Chapter 104

It’s been a week since the midterms ended.

The students, now free from the fatigue of exam preparation, had to gear up for another major event.

The mock battle set to take place in two weeks.

An event steeped in the history and tradition of the academy, it carried the most significant weight in terms of practical scores.

Every year, this period brought a peculiar atmosphere to the academy, driven by the anticipation of the mock battle.

Especially the mock battle between the first and second years.

It was a stage where the first-year students, who would lead the academy’s future, could showcase their potential.

For the second-year students, it was a chance to demonstrate their growth over the past year.

It was a true test of pride between the first and second years.

So, it was natural for a strange tension to permeate among the students.

However, the results of the mock battles were almost always one-sided.

The one-year experience gap was significant, so the second years usually emerged victorious.

But when the first years did win, they were hailed as a generation of immense talent.

The most recent first-year victory was by the current fourth-year students, led by Regina Ernebert.

With her exceptional skills and leadership, she led the first years to a complete victory over the second years.

That event made her a legendary student council president.

So, what about this year’s first years?

“This year, the first years will undoubtedly win.”

An elderly scholar with a monocle spoke confidently.

It was Isaac, the vice-principal of the academy.

“Especially since ‘that person’ is among them.”

Isaac referred to the first-year top student and the Empire’s first princess, Oscar Peresia.

Recognized for her talent early on, she was called the “Wise Flower” of the royal family and entered the academy as the top student with overwhelming grades.

Even in the recently concluded first semester, she maintained her position as the top student.

Imperial faculty members were naturally delighted.

Isaac, a renowned scholar from the Empire, was no exception.

He had provided basic education to Princess Oscar when she was young, at the request of the royal family.

Despite the short period, he had realized her extraordinary wisdom and intelligence.

Teaching her one thing meant she would understand ten and independently grasp new concepts.

Having experienced her talent firsthand, Isaac knew better than anyone how exceptional she was.

That’s why he was confident that this time, the first years would win the mock battle.

“I agree. And it’s not just the princess in the first year.”

Another professor from the Empire supported Isaac’s claim.

This year’s first years.

While Princess Oscar was the most prominent, she wasn’t the only one.

In less than a year, many first-year students had shown remarkable growth.

Some professors already considered them a golden generation that would be recorded in the academy’s history.

“Haha, most people probably think the same.”

A professor laughed.

The golden generation of first years.

In contrast, the current second years were considered a poor generation.

Only Elaine, the second-year top student, was considered exceptional.

“This isn’t even a fair bet. It’s boring.”

“Hahaha.”

Thus, the consensus was heavily tilted towards the first years.

“Oh my, you’re underestimating the second years too much.”

Someone broke the atmosphere.

It was Professor Karen.

All eyes turned to her.

“Professor Karen?”

“Do you really think that?”

The reactions were of disbelief.

Everyone knew the odds were clear.

Yet the genius from the Mayfield family thought otherwise?

It was hard to believe.

“Yes, I do. Don’t you agree, Professor Lapit?”

Karen subtly dragged Lapit into the conversation.

Why me?

Lapit, feeling unfairly caught up, barely hid his frustration.

Instead, he adjusted his glasses, pretending to be nonchalant.

“Yes, well… they’re still second years; we can’t underestimate them.”

Despite feeling wronged, Lapit expressed agreement.

Even a cornered mouse would bite, and he believed the second years were at least at that level.

“Haha, I didn’t expect both of you to think that way.”

Isaac touched his monocle and continued.

“But your words are ambiguous. Do you think the second years will win?”

“Yes.”

Professor Karen raised her hand affirmatively.

Lapit intended to stay quiet.

‘That’s impossible.’

Logically, it was an impossible feat.

However, Lapit saw the mocking glint in Isaac’s eyes.

At that moment.

‘Oh, this is infuriating.’

Lapit removed his glasses in irritation.

Then he raised his hand.

“Of course, the second years.”

Thus, a bet was made between everyone and the two of them.

* * *

“This won’t be easy.”

I muttered, thinking about the mock battle.

“Those first-year students are monsters.”

With the main characters gathered, what else could you expect?

And the second years?

I’d rather not say, but they’re subpar.

In the game, the mock battle is designed for the first years to almost always win.

The only variable is how much the protagonist shines.

So, does this mock battle have no meaning?

No.

Regardless of the outcome, I needed to achieve the best possible results.

To do that, I needed to stand out.

Fortunately, I had a definite weapon.

Information.

I already knew how the first years would move in this mock battle.

Not just that.

I knew detailed information about each individual.

There couldn’t be a more advantageous position.

The problem was my lack of skill.

That was my clear weakness.

“Hmm, strategy will be crucial.”

The effective way for the weak to defeat the strong is through strategy and tactics.

Moreover, the mock battle is a group battle, not an individual one.

There’s no better stage for strategy to shine.

“The problem is…”

I’m not in a position to command anyone.

No one would listen to someone with my reputation.

Even so, strategy wasn’t meaningless.

At least Allen, Riviera, and I could form a small unit.

Though few in number, we were a solid force.

“And it’s not all bad.”

While other second-year students acted naturally on their own, if we moved independently, it would be harder for the opponents to notice our strategy.

However.

“I’d like to see the Royal class, our strongest force, move as well.”

I muttered regretfully.

It was a shame to leave the most significant force of the second years unused.

“Well, let’s start with the strategy…”

As I picked up a pen to plan the strategy.

Knock, knock.

Someone knocked on the dormitory door.

“Yes.”

I opened the door to find a dormitory staff member standing there.

“What is it?”

“There’s a visitor for Max outside.”

* * *

The visitor was unexpected.

It was Elaine.

Being a girl, she couldn’t come directly into the boys’ dormitory, so she had called me outside.

“What brings you here? It’s unusual for you to come all the way here.”

I asked.

“It’s not something to discuss here… Can we move somewhere else?”

“Sure, let’s do that.”

We sat on a quiet bench along the forest path behind the dormitory.

Elaine stared into the air for a moment before speaking.

“It’s about the mock battle.”

“Ah, the mock battle.”

My eyes gleamed with interest.

The timing was uncanny.

Just as I was pondering over the mock battle, Elaine came to talk about it.

“I was thinking… what if your group joined forces with ours?”

Group? So now the three of us are considered a package deal.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

It was a bold proposal.

One I hadn’t anticipated.

It meant Elaine held our group in high regard.

“I see. You want to concentrate our forces?”

“Yes.”

Elaine confirmed.

In a mock battle, everyone knows it’s best to fight with the coordinated organization of an army.

But that’s easier said than done.

It doesn’t work out because proper control is lacking.

To be precise, control works within the same class.

Royal with Royal, Noble with Noble.

It’s possible because of the sense of belonging within the same group.

But it’s challenging to achieve with different classes.

Especially since lower-ranked classes are often openly disregarded by higher-ranked ones, making true teamwork impossible.

So, in practice, mock battles usually see Royal, Noble, and Common fighting as separate units.

Elaine wasn’t trying to change this inevitable situation.

That’s impossible.

She just wanted to make some improvements.

She likely judged that having a useful force like our group fight alongside the Royals would be strategically beneficial.

“I understand your intention, but I’ll have to decline.”

Elaine’s eyes widened at my unexpected refusal.

“…May I know why? You’d have more opportunities to shine this way.”

Hearing her response, I understood why she found my refusal surprising.

She thought I was a highly rational person.

So, she believed I wouldn’t refuse a proposal that offered more chances to shine and earn higher scores.

She wasn’t wrong.

I do prioritize rational decisions.

And that’s why I refused.

“The reason… Think about it. After all my provocations, do you think we can truly integrate? There will definitely be discord. It would be more of a hindrance.”

“Ah…”

Elaine’s eyes widened as she realized what she had overlooked.

Human emotions.

She had neglected those.

“…You’re right. I didn’t consider that. I was short-sighted.”

“It happens.”

I chuckled.

“Anyway, thanks for the proposal.”

“Huh?”

“It means you thought of me.”

“N-no… It’s more that I was thinking about how to approach the mock battle with the best strategy…”

Elaine mumbled, her face turning red with embarrassment.

Adorable as always.

“Well, since we’re done talking, I’ll be going. Good luck…”

“Wait, wait.”

I stopped Elaine, who was quickly trying to leave the awkward situation.

“What…?”

“I have something to say too.”

“R-really?”

Elaine sat back down, seemingly resigned.

I shifted my gaze to her.

Her blue eyes looked at me curiously.

“First, I want to ask, who’s planning the Royal’s strategy this time?”

“Well… we’re gathering opinions from several people and choosing the plan with the most support…”

In other words, by majority vote.

Not a bad approach.

A majority vote usually results in a middle-ground decision.

But that doesn’t guarantee it’s the best.

Especially for a battlefield strategy.

Most people tend to choose the safest option in risky situations.

So, a stable and conservative plan is more likely to be chosen over a bold and unconventional one.

‘What can you achieve with a stable plan when you’re outmatched?’

To defeat a stronger opponent, you need to take risks.

Especially with such a disparity.

“Then, can’t you take the lead in planning the strategy?”

“That’s difficult.”

As expected, Elaine’s answer was predictable.

I knew Elaine wasn’t a natural leader.

She was the strongest student in her year but not a leader.

So.

‘Should I give it a try?’

An idea popped into my head.

If Elaine hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have thought of it.

But her visit sparked the idea.

Seeing her propose to me.

“Elaine.”

“Yes?”

“How about you join us instead?”

I made a counterproposal.