Chapter 455

Chapter 455

The aspiring heroes broke into loud celebration upon witnessing the incredible achievement of the fabled warrior. The massive danger that had threatened to wipe out their world was now completely gone. They had truly watched a legendary moment unfold right before their eyes. Observing their jubilant reactions, Arion could not help but smile.

“You really did it, Arion, just like always!” Ar yelled out while rushing forward. Catching sight of Ar’s beaming, joyful face, Arion reached out a hand. “I appreciate it.” “Wait, what?” “Your voice was what finally woke me up.” Hearing those words, Ar blushed deeply, completely flustered.

“Arion. Are you saying that…” Chelsea trailed off tentatively, prompting Arion to turn around and give her a knowing wink. Understanding the gesture, Chelsea offered a quiet nod. “Ar, Chelsea. Let us go assist the wounded now.” “Right!” Both Ar and Chelsea responded eagerly before heading back toward the fortress.

The brutal conflict had dragged on through the entire night. While Arion was locked in a deadly duel with Erebus, the small group of prospective heroes also had to hold their ground against a massive horde of beasts that felt like an entire army. Because of this, numerous fighters were wounded. Even the youths who had just been celebrating their triumph quickly regained their composure to care for the injured.

Following behind Ar as she hurried toward the citadel, Chelsea cast a glance backward. She spotted Arion walking after them, with Leo keeping pace right at his side. Arion held out his right fist toward the man on his right. With a low chuckle, Leo bumped his left fist against it. They shared the unmistakable air of lifelong companions and brothers-in-arms.

‘Leo, my brother, really is… the Hero of Beginnings.’

Witnessing that simple interaction made her truly comprehend what Arion had meant moments ago.

Step-step-

“Kyle, I am truly sorry.”

“For what exactly?”

“I failed to live up to the faith you placed in me,” Arion murmured, his gaze fixed on the sun as it slowly climbed past the horizon, banishing the dark. “I put on a brave face during that final clash. In reality, though, I was terrified. It was because I had caught a glimpse of what was to come.” “The future?” “Yes. I witnessed our absolute defeat in that engagement. My initial thought was to command everyone to flee. Yet, in the vision where we retreated, both you and Luna ended up losing your lives.” “…So you chose to perish in our stead?” “I did. And I just threw in the towel.” “You fought stubbornly until the very end.” “…” “You have never been a drag on us. Our faith in you has never wavered for a single moment.” Arion beamed upon hearing Leo’s reassurance. “I realize that now. You can stop fretting.” “Does this look like fretting to you? I am reprimanding you for being so dense until now, you idiot.” Seeing Leo speak with a tense, scowling face, Arion merely rubbed the back of his neck. “If Luna were here, do you think she would have settled for a single strike?” “Would she really stop at one?” “Not a chance.”

Arion shook his head, letting out a bright laugh, and cast his eyes down at Brave resting in his grip. The weapon had reverted to its fractured, ruined state. “Just a moment ago, the fire of Dwenno blazed up.” “I noticed.” He remembered how Dwenno’s flame had ignited in tandem with Arion’s own energy. “The intent of Dwenno stirred to provide you aid.” Even though Leo had not done anything directly, the fire of Dwenno had kindled on its own. It seemed that when Arion found the resolve to forge ahead, Brave sought to assist its master. Despite being a shattered blade, it had drawn upon the power of its creator to briefly regain its true form to fulfill its purpose. “The relics of Dwenno always function that way, don’t they?” “Indeed.” They were instruments that answered the heart of the wielder. It was the reason Dwenno was revered as the God of Blacksmiths, and why Leo and Arion maintained absolute faith in him to the end.

Step-step-

Without realizing it, the pair had drawn near the fortress wall. Halting his steps, Leo turned his gaze toward Arion. “By the way, how did you manage to return?” The sacred energy Leo utilized to pull Arion from the Hero’s World had been nearly entirely spent. Since a tiny fraction remained, he felt certain Arion would make it back, though he remained curious about the exact process. Arion offered a faint smile. “I caught sight of the path ahead.” “The future?” “Yes. By viewing the upcoming timeline so clearly, I managed to tap into the divine tier, even if only for an instant. I assume this holy energy was granted to me as a consequence.” Leo made a clicking sound with his tongue, thoroughly impressed. He was well aware of how remarkable Arion was; after all, across generations, few could match Arion’s legendary martial prowess. Even so, he had never anticipated Arion pushing far enough to access the divine domain of foresight. “That is quite something. Tell me, what did you see in that future?” “The visions I witnessed do not carry much weight anymore.” “What do you mean?” “Because the path ahead can be reshaped entirely by the choices I make,” Arion stated resolutely, looking directly at Leo. “Therefore, Kyle, your only task is to gather your resolve and forge ahead.” “Is that so? That happens to be the toughest task of all.” Arion could only offer a slightly strained smile at Leo’s remark.

The two had now arrived directly before the fortress gates. Leo stopped short. “Arion, regarding the subjugation of the remnant of Erebus this time…” “Kyle, could you let me hold my Hero Record fragment for just a brief second?” Arion spoke up, cutting Leo off. Though bewildered by the request, Leo passed the Hero Record piece over. Looking down at the shard, Arion took a deep, steadying breath before stepping toward the stronghold.

“Arion has arrived!” “It’s Arion!” “Hail the Hero!” The prospective heroes showered Arion with adulation. Arion stepped into the fortress structure that Melina had conjured, with Leo following closely in his footsteps. A crowd of aspiring warriors swarmed around Arion, with several students from Azonia even breaking into tears of relief.

“Listen, everyone,” Arion began, addressing the crowd. “I want to thank you all for maintaining your resolve and fighting so valiantly, even when things looked utterly hopeless.” “We could never have pulled through without your presence, Arion.” “Your bravery gave us the strength to stand ground!” Hearing the students’ outcries, Arion shook his head. “Valor is not a gift passed from one person to another. Each of you already carries it deep down.” Arion lightly pressed a hand over his heart, smiling warmly. “Even if I had been absent, you would have stood defiant against Erebus.” His words brought looks of deep emotion to the faces of the students. “For that, you have my deepest gratitude.” “Wait, what?” “What are you trying to say…” “Thank you for giving me peace of mind.” Arion smiled serenely.

“Just like the champions who stood by our side five millennia ago. Just like the primal icons and the defenders who safeguarded the realm three millennia back. I can see that very same spirit alive in all of you now.” “Arion…” “The mantle now passes to you.” Hearing the words of the legendary figure, the young candidates caught their breath. Everyone sensed intuitively that this wondrous interlude was drawing to its close. “Do we truly have what it takes?” Banir, who previously served as the Azonia student council president, spoke up hesitantly. “Can we honestly dare… to match the standards of the icons from the Age of Calamity or those who stood during the Calamity’s Reappearance?” Having just faced a terrifying disaster today, the young fighters found it hard to shake off the lingering dread. To make matters worse, Arion—the very savior who had struck down the remnant of Erebus—was about to depart. It wasn’t just Banir; nearly every candidate present shared that underlying anxiety.

Arion reflected on Banir’s inquiry before locking eyes with Leo. Facing his old comrade, he spoke clearly. “The road ahead will undoubtedly be filled with hardship. There will be moments when you fail to protect those you care about, and continuous hardships will bring you to the brink of despair.” Arion offered Leo a warm smile before turning back to address the gathered youths. “Even so, you will prevail in the end. Because you possess true courage.” Passing along the very piece of advice Leo had given to him as a young boy, Arion spoke with absolute conviction. “You have my word on that.” Hearing his declaration, every single person present tightened their grip with newfound determination.

Whoosh! As his final statement echoed, a brilliant radiance of pure gold erupted from Arion’s form. “Whoa!” “Arion?!” The intense light forced everyone to shield their eyes. “Ah?!” Ar likewise raised an arm to block the glare. “Ar.” “Arion?!” Ar forced his eyes open. Having gently tousled Ar’s hair, Arion held out the fractured remnants of Brave. “This blade was the source of my fortitude. Though it is broken now… I wish for you to keep it.” “Are you really… moving on?” “Yes.” Brushing away the tears welling in Ar’s eyes, Arion murmured softly, “My old companions must have experienced this exact feeling.” “What?” “Knowing someone is dependable, yet… being unable to stop worrying about them anyway. They must have been so stressed.” “What do you mean by that…?” “I am simply saying you feel just like a younger sibling to me.” Arion gave a tender smile and stepped backward. “I will be waiting for you,” Arion called out to Ar. “Until the day we share the same stage.” Having given his final words of encouragement, the warrior turned away without a single regret. There was no need for further discussion. “Right!” Because he knew that energetic cat-like youth would charge forward without looking back.

The final destination Arion picked was the spot where Leo and Melina stood waiting. The pair remained completely unfazed by the radiant glow emanating from Arion’s body. Watching the warrior approach, Leo spoke up. “Arion. You have the option to remain within this era,” Leo stated, his expression tinged with concern. His face mirrored the exact look of worry Arion had displayed while speaking to Ar just moments before. “By defeating the remnant of Erebus, you acquired holy power. You could pursue whatever path you desire in this time…” “I have already discovered my true purpose, Kyle.” Arion shook his head in refusal. “Staying in this current era would only mean squandering that power.” Hearing his absolute certainty, Leo balled his hand into a fist.

“Besides, as you are well aware, my Hero Record fragment has reached its absolute threshold.” Arion glanced down at the piece of the Hero Record he had taken from Leo. The shard was practically incinerated, appearing ready to disintegrate into dust at any moment. In all likelihood, the instant Arion departed, the fragment would burn away into nothingness. “Forcing me to stay in this world under these conditions would drain an immense amount of sacred energy. Keep that strength reserved for the day you put an end to Erebus for good.” “But still…” “Do not fret over my fate.” Arion offered a slightly self-deprecating grin. That particular expression bore a striking resemblance to Leo’s own smiles. “I cannot remain the worrisome younger brother forever, can I?” Leo could only manage a bittersweet smile in response. “We shall cross paths again.” “Indeed.” Leo gave a firm nod.

Turning his attention toward Melina, Arion spoke. “Melina, look after Leo.” “Understood, Arion. I shall dedicate myself fully to supporting Leo.” “Splendid.” Arion gently patted Melina’s head as well before stepping up onto the parapet of the fortress wall. Whoosh! In an instant, the golden radiance vanished entirely. The crowd scanned the area wildly, trying to catch sight of Arion. “Look! Over there!” Someone pointed out Arion’s silhouette standing atop the fortress wall with his back toward the crowd. As every eye fixed upon him, Arion kept his back turned but raised his right hand to flash a thumbs-up. Finally, turning around to face them all, he showed a supremely confident grin. “I shall return!” With that final declaration, Arion dissolved into a beam of blinding light. The onlookers could only stare blankly at the empty space where the hero had just been standing. Then, a heartbeat later… “Uwoooooah!” A thunderous roar of cheers erupted from the crowd.

Leaning his back against the stone wall with arms crossed, Leo let out a wry, amused breath. “He is finally putting those old lessons to practical use.” “Pardon?” “Just talking to myself.” Closing his eyes, Leo let his mind drift back to the days of old.

“You wish to discover the secret to always projecting absolute reliability, just like me?” Luna asked, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up with a proud expression. Looking up at her, Arion, who was still just a young lad, countered, “Luna, you are not always reliable. In fact, most of the time you aren’t. It is only when a fight breaks out…”

“What did you say?!” Luna’s eyes went wide with irritation at Arion, who was simply stating the plain truth. Flinching slightly, the boy pulled his head back and corrected himself, “…Always reliable.” “Precisely, precisely!” Luna’s proud expression returned instantly. “Welcome to Lady Luna’s masterclass on projecting confidence! Phase one! Maintain a completely assured look no matter the circumstance!”

“An assured look?” “The perfect demonstration would be that incredibly irritating, arrogant smirk that Kyle always wears.” “Kyle wears an irritating, arrogant smirk?” “You recognize it, don’t you? That exact face.” Luna mimicked a wry smile. “Ah! I know exactly which one you mean!”

“See? Annoying, isn’t it? Completely arrogant, right?!” “Who exactly are you calling annoying and arrogant?”

“You, obviously.” Hearing her response, Kyle reached out to give her a playful swat on the head, but Luna was far too quick to be caught so easily. Deftly dodging the blow, Kyle frowned and asked, “What in the world are you two plotting?” “Luna is teaching me how to make people place their trust in me.”

“From her? You would be far better off learning from Dwenno.” “Are you implying I am inferior to that total degenerate?” Luna snapped, immediately lunging at Leo in a huff. Shoving Luna’s face away with his open palm, Kyle turned to the boy.

“Alright, let’s say you master the smile. What comes next?” “Once you have the confident look down, the presentation is everything. After shifting the mood with a dramatic entrance, you simply need to strike a striking pose and deliver a compelling declaration. Observe.” Assuming a cold, detached expression, Luna ran a hand through her hair.

“Prepare yourselves, for I have arrived.” She then fixed a dramatic, intense gaze upon Kyle. Watching this, Kyle looked over at Arion.

“Do you know the real term for that?”

“What is it?” “They call it ‘making a complete fool of oneself’.” “You absolute jerk!” Glaring fiercely, Luna brandished her staff and swung it toward Kyle. Kyle lost no time in making a break for it. Shouting and yelling, Luna sprinted after him, waving her weapon wildly. Watching the chaotic chase, Arion pulled out a small mirror, practicing a serious expression and trying out various cool stances. To his young eyes, the expressions and poses of Kyle and Luna seemed incredibly impressive.

“What are you up to, Arion?” Licinas asked, walking over to the boy. Arion looked up with a wide smile. “I was trying to copy Kyle and Luna. I want to become someone people can rely on, just like them.” “You are already someone people put their faith in, Arion.” Licinas offered a gentle smile.

“But…”

Before Arion could finish his thought, Dwenno chimed in. “Allow me to offer you a bit of guidance, Arion.”

“Alright.”

As Arion nodded attentively, Dwenno gestured with his chin toward the distance. Luna currently had Kyle locked in a headlock, while Kyle was aggressively tugging at Luna’s ear. “If you take cues from those simpletons, you will end up just as foolish as they are.” “Who are you calling a simpleton, you pervert?!” “Who are you calling a simpleton, you creepy old man?!”

Both Leo and Luna immediately rushed over, delivering a synchronized smack to Dwenno’s head.

“Idiots certainly have sharp hearing, don’t they?”

Observing the bickering trio with a steady gaze, Licinas turned back to the boy.

“Arion.”

“Yes?”

“You must make sure you never turn out like them. Do you understand?”

Noticing the strangely melancholy look in Licinas’s eyes, Arion gave a firm nod of understanding.