In Sera's worldview, there exists a concept few mortals could truly comprehend: perpetuity.
Once a human surpasses a certain threshold in any discipline—be it swordsmanship, magic, or the most abstract of arts—they can, in theory, merge with the will that governs the world itself. Of course, the process is neither simple nor forgiving. Only the rarest souls manage even a fraction of it.
Those who reach this state of eternity are said to receive a reward: a power that transcends the limits of the human body, extending into the laws of nature themselves.
Legends whispered of the first Archduke Caldwell, a knight regarded as the pinnacle of mortal achievement and a representative Eternal. They claimed he could split time and space with a single stroke of his sword. That no armor could withstand him, for he cut not merely flesh or steel, but the very fabric of reality. That he could carve away the day itself, turning morning into evening as casually as one would turn a page.
And from that same hand, the Caldwell Style Swordsmanship—the very technique I wield—was born.
It sounds absurd. Legendary tales are often absurd. Perhaps it's all exaggeration, meant to inspire awe rather than recount truth.
Yet… standing before the Eternal, feeling the weight of his presence, it was hard to believe the story was overstated.
Arivelle Veyrastre.
An Eternal who was granted the power of "immortality." She's famous not only in the empire, but throughout the continent.
"Oh, student. You're early."
However, such a legendary existence looked no different than a short girl.
Looking at the vitality flowing through her violet-colored hair and eyes, no one would be able to tell that this was a thousand-year-old monster—
"Student?"
"Yep."
I hastily took my seat upon hearing that voice.
"Thank you for accepting my sudden invitation. You must have been surprised."
Her tone was kind, her smile soft. Probably meant to smooth over the tension.
"…"
But I knew what kind of person Arivelle was.
Despite having lived a thousand years, she hated wasting time more than anyone else.
If she decided to have a 'sit-down' with me, it meant that she had something equally important to discuss.
"Do you know why I called you here, Adrian Merrick?"
"I am uncertain."
"I have some bad news, and even worse news. Which would you like to hear first?"
"…"
Why is there never anything good?
"Let's start with the bad first."
"Hmm~ Student Adrian Merrick has already been involved in several incidents even before being assigned to a class."
Arivelle then put on a monocle and flipped through some documents. Is there really a record of my involvements?
"…I didn't intentionally participate nor cause any of those incidents."
"That's exactly what makes it remarkable. In Caldwell's long history, we've had all sorts of students, but I have never seen someone cause such a stir before their first class."
After saying that, Arivelle let out a measured sigh.
"But it's also talent to always be able to get out of it, isn't it?"
"…Why is this 'bad' news?"
All she did was praise.
To this, Arivelle replied with a faint, knowing smile:
"Having bad luck means that you will be caught up in another incident in the future. That is the bad news."
"…"
That… I couldn't refute.
"And that misfortune leads to the worse news."
Arivelle removed her monocle and rested her chin on her hands, her violet eyes gleaming with subtle amusement.
"Student, by any chance…"
"Yes?"
"How much do you know about the devil?"
The gaze that accompanied that question was sharp, far from amused.
●
Arivelle was curious about what kind of person Adrian Merrick truly was.
Even though she knew almost everything that happened within the academy, he remained a mystery.
At least, that's what his current expression suggested.
'Interesting reaction,' Arivelle thought, observing Adrian Merrick's calm demeanor despite her question.
Ordinary students would have frozen just being alone with her, intimidated by the sheer difference in status.
This man?
'He isn't even nervous.'
Even with the President—or rather, the Eternal—bringing up the ominous topic of "the devil," his expression remained composed.
Instead, he seemed to be calculating, as if considering the best response for the current situation.
'Emergency response: passed.'
As a seasoned Eternal, Arivelle didn't need to think twice to evaluate someone.
"I don't think it's proper to reveal how much I actually know."
Adrian's response was calm, but carried an unexpected firmness.
"Yes?"
"I don't know what you intend to do with that knowledge."
Arivelle let out a quiet, restrained laugh.
"…You're not pleased, then?"
It was clear enough—there was some subtle maneuvering at play here. This had already been hinted at multiple times.
After all, Adrian hadn't even been assigned to a class yet, while other students were already moving through their routines. Naturally, that would raise eyebrows.
"It's unsettling, realizing I'm being subtly manipulated," Adrian added without hesitation.
Yet, what caught Arivelle off guard wasn't his observation—it was the precision of the implication he made.
Her violet eyes sharpened.
"…What did you just say?"
"As you noted earlier, I've been involved in several large-scale affairs. With so many observers, rumors are inevitable," Adrian explained smoothly, his tone even.
"The great powers are in disarray. It's not unusual that many would reach out to me during this time. Everyone is attempting to secure the brightest talents by any means necessary."
Indeed, reports of upheavals reached every corner of the continent.
The Tribal Union's coup, major shifts within the Holy Land, succession disputes… the lands were simmering with unrest.
Even the Golden Triangle, outwardly peaceful neighbors, were secretly locked in a silent competition for the best and brightest.
Yet, this was knowledge far beyond what any ordinary student could access or deduce.
Adrian spoke as if it were casual conversation, yet every word revealed an uncanny grasp of politics and circumstance.
Arivelle smiled inwardly.
"And yet, no one is speaking a word of it. Either someone is deliberately withholding information about me… or…"
"Or?"
"Perhaps it's even more calculated. Everyone collectively pretends ignorance. I cannot fathom why, nor how it is possible."
If Arivelle weren't bound by her duty and reputation, she might have risen from her seat and applauded.
His assessment was flawless—an instinctive yet accurate read of the situation. A student capable of this? A gem among the common crowd.
'Political insight… also a pass,' she thought.
In truth, Adrian held a crucial place in future plans. Arivelle had feared gaps in his abilities, but this confirmed her hope—no, her confidence.
She felt a surge of satisfaction—this was a rare, exceptional talent in her midst. Her own excitement might have caused a small slip, revealing information she normally would have guarded.
"First, let me apologize for controlling information so strictly. But you must understand—it is a necessary measure."
"…So standing out… is that such a problem?"
"Yes," she said, her lips curling into a knowing smile.
"The world will end."
"…"