I’m Going to Destroy this Country

The Gold Pentagon.

Since it was an exam hosted directly by the Papacy, there was no way the Gold wouldn’t win the King.

Yes… it should definitely be that way.

“Isn’t what the Blue achieved for the Magic Empire too much…?”

“It’s not something an apprentice could do.”

The senior priests couldn’t hide their surprise as they looked at the Blue team and Isaac.

This year’s Blue was too different.

“Of course, the imperial treasures that the Gold brought are also beyond what an apprentice could do…”

They glanced at Kina, who was sitting in the Gold’s viewing area. It was something he had single-handedly brought back from the barbarian’s den, no less.

It was a high-level mission worthy of an S-rank, which normally would require a high-ranking knight’s presence. He had accomplished a mission alone that would typically require a group.

It also fit Gold Pentagon’s purpose of reclaiming Hella’s honor through retrieval.

However, being ‘priests’ themselves, they knew well.

‘The weight of the items brought back is too different.’

Priests have the duty to protect the weak and serve people, everywhere and always.

Kina had certainly brought back an item of historical significance.

But that was it.

While it could restore the Empire Hella’s past glory, it did nothing more.

How about Isaac then?

‘Not only did he rescue the paladins of the Empire, but he also negotiated with the Magic Empire to resolve the issues Hella is currently facing.’

Just how many people were saved thanks to Isaac’s actions?

If the Krasandia passage was blocked or the passage fees increased, commodity prices would inevitably rise.

Some of those commodities included essential goods for the Empire’s people. If things worsened, they would have suffered endlessly until finding substitutes.

“Whether intentional or not, he has made a great achievement for Hella and its people.”

“Your Majesty deserved to come in person.”

At the priests’ words, Kina, with his arms crossed, bit his lip.

What? Whether intentional or not?

‘No, it was intentional.’

Kina shot Isaac a piercing look like a wild beast.

If it wasn’t intentional, there’s no way Isaac would have made such a negotiation with the Magic Empire.

That clever brat must have known. He definitely knew the best scenario that even the Gold couldn’t refuse with its arms bent inward.

‘Even if they only rescued the Empire’s people, how could they not give the King?’

At this point, it was a done deal.

If they didn’t give him the points that everyone acknowledged, it would be Gold taking a bomb instead.

Well, rescuing the Prince of the Magic Empire was a stroke of luck, but it was entirely up to them to wring out any rewards. An ordinary apprentice would have just taken whatever gold the Magic Empire offered.

Of course, one with a bit of brains would have tried to bring something beneficial to Hella, but they couldn’t have conceived of making an impactful negotiation like this, let alone have the guts for it.

And Kina, who couldn’t possibly be unaware of this situation and its implications, was no exception.

Unsurprisingly, the priests whispered.

“Even if they were both high-difficulty missions, Isaac is closer to being a Saint.”

“…Shh!”

Then the Papal Screening Committee stood up.

It was time for the final results announcement.

“This year, we’ve seen many clever and excellent items. With the resurrection of the Skeleton King foretold, it seems outstanding priests have been produced, which is greatly anticipated.”

“In particular, there was a team that went to rescue their colleagues instead of giving up despite receiving a difficult mission. They will be a great inspiration not only to their peers but also to their seniors. As for those who prioritized their own lives, betrayed their colleagues, and changed teams, there’s nothing more to say.”

It was obvious which team they were referring to.

As expected, the existing Blue team members sitting in the Gold’s area flushed red. They were the ones who had betrayed Blue for personal gain.

They couldn’t raise their heads.

And rightly so, for they were the ones who had mocked the members of the Blue who didn’t leave until the end, saying things like ‘the Blue is stupid’ and ‘We were wise to change teams earlier’.

And it was only natural that attention would turn to Count Molech, who had led the charge in belittling the Blue more than anyone else.

Unable to raise his head, he could only bite his lips.

The Emperor chuckled at the sight.

“So the results are out.”

In fact, when he first heard that Isaac had rescued the Prince of the Magic Empire, he had been a bit worried.

It was only natural, considering how viciously cruel the Magic Empire was. He was concerned they might make some unreasonable demand, like claiming the prince had been kidnapped.

But who would have thought those bastards would readily agree to return the items and waive the Krasandia passage fees?

‘The foreign minister must be jumping for joy right now.’

After racking his brains over foreign affairs for so long, he might even drool over Isaac, calling him pretty.

Especially considering the Magic Empire were the type to refuse negotiation no matter what the other party proposed.

In any case, it was an enormous gain for Hella.

The Emperor delivered his final judgment.

“The victor of the Gold Pentagon is the Blue team.”

As the Emperor’s words fell, a roar of cheers erupted in the banquet hall.

The Gold priests seemed too stunned to say anything.

* * *

“Hey, the Blue won again!”

“Insane. Isn’t this the first time a team other than Gold took the King at the Gold Pentagon?”

“It’s a first in Pentagon history, man!”

“And the Blue did it? At the Gold Pentagon? Hahaha! They’re crazy!”

The Gold Pentagon became a hot topic for various reasons.

The Pentagon was no longer just an exam for apprentices. While it had always been a topic of discussion, this year it had become the talk of the city.

And the protagonists of this buzz were covering their mouths and crying. They had never been treated this way before.

“Hey, did you hear? People are talking about us everywhere we go now?”

“Isaac, this crazy bastard. You pretty son of a bitch.”

“Tell us if you want anything, we’ll buy it all for you.”

Wait, when did they tell us to go die out there?

Go out and die?

Lying back with his chin propped up, Isaac sucked on a candy as he glared at his seniors.

But the Blue team seemed unable to wipe the wide grins off their faces.

“Who would have thought you even negotiated with the Magic Empire, you brat!”

At those words, Isaac chuckled.

Yes, to be honest, even he hadn’t expected it to turn out this well.

‘Well, I did know. I knew that to wrest the King on the Gold Pentagon, I had to make an achievement on the level of resolving a Magic Empire-related issue.’

It had to be something everyone would acknowledge. He was well aware that the Gold’s biased judgment would occur if it wasn’t at that level.

That’s why, in addition to rescuing the survivors, he had been plotting to deliberately create a bigger incident.

[Well, it’s a million times better than trying to lure magicians into a hostage situation.]

Shut up, you asshole.

‘Still, having that Prince of the Magic Empire around did help.’