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

"This is somewhat the expected scenario."

Immediately taking control of the group members and inciting other groups to jointly attack the most dangerous group.

"Just with a change in the main actor."

In Professor Rosalia's opinion, Rudger should have been in Gerhard's position.

"Isn't Gerhard not that unexpected either?"

"He is unexpected."

She already knew that Gerhard Goldenheim had ability. Otherwise, he couldn't have ranked 10th.

But at the same time, she had noticed that he relatively avoided fully revealing himself or stepping to the forefront.

"He's not a student who likes to stand out so openly."

"Is it because of Luina's involvement this time as well?"

"If not that, then there's no special reason. Whether Luina is that special reason, I don't know."

"Then it must be one of the two."

Grad and Rosalia continued the topic from the previous practice.

"Either the burning love of twentysomethings."

"Gerhard Goldenheim doesn't seem like someone who would move based on such personal emotions."

"Or some kind of agreement between the Goldenheim and Berchef families."

"Didn't we reach the same conclusion last time?"

"We did."

Grad stroked his chin.

"You were also scratching your chin then."

"You remember that? Let's skip the trivial details."

Either way, it wasn't important.

"Whatever conversations occurred between the two families, it's none of my business."

"That may be true for us, but not for others."

A deal between the wealthiest family in the empire and the fallen but gradually recovering guardian family of the north.

No imperial citizen could remain indifferent.

"No, not us. Just me."

"What do you mean?"

"Are you really not bothered at all? Even if the two families join hands?"

"I'm just an academy professor."

"Your surname suggests otherwise. And you don't seem completely detached either."

Rosalia looked at him expressionlessly. Grad avoided her gaze and shrugged.

"Well, that's not my concern either."

"...It's beginning."

Group 1 and the other groups were about to gather in one place.

***

49 versus 90.

Numbers are something that cannot be ignored anywhere, anytime.

Considering that students were assigned to maintain a balance among the four groups, this battle was extremely disadvantageous for Group 1.

Nevertheless, Rudger thought there was a chance of winning.

"Your Highness, what should we do?"

"We must hold out."

Without a base, he would consider retreating and devising various strategies, but for now, there was no option but to hold out. Rudger's eyes narrowed as he surveyed their defensive position, mentally calculating the odds against them. The mountain terrain offered both advantages and limitations – perfect for ambushes, yet difficult to abandon if overwhelmed. The dense forest canopy filtered dappled sunlight across their makeshift fortifications, casting shifting shadows that might confuse approaching enemies.

At least from a combat perspective.

"Lure them toward the traps to maximize damage. Do not get excited and don't advance without my orders."

"Yes."

If there was any consolation in their precarious situation, it was that there were simple but effective traps set throughout the surrounding area and basic defensive structures hastily constructed around their position. The rocky outcroppings had been fortified with fallen logs and branches, creating natural chokepoints that would funnel attackers into vulnerable positions. And perhaps equally valuable was that the students willingly followed his orders without question because he was a prince – their loyalty bolstered by both his royal blood and his evident tactical acumen.

"Can Almon do it alone?"

"What do you think?"

David Rifen, ranked 8th in the knight department, couldn't readily answer.

"For one, I don't think I can defeat Almon."

"Just you?"

"Everyone except Luina is the same."

In his view, even Luina could only match Almon, not definitely win against him.

"Then we have our answer, don't we?"

None in the knight department could defeat Almon in single combat. The magic department might have other methods – binding spells, elemental barriers, or illusions to confuse and disorient – but if their main force was focused on defending against Rudger's group? Their defenses would be spread thin elsewhere.

Of course, it couldn't be guaranteed that Almon alone could defeat all twenty people left at the base, but stealing the flag? That required only a moment of opportunity, a single opening in their defensive formation.

"We just need to buy time."

"But I can't stop Luina. Neither can Herold, Allia, Doria, or Gertrand Pelkan."

"I know. If you could beat them all, you'd be ranked 2nd, not 8th."

The knight department valued practical skills and combat prowess more than the theoretical knowledge prized by the magic department. Success was measured in victories, not hypotheticals or untested theories. The rankings weren't arbitrary – they were forged through countless hours of practice, innumerable duels, and ruthless assessment.

If one had the ability to defeat the other top-ranked students in one-on-one duels, the rankings would certainly change. David's position at 8th reflected his considerable talent, but also the unbridgeable gap between him and those who stood above him in the hierarchy.

"It will be fine. Luina won't fight properly either."

"Luina, you say?"

"Yes. And the same goes for Gerhard."

Perhaps even the entire Group 3.

"I trust Your Highness's words. But what about the others besides those two...?"

"I'll try to stop Carlo."

"Still, there are a considerable number of remaining people, Your Highness."

Even if Group 3 was half-hearted, Groups 2 and 4 remained.

And there were people stronger than David in those groups. Quite a few of them.

Simply calculated, there were 7 from the magic department and 7 from the knight department. Of course, the gap between knights and wizards doesn't exactly work out that neatly in reality.

"David."

Rudger firmly gripped both of David's shoulders.

"You can do it. I'll command, so whether you fight or flee, buy time somehow."

Excluding Almon, David was the strongest knight department student in Group 1, so his role was quite significant.

"David. I'm here too."

"That's not at all comforting."

Jean Brad, David's partner and ranked 4th in the magic department, snorted.

"There are only three wizards better than me among the second-years."

"Two of them are currently our enemies, and the one right below you is also an enemy."

"Don't worry, David. That was a joke."

Rudger added a word.

"Do you think I wouldn't have a plan?"

He smiled.

"I've already finished talking with Group 4, and the result will change depending on how Group 2 reacts."