In this world, there are two types of academies within the Empire and in each of the existing kingdoms.
Some academies were built with specific purposes. Those academies fall into a different category.
They are referred to as Elite Academies. Meanwhile, the other academies are general academies that train students for safer and simpler goals.
General academies often aim for things like success, peace, and becoming stronger. Just that much.
Meanwhile, Elite Academies are different.
Not only do they handle internal matters regarding their race as humans, but they also participate in the conflicts of the world.
Students of Elite Academies are trained with one purpose: to fight.
Not without reason.
But because they need it to survive.
There are various powerful races that have already been wiped out by demons, and on the frontlines, many monsters rampage.
Humans are afraid of that.
Most other races have been wiped out, and it's only a matter of time before humans follow. That's why Elite Academies were created.
They were created to fight against demons and to stand at the frontlines of the battlefield, leading humanity toward peace.
"Do you all understand?"
I heard the voice of Professor Balkan explaining with a serious expression on his face. It was unusual for him to show such a serious look.
It's not that I didn't understand.
It's because the battlefield has been growing more chaotic lately. It's only a matter of time before the frontline walls are completely destroyed.
Then how will humans prevent that?
The answer is simple.
'They will use the weapons of war they've been training for a long time.'
That's us—the elite students of Valheil Academy.
Of course, as first-year students, we won't be sent directly to the battlefield. That will only happen when we're in our second year.
But, the story is heading in a different direction.
Third-year students are being sent to the battlefield this month, but they won't be able to handle it alone, so second-year students are being sent as well.
They can hold on until next month, but that's their limit.
A strange situation where monsters suddenly pressure humans, even though things used to be peaceful.
Because of that anomaly, many students from other elite academies will also be sent. Even first-year students, professors, and academy heads will take part in the battle.
In short—
Next month will be a very harsh and challenging time. Many students will die, and the possibility of humanity losing is great, depending on the variables that will occur.
But the trigger for those variables is not many.
The greatest possibility lies with the head of Valheil Academy.
'He will die sacrificing himself.'
The sixth commander of the demon army will appear in that battle. Even though there are other academy heads, the difference in power is vast.
Demons, they surpass what humans can achieve.
In the end, only the sacrifice of the head of Valheil Academy will be enough to defeat the sixth demon commander.
'That too, I have to prevent.'
How?
Any way I can.
I let out a long sigh.
I really only slept a little and could only stay silent when my head throbbed, followed by dizziness.
My gaze turned toward Professor Balkan, who looked like he was about to end his lecture.
"For the foreseeable future, your training will be intensified. Third-year students will be sent to the battlefield. Out there, no one can guarantee their survival. The possibility of death is high. In a few months or years, maybe... you'll also be sent there. So train diligently."
Professor Balkan paused for a moment, then continued;
"Also, going forward, you'll be taught by a different professor. I, Balkan Vastmor, will also be going to the battlefield."
I looked at him, shaking my aching head.
'I can't save you, professor.'
Balkan Vastmor is a professor who likes to drink and is lazy. Even so, he's serious when teaching, and at certain times, he's a real man.
On the battlefield, unfortunately, he will be killed.
"….."
What ideal route...
I don't even know how to save him, and I've already given up before trying anything.
So then?
'Is there anything I can do?'
I smiled.
'There isn't, right?'
Exactly.
Smile foolishly, Farley.
At this point, your words—whatever they are—even yourself, are just nonsense.
---
The next day was the time when Professor Balkan and the third-year students would leave for the battlefield.
This morning, I stood under the blazing sunlight. Many other students were there too, and all eyes were on the third-year students.
Professor Balkan stood in front of the third-year lineup, seemingly giving them final instructions.
I could see their expressions.
Some students looked calm, but some clearly couldn't hide their nervousness.
The third-year students... they were students who had already been to the battlefield twice.
This was their second time.
They were experienced.
And even those with experience are not immune to the fear of death and trauma.
I sighed.
My gaze fixed on a girl with long blonde hair and beautiful ruby eyes.
She was calming her nervous friends with a gentle smile on her face.
She is one of the characters who could become important, depending on the route taken.
Her name is... Fisalia.
She has no background and grew up in a holy temple with the talent of a good healer.
Her character is naïve and too kind, also innocent and pure.
But, this world does not want to protect such a girl.
In one of the routes, during a long war against the demons, the most epic moment wasn't just the sacrifice of the head of Valheil Academy.
But also the awakening of the saintess directly chosen by the goddess. Not just approved by the five holy temples.
Fisalia is the direct choice of the goddess.
'Alright, let's set that aside for now.'
I looked at Professor Balkan as he walked into the Academy building. I stood still for a moment and then quickly ran to catch up with him.
"Professor!"
I called out to him when we were in a quiet place. Professor Balkan turned around and looked at me with a surprised expression.
He scratched his bald head.
"This is really unusual. Are you sick or something? Why are you suddenly talking to me? Weren't you always too busy to even stay awake in my class?"
I smiled awkwardly. Well, that attitude of his—even when he's not drunk or anything—it's really annoying.
I let out a long sigh.
"Professor, I want to make a contribution to the war."
Professor Balkan looked at me and immediately replied:
"You want to join?"
I shook my head firmly.
"No."
"Then?"
"This is still a secret, but I have something I want to show you."
A smile bloomed on my face.
Professor Balkan looked at me lazily.
"Farley, I know you've changed recently. I don't know what happened, but can you go back to how you were? Stay busy, we're all busy, okay? I hope your old self comes back. Haaahh."
That was rejection and deep distrust from him toward me. What else could I expect?
I even felt awkward being here.
But, at the very least, I wanted to do something.
The death of Professor Balkan... I didn't know the exact details, but it seemed he died in a terrible battle against one of the powerful demons.
So I thought of giving him a one-time-use rune engraved on the body. Even if it might not have a huge effect, at least I had to do something instead of just standing still.
I revealed the back of my hand, the rune glowing, then wind surged above my palm.
"Professor, I'm serious."
At that moment, Professor Balkan finally changed the way he looked at me.
I smiled.
I hope this helps, even just a little. Please... survive.