CHAPTER 153: SELECTING THE NINE [1]

The announcement was corrected within a few hours to include first-year students, and participants were selected within a day.

Rosalia checked the documents.

"Three from the first year."

Aint Armian, Ariadne Florian, and Veriana Kalproten.

It seemed the first-years were intimidated by the unknown enemies called spirit creatures.

Actually, this number was just right. First-years were still lacking and required a lot of supervision on the battlefield.

And the Chancellor’s order to ensure Aint Armian’s participation had been fulfilled.

’Probably because of the spirit creatures.’

However, if Aint Armian made a name for himself by performing well in battle against spirit creatures, the Schwaben faction would have a conniption fit.

’Balrosi isn’t here...’

Probably because of her, but that wasn’t Rosalia’s concern.

"And twenty from the second year."

Rosalia handed the documents to Professor Grad, confirming the surprising result that all qualified students had applied.

"All participating? You mean everyone applied?"

"Yes, that’s right."

Professor Grad checked the documents again and smirked.

"At least there are no cowards among the second-years."

"There are cowards. They just don’t want to fall behind."

"Competition is good fuel too. Who started it?"

"Who else? Gerhard Goldenheim and Luina Berchef, who took all the top spots this time."

When they applied, Carlo Deneb and Almon Donertz, who had been pushed to second place, promptly followed suit.

When all the top-ranked students applied, others who didn’t want to be left behind were also fired up.

"The only one remaining was Rudger Schwaben."

"He changed his mind after hearing about Aint Armian’s participation."

"It’s fate."

"Indeed, the Armians are remarkable. Despite anyone being eligible to become Emperor, one family ruled for nearly nine hundred years, and even a hundred years after they stepped down, they still command respect..."

Though they didn’t deify the Armians either, it was peculiar if anything.

"I suppose the First Emperor’s achievements were that tremendous."

"Tremendous indeed. He vanquished the Demon King and demons, saving the world."

Pride in being descendants of the First Emperor was deeply embedded in the hearts of imperial citizens.

No one could deny that this pride and self-respect played a major role in allowing the Armian dynasty to maintain power for so long.

"Anyway, twenty is too many to manage."

Even if they were only defending from the walls, even with Altriark’s elite forces, this was war, not a duel.

He wasn’t confident in perfectly protecting twenty students in the chaos of battle against those swarming spirit creatures.

"I don’t particularly care. We’ve already notified them not to expect safety, so they must be prepared."

"How can you say that?"

Though they had warned that lives couldn’t be guaranteed, their duty as escorts was to ensure everyone returned safely to the Academy without any casualties.

That’s what being an escort meant, at least in Grad’s opinion.

"Then what would you suggest?"

"Hmm. Let’s cut from the top. By half. I think I can handle about ten, what do you think?"

"I don’t mind having less trouble. Above all, I’m happy to follow since you’re taking on the villain’s role, Professor."

Professor Rosalia shrugged.

"That’s somehow annoying but not hateful."

Grad snorted roughly.

"And I have one correction to make."

"What is it?"

"Not ten, but thirteen. Including the first-years."

"The second-years up to third place were paired, right? Rather than forcing matches, let’s just take three from each. Under ten would be perfect."

It wasn’t a bad method.

"Is that really necessary? People should take responsibility for their own choices. In this case, they’ll just criticize you, Professor."

"Better to be criticized than to have students die. Makes for restless nights."

"Would the Chancellor allow it?"

"That’s why we need to handle this quickly and dash off to Altriark, right?"

Professor Grad scratched the back of his head irritably.

"Then that’s what we’ll do."

"Yes, understood."

Rosalia nodded.

She truly didn’t care. She wasn’t particularly interested to begin with.

Neither in this deployment nor in the students.

==

’Six people?’

Since all twenty qualified students applied, they said they would cut only three from the top.

Apparently, only ranks up to third place count.

"Anyone dissatisfied can try to defeat me. Then you may go as you please."

"..."

The students kept their mouths shut.

"Why is it limited to six people?"

"Because that’s the maximum I can take responsibility for."

"..."

"What’s with that expression? Any complaints?"

"No, sir."

’Was he always such a sentimental person?’

He hadn’t seemed that way before.

Anyway, sensing Professor Grad’s firmness, Gerhard quickly calculated the situation.

’If they’re cutting up to third place from each faculty, that’s me, Carlo, Rudger. And Luina, Almon, Allia.’

Gert and Neria, whom he had planned to bring just in case, would not be able to participate.

’Those two were just backup, so we’ll have to manage without them. But...’

"What about the first-years?"

"Three first-years will participate."

’That’s a relief, at least.’

Gerhard could bet his entire fortune and his wrist that Aint Armian was among those three.

"Aren’t the first-years in more danger? Rather than them, perhaps more second-years..."

"Let me be clear: I have been given full authority over first and second-year deployments by the Chancellor. If you have complaints, prove your qualifications to me."

"..."

All the students who had been raising objections fell silent.

"We’re fortunate to be going at all."

"If the top students were excluded, no one would go. Are you all prepared?"

"Yes. We just need to gather our personal items..."

Luina checked her belongings, counting on her fingers.

"But I really don’t know if I should accept so much help..."

"This is a battlefield with spirit creatures. Even with the best equipment to boost your condition, it’s still a dangerous place."

Besides, I’m your sponsor.

Of course, he kept that thought to himself. It wasn’t something to say in front of other students.

"Oh, I’ve prepared various types of chocolate for you too."

"...Thank you."

There’s no need for thanks. He was willing to spend as much as needed if a few chocolates could further improve his relationship with the future Royal Knight.

This is why money is good. Money can truly buy anything.

"Quiet!"

Just then, Grad’s shout was heard. The murmuring lecture hall fell silent.