Chapter 426

The peak of the summer season arrived.

A dimensional gate gleamed.

From the light stepped out a youth with vibrant orange hair.

“The western region is absolutely scorching compared to the central area.”

Cal loosened his neckline, fanning it to disperse the stifling air, while raising his other hand to block the brilliant rays of the sun.

The intense, blistering sunshine left no doubt that midsummer was in full swing.

“It would be incredibly convenient if Chloe were around at a moment like this.”

Recalling the ice-wielding mage, Cal let out a disappointed sigh and scanned his surroundings.

Back in his birthplace, whether within the borders of the Moira Kingdom or inside the bustling streets of Rumeria City, one could easily purchase refreshing beverages or frozen treats from roadside merchants on such boiling days.

‘Is this just the reality of a countryside nation? There isn’t a single stall here.’

Although small, the Moira Kingdom in the heart of the central continent served as a vital crossroads where an endless stream of traders and merchandise converged. Furthermore, Rumeria City possessed an urban landscape so advanced that people regarded it as the literal core of civilization.

Because of that, the public amenities there were highly sophisticated, whereas this remote western realm of Delrad lacked such modern conveniences entirely.

‘Setting up a shop around here would probably yield massive profits. Given that this is the capital city, the locals should have decent purchasing power, right?’

Cal mused, observing the thoroughfares of Delan.

He calculated the potential revenue he could generate over the course of his summer break.

He visualized the wealth before letting out a quiet breath.

‘What a pity that my stay here is so limited.’

Clicking his tongue, Cal resumed his stride just as a cluster of youths clad in matching academic uniforms trotted down the road on horseback.

They moved in an orderly formation, acting as protectors to a grand horse-drawn vehicle.

Cal noted the banner fluttering atop the carriage and stepped to the side.

The intricate crest of the Delrad royal lineage was embroidered on it.

‘That must be a member of the royal household traveling inside.’

Just as Cal murmured his observation and prepared to continue his way,

“Hold on, you with the orange hair.”

A voice hailed him from the entourage.

He turned around with a bewildered look, spotting a youth of comparable age dressed in the school’s attire riding a mount directly toward him.

“Is there an issue?”

“How have you the audacity to obstruct the path when members of the royal bloodline are passing through?”

Cal scratched the back of his neck at the accusation.

He had specifically shifted to the edge of the street to avoid getting in the vehicle’s way.

Even so, facing such hostile words made it clear he had inadvertently stumbled into an annoying predicament.

“I hail from the central continent and am merely visiting as a sightseer, so I am not well-versed in the local regulations. Could you enlighten me on the proper protocol when royalty drives past?”

“The standard mark of respect is to distance yourself as much as possible from the royal transport.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

Every realm maintained its unique social customs.

Rather than escalating a tedious dispute, Cal decided to simply acquiesce.

Observing Cal’s compliant demeanor, the riding student, Gullivern, smirked with condescension.

“Hmph. Regardless of your ordinary status, an outsider visiting a foreign nation ought to familiarize themselves with the domestic manners prior to arriving. View it as a privilege that I, the top-ranking scholar of the Delan Royal Academy, took it upon myself to instruct you in proper decorum as a keepsake of your time in Delrad.”

“I appreciate your generosity,”

Cal responded with a faint grin.

Arrogant aristocrats of this caliber existed everywhere under the sun.

‘It is truly a blessing that I didn’t travel alongside the prince.’

Cal’s thoughts drifted to Duran, the heir to the throne of his home kingdom, as well as his fellow scholar and dormitory roommate at the institution.

On the morning immediately following the commencement of the summer holidays, a formal letter had arrived in Cal’s quarters.

The sender of the correspondence was none other than the legendary Dragon Lord.

He was just about to voice his astonishment while heading to the kitchen area for his morning meal.

‘Cal Thomas, did an invitation find its way to you as well?’

Cal, who was in the middle of biting into a piece of toasted bread, nearly gasped for air when Duran abruptly forced his way into the cooking space.

Remembering how his mother and father had been thrown into utter chaos by the unannounced arrival of a royal figure—and the crown prince at that—at such an early hour, Cal offered a heavy silent sigh.

Proclaiming it to be an immense honor for the household, his parents had practically ousted Cal from his chair so that Duran could leisurely partake in a sumptuous morning spread prepared at Cal’s residence without a shred of modesty.

‘Mother, what am I supposed to eat for breakfast?’

‘You may have your food once His Royal Highness the Crown Prince concludes his meal.’

Cal muttered under his breath as he recalled how Duran had audaciously violated a private home, consumed someone else’s food, and even had the nerve to extend permission for the host to eat afterwards.

‘If the location is within the domain of the Flobe family, does that imply it belongs to Leo Flobe?’

‘Most likely. In any case, why did you have to show up at dawn when you could have easily communicated with your companions via magical transmission?’

‘Hmph, only a select few were granted these invitations. I have already verified this with a number of individuals.’

It appeared the royal youth had launched magical inquiries to his peers at Rumerun at the crack of dawn to cross-reference the details.

Having gathered the necessary intelligence, Duran took his leave.

Although they had nearly journeyed together, Cal had intended to arrive at Leo’s estate ahead of the other pupils to spend some casual time with Leo.

‘It would have turned into an absolute disaster if we had made the trip as a pair.’

While Cal was lost in his inner monologue,

The door to the carriage suddenly swung open.

Every single one of the Delan Royal Academy attendants guarding the transport gasped in surprise, swiftly dismounting from their steeds to drop to one knee.

The arrogant scholar from the Delan Royal Academy who had been lecturing Cal likewise threw himself down, casting a frantic upward glance at Cal while making urgent gestures with his eyes.

“The supreme heir to the throne of the Delrad Kingdom is before you. Lower yourself immediately…”

“Am I correct in assuming you are Cal Thomas, the scholar from Rumerun Academy? The companion of Sir Leo.”

“Greetings, Your Royal Highness. I trust you are in good health,”

Cal stated, bowing with proper reverence.

This was Prince Deven, the Crown Prince of the Delrad Kingdom, whom he had previously encountered alongside Leo during the international gathering.

Upon hearing the prestigious name of Rumerun, Gullivern’s eyes dilated in sheer shock.

“It appears you have chosen to pass your seasonal break here within Delrad.”

“Indeed, Leo was kind enough to extend an invitation to me,”

Cal answered with a soft smile.

Despite his civilian background, he possessed a sharp wit, and through his involvement with Noble—an association composed of scholars from distinguished lineages—he had become thoroughly well-versed in high-society protocol.

Prince Deven assessed Cal before offering a nod, then directed his gaze toward Gullivern, his expression turning slightly regretful.

“I must inquire if a representative of our national institution has behaved improperly toward you.”

“I suppose it is entirely forgivable when someone lacks context,”

Cal countered smoothly.

Hearing that clever reply, Gullivern, who remained prostrated, felt the color drain from his face.

“Encountering each other in this manner must be a stroke of destiny. Allow me to escort you directly to the residence of the Flobe family.”

“There is truly no need for you to inconvenience yourself to such an extent.”

“Please, do not refuse. As a matter of fact, there is a particular issue I hoped to seek your counsel on.”

“Seek my counsel?”

“Yes, it concerns the Hero Records.”

At the mention of the legendary Hero Records, a flash of perplexity briefly crossed Cal’s features.

“Lately, a multitude of artifacts suspected to be remnants of the Hero Records have come to light within our borders. As a matter of fact, we were currently in the process of conveying a curated selection of these items to the royal palace today. Being an elite scholar at Rumerun Academy, you have undoubtedly crossed paths with numerous Hero Records, have you not?”

Prince Deven offered a subtle grin.

“I would be grateful if you could examine these pieces for me.”

The Hero Records were instruments of immense power, items whose mere retrieval could alter the entire geopolitical landscape of a country.

Consequently, an overwhelming number of counterfeits flooded the market.

‘Still, it is impossible to reject a direct plea from the future ruler of a sovereign state.’

Cal scratched his face lightly and remarked,

“Given that I am merely an ongoing scholar, I must advise you not to place excessive faith in my analytical skills.”

“Rest assured, that is of no concern.”

Cal climbed into Prince Deven’s transport.

In the middle of the carriage sat a highly ornate container.

When Prince Deven pressed his palm against the mystically locked crate, an array of glowing runes manifested.

Click!

Following the snap of the mechanism releasing, the chest glided open.

Resting within were countless shards of parchment saturated with magical energy.

‘Just as anticipated, they consist of these sorts of findings.’

Leftover leaves from antique grimoires or summoning charts brimming with essence or spiritual power were routinely mistaken for authentic Hero Records.

‘Luna, the foremother of the celestial nebula? My word, they even have the King of Wisdom here.’

Cal let out a silent, amused chuckle upon noticing the legendary names inscribed on the scraps of parchment.

‘Considering how scarce the actual chronicles of these legendary figures are, verifying their legitimacy is incredibly difficult. Thus, among the fabricated Hero Records, those invoking the names of grand historical legends are predictably the most prevalent. There is an absurd abundance concerning the Hero of Beginnings.’

Cal systematically sorted through the documentation, isolating the ones that were glaringly fraudulent.

“From my perspective, there is an incredibly high likelihood that these specific documents are fabrications.”

“Understood. However, what led you to keep this particular piece?”

Prince Deven pulled out a charred, nearly disintegrated sliver of paper.

It bore the barely legible, faded imprint of the name ‘Arion’.

“As a rule, genuine accounts concerning profound historical legends frequently survive only as minuscule remnants such as this. Though, realistically speaking, it would be far wiser to employ professional scholars for this rather than relying on me.”

Prince Deven inclined his head at Cal’s assessment.

By that point, the vehicle had come to a halt before the grand gates of the Flobe family estate.

“Should the opportunity arise, I extend an invitation for you and Sir Leo to visit the royal palace.”

“I am deeply grateful for your generous treatment,”

Cal answered, bowing politely toward the retreating vehicle of the prince.

“For what reason are you stepping out of the personal transport of our nation’s heir?”

“Oh! Leo! How is your summer break treating you?”

Cal called out enthusiastically to the figure approaching from behind.

“Our paths simply crossed unexpectedly along the street.”

Leo let out a soft laugh at Cal, who gave a casual shrug, and pushed open the grand entrance.

“Are you enjoying your time off?”

“It is acceptable.”

“What about the academic assignments? Would you mind letting me glance at whatever progress you have made?”

“Feel free to look through it.”

“Incredible! Truly, there is no companion quite like you! My dearest pal!”

Cal offered his thanks and stepped past him.

Monitoring Cal’s retreating form, Leo whispered under his breath,

‘You most likely will not have a single moment to spare for schoolwork, Cal.’

—

“This marks the very first occasion Leo has invited an academic companion over since Chelsea visited.”

That same evening,

Cal received a warm reception from Leo’s father, Dayde, along with Reina.

“I am highly appreciative of your gracious hosting,”

Cal said, offering his greetings to Dayde.

“Tell me, Cal. Is it true that Leo has no acquaintances within the martial knight division? It feels somewhat unfortunate that only scholars from the sorcery division come to call on him.”

Reina cradled her face in her hands with a sorrowful pout, prompting Cal to clarify,

“Well, there are Chen Sia and Iliana. Does Leo truly not share details regarding his institutional experiences?”

“Hardly ever. Our boy rarely discusses his social circle with us.”

Reina sighed and inquired,

“Does he honestly not have a romantic partner? Serving as the leader of the student council, he must be incredibly sought after.”

“He does not possess a partner currently. Nonetheless, he easily ranks as the most admired male scholar in the entire second-year class. He receives written confessions multiple times throughout the day.”

“My, my. Is that so?”

Reina’s eyes gleamed with delight.

Cal proceeded to recount various anecdotes from Leo’s academic daily routine.

Leo merely offered a quiet smirk while listening to his companion’s narrative.

Observing his behavior, Reina complained,

“He carries himself exactly like an elderly gentleman whenever I observe him.”

“I would prefer if you utilized the term ‘sophisticated,'”

“There is a boundary to how sophisticated a youth should be.”

Reina shook her head dismissively at her son’s remark.

“Is your moniker at the academy not literally ‘old timer’ or something of that nature? Tell me, Cal, what do the other students call Leo at school?”

Reina appeared rather thrilled to learn about her son’s hidden life.

In response, Cal deadpanned,

“The Demon King.”

“The Demon King?”

“Indeed. Owing to the overwhelming pressure and presence he manifested throughout the midterm examinations, the rest of the pupils refer to him as Demon King Leo.”

“How on earth did you manage to get a title so utterly disconnected from a heroic savior?”

Reina clicked her tongue before adding,

“Regardless, you children are truly going through an ordeal. Even during your break, instead of relaxing, you are pushed straight into a preparatory training camp.”

Having prior knowledge of the upcoming training program, Reina commented,

“On the bright side, it provides an excellent opportunity to build strong bonds of fellowship. Besides, it is not situated in a perilous region; it is taking place right within the borders of the Flobe family domain. You will have access to immaculate bedding and prepared dishes, after all.”

‘She clearly remains unaware of the reality.’

As the matriarch of the household, Reina had personally toured the designated training site chosen by the Dragon Lord.

During her visit, she had caught sight of the official placard.

“Listen, Cal.”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Have another serving.”

“Oh, I am completely satisfied, thank you.”

“Nonsense. Consume as much of this exquisite cuisine as your stomach can possibly hold.”

Cal experienced a sudden wave of apprehension upon witnessing the profound look of sympathy Reina directed toward him. He promptly turned to the youth sitting beside him.

“Say, Leo.”

“What is it?”

“Do you possess any insider knowledge regarding the nature of this training camp? It is taking place on your family’s land, after all.”

The fact that the Dragon Lord had specifically designated the Flobe family domain out of all available locations was undoubtedly due to the presence of Leo, who held the position of student council chief and excelled as a multi-class prodigy.

Because of this, Cal naturally assumed Leo would have some hidden details.

In reply to the inquiry, Leo quietly lifted a large portion of the primary course from his own dish and deposited it directly onto Cal’s plate.

Witnessing this silent gesture, a grim, despairing smile formed on Cal’s face.

‘We are absolutely doomed.’