Chapter 448

Book 1 Chapter 448

448.

The trio of legendary champions who had assembled to suppress the remnant of Erebus.

Alongside them, six student warriors rushed forward toward Erebus.

Sprinting at the absolute vanguard, Arion bounded across the open sky.

“His pace is unbelievable.”

Levitating upon a magical staff, Torua uttered in sheer awe.

Positioned just ahead of Torua on the same conveyance, Lunia spoke up.

“Naturally, since that’s Arion! But I still don’t see why I must hitch a ride on Torua’s staff.”

“We lack other options, don’t we? Your companion is traveling with a underclassman from our academy’s invocation department. Meanwhile, Lienya is airborne alongside Ulta.”

“That isn’t my point, I am entirely capable of… without needing Torua to help me—”

“You wouldn’t manage to stay abreast of us, would you? Your talents are purely destructive, a specialist in raw destructive force.”

“A destructive fool?! I possess excellent mastery over various other schools of sorcery as well!”

“True. Though not quite on my level, correct?”

“Ugh!”

Torua offered a subtle smirk, observing Lunia as she stared ahead, squeezing her fists together in visible irritation, before leaning in to exhale softly against her ear.

“Hoo—!”

Shielding her ear as a deep flush painted her cheeks, Lunia barked in protest.

“W-what do you think you’re doing?”

“You appeared overly tense.”

“I was completely fine!”

Torua let out a soft chuckle and added.

“It is obvious you wish to be of use, but your sole task is to concentrate on your offenses. Arion undoubtedly recognized that, which is precisely why he included you in this gathering.”

“…I suppose.”

She murmured, directing her slightly frustrated gaze toward Leo, who was maintaining his position at the very front of the line.

‘Will the day ever come when I can truly stand alongside him?’

Lunia was acutely aware of reality.

The exact same sentiment weighed on Eiran and Eliza.

‘Setting Leo aside, the rest of us second-year students are simply not qualified to belong in this company.’

In truth, even Torua, Ulta, and Lienya fell short of being true peers to Arion and Melina.

Yet, those three alumni were at least capable of providing viable assistance to Arion and Melina.

The fundamental reason Lunia, Eiran, and Eliza—who could not even manage proper supportive roles—had been selected by Arion came down to a singular incantation.

“You actually finalized the Flame Emperor? That is truly magnificent! Luna would have been overjoyed to hear of this.”

Back when they were at the training grounds.

Arion had been deeply moved upon learning from Lunia that she had successfully completed the Star Magic known as the Flame Emperor.

Lunia had felt bewildered at the time, questioning if such an achievement truly merited such profound emotion from someone like Arion.

“Wasn’t the Flame Emperor a spell specifically devised by Luna to counter the ablaze forces of Erebus?”

“Indeed it was.”

The unrefined sorcery, Flame Emperor, which Luna had left unfinished.

Though Lunia had brought that spell to fruition, the reality was that her deeper understanding of the [Flame Emperor] remained limited.

Her knowledge was confined to what Leo had shared regarding the runic formulas detailed within Luna’s ancient text, which was preserved inside the Shan Empire, alongside the fact that Luna had passed away before ever perfecting it.

Lunia also grasped the core concept Luna had envisioned regarding the everlasting pale blaze she sought to manifest.

“Was her objective not to vanquish Erebus using this exact sorcery?”

Reflecting on how Luna had ultimately fallen short of realizing that ambition, Lunia had bound herself to the duty of completing the spell.

“It was. However, it carried an additional, far grander significance.”

“What sort of significance?”

“There existed five distinct enchantments that Luna sought to fashion from a deeply personal place in her heart.”

Hearing Arion’s revelation, both Lunia and Eiran listened with rapt attention.

Regardless of individual opinions, Luna stood as the founding ancestor of the Great Nebula, a figure whom the elven race revered and cherished above all others.

Consequently, discovering details of Luna’s history from Arion, who had been her trusted comrade and close companion, commanded their absolute focus.

“The first is an incantation that coaxes blossoms to bloom. That particular magic embodied the very essence of Luna, and it was the creation Luna took the greatest pride in.”

“I am aware of that one.”

“It serves as the definitive manual for Star Magic.”

Both Lunia and Eiran were well-acquainted with that piece of lore.

“The second creation is Stella Radius.”

“Ah…”

“The spell utilized to overcome Zerdiak.”

“That particular incantation is the manifestation of Luna herself. She developed it by envisioning her own form radiating brilliantly like a celestial body.”

The blinding gleam of cosmic light stood as Luna’s signature art.

It represented the definitive emblem of Luna, a technique so unique that even Leo’s comprehensive chronicles could not replicate its essence.

“The third in sequence is Doomsday.”

It remains a spell that maintains its status as the most cataclysmic magic existing in the realm.

“Luna possessed a temperament that refused to rest until she completely obliterated any obstacle blocking her path, which prompted her to forge this destructive art…”

“Arion. You may stop right there.”

Lunia interjected abruptly.

Lunia had no desire to see the pristine image of Luna she held in her mind compromised.

Yet, the reactions of those around her took a different turn.

“Oh! Fascinating, so her disposition mirrored this ill-tempered, sharp-eared individual quite closely!”

“Do you possess a death wish! You ridiculous feline!”

Arion smiled merrily, taking amusement in the unfolding bickering.

“You appear quite entertained by this.”

Responding to Driana’s observation, Arion offered a nod.

“I find myself wondering if onlookers viewed our group in a similar light back then.”

Upon hearing his remark, everyone aside from Leo opened their eyes wide in surprise.

“Did the legendary champions truly bicker in this manner every day?”

“Oh, surely not.”

“I highly doubt it.”

Lunia, Ar, and Driana exchanged quiet remarks.

“It sounds as though it must have been quite lively.”

As Kal offered these words while resting his intertwined hands behind his posture, Arion gave an affirming nod.

“It was indeed lively.”

Eiran directed a question toward Arion, who was displaying a wistful smile.

“What was the nature of the fourth incantation born from that special sentiment?”

“It is a spell designated as Innocent.”

“Innocent?”

“Is that not the identical sorcery utilized by Master Kyle?”

Spurred by Arion’s statement, the group collective recalled their brief encounter with Kyle within Dwenno’s domain a short while back.

“Correct. It was an incantation Luna fashioned expressly for Kyle.”

“It was undeniably an exquisite form of magic.”

Lunia beamed with a radiant expression.

Attending to Arion’s recollection, Leo found his mind drifting back to that bygone era.

‘Ahem! Kyle.’

‘What is it?’

‘Step over here and take a seat. I have constructed a unique spell for you.’

‘Undoubtedly another pointless incantation. I have no requirement for it.’

‘What fault could you possibly find with a magic designed to make blossoms grow!’

Kyle offered a quiet sigh as he observed Luna glaring and snarling at him, eventually taking a seat right across from her.

‘What manner of spell is it?’

‘It is an enchantment formulated by capitalizing on the specific properties of your spiritual energy. The designation of this art is Innocent.’

‘If I recall correctly, you previously claimed that the concept of spotlessness and myself were entirely incompatible.’

‘Indeed. You are anything but. However, Dwenno remarked that in certain aspects, your lack of guile borders on foolishness. I drew my creative spark from that observation.’

‘Are you eager to experience a thrashing from a foolishly guileless individual? You insufferable sharp-eared creature.’

“Ugh, release me!”

Luna flailed wildly, enduring Kyle as he pinched her cheeks with his fingers and yanked them from side to side.

Surrendered to her irritation, she attempted to strike back, but Kyle’s reach proved far greater, leaving her entirely at the mercy of his teasing.

Revisiting the memory, a poignant smile touched Leo’s lips, and Arion similarly chuckled aloud, clearly reminiscing about the exact same event.

Just then, Eiran inquired with an immensely animated expression.

“On that note. Given that Luna bestowed an incantation born of a special heart upon Kyle… is it possible that Luna harbored romantic attachments toward Kyle… could that be true?”

Eiran, resting her chin in her cupped palms while her ears twitched with excitement, seemed completely enchanted by the mere notion, practically bursting with anticipation.

“Eiran possesses an incredibly vivid imaginative streak.”

“Undoubtedly.”

Lunia and Ar shared a quiet laugh.

In response to their amusement, Driana remarked.

“In comparison to the pair of you and your bizarre temperaments, Eiran demonstrates a far more conventional feminine charm, does she not?”

At Driana’s commentary, Lunia and Ar narrowed their gaze, while Kal produced a clicking sound with his tongue and chimed in.

“You are likewise a young woman of the same age, are you not? You, the eccentric one, stand out as the most atypical specimen here.”

Arion gave his head a gentle shake, observing the four of them engage in their lighthearted dispute.

“Luna most likely did not harbor sentiments of that nature toward Kyle. The two of them were perpetually locked in conflict.”

“I see.”

“Their dynamic mirrors our own.”

The remaining companions displayed looks that suggested ‘That makes perfect sense,’ causing Eiran’s enthusiasm to wane as her ears lost their perkiness.

“Which brings us to the fifth incantation, the Flame Emperor.”

“Precisely.”

Arion affirmed Lunia’s query with a nod.

“The Flame Emperor represents a system of magic Luna conceived specifically to neutralize the dark blazes.”

“To neutralize them?”

“Correct. Because Dwenno and I were consistently engaged at the vanguard of the battlefields. It was a magic structured for the purpose of keeping us safe.”

Arion let out a bittersweet smile.

“It was an art brought into existence under her declaration that she would tolerate no casualties among us.”

Yet, in the grand scheme of things, it remained unfinished.

‘In truth, had the Flame Emperor reached completion, the course of destiny might have taken a vastly different path.’

Leo released a sorrowful breath internally.

He envisioned Luna, weeping bitterly and heaping blame upon herself as she stood before the lifeless forms of Arion and Dwenno.

For Arion’s perspective, it might have been a twisted form of mercy.

‘For Arion would have broken entirely upon hearing Luna’s anguished cries.’

Lunia maintained an intensely grave countenance as she absorbed Arion’s explanation.

She had never suspected that the magical heritage delivered into her hands after five millennia carried the weight of such profound emotions.

‘I am bound to realize Luna’s final wishes.’

Lunia now comprehended the full picture.

Initially, Arion met his end, followed shortly by Dwenno.

Ultimately, Luna went on to join her departed companions.

Lunia could scarcely fathom the depth of despair that must have gripped Luna during those dark hours.

‘Even if my abilities are flawed… I will safeguard everyone using Luna’s legacy.’

Lunia hardened her internal resolve.

Meanwhile.

The group had successfully arrived at the immediate perimeter of Erebus.

Whoosh—!

Violent conflagrations burst forth from the entity of Erebus.

In that exact instant.

Flash—!

Arion planted his footing with tremendous force.

Simultaneously, Arion underwent a transformation, enveloped from his crest to his soles in a radiant golden radiance.

“Kwooohhhooooooo!”

Arion’s powerful cry resonated across the landscape once more.

The potent resonance breathed newfound resolve into the hearts of every companion present.

As Arion unsheathed his blade, the brilliant golden energy converged tightly at the tip of his weapon.

With that power concentrated, Arion converted into a streak of pure gold, hurtling directly toward Erebus.

Boom—!

“Kwooohoooooo!”

The blade of the champion cut deeply into the torso of Erebus.

Arion touched down upon the earth, his gaze burning intensely.

“Melina!”

Answering Arion’s booming call, Melina seized Leo’s hand and ascended with incredible swiftness into the upper atmosphere.

The moment they established their position high above.

Melina pressed her palms together.

Humming—!

An immense runic circle materialized in the air.

The immediate environment vibrated under the pressure of an incomprehensible density of magical energy.

“That represents an astronomical quantity of sorcerous power… What specific category of magic is this?”

Lunia inquired while readying her offensive posture, prompting Torua, who was currently reciting an incantation, to glance toward the heavens and provide an answer.

“Disaster, Dragon of Creation. It stands as Rhodia’s exclusive magical art.”

A monumental spell that commands the absolute forces of the surrounding environment.

Whoooshhooooooooo! Crash—!

A titanic gale swirled around and trapped Erebus.

Eliza offered a quiet observation upon witnessing the spectacle.

“It represents an absolute advancement over Abbad’s Tempest.”

“Naturally. While Mr. Abbad’s Tempest behaves as a spell that triggers localized cataclysms, that particular magic functions as a mechanism that commands cataclysms entirely.”

It was, in the most literal sense, a supreme enchantment occupying the apex of environmental-focused sorcery.

Crash—!

Groooan!

Erebus thrashed violently, attempting to break free from the containment of the monumental gale.

Even so, Disaster served merely to restrict Erebus’s physical trajectory rather than executing devastating harm.

Melina offered a subtle grin as she monitored the outcome.

‘It matters not. This level of containment suffices.’

Melina’s designated objective was solely to anchor Erebus to that precise location.

“Leo.”

Melina directed her voice toward Leo.

“The sorcery of Lisinas.”

Acknowledging her directive, Leo extended his palm outward.

“Raruel.”

Flash—!

The legendary Great Spirit of Light, Raruel, manifested directly above Leo’s open hand.

As Leo channeled his ethereal energy, mirroring the exact method utilized by the Spirit of Radiance in eras past.

The Spirit of Radiance reshaped itself into a longbow composed of solid light.

Leo gripped the luminous weapon and drew the glowing cord backward.

Humming—!

A crystalline bolt manifested at the rest of the string.

Melina smiled radiantly as she witnessed the display.

‘The legendary radiance unleashed by the King of Wisdom in the old days, purging the foul and corrupted elements.’

Leo uttered the designation of the art.

“Punishment.”

Flash—!

Crrrrraaaaack—!

The projectile of pure light impaled Erebus, triggering a cataclysmic detonation.

Crrrrraaaaack—!

The surrounding gale that had pinned Erebus dissolved into nothingness.

Within the center of the massive depression in the earth, dark molten rock lay splattered across the landscape.

Leo focused his vision, taking in the scene.

A truly formidable display of might.

Yet, it was not merely Leo and Arion who felt a sense of unease; even Melina found herself unable to fully comprehend the immediate reality.

“It appears… significantly less formidable than anticipated, does it not?”

Leo clicked his tongue in response to Melina’s quiet observation.

“Precisely.”

“Pardon?”

“The constraints binding him have shattered, but his true sentience has not yet reawakened. He is currently discharging his power purely through raw survival mechanism.”

“Which implies…”

Melina’s expression grew rigid as she processed Leo’s assessment.

“Indeed. The true conflict has not even commenced.”

The scattered molten rock began to churn, gradually coalescing into the distinct shape of Erebus’s countenance.

The exact instant Arion witnessed the phenomenon and hoisted his blade.

Flash—!

Without warning, Erebus’s eyelids snapped open.

Arion’s expression, locking eyes directly with Erebus, turned entirely rigid.

—Hee hee hee hee hee.

A mocking sound echoed from the maw of Erebus.

—Is this the petty salvation of the creators, those utterly repulsive creators?

Kwooohoooooo—!

The ambient pressure of the environment shifted radically.

Whoosh—!

Erebus’s form erupted into violent conflagrations once more.

Boom—!

Erebus projected a mocking smile toward Arion, radiating a crushing presence that completely eclipsed his previous strength.

—Are you truly prepared to witness the ashes of this realm once more? You lingering ghost of a bygone era.