The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL] novel Chapter 538

Chapter 538: War Worth Winning

Thankfully, many of these people were adults, and those youngsters who managed to witness this momentous event were already accustomed to the wonders of the universe.

Because otherwise, it would’ve broken the minds of more than a few dreamers.

Most people—especially those raised with love—had moments when they believed they were geniuses, destined to take on the world. But growing up often meant realizing that, while children of destiny did exist, the chances of being one were painfully slim.

But today, this was also true for the adults who managed to remain recognized geniuses.

Like Corporal Anya, who stared at the whopping 200 minutes and 38 seconds like she wasn’t sure if the number was real.

When they realized Luca had actually beaten the Duke, they were overjoyed; some even thought it was because the SS-ranked father let his precious son win.

But when he went way past Xavier’s 150 minutes and the Duke’s 151 minutes, the people couldn’t help but look at each other, especially after they realized that Luca didn’t look close to dying.

Just what kind of rating did he have?

They said he was officially a C?

In what alphabet? Because in theirs, it didn’t seem accurate—not when they were looking at this.

But maybe it would’ve been even worse if everyone knew of Luca’s current dilemmas.

And how it wasn’t the effects of the simulation.

His first issue was asking Sid and D-29 about Xavier’s condition, and asking if he’d been too depleted. Or did he maybe want to use the bathroom before the exam was over?

Sid, who was trying to save his master from accusations of incontinence, reasoned that it certainly wasn’t that. The guardian mecha also mentioned that Xavier actually had ample spiritual energy left.

So why did he leave that early? Luca thought. But he wouldn’t get answers like this, so he’d just work on other things to save time.

Really, he could’ve gone out as well, but Luca didn’t want to be unprepared when he met everyone who was waiting for the final list.

Honestly, Luca realized a flaw halfway through: the second batch would likely yield better times because they had started out with a battle plan—and sure enough, they did.

Hmm.

So just what kind of ruling would be fair?

Luca thought about it seriously.

Choosing only the top ten overall didn’t seem right.

After all, each batch had faced something different.

The first group had no idea what they were walking into.

While the second faced pressure with awareness and the need for greater endurance.

Luca hummed, still running at a steady pace.

It wouldn’t be fair to treat them all the same.

So he came up with a solution: Top five per batch.

That way, everyone had a chance—regardless of which round they ended up in.

And of course, he’d exclude the non-candidates.

He wasn’t going to count his father, Xavier, himself, and the others who weren’t in the original list.

Hopefully, the others would be fine with that.

But if not, he could always call for a vote—ask everyone to choose a selection method they’d all respect.

That seemed fair.

With that decided, he smiled.

The test was done. His personal goals were met. He even got more data than expected.

Time to leave.

He slowed to a walk, then made his way toward the exit.

One foot in front of the other, calm and steady.

He couldn’t see what was happening outside.

Didn’t know how many people were still around.

Didn’t even realize how long he’d been in there.

So when the chamber doors finally slid open—

and a wall of sound blasted into him—

Luca blinked.

"Huh?"

Cheers.

Loud ones.

Deafening.

Honestly, it wasn’t supposed to start with cheers.

Not at all.

Most of the people outside had been ready to rush in. The physicians were already standing by, just in case.

They had seen people crawl out of the chamber. Some passed out on the spot. A few needed stretchers.

So naturally, when the last participant finally stepped out, everyone braced themselves.

Their heads turned. Bodies tensed.

They expected the worst.

But what they saw was...

Luca.

Walking.

Not limping. Not crawling. Just... walking.

Hair a mess, face flushed, but otherwise fine. Maybe a little sweaty. Maybe a little tired.

But upright, calm, and with a heartwarming smile on his face.

The physicians rubbed their eyes.

"Do we still go?" one of them whispered.

Another raised their medical scanner halfway, hesitating.

It was the Duke—semi-recovered, standing stiffly like his back was about to snap—who gave the final word.

"Wait!" he said.

"Cheer first. Then you check him right away!"

Everyone turned to look at him.

Even the physicians, because out of everyone who went out, save for Xavier, their Young Lord really looked too fine.

But the Duke insisted, eyes wide, panic barely hidden.

"Even if he looks fine, what if he’s actually hurting?! He might be hiding it! He might be in pain!"

And just like that, the crowd exploded.

Cheers erupted.

Clapping followed.

There was a flicker of concern in his expression. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

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