CHAPTER 151: WHAT BEGINS IN ALTRIARK [1]

The sudden Monster Wave was enough to dampen the festive mood of the Academy.

"The Empire side is holding up well, but the Kingdom side seems to be struggling more than expected."

"They’re facing an estimated 10,000 spirit creatures and monsters, so it’s understandable. That’s a staggering number, isn’t it?"

"But are they really spirit creatures? Haven’t they been absent for the past thousand years?"

"Not quite a thousand years. After King Colomo fell to the first Emperor, the remaining spirit creatures were hunted down over the course of a hundred years."

"That’s not what I meant."

Students talked about the war whenever they met.

"I heard we might be sent to the battlefield."

"What are you talking about? Why would we?"

"It’s just something I heard—they’re considering deploying some students to the battlefield for practical experience."

Perhaps because many came from influential families, the rumors passed from mouth to mouth were quite accurate.

"You’ve all heard rumors about the massive Monster Wave raging in the Tacklakan Desert."

When Professor Grad began with those words, Gerhard thought, ’Here it comes.’

"There are exaggerations mixed with the truth, but one thing is certain."

Professor Grad lightly tapped the crystal ball, and recorded footage appeared above it.

—!

It began with an ear-splitting monster’s roar.

A vast plain with monsters charging across it.

Bodies strewn everywhere and smoke rising from the walls.

A battlefield.

Not history or a future prediction, but moments happening right now.

If Gerhard’s observation was correct, those high walls were the barriers protecting Altriark.

"You will be going to the battlefield."

Normally, mobilizing students for monster subjugation wasn’t particularly unusual.

But this was the first time they would face a battlefield where monsters, humans, and spirit creatures were entangled.

"Not everyone, of course—only volunteers who meet the qualifications."

The Chancellor’s desire was to prepare for future great wars, not to witness the meaningless deaths of unqualified individuals.

"Check the guidelines that the teaching assistants are distributing for details."

Right on cue, the assistants began handing out information sheets.

"Any questions?"

"..."

"If not, dismissed. Applications are due by noon three days from now. Check the requirements carefully and don’t waste your time. Today’s lecture ends here. Dismissed."

The lecture was over.

==

Recruitment notices for volunteers were posted throughout the Academy.

Gerhard summoned those who were both on friendly terms with him and connected to the prophecy book.

Aint, Luina, Ariadne, and Veriana.

He wanted to include Jayce as well but restrained himself.

With the prophecy book already having deviated several times, he didn’t want to add more variables.

"I want to go."

Luina was the first to answer when asked if she wanted to head to the battlefield.

"Gerhard, as you know, our territory is in quite a difficult situation."

It was beyond merely difficult.

Margrave Berchef had discovered why the massive Monster Wave that had brought the worst days to their family had occurred.

Spirit creatures.

They had nested in the north and east of the territory, where monsters had originally resided.

Terrified monsters naturally invaded human territories after losing territory disputes.

In other words, it was a prophecy of a new disaster.

The Monster Wave would become a Spirit Creature Wave, and an even more frightening moment would arrive.

That’s why Luina was determined.

Partly because Altriark’s situation felt personal, and partly because facing and fighting predicted disasters rather than fleeing was the pride of House Berchef.

Altriark’s present was both House Berchef’s past and...

"I think it’s a good opportunity to prepare in advance."

...would also be their future.

"Aint Armian. What are your thoughts?"

"Well, I’d like to go too. It’s scary, but after seeing Andromalius, I think just avoiding won’t solve anything."

Gerhard nodded slightly. In truth, he’d expected Aint would go.

The prophecy book had indicated it, and he’d seen Aint’s spirit when facing Andromalius despite his fear.

"I’m going too. No matter how I think about it, it’s unfair."

"Unfair?"

"I didn’t faint after taking one hit like someone else. I’ll prove it this time."

"...Can’t you talk without picking fights with me?"

Someone frowned.

"Come to think of it, how did Carlo beat you?"

"It was easy."

"Easy?"

"No, actually it wasn’t easy. Honestly, I felt wronged. I was praised as the greatest talent in the elven realm, but in front of you seniors, I became just another pointy-eared nobody!"

Especially the battle with Andromalius had been a great shock to her.

Unlike the three who fought the demon to the end, she belonged with Veriana who had fainted.

"So I’ve been working hard. Fortunately, it seems to have paid off. And I was much weaker than you, senior."

That wasn’t true. Gerhard could say with certainty.

"Carlo is stronger than me."

"He seemed weaker. If Wooden appeared, I’d surrender immediately."

"Wooden isn’t my own power."

"Then are all knights and wizards who use artifacts weaklings?"

"They can’t be used in competitions."

"So that’s why it seemed a bit dull. After fighting a demon, it felt like child’s play."

It seemed fainting had been such a shock that all her focus was on Andromalius.

It was unexpected, but not bad. Ariadne was also a companion of Aint recognized by the prophecy book.

Having stronger forces to face demons was always welcome.

’But I hope this doesn’t make Carlo bitter.’

Gerhard clicked his tongue and dismissed the concern. The situation wasn’t relaxed enough to worry about the career path of a grown man.

"I’ll go too."

Veriana cited similar reasons to Ariadne.

"But will we be allowed to go? First-years haven’t received any official notice."

Even though the Academy valued practical experience and had sent students to various places, this was normally a position not permitted for first-years.

"We can go."

But the Chancellor wasn’t a fool. He knew how important it was for Armian to grow in order to face the demons.

’Even if he doesn’t believe all the legends about the Armians, it wouldn’t be difficult to help Aint in case of emergencies.’

A wizard is one who prepares.

The Chancellor, who had reached the position of Arch Mage, would know Aint’s value better than anyone at the moment demons appeared.