The Third-Rate Academy Villain Who Refuses to Become a Beggar

It had been well over a month since Gerhard left the academy for practical training.

"It's already been more than a month, and I have no idea when he'll return. The final exams are coming up soon."

Luina Berchef thought her current academy life was extremely unpleasant.

Objectively, Aron Praine proved that he wasn't in Professor Rosalia's research lab for nothing, as he possessed outstanding skills.

Thanks to this, Luina achieved excellent grades in all joint classes, but not everything was reflected properly.

"They say there will be some deductions considering the assistant's level. If that's the case, wasn't it problematic to assign the assistant as my partner in the first place?"

"You're right about that."

Aina nodded while munching on cake.

"But the assistant is really impressive."

"Impressive or not, it would have been the same with Gerhard."

Others seemed to think the deduction was fair, but to Luina, it wasn't at all.

"Are you saying Gerhard is as strong as Assistant Aron? That much?"

The performance shown by Assistant Aron was beyond Carlo, the top student in the magic department. Naturally, his achievements were unparalleled.

"That's right, Luina. That's nonsense... or it should be..."

Bella, who had been agreeing with Aina, stammered.

While it made sense logically, the calm demeanor Gerhard had shown when facing demons made her think "perhaps."

"What's wrong, Bella? Do you share Luina's opinion? Is something wrong with your head?"

"What did you say?"

"Eek, I'm sorry!"

Luina fell into thought as she watched her two bickering friends.

Certainly, in terms of skill, Assistant Aron was more exceptional. Yet, she felt that Gerhard would have somehow achieved the same, or even better results.

Whether through simple strategy or by using his precious money and artifacts.

"So when are Gerhard and Ariadne coming back?"

"He said before the final exams."

"Can we trust that?"

"Whether we trust it or not, the field practice period is until before the final exams."

Bella retorted.

If Gerhard arrived after the final exams, he wouldn't be able to take them. Since the practice deadline was until then, he couldn't take a separate exam or have it substituted with something else.

If that happened, there would be many who would complain about giving too much special treatment.

"Huh?"

Not far away, the harbor area in town seemed to be getting busy.

"What's coming?"

"Looks like ships are arriving."

Luina used her aura to enhance her vision.

In the distance, more than a dozen ships could be seen.

They were all part of a fleet with sails bearing the Golden Turtle emblem.

Gerhard Goldenheim had returned.

***

"Thank you."

Gerhard immediately unloaded the goods from the ship and handed them over to the academy.

Naturally, there was nothing wrong with any of the items.

With that, the commercial expedition was concluded.

"My father will send the remaining balance to His Grace the Duke."

"Good. You've worked hard too."

It had been an expedition with many tasks and troubles. Still, it was fortunate that it ended well.

"Then I'll be off. I still have things to discuss with the academy. As I said, I'm the proxy."

The task taken on by the Golden Turtle Company was merely transportation; the main deal was between the Fridien family and the academy.

There would be many things to coordinate in that process.

"Take care, then."

After sending off the expedition members, Gerhard parted ways with Ariadne.

Hyde, carrying a box containing a piece of the blackened contaminated World Tree branch, followed behind.

"Where are we going, sir?"

"To purify that tree."

"Would that be possible?"

"I think the Dragon Faith Church might have some method."

Honestly, there was no definite solution. It was just too wasteful to throw away something as valuable as a branch of the World Tree.

"Janice Biance proved to me that the church can purify demon energy."

"Isn't that method burning the demon energy? If we burn the sapling..."

"...Surely there must be more than one method."

Well, if there wasn't, it couldn't be helped. It would be good if there was, but it wasn't absolutely necessary.

Gerhard entered a private room in a tea house operated by the company.

"It's been a while since I've been here."

"You're late. The appointed time was clearly 32 minutes ago."

There was already a guest in the private room. Janice Biance, Saint of the Dragon Faith Church.

"The waves were higher than expected. The ship couldn't maintain speed."

"Even though you say time is money, to waste my time like this..."

"Even if you say that, I won't give you money."

"I know. I was just saying."

Janice laughed nonchalantly.

Licking his lips even though he knows. Such a money-hungry guy. Gerhard clicked his tongue.

"What's the matter? You must be tired after a long journey, yet you asked to see me right away."

"We're both busy, so let's get straight to the point. I encountered Spirit Creatures during the expedition."

"Spirit Creatures? So those demons aren't even hiding their existence anymore?"

Janice showed a slight anger.

"What about the plan we discussed earlier?"

"The items have arrived. His Holiness said to ask for help whenever needed."

"Good."

"But are you sure you don't need direct assistance? His Holiness is very concerned."

"Please convey my gratitude for just his words. Even for His Holiness, bringing church forces into the academy would be politically difficult, wouldn't it?"

Gerhard savored his coffee.

He hadn't expected that much from the beginning. The church's hesitation was predictable, even necessary. It shouldn't be that way, but politics were always a complex dance of interests and appearances. A direct intervention would upset the delicate balance of power.

Aint Armian was clearly a hero, destined for greatness by all accounts, but currently, he wasn't a complete figure—merely the outline of what he could become. His potential remained dormant, like an unpolished gem waiting for the right craftsman's touch.

It was by obtaining the sacred arrangements left by the first Emperor, by confronting and overcoming great enemies, by gaining hard-won experience through trial after trial, growing and evolving with each challenge, that he would be completed. Each ordeal would forge another facet of his character, temper his resolve, and sharpen his abilities until he became the hero the prophecies foretold.