After Professor Calvin, Professor Rohan
After Professor Calvin came Professor Rohan. Though Ludenberg couldn't use divine power, he knew the theoretical aspects of saint law studies would surely benefit him, so whenever Professor Rohan's class ended, he approached the professor to ask about things he didn't understand.
"You're bound to be different from the other students. You know that, right? There must be disadvantages in all sorts of ways."
"I'm well aware. Even so, I have to do it. I can't give up. As for theory, I believe even I, without divine power, can grasp it fully."
"That's true enough. Even without divine power, saint law studies is a proper academic discipline. Theory is emphasized, so you should manage just fine. I'll write down some books for you to find and read."
"Thank you."
Professor Rohan seemed to recognize Ludenberg's efforts despite his lack of divine power. He explained the theories of saint law studies in great detail and even recommended theory books tailored for him.
The other theology classes were much the same. Each theology of Solem, Lanur, Terra, Mare, Setra, and Celioum had its own depths, making his head ache, but he crammed the doctrines of each denomination into his mind as best he could and began memorizing what each pursued.
For him, a ray of light amid it all was Ashytara. She started neatly organizing the theology content he struggled to memorize, boosting his study efficiency bit by bit. Moreover, being well-versed in saint law studies herself, she reorganized the parts from his questions to Professor Rohan that he still didn't grasp.
In return, with Professor Calvin's help, Ludenberg had nearly perfected his erosion studies notes, which he explained to Ashytara simply. Thus, the two could study theory efficiently together.
If there was any comfort for the two studying so diligently, it was that literature wasn't included in the midterms. Literature's slow pace made evaluations awkward anyway, so Professor Eldora took special measures: she excluded it entirely from this midterm. The students naturally cheered.
And at last, time passed, and the midterms began.
The theoretical evaluations, spanning two days, signaled the start. The venue wasn't Baekjeokcheongheuk Tower but the Knight Faculty Main Building's integrated lecture hall—a room usually used only for guest lectures. With all first-year students across ranks taking the same exam, a spacious location was unavoidable.
The subjects: theology of the six denominations, erosion studies, history, and saint law studies. Nine subjects in total. Day one was theology. Day two covered the remaining three.
Theology exams lasted one hour each. Right after the three morning ones, lunch was given, followed immediately by the remaining three.
Ludenberg sat in the integrated lecture hall amid all ranks' students, his face tense with focus. He opened his theology primer and reviewed the notes he and Ashytara had compiled overnight. Ashytara sat beside him, but they didn't chat; instead, they glanced at each other's notes, organizing thoughts and recalling memorized content.
He quietly closed his eyes, sorting through the crammed information in his head one by one.
How much time passed? The door opened, and Sione, the Solem theology professor, entered. She promptly seated the students and briefed them on precautions before the exam.
"Alright, put away all your materials. The exam starts soon. Just in case, but cheating is absolutely forbidden. If caught in even one subject, that student is expelled immediately."
Cheating wasn't tolerated. Detection meant instant expulsion—a lifelong dishonor. No one there even considered it. They couldn't. Sione's golden eyes flashed, making idle thoughts impossible. Thus, the students faced the exam under a strange pressure.
The Solem exam asked for personal views on what Solem doctrine pursued, plus verifying scripture accuracy. Scripture questions weren't too hard—not nitpicky about a few letters wrong, and diligent students could answer them.
The real challenge was stating personal views. "Views" in evaluations didn't mean arbitrary opinions. They had to base it on Sione's class explanations of Solem's direction, deriving sound conclusions grounded in their thoughts. Most couldn't grasp how to approach it.
While most students racked their brains, Ludenberg and Ashytara calmly outlined their thoughts, crafting high-quality answers. It paid off—they'd followed professors to their offices, asked questions actively, and debated opinions.
Ludenberg smiled faintly, pleased with his answer sheet; Ashytara did the same. They submitted early. Sione smiled at them, seeing their teamwork at a glance. Other students gawked at the pair leaving first to prepare for the next exam.
What?
Done already?
Gave up?
Sione's golden eyes caught such thoughts, but she showed nothing, instead marveling at their sheets. Ashytara, as a Solem priestess, was expected; she'd have scolded her otherwise. But Ludenberg—even picky Sione found no flaws. Perfect scores wouldn't raise complaints.
They worked that hard. Good job, both of you. Recalling their constant focus from day one, never dozing, Sione smiled softly.
Ludenberg and Ashytara aced the remaining theoretical exams too. They'd debated actively, grasping professors' teaching styles and directions. So while others struggled, they found correct answers smoothly.
On the second day, after perfect saint law studies answers, they looked satisfied. Ludenberg exited first; Ashytara, pondering the personal views section more, followed soon after.
"Tara. What'd you write for the last saint law question?"
The question Ludenberg asked about was:
—What was the most awe-inspiring saint law you've seen recently, and what did you feel watching it?
"What about you?"
"Well... Earth Citadel. That overwhelming sight protecting so many still lingers. The peace it radiated and the resolve to safeguard those inside were impressive."
"I... the saintess's small barrier that protected you and me at the end. It saved our lives, and Idilrock Saintess's desperate look back then was striking. She could barely stand, yet stepped forward to raise that barrier for us."
"True..."
Ludenberg agreed. Without that barrier, they'd have died or been gravely injured before Sione's aid.
"Ahh! Anyway, theory's done. Practical starts tomorrow, right?" Ashytara stretched, asking Ludenberg.
"Yeah. Prep well, Tara."
"I want to say the same to you, but you'll handle it. Still, do great, Rud. I'm heading to the dorm to rest."
"Me too. Head hurts from no rest during theory; wanna sleep."
Practicals began tomorrow. Though theory mattered, as Knight Faculty, practicals weighed more—no room for complacency. Ludenberg knew this clearly and his approach.
Overwhelm erosion beasts more than others. Events: duels, base occupation, defense. He was confident in all.
Duels first. Ludenberg believed no first-year could beat him—not arrogance, but based on his skill and foreseeing opponents' moves. Even Ashytara, trained by her father, or Eden with three gods' favor—none matched him now.
Still, no complacency. Combat had variables that could erupt anytime. Losing to an inferior foe from carelessness happened often enough. He wouldn't lose—not even to precious friend Ashytara.
No letting up; give my all. Next, base occupation...
Occupation likely meant facing multiple erosion beasts.
Some groups might cooperate.
Divide bases and personnel, lure and scatter beasts, advance. Rational, safe to the illusion core. But he wouldn't.
Not all students would agree anyway. They'd use their ways. Midterms were joint but individual scores—personal prowess decided.
Best if with Tara, but unlikely. Professors aren't clueless; they'll split top students across groups for varied progress.
Then solo action. He had no intent to cooperate beyond Ashytara.
Won't just go with the flow. Clear all visible erosion beasts, smash the illusion core myself. Unless a highest-rank blocks it, I can solo. Considering others' levels, it'll be mid-ranks guarding—too easy for me. So no complacency; full effort.
With that resolve, Ludenberg returned to his dorm, collapsing into bed to rest his theory-fatigued body.