Chapter 88: All Against One [1]
The final exams began.
"Students who have completed the exam may submit their papers and leave."
The first subject Gerhard had to take was "Introduction to Runic Linguistics," which formed the foundation of magic.
With about 90% of the class focused on theory, the exam ended with a simple written test. It wasn’t particularly difficult or time-consuming.
Gerhard submitted his densely filled 10-page exam paper.
"...He’s finished already?"
"Wow, he’s really fast with written exams."
"When you see him getting everything right despite this, it doesn’t make sense that he’s 10th in practical skills."
Since this was already the sixth time it had happened, there wasn’t much commotion.
As always, he felt one burning gaze, but that was all. Probably Carlo Deneb.
A guy with a strong desire for the top spot who didn’t want to lose in anything.
’It doesn’t matter to me anyway.’
The next subjects were "Understanding Handseals, Incantations, and Formulas" and "Structure and Principles of Magic Circles."
"Understanding Handseals, Incantations, and Formulas" was also simple. It involved solving given incantations and formulas and then manifesting them.
"Structure and Principles of Magic Circles" had a similar format.
Gerhard completed the other two subjects without difficulty. He was the first to leave the exam hall and finished most perfectly.
After completing these three fundamental subjects, the first joint exam awaited him.
The joint exam for "Combat, War, and Magic" and "War and Practical Combat Techniques."
"This exam is simple. It seems they’ll divide students into four teams for a large-scale battle."
"What’s that?"
"Information about the exam."
"Professor Grad again?"
"He was selling it, so I bought it."
"How is that even possible?"
Instead of answering, Gerhard turned to the next page.
"The teams will be arranged arbitrarily by the professors, and there probably won’t be any major balance issues. The important thing is the environment."
The battle style, preparations needed, and responses would inevitably differ depending on the battle location.
"Isn’t everything already written there?"
"You’re quick. We’re in Group 3, and the battlefield is mountains and hills. The arena is roughly a 5km circle."
Gerhard closed the document.
"Are you confident?"
"That’s the wrong question."
Luina steeled her resolve.
"We will definitely win."
***
The overall framework was similar to the previous practice.
All students were given detailed topographical maps bound in leather covers, meticulously marked with terrain features and strategic points. These maps served dual purposes—they would both ensure their safety by enabling professors to track their movements through embedded runic signatures, and determine who would be eliminated when touched by an opponent’s spell or weapon. The maps would glow red upon elimination, a definitive sign that the student was to withdraw from the field immediately.
The difference from last time was that the 100 teams had been reduced to 4.
And the objective itself was straightforward yet challenging: to eliminate all opponents from the field or capture the flag located at the base of another team. Each flag was enchanted with protective spells that could only be broken by the combined efforts of at least three students. This encouraged teamwork even in the final moments of victory.
The rules and methods weren’t particularly extraordinary. It was a common format used for training to develop tactics and strategy.
"I will call out the groups."
On the day of the exam, the groups were formed exactly as in the document Gerhard had purchased.
"You must either capture the flag set up in each other’s bases or eliminate everyone from the opposing sides."
Professor Grad’s brief explanation was the signal for the start of the final exam.
Each group was guided to their designated base, and the exam began under the control of professors and assistants.
Group 3, which included Gerhard and Luina, was located on a small wooded knoll. The 50 students of Group 3 who had been moved together eyed each other warily.
Unity was crucial in team battles. Wavering and just expressing different opinions would turn them into a rabble and make them prey for other groups.
None of the people present were unaware of this fact.
"Is there anyone here who wants to be the leader?"
Tension heightened at the sudden question.
Hands went up here and there.
A total of five. There were students from both the knight department and the magic department.
But Gerhard didn’t step forward. While making Luina the top student was important, he had no desire to take on the role of leader.
Of course, he was willing to help if Luina wanted to do it. But he declined to take on the role himself.
"You’re not stepping forward."
"I don’t particularly have talent for commanding others."
"But you don’t seem completely incapable either."
"Of course, I’m not that bad, but there’s no reason for me to step up when there are people who are better at it."
"People who are better?"
Luina stared at him intently instead of answering.
"Me?"
"Yes."
"That’s nonsense."
"That’s what I felt from traveling with you."
"I’ve never commanded troops in front of you."
"Even without that, you’re the only student here who has actually directed people in a practical setting."
That wasn’t wrong, but commanding for battle and managing merchants were clearly different.
"Other students seem to think the same."
"What do you mean...?"
Gerhard swallowed his words. At some point, all the students had turned to look at him.
"Gerhard Goldenheim. We’ve decided that you would be the best leader."
The person who had first brought up the topic of leadership stepped forward.
What was his name again? Magic department, ranked 21st, Erun Lahas.
"Me?"
"There are two reasons. One, you have the highest rank."
"But there’s Gert Grotz and Neria Hafmann. And Luina too."
"Luina just yielded to you, and Gert recommended you."
Gerhard turned his head.
Among the crowd, he could see Gert Grotz smirking and his partner, Neria Hafmann, who briefly bowed her head with a sigh.
"And the second?"
"You’re the only one with experience actually commanding people in a practical setting."
"Company business and simulated battle are clearly different."
"But the rest of us haven’t even done that much. And you’re ranked 1st in written exams. Theoretically, no one can surpass you."
"..."