Chapter 106

“It seems just using my head isn’t quite enough.”

I muttered as I put down the pen I had been scribbling with.

For two days, I had been using all my memories and knowledge to devise strategies whenever I had the chance.

I had sketched out the terrain and marked the movement routes of individuals on paper, but it wasn’t coming together.

The details were lacking.

I knew the solution.

I needed to see the site in person.

There was an opportunity.

Each grade was given a day for preliminary reconnaissance.

Some might take it lightly, but the war essentially starts on that day.

Not only can you inspect the actual terrain and conditions of the battlefield, but you can also decide where to position your troops and plan the direction of attacks and defense strategies.

In other words, it’s a war of minds, not just of swords and spears, where you set up the battlefield to your advantage.

Of course, it usually follows predictable patterns, as there are no genius strategists involved.

‘It doesn’t matter.’

You have to ignore what you can’t control.

Focus only on what you can do.

Ultimately, what’s important is my score.

And the scores of my squad members.

In the end, as long as our squad performs well, that’s all that matters.

I told Elaine that our goal was victory, but honestly, I don’t think it’s very likely.

The difference in strength is significant, and most importantly, the game’s story always leaned that way.

So, I had no intention of obsessing over victory.

As long as it’s not a crushing defeat, I’ll be satisfied.

I’m confident that as long as our squad performs as planned, that won’t happen.

We might even see a more exciting development than expected.

Even that would be a big win for the second years.

No one expects the poor generation to “fight well despite losing.”

‘And we’ll be at the center of it.’

I smiled faintly.

* * *

The second-year reconnaissance day arrived.

The location was outside the Holy City.

It was more than two hours away from the academy.

‘This time, it’s the Plains of Sorrow.’

The location of the mock battle changes every year.

Of course, it’s not a new place every time, but a rotation among a few selected sites.

Even so, during the four years at the academy, you won’t experience the same mock battle location twice.

That’s one of the reasons why reconnaissance is so important.

“Why are we walking?”

Riviera asked in disbelief, her lips pouting with discontent.

“Building stamina is part of the training. Naturally, we have to walk.”

“That’s old-fashioned.”

“…”

In a world with knights and mages, hearing a witch say that is so ridiculous that it’s not even funny.

“Hey, can’t you see Allen walking without complaining?”

“Ugh.”

Riviera finally closed her mouth.

She had a resigned look, as if she had no choice but to endure.

Allen suddenly shivered as if he felt something creepy.

“I-I feel like I just got criticized for something…”

“Hey, it’s a compliment, a compliment.”

“Oh… really?”

Allen scratched his head.

It’s nice that he’s an easygoing guy.

Difficult people are tiring.

“There’s about an hour left, so let’s just bear with it. You, especially.”

Naturally, I pointed at Riviera.

And so, we walked for another hour and arrived at our destination.

* * *

The Plains of Sorrow.

The name had a peculiar reason.

A thousand years ago, during a great plague, countless corpses were burned and buried in this area.

No matter how precious someone was.

Even if they were children or parents, they had to be burned and buried.

Only then would the chances of survival increase for those left behind.

But even such desperate measures were meaningless as death swept over them.

The records state that it was common for entire villages to be wiped out.

If Saint Lepheria hadn’t saved them with her healing miracle, the entire region, or even the continent, would have been doomed.

It’s no wonder the Holy City and the greatest academy bear her name in reverence.

Not to mention, the existence of such a great city and academy is thanks to her.

‘Well, anyway.’

I quickly scanned the Plains of Sorrow.

It’s wide.

Plenty wide.

With 100 first-year students and 100 second-year students, the space was more than enough for the mock battle.

And.

‘The terrain is varied.’

It’s not just plains.

There are forests, hills, and lakes.

Even swamps.

They chose this place on purpose.

Experience in fighting in various terrains is invaluable.

And it naturally teaches you how to utilize the terrain in battle.

“From now on, everyone is free to start their reconnaissance. Just return by 4 PM. That’s all.”

With Professor Lawrence’s instructions, we began to move.

* * *

“Oh, this place is amazing!”

Elaine’s close friend, Lana, exclaimed with sparkling eyes.

They were at a hill at one end of the plains.

The slope was steep, making it advantageous for those occupying the top.

But that wasn’t all.

From the bottom of the hill, there were wooden barricades set up here and there, making it difficult to approach.

Most importantly, there was a well-constructed earthen fort at the top.

Even if it was made of earth, a fort was still a fort.

Its significance in defense couldn’t be overstated.

It was an ideal terrain for defense.

It could be called a fortress.

“Right, Elaine?”

Lana sought her friend’s agreement.

“Huh? Oh… yes.”

Elaine responded a beat late.

She seemed distracted.

Lana noticed but didn’t mention it.

She assumed Elaine was worried about the mock battle against the strong first years.

“We must take this spot!”

Someone shouted energetically.

It was Brett, a bespectacled student who looked like the model student.

He had been the class president of the Royal class since the first year and was known more by the title “President” than by his name.

“Of course, the President is thinking about defense.”

Lana muttered, as if it was expected.

The Royal class hadn’t yet decided whether to go on the offensive or defensive.

They planned to decide after surveying the area.

But everyone knew.

The opinion in favor of defense would be much stronger.

“Wait! Why do you get to decide that?”

Someone challenged Brett.

It was Fabiola, a sharp-eyed, slender girl and the class president of the second-year Noble class.

“The strongest Royal class should be at the center fighting the enemy head-on, right? We’ll guard the rear.”

In other words, you guys go fight at the front, and we’ll cover any rear attacks.

Naturally, that didn’t sit well with Brett.

“Why would we fight alone? What nonsense is that?”

Brett raised his voice in disbelief.

“Who’s going to guard the rear?”

“Who else? We’ll be entrenched in the rear.”

“Only you guys? We want to be entrenched too.”

“Then do it. Somewhere else.”

“Why do you get the best spot?”

“Because we’re the strongest?”

“Ugh, this is annoying.”

Fabiola snapped irritably.

It seemed her frustration from always being overshadowed by the Royals had finally boiled over.

At that moment.

“Hold on, hold on. Calm down.”

Someone intervened.

Everyone’s eyes widened at the unexpected figure.

It was neither a Royal nor a Noble, but Max Celtrine from the Common class.

He was the man who could be considered the most talked-about figure among the second years.

His words had gained substantial influence, enough that no one dared to dismiss them lightly.

It was a testament to his skills.

No one could laugh off the trio of the Common miracles anymore.

“Who are you to butt in? You’re neither Royal nor Noble.”

Fabiola frowned.

Max responded with a light laugh.

“Precisely because I’m neither. I’m the most neutral party here, right?”

“…”

Fabiola couldn’t argue with the logic and fell silent.

Max quickly glanced around at the others before speaking again.

“I think the Royal class president’s idea is right. We all know we can’t win if we go out and fight head-on. So, I believe the best strategy is to hole up in a stronghold like this, defend firmly, and wait for the enemy to tire before launching a counterattack. That’s the only way we have a chance.”

It didn’t sound like a bad strategy.

In fact, it sounded almost sweet.

‘Yeah, if we defend well, there will definitely be opportunities, and we might achieve something great,’ was a thought that could easily occur.

That’s the trap of defense from a weaker position.

It’s also why people often choose to defend.

But.

‘Chance? What chance? We’ll just be cornered and beaten like dogs until it’s over.’

Max knew exactly what the outcome would be.

So why was he saying this?

Because it couldn’t be changed anyway.

And it might actually help.

The first years’ movements would remain predictable against the second years focused on defense.

“So, shouldn’t the strongest Royal class take the most advantageous defensive position? Don’t you agree?”

Max finished speaking.

“Huh, who would have thought I’d agree with you.”

Brett smiled.

“Tch.”

Fabiola’s expression soured, but she didn’t argue against the defensive strategy.

“Damn it. Fine, enjoy yourselves. Just don’t come crying for help later.”

“Haha, who are you to talk? Just don’t drag us down. That way, we all benefit.”

Brett’s words prompted Fabiola to flip him the middle finger before disappearing.

“What about you guys?”

Brett asked Max, who wasn’t even a class president but was treated as the de facto representative of the Common class.

“We’re going to smash everything.”

Riviera suddenly answered, clenching her tiny fist.

“…”

An awkward silence.

And then.

“Hahahahaha!”

“Pfft!”

Brett and Lana burst into laughter.

“Hey, nice joke.”

“Not a joke… mmph.”

Max quickly covered Riviera’s mouth as she tried to respond.

“We’re doing the same. Looking for a good defensive spot.”

“We’re not giving this one up.”

“It’s all yours.”

Max turned away without hesitation.

“Well, we have a lot to check out, so we’ll be off.”

As Max started to move to another location, Elaine spoke up.

“Wait a minute.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“I-I’ll go with you.”

At that moment.

Brett, Lana, and Allen’s eyes widened in shock.

* * *

“…Hey, why are you making it so obvious?”

I whispered in a voice as small as an ant.

“S-sorry… I didn’t mean to…”

Elaine responded in a voice just as small.

I could guess why she did that.

Since it was the only day for reconnaissance, she probably thought it made sense to scout the battlefield with those she planned to act with.

I understood, but it was a bit awkward.

I noticed Brett and Lana looking at us suspiciously.

The only saving grace was that they seemed to think it was about our relationship.

No one would ever guess that Elaine, the top student of her year, would abandon her class to act with me.

I hadn’t even told Riviera and Allen yet.

That’s why Allen seemed genuinely shocked.

Having the overwhelming top student suddenly say she wanted to join us was enough to surprise anyone.

No, it wasn’t just that.

Allen’s eyes were moist with emotion.

That expression…?

It was familiar.

…Too familiar now.

No… No way… Leader? No matter how great a leader you are… You can’t be entangled with all the beauties of the academy like this…

…Allen’s expression seemed to say.