”
The students fell silent.
“Why are we being limited to six?”
“Because that’s the maximum number I can take responsibility for.”
“……”
“What’s with that look? You got a problem?”
“No, sir.”
‘Was he a sentimental person?’
He hadn't given off that impression.
In any case, sensing Professor Grad's resolve, Pernyan quickly calculated the situation.
‘If they’re cutting it to the top three from each department, that’s me, Carlo, and Ludger. And Ruina, Almon, and Alia.’
Gert and Nania, whom he had intended to bring as a contingency, would not be able to participate.
‘Those two were just a precaution. If they can’t come, then so be it. But…’
“Then what happens to the first-years?”
“Three first-years will participate.”
‘That’s a relief, at least.’
Pernyan would bet his entire fortune and his own wrist that Aint Armian was one of those three.
“Aren’t the first-years in more danger? Wouldn’t it be better to exclude them and take more second-years…”
“Let me be clear. The Chancellor has granted me full authority over the first and second-year dispatch personnel. If you have an issue, prove your worth to me.”
“……”
The few students who had raised objections all shut their mouths.
“We’re lucky we can go at all.”
“If they excluded the top-ranked students, no one could go. Are you all packed?”
“Yes. They said we only need to bring personal items, so…”
Ruina counted her luggage on her fingers.
“But I feel bad for being so indebted to you…”
“This is a battlefield against demonic beasts. It’s a place where you’d still be anxious even after boosting your condition with the best supplies.”
Besides, I’m your sponsor.
Of course, he kept that thought to himself. It wasn't something to say where other students could hear.
“Ah, I also packed various kinds of chocolate.”
“…Thank you.”
No need for thanks. If a few pieces of chocolate could further curry favor with a future Royal Knight, it was an expense he was more than willing to make.
This was why money was so wonderful. It really could buy anything.
“Quiet!”
Just then, Grad’s shout echoed. The murmuring classroom fell silent.
“I’ve informed you about the participants, now I’ll tell you about the schedule.”
The six students gave small nods.
“At dawn tomorrow, we will travel to the Altriark County via a teleportation circle.”
Altriark. If the Bercefes were the shield that protected the Empire’s north, the Altriarks were the wall that guarded its west.
This was possible because the academy had teleportation circles connected to every Elector family’s estate.
Of course, the cost must be astronomical. It meant the Chancellor considered this matter to be of great importance.
‘He didn't deliberately cut the number to nine because of the cost, did he?’
As he entertained the thought, Professor Grad continued his explanation.
“…Our purpose is solely to experience war and to experience demonic beasts. If any of you get full of yourselves and pull some idiotic stunt like you’re a hero, I’ll personally smash your face in. Understood?”
“Yes, sir!”
“The six of you are to return to your dorms immediately and pack. Be at the Dimensional Hall by 5 a.m. tomorrow. Don’t be late.”
The Dimensional Hall was a specially managed facility where the academy’s teleportation circles were installed. A place where only the authorized could set foot.
“Also, since we have preparations to make, your classes today will be taught by other professors. The six of you are dismissed.”
Pernyan left the classroom with Ruina.
“Isn’t this fun?”
Ludger, who had followed them out, casually slung an arm around his shoulder.
“What is?”
“In the end, all the pairs got to go, right? Don’t you think he might have intended it?”
Now that he mentioned it, that was true.
Pernyan and Ruina, both top-ranked.
Ludger and Almon, ranked third and second.
And Carlo and Alia, ranked second and third.
Alia, who had been stuck in fourth place, moving up a rank by pairing with Carlo had been a stroke of genius.
“I suppose you’re right.”
“Ruina, last time your condition wasn’t good, so we couldn’t have a proper match. But this time will be different.”
“This time, we’re not sparring. We’re fighting together as allies.”
“How about we make a wager on who kills more demonic beasts and monsters?”
“I decline.”
“Why?”
“We are going to defend the Empire. There is no time for such frivolous games.”
Pernyan smirked as he watched Ruina stiffly brush Almon off.
In moments like this, she seemed like her usual self, yet he could feel a subtle change in how she treated him.
“……”
Just then, he felt an intense gaze from behind. It was Carlo Deneve.
As their eyes met, he strode over.
“Do you know what Aria Friedien said to me?”
It was an abrupt opening.
But Pernyan maintained his merchant’s poker face and asked back.
“I do not.”
“She said she was disappointed.”
Carlo continued, his voice a quiet murmur.
“She said it would have been better if you had competed, not me. That I’m weaker than you.”
“The words of a clueless child.”
She really knows how to provoke someone.
The funny thing was, knowing Aria, that wasn't a provocation at all, but her honest opinion.
“But the ridiculous part is that I couldn’t deny it.”
*Grind.* Carlo ground his teeth.
“Because I lost the top rank.”
His voice grew slightly more intense.
“Even though it was true, I was angry. I didn’t think I was so weak as to be looked down on by a first-year. So I intended to defeat Aria Friedien, win the Magic Tournament, and prove my worth once again.”
“But you lost.”
“Yes. I lost. It’s pathetic.”
Though it was by a narrow margin, a loss was a loss. The second-ranked second-year had been defeated by the second-ranked first-year.
For Carlo, who had always considered himself special, who had stood out even among the exceptional students gathered at the academy, it was an immense shock.
That was why. The moment Pernyan applied for the dispatch, his body had moved on its own. It was due to an ominous feeling that if he fell any further behind, he would never be able to catch up.
“I realized how lazy I had become, drunk on the empty title of top student. I was an arrogant fool. I don’t repeat the same mistakes. This will be the first and last time I lose the top rank.”
“…This probably isn’t the time to say this, but I don’t really care about being top-ranked.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Think what you will.”
Pernyan shrugged. After meeting his gaze with renewed determination, Carlo turned and walked away.
“Let’s go, too.”
“Yes.”
Pernyan headed for the Golden Turtle Merchant Guild’s branch office.
* * *
“This is the proposal from the Bardian branch.”
Bardian was the island situated between the two continents where the academy was located.
In other words, this proposal was from his son to the Duke.
“A proposal concerning the Blacksteel mine.”
It was the only thing that needed to be sent right away.
The Duke opened the document. It contained a neatly organized summary of various factors, such as the environment where the Blacksteel vein was discovered, nearby monster colonies, and profitability.
“…What is this?”
It also detailed the funds and troops required to develop and maintain the Blacksteel vein.
The Duke rubbed his eyes.
“Is there a problem, Your Grace?”
“Take a look at this.”
The butler leaned closer. The Duke’s finger was pointing at the required number of troops.
“Five hundred mercenaries, and the Red Turtle and Blue Turtle Corps as well?”
The Red Turtle Corps was the Fallenberg ducal family's most prized knightly order, and the Blue Turtle Corps was the family's finest magic corps.
Considering their commanders were a Royal Knight and an Archmage respectively, the combined strength of the two units could easily crush a decent-sized kingdom.
“…Is the Young Lord planning to go to war with Prasia?”
“He’s not that foolish.”
After a moment of surprise, the Duke quickly saw through his son’s scheme.
“He’s playing games with me.”
It was a shallow trick—asking for something big to achieve his real objective.
“What he really wants… is half the mercenaries, and the Red Shell Knights and the Blue Shell Magic Corps.”
“Those two knightly and magic corps are also top-tier forces by any standard. We can’t use that much power just to maintain a single mine.”
Pernyan couldn’t be unaware that it was an excessive waste.
The Duke pondered why his son would draft such a reckless proposal.
“…Until now, Pernyan has never done anything that deviates from the proper path. Has he?”
“That is correct.”
“But he has made exceptions when it came to Ruina Bercefe and matters related to demons.”
“Yes.”
“Then this must be one of the two.”
No, it was just one.
Unless Ruina was mining in a Blacksteel vein, she wouldn't be involved.
“Demons or the Vile Breed.”
If that was the case, then this large-scale deployment of troops made sense.
“The audacious boy…!”
The Duke let out a hollow laugh.
Pernyan was not the type of person to take on impossible tasks alone.
To have made such a decision meant he had judged it to be entirely feasible.
“I’ve never met someone more greedy than myself.”
It meant he had no intention of sharing the resulting profits with others, not even his own father.
And he planned to do it using his father’s own resources.
Even with the Blacksteel vein as an advance payment, it was quite an impudent move.
“The student has surpassed the master, it seems.”
“Butler, whose side are you on?”
“Yours, of course, Your Grace. What are your intentions?”
“Send the Red Tail Knights and the Blue Tail Magic Corps, along with one hundred mercenaries.”
Those two corps were the third-ranked knightly order and magic corps owned by the Fallenbergs. Although they were the weakest, they were still considered among the best on the continent.
“He may be insolent, but if there’s a high chance the Vile Breed are involved, we cannot let them slip away.”
“Yes, I will arrange it.”
The butler bowed his head. The Duke’s expression changed.
“And what of the Vile Breed hiding under Fallenberg’s shadow?”
“We have identified a total of 41. In a large-scale sweep, we killed 33 and captured 8.”
“So many of them crawled in.”
“What did you find out?”
“My apologies.”
The butler bowed low in apology.
“Even after removing their poison fangs, there seems to be a secondary curse in place. When they are about to speak under torture, they vomit blood from all seven orifices and die.”
“A curse? Even Duke Dulleo couldn't break it?”
“Yes. He is investigating, but he says it is not something that can be broken in a short time.”
“So it’s difficult even for Duke Dulleo…”
He couldn’t begin to fathom how much the enemy had prepared over the last thousand years.
*Tsk.* The Duke clicked his tongue and changed the subject.
“What about the war supplies?”
“We are acquiring them discreetly and consistently. However, prices are rising due to the monster wave in the Taklakan Desert.”
“Keep buying them regardless.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
It might seem like a loss now, but it was anything but.
The moment he saw Andromalius through the recording sphere, he knew instinctively.
The war was just beginning.
The tragedy of a thousand years ago was rearing its head once more.
“A thousand years ago, through the war with the demons, the Fallenbergs became Electors of the Empire and the wealthiest family on the continent.”
If so, then.
“What can be gained from this war?”
I look forward to it.
His eyes were colored with greed.