Chapter 196: End-of-term exam (1)

After school at the Valkyries' hideout (which is actually just their club room).

Erika was slouched on the sofa.

With her legs resting on the armrest and beef jerky in her mouth.

The faint sunlight slanting in provided just the right amount of warmth to make her eyelids heavy.

"I don't wanna study..."

The reason she was like this was none other than the upcoming end-of-term exam.

As Erika lay on the sofa, aimlessly killing time.

"Junior Erika, did you see the notice?"

Jenny entered the club room, waving a piece of paper that looked like it was ripped straight from the notice board.

Erika sluggishly turned her head toward Jenny.

"Yes?"

"I asked if you saw the notice for the final exam."

"What notice?"

"They say the final exam format is changing starting this year. From the first year to the fourth year, all students will take a Demonic Realm Practical Exam as their final exam."

"Wha?"

The focus in Erika's glazed eyes slowly began to return.

Actual combat.

At that word, her brain, which had been on strike, began to function again.

"Actual combat?"

"Yeah. Actual combat."

The corners of Erika's mouth slowly curled into a smile.

Just the fact that it wasn't a written exam on paper was enough to revitalize Erika.

"Really? The Demonic Realm, wasn't that only for the graduating class?"

"It was. But it changed starting this year."

Freya interjected as she took the notice from Jenny's hand.

Jenny handed the notice to Freya and spoke.

"The reason the Demonic Realm Practical Training was originally only included in the graduation exam was due to the lack of divine power to treat injuries, right? It was because the limited number of healers couldn't handle all students."

"I know. Then, after my Older Brother created penicillin, the midterm exams were restructured to focus on sparring from this year."

"Right. This final exam is also part of that."

At this, Freya asked in a slightly worried tone.

"Will it be okay? Sparring is on campus, but the outside is much more dangerous. There are demonic beasts and black sorcerers..."

"Actually, up until a month ago, non-graduating students were scheduled to take their exams through on-campus sparring."

"Then why did it change so suddenly?"

"It's all thanks to the Professor and me."

"By Professor... you mean my Older Brother? No, that's not the issue, but how did you do that, Senior Jenny?"

Freya couldn't help but tilt her head.

She could understand that something had changed because of Yulian.

She didn't know what he had made this time, but things like that were now a daily occurrence.

Therefore, the part Freya questioned was something else entirely.

"Senior Jenny, did you happen to do some research with my Older Brother?"

"Yep. Last year, I made a tiny contribution to the Professor's research."

Ahem.

Jenny wrinkled her nose and boasted.

"There was an incident at the academy last year, right? Well, I was the one who identified the germ that causes tetanus from that incident."

"Wow! You're truly amazing, Senior!"

"Fufu."

Jenny rubbed the bridge of her nose and continued her explanation.

"After discovering that germ, a vaccine was finally created based on it. You guys aren't in the Department of Healing Arts so you might not know, but once you specify the germ, making a vaccine is quick."

Schnabel's 1st Formula.

With this formula alone, one year was enough to create a vaccine after discovering a germ.

Of course, it wasn't a formula applicable to all germs.

But at the very least, the formula was effective against the tetanus bacteria.

"Experimental results showed that divine power consumption dramatically decreased when treating soldiers vaccinated for tetanus. Because of that, the Field of Healing Arts is in an absolute uproar."

Of course, the Field of Healing Arts was in an uproar for nearly 200 days a year because of The Black Saint, to the point where quiet days should be considered special.

But Jenny didn't bother to point that out.

"Anyway, because of this, it seems The Military is trying to have all students take the Demonic Realm Practical Exam as their final exam."

"What are they going to do if The Deceased turn up?"

Erika tossed out a question directed at no one in particular.

The one who answered that question was Freya.

"It means they're willing to bear the loss of one or two lives. Because the Hero Department is that kind of department."

The Hero Department was not a place that created symbols of hope.

Erika was well aware of that fact.

"Ah, right."

"Unnie, you came here to do exactly that."

"That's right, I did."

This place was the gateway to success where non-nobles could prove themselves to the Empire.

In other words, a hero could be considered an existence occupying an ambiguous position between commoners and nobles.

"The Military hates meaningless sacrifice. That's the reason why only graduates were deployed for actual combat exams in the past."

"But The Military is also a group that is more than willing to accept sacrifice if it holds meaning. Junior Erika, once you become a hero, you'll have to adapt to The Military's methods, so keep that in mind."

Erika nodded at their explanations.

"Understood. Then what do I need to prepare for the exam?"

"The final exam involves the direct subjugation of demonic beasts in the Demonic Realm. By forming a party just like in actual combat."

"Then there's nothing to worry about."

Erika pointed at Freya and Jenny in turn.

"Aren't the three of us enough to complete it?"

"A party must consist of at least three Hero Department students, one Department of Healing Arts student, making a minimum of four members. On top of this, it's recommended to bring along a mercenary or knight as an external security guard."

"Then should I ask the Ironclad folks..."

Erika immediately thought of one person.

The Teacher who had taught her magic.

But she soon shook her head.

"No. My Teacher is busy."

She said that, but the real reason was different.

'Because my Teacher is now... weaker than me.'

Her first year at the academy.

Erika had already surpassed her teachers.

Her rank was a fully matured Rank 1, and on top of that, she had learned various practical martial arts and strategies at the academy.

Even Wangcho and Captain Shen, who had reached Rank 1 through self-study, were now no match for Erika.

She was merely expressing that fact in a roundabout way.

"Then where should we find people..."

Freya rested her chin on her hand, speaking in a worried tone.

Erika also racked her brain, trying to figure out a way to fill the remaining spots.

Right then, Jenny snapped her fingers and spoke.

"Right. I happen to know one Hero Department student and a reliable external security guard."

""Who is that?""

Freya and Erika asked in unison.

The corners of Jenny's mouth curled up.

"There is someone. Someone you guys know, too."

*

「Chief of Staff for Personnel, His Excellency, Decides on Observation of the Grade's Final Exam」

One morning.

Due to the unexpectedly posted notice, the central corridor and the area in front of the notice board at the academy were bustling with people.

— "Are they crazy? His Highness is going to be with us for this field training?"

— "I-It's an honor, but... Ugh."

— "Should we be happy about this or not?"

The students all seemed to feel burdened by the news.

The academy was a military education facility.

Heroes, too, had no choice but to join The Military upon graduation.

The Imperial Prince's appearance was bound to be burdensome.

"Before being His Highness, he's The Military's Chief of Staff for Personnel! He's 7th in the hierarchy, 7th! Why is the Commander of the Southern Front coming here?"

"They're telling us to take our practical exam in front of the future person in charge of personnel."

"...We're screwed."

Of course, it wasn't just the students who were tense.

The professors preparing for the exam were also bound to be highly nervous.

Their guest was none other than the 'Chief of Staff for Personnel', the absolute peak of personnel authority.

And the professors at the academy, a military education facility, were also soldiers.

Absolutely no problems could occur during an exam under the direct observation of such a big shot.

So, it was no surprise that the entire academy was in a state of emergency.

— "But why did His Highness suddenly take an interest in an exam like this...?"

— "He's always been someone with a keen interest in education, but..."

The screams and complaints of the students echoed from all over.

Naturally, those complaints reached my ears even in the infirmary.

'I feel a bit sorry for the students.'

To compare it to the military in my previous life, it was like sending a 3-star general to my unit.

I fully expected things to turn out like this, of course.

There was no way even I would overlook Edmund's influence within the military, right?

Even so, the reason I requested this was simple.

'Because there won't be just one or two black sorcerers targeting the students because of me.'

The situation outside was still grim.

Black sorcerers and demonkin were lurking everywhere.

How could I not be worried when they were just tossing kids into a Demonic Realm like that?

Of course, The Military knew this and had prepared safety measures.

I heard they planned to conduct it by deploying as many soldiers as possible in a safely controlled environment.

But I still couldn't relax.

'I'm so worried because it's the first time.'

Typical academy genre trope.

An incident always breaks out during field training.

I didn't make this request relying solely on web novel tropes, either.

There was already a precedent.

Last year, during the graduation exam, there was even an accident where an airship crashed due to the black sorcerers' sabotage.

Remembering that incident, I desperately needed someone who could ensure the end-of-term exam proceeded a bit more safely.

That's why I made such a request to Edmund.

'I just hope the request wasn't too unreasonable.'

Asking him to single-handedly protect my acquaintances from black sorcerers.

I was worried I might be asking too much of a member of the Imperial Family.

***

At that time, in the academy.

Before the exam began, a procedure known as party inspection was underway.

It was a phase where the formed hero parties were tested against a professor to verify if they had the potential to survive in the Demonic Realm.

It was a measure to prevent the disaster of close friends forming a party only to be annihilated due to a lack of skill.

For reference, this was a procedure created after a major tragedy twenty years ago.

And Prince Edmund was also participating in this party inspection.

"..."

"..."

"Adjutant."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Is it just a feeling? Why are parties lining up to be inspected in front of other professors, but the parties coming to me seem fewer than blades of grass in the southern desert?"

"It's not just a feeling. It's because there are actually fewer of them."

In the center of the empty training ground.

Prince Edmund muttered.

"Did I do something wrong to the students?"

"Yes."

"Please, tell me. I wish to clarify that it wasn't my intention."

"The very fact that you are sitting and breathing in this training ground is you doing something wrong to the students, Your Highness."

"Hmm. Fair point."

The Prince calmly nodded despite the adjutant's scathing criticism.

On the battlefield where curses flew, they had a relationship where they even threw family insults at each other to snap out of it.

This much could easily be dismissed as a light joke.

Even after that, the Prince spent time in the training ground.

Still, it wasn't as if there were no challengers at all.

A few 3rd and 4th-year teams who were confident in their skills lined up.

Though all of them ended up greeting the training ground floor.

A few hours later.

Finally, the first party of underclassmen requested an inspection.

"Hero Department 2nd year, Kal! I have no family name!"

A student introducing himself with a booming voice.

Edmund crooked his finger at the student.

A few minutes later.

Edmund lightly brushed off the dust on his sleeve.

At his feet, four students were sprawled out spread-eagle.

"That kid using the sword, I feel like I've heard his name before."

"It's Kal. Lord Yulian's scholarship student."

"Ah, I think I heard that."

A few years ago.

During the High School Division student kidnapping incident.

It was a name he had heard once during the process of resolving the incident.

"To think that friend has grown this much. What is his grade?"

"He graduated Top of the Class from the High School Division's Department of Swordsmanship. In the Hero Department, he is ranked first among 2nd years in the practical exam."

"And the written exam?"

"...His byname is Sword Fool, meaning he likes swords very much."

"He's exactly your type."

Pfft.

A deflating sound leaked from Edmund's mouth.

But the adjutant's expression didn't waver in the slightest.

Feeling awkward, Edmund changed the topic of conversation.

"The student who was coordinating with him. Dorian, was it? That one left a deep impression as well. Normally, one would try to get more attention for themselves, but this friend already knows exactly what it means to coordinate with a comrade."

Edmund looked down at the sprawling students.

"I'll let this party pass."

After passing Kal's party like that.

Female students entered the training ground.

"Val...kyries?"

Edmund's eyebrow twitched upon seeing the party name.

"It's a cool name."

"Yes. It's a name Your Highness would very much like. I think it's much better than our unit's name, too."

"What's wrong with it?"

"I still consider it a blessing that the unit faced disbandment after that operation ended."

While bantering with his adjutant, Edmund compared the faces of the Valkyries with the documents.

In order: Erika, Freya, Jenny, Shallot.

And Lady Keres, who seemed to have tagged along as an external security guard.

"Are you Erika Nihilrit?"

Edmund spoke to Erika first.

"I've heard much about your record of arresting black sorcerers at the academy. I thought of you as a talent with a promising future after graduation, but now I get to verify your prowess beforehand. It's a joyful thing."

"...Ahem."

Erika's shoulders noticeably straightened.

Because it was the only thing she could boast about, being far from an honors student.

Next, Edmund's gaze shifted to the woman in the very back.

He spoke to the woman wearing Eastern-style clothing, whose skin looked a bit pale.

"Lady Keres. Are you able to leave your hospital bed now?"

"It's all thanks to the grace of the Lord Saint."

"Congratulations. But for you to be here... It's not like the Duke's Daughter would be taking the exam. You must be an externally hired safety measure?"

Edmund knew of Lady Keres's combat power.

She was a woman who strongly inherited the blood of the Duke holding the eastern front.

Even if the Demon Disease had been eating away at her health, she was not at a level to come to the academy to learn anything.

"That is correct, Your Highness. This girl will only be here for observation, so please pay me no mind."

"Alright. I understand."

Saying so, Keres elegantly took a seat in the corner of the training ground.

Complete with ink and paper, pulling them out from who knows where.

Leaving her to draw, the Prince faced the Valkyries.

"Everyone. The condition is simple. You just need to show the potential to survive in the Demonic Realm."

And he raised a single finger.

"I will add a special rule to this. If you can make my back or knee touch the ground during this sparring, I will use my authority to grant you immediate graduation on the spot, with no need to go to the Demonic Realm."

The moment they heard those words, the Valkyries' atmosphere shifted.

Their pride was at an all-time high after locking up black sorcerers in actual combat.

Wouldn't it be possible to bring the Prince to his knees?

With such hope, the eyes of Erika, Freya, and Jenny sparkled with fighting spirit.

However, the reactions of the temporary party member Shallot and the external security guard Lady Keres were different.

"Well. It would probably be better to just focus on passing. No need to push yourselves."

She spoke calmly while inspecting the condition of her dagger and sword.

The Duke's Daughter, sitting in the corner, also spoke with her gaze fixed on her drawing.

"It is nice to see such enthusiasm, but your opponent is the Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Region, Lady Erika. Unless graduation is urgent, do not push yourselves too hard."

"Hmph. How would we know without even trying?"

Erika adjusted her grip on her axe.

"If we take it all the way, I'll win."

*

30 minutes later.

"Oof!"

Erika, having planted her face first into the training ground floor, sprawled out like a frog.

It was her 10th time in total.

With her face planted in the ground, Erika reviewed what had just happened.

'Is this a technique?'

The Prince hadn't crushed them with overwhelming firepower.

Rather, Erika's firepower was stronger.

Even while she was using her Fighting Aura, the Prince had not.

And yet, the one rolling on the ground was Erika.

'He used my strength against me.'

Just a moment ago.

The moment Erika swung down her axe in what she thought was a decisive strike.

A dagger caught on the Axe Blade as if sliding against it.

Then, just as she felt her wrist being twisted,

The axe had somehow passed into the Prince's hands,

And the Prince tripped Erika's leg with the base of the Axe Blade, knocking her down.

'The magic he uses is the electric attribute, but it felt like he was deliberately controlling his firepower too.'

His method of using magic was also kept to a minimum.

He didn't use a method like frying the students with lightning.

Instead, he gathered electricity at the tip of his foot and lightly tapped their shins.

Just that was enough to momentarily drain the strength from their legs, tangling their steps.

If they lost focus for even a second in the middle of it, static electricity flared up in their hands.

Whenever that happened, their weapons would slip from their grasp.

'Incredibly delicate. Is this the Southern Region's way?'

The Southern Region has many Insect-type Demonic Beasts.

A Demonic Realm teeming with small, stealthy, and vile creatures that don't allow even a moment's carelessness.

The Prince's combat style appeared to have been forged by adapting to that Demonic Realm.

"...Pant, pant."

Wiped out again.

The girls sitting on the floor gasped for rough breaths.

The Prince, maintaining a relaxed attitude without a single hitch in his breathing, nodded in satisfaction.

"Pass. With this much, you will easily survive the Demonic Realm. However, it'll be difficult to graduate with this."

Erika couldn't help but admit it.

The Prince was strong.

Far beyond her imagination.

"Ugh... So close."

Erika, who had been face-down on the floor, pushed herself up.

There was no resentment or anger.

She just vigorously brushed off the dust covering her body, smacking her lips in anticipation.

Right at that moment.

Shallot, who had set down her weapons and was catching her breath, suddenly widened her eyes as she looked behind the Prince's back.

"Yulian. What brings you here?"

Edmund's gaze instinctively snapped toward the training ground entrance.

...There was no one at the entrance.

There was someone who didn't miss that split-second opening.

Shallot, having closed the distance without a sound, lightly pushed the back of the knee of the defenselessly exposed Prince with the tip of her foot.

Tap.

Edmund, his lower body's balance momentarily collapsing, staggered before one knee finally touched the training ground floor.

Inside the training ground where silence had fallen.

Shallot asked with a nonchalant face.

"Can I graduate with this?"

Grasping the situation, Freya and Jenny's faces turned as white as sheets of paper.

"This isn't even sparring, t-to dare touch a member of the Imperial Family like that...!"

"Shallot...! You...!"

"Eh? Didn't Shallot do a good job?"

Only Erika blinked her eyes, unable to grasp the situation.

The silence continued.

Soon, breaking that silence, the Prince began to let out a hearty laugh.

"Ha... Hahaha! Do you want to graduate that badly?"

"No?"

Shallot shook her head.

"You just gave a problem, so I merely wanted to solve it."

"So she still hasn't been properly socialized yet..."

Hearing those words, Jenny could only facepalm.