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

After gaining Ariadne's cooperation, Gerhard visited the academy library.

"King Colomo and the 72 Demons"

He examined in greater detail the book he had first read when he learned about the prophecy book and the existence of demons.

"The 72nd demon, Andromalius.

The appearance of a man with a snake wrapped around his hand."

"He has black hair, black eyes, and a robust physique. He fights using the snake wrapped around his hand."

However, since it was a book that comprehensively explained all 72 demons, there wasn't much detailed information.

Gerhard examined another book.

"The Relationship Between Demons and Spirit Creatures"

"Spirit Creatures are beasts that originally live in the demon realm. They are the minions of demons and members of their legions."

"All demons are legion commanders of the demon realm who lead Spirit Creatures."

"The legion of the 72nd demon, Andromalius, is mainly composed of snake-formed Spirit Creatures."

But there still wasn't the level of detailed information Gerhard wanted.

'How much information has been lost?'

It was understandable. It had been a thousand years, and since demons hadn't appeared during that time, they would naturally be forgotten.

Even considering that, it seemed too sparse given that they were the empire's great enemies.

'Is there nothing else...?'

As Gerhard was examining the bookshelves, someone caught his eye.

"Aint Armian?"

The person sitting at a table with stacks of books was none other than Aint. Gerhard went and sat across from him.

"Senior Gerhard?"

"The Great War, Driving Away the Demons"

What Aint was reading was a book describing the time of the Great War.

"Were you looking for information about demons?"

"Yes. Since the demon... I mean, since devil-kin have been appearing, I thought it would be good to prepare in advance."

Advice from Gardner Alpenfassen, perhaps? Certainly not a bad idea. If there was proper information in the library.

"Are you also searching for information about demons, senior?"

"Yes... but..."

...come to think of it, do I really need to run around alone?

When the prophecy-endorsed hero specialized in combating great demons is right in front of me?

Having already seen devil-kin with Aint and agreed to cooperate.

This is why habits are scary. I was voluntarily taking the long way when there was no need to.

"Aint Armian."

"Yes, senior."

"Is it possible for you to do things like purify demon energy or detect it?"

It wasn't detailed in the prophecy book, but there was some content suggesting that Aint could purify demon energy.

There were also records in ancient books documenting the first Emperor's achievements of purifying demon energy.

I don't know how effective it would be, but Aint should not be completely incapable.

"...It's not completely impossible."

"Then if a demon were to descend now, could you defeat it?"

"...Which demon?"

"For example, the lowest ranked 72nd demon, Andromalius."

I think I've read that the ranking of demons doesn't necessarily indicate their strength or hierarchy, but that wasn't particularly important.

"...Um, well, I'm not sure?"

<What nonsense is this all of a sudden?>

Faced with the sudden question, Aint couldn't readily answer. His brow furrowed slightly as he struggled to formulate a response, the weight of the query hanging heavily in the air between them.

Of course, Aint had grown significantly since entering the academy.

He had drawn the first Emperor's sword, its ancient steel resonating with something deep within his bloodline, a connection that awakened dormant potential. He had met Gardner, the mysterious entity whose wisdom and guidance had shaped his understanding of the path ahead. Together, they had recovered the nearly lost secret sword technique—a fighting style of elegant brutality that had been passed down through generations of the imperial line before fading into obscurity.

After consuming the heart of a Saint Bird—a legendary creature whose essence contained concentrated spiritual energy—Aint had experienced a profound internal transformation. The top-grade elixir had restructured his meridians and expanded his capacity for magical energy. His victory over Veriana Kalproten, who had been considered almost untouchable among the first-years, had cemented his reputation. Through these trials and accomplishments, he had reached a level that rivaled the top student of his year—a feat that would have seemed impossible just months ago.

However, demons felt too far removed.

Even though he had fought devil-kin, demons were different.

<Impossible. As you are now, you could never defeat Andromalius.>

Gardner Alpenfassen drove the point home.

"...I don't think I can."

"I thought as much."

Gerhard wasn't disappointed.

In fact, it was the same in the original prophecy book. Aint was defeated, and Luina stood against Andromalius.

And after Luina's defeat, Aint's awakening. He barely achieved victory through an event like a theatrical play.

That's why Andromalius's advent had to proceed as planned.

But before that, we could make things as favorable for our side as possible.

"Then, putting that aside and getting back to the main point, I would like you to use that ability to detect demon energy..."

At that moment, what he had been waiting for came at an unwanted timing.

A terrible headache struck Gerhard's head.

["We will now begin the final exams!"

The first final exam was "War and Practical Combat Techniques."

The content was simple. Practical combat that they had done countless times since entering the academy.

However, one difference was that the stage had changed from the dueling halls they had been using to a field.

"The field is a circular area with a 5km radius. It's randomly selected and includes seven types: forest, lake, desert, swamp, mountain, grassland, and snow field."

And the varieties of those fields were endless.]

["Aint defeated Barosu!"

"So it wasn't a coincidence that he beat Veriana?"

"Veriana defeated Hein. It's not like Veriana is weak."

"He was clearly around thirtieth place during the entrance exam, how did he improve so quickly...?"

Barosu Drage was ranked 3rd in the first-year knight department, and Hein Karonin was a skilled individual ranked 6th.]

["Aint Armian is 2nd?"

"Wow, really 2nd. I couldn't believe it, but..."

"Veriana Kalproten is 3rd."

"To go from 38th to 2nd in one semester... is that even possible?"

"As expected of an Armian..."]

["Student Aint Armian. From the second semester, please move your dormitory to Lavidus Hall."]

[- The vacation is as long as 70 days. If you have nowhere to go anyway, leave the academy with me.

"So it's like a training trip?"

<There are limitations at the academy. Directly engaging in mercenary work and experiencing things firsthand can be quite helpful.>]

[- ...Spirit Creature, no, devil-kin?

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Aint Armian. To voluntarily step out of the cradle of the academy and into dangerous territory."

<Run away!>]