Chapter 468

Book 1 Chapter 468

Following his meeting with the monarch, Jerome strolled down the royal hallway at a leisurely pace. Trailing close behind him was the female messenger who had previously delivered the news of the triumph to King Pettiman.

“You seem to be in exceptionally high spirits,” she noted.

“Is it that obvious?” Jerome replied, brushing a hand across his radiant expression.

“Extremely so. You look truly delighted. Though I imagine this must feel like a minor win to someone of your stature?”

“You aren’t wrong. To me, it is indeed a trivial success.”

While it had been presented as a monumental triumph to King Pettiman, Jerome viewed the outcome as entirely negligible. A true champion possesses the capability to alter the entire course of a conflict through their individual actions alone. Furthermore, Jerome Kardium serves as the commander of the Guild Master of Justice, an organization comprised of precisely such legendary figures. He stands at the helm of these remarkable individuals who reshape and guide the fate of the world.

Bering, who served as the royal sorceress for the Pettiman Kingdom, found herself unable to grasp why someone wielding Jerome’s staggering authority and strength would find any satisfaction in such a minor conquest.

“Nevertheless, this triumph was secured through the efforts of Pettiman rather than our own. Even if it counts as a minor incident by my standards, its worth to the Pettiman Kingdom is easily equal to a fortune in gold.”

“Ah!”

Bering pressed her palms together, letting out a sharp breath.

“Lord Jerome… How can you possess such a selfless perspective…”

When measured against a legendary champion, her existence was as faint as a firefly dancing against the midnight sky, yet holding the position of a sovereign nation’s royal sorceress was certainly a prestigious honor. She had been granted numerous occasions to interact with various notable figures at the Magic Association. For the most part, however, the individuals she encountered carried themselves with immense arrogance.

Yet Jerome proved to be an exception.

Despite operating as the supreme commander of Justice, he remained modest and deeply empathetic toward ordinary people. His demeanor naturally led others to view him as a literal champion of righteousness. Every statement he uttered genuinely appeared to prioritize the prosperity of their nation.

“Rest your mind, Court Magician Bering.”

Jerome extended his hand, offering a warm and comforting expression.

“As long as Justice stands by your side, the Pettiman Kingdom will experience nothing but triumph. Place your confidence in us.”

“Understood, Lord Jerome! In the name of righteousness, we shall crush the wicked!”

Bering dropped to her knees and lowered her head, gazing up at Jerome as he offered a serene, benevolent smile. Her posture mirrored that of a devout follower worshipping a deity.

Shortly after, Jerome retreated to his personal quarters, his warmth vanishing into a completely neutral expression as he spoke.

“Give me an update on the current situation.”

“Everything is proceeding without a hitch, Master. The forces of the Kannel Kingdom are facing near-total devastation across every sector of the battlefield.”

“If they operate under the prestigious banner of Justice, achieving at least that much should be expected, shouldn’t it?”

“That is certainly true, though we must remember they are currently only hero cadets.”

“Hero cadets, is it? That brings back old memories.”

Jerome shifted his sitting position, his temporary smile fading away.

“Though the younger members of our organization aren’t particularly fond of that title, are they? Executives.”

Jerome offered a subtle grin as he turned his attention toward the leadership figures gathered in the corner of the room.

“They despise it, in fact.”

“Their preference is to be addressed as ‘Provisional Heroes’.”

“In that case, let us officially update their rank. They shall be known as Provisional Heroes.”

Jerome let out a soft laugh before continuing.

“In all honesty, what value does a mere title hold? Anyone is capable of ascending to that status provided they accumulate the necessary spiritual weight that aligns with such a reputation.”

“Your particular philosophy regarding spiritual weight—how much truth does it actually hold?”

One of the high-ranking members of Justice voiced this query, looking thoroughly perplexed.

Hearing the question, Jerome stood up from his chair, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Only individuals handpicked by the divine can find their identities etched upon the Hero Record. In a certain sense, that explicitly frames them as the mortal instruments of the gods.”

Jerome extended both of his arms wide.

“The public assumes that only those who wield power rivaling the divine, harbor noble ambitions, and accomplish legendary deeds are worthy of being called champions. That is the perspective of the common masses.”

“That is undeniably the widespread belief.”

“Precisely. However, those of us who have already achieved that status recognize the deeper reality.”

Jerome’s smile widened into a sharp grin as he locked eyes with his inner circle.

“Feeble individuals who barely deserve the title, despicable scoundrels with twisted moral compasses, and even deceptive frauds with hideous inner motives can successfully attain that rank.”

“That is a valid point, Master Jerome. After all, even a person of your character managed to rise to prominence.”

Jerome laughed out loud at the blunt remark delivered by Chain, the Vice Guild Master.

“There are no strict moral prerequisites to achieve this rank. There are only specific benchmarks. And as for myself…”

Jerome paused, staring down at the palm of his hand.

“I forged my path to prominence directly upon the field of battle.”

In the midst of conflict, the individual who delivers ultimate triumph is the one hailed as the savior. The methods utilized are entirely irrelevant. It matters little how many adversaries are slain, how many comrades are thrown into the meat grinder, or how many innocent civilians perish along the way. Stripping away all context, guiding a campaign to absolute success is the singular accomplishment that matters.

“Is this current conflict merely a convenient sandbox for you to test your theories on spiritual weight?”

An executive leaned their chin against their hand, making a clicking sound with their tongue.

“You hit the nail on the head.”

“Engaging in open warfare under our organization’s official banner would trigger massive political fallout, forcing us to mask our operatives as local soldiers of the realm. Still, isn’t this experiment well worth the logistical headache?”

“What exactly drove you to introduce the rejected elements of Lumern into this particular initiative?”

Another silent observer among the leadership group finally spoke up.

“Commander, didn’t you previously express utter contempt for those dropouts? You used to insist that only those who successfully completed their education at the Hero Academy possessed the right to claim that title, did you not?”

“My perspective has evolved. When you look at the grand scheme of things, numerous individuals have claimed that peak without ever setting foot in Lumern, haven’t they? I realized it was foolish to dismiss them entirely. Clinging to an elitist mindset brings no real advantages.”

Jerome crossed his arms over his chest.

“Furthermore, they are ultimately our juniors, are they not? Offering a lifeline to desperate younger peers is simply the responsible thing for a senior to do.”

Jerome pivoted on his heel, casting his gaze out toward the landscape beyond the window.

“To realize my ultimate ambition, I require a significantly larger vanguard of champions.”

“And what exactly is this ultimate ambition?”

“Have I not made it clear? To establish a righteous world governed exclusively by an elite vanguard of chosen champions.”

Jerome beamed with absolute certainty.

“To that end, it is imperative that we locate the hidden vault concealed within this territory—specifically inside the final resting place of Tamus, the Knight of the Underworld.”

The legendary Knight of the Underworld had locked away an unimaginable fortune within his burial grounds. Tucked away alongside his riches were the legendary armaments belonging to the loyal retainers who had served him in life.

“The ancient inheritance of Tarim will serve as a vital catalyst for forging a brand-new era of champions. Our Justice Guild intends to assist Lumern while taking full control over the generation of these new figures.”

“Are you planning to establish a brand-new training facility from scratch?”

“What would be the point of that? Not when a flawless institution like Lumern already exists for us to utilize.”

Jerome gave a casual shrug of his shoulders.

Watching Jerome’s carefree display, Chain opened his hand wide.

“You should keep in mind that the precious juniors from your old alma mater might end up blocking your path.”

A glowing glyph manifested across Chain’s forehead as his eyelids fluttered shut.

“Are you utilizing Clairvoyance?”

As the Vice Guild Master of the Justice Guild, this particular sensory magic was entirely unique to Chain Ritna.

Jerome, whose face had initially twisted in curiosity, let out an appreciative breath as he witnessed the distant image Chain projected into his mind. Within the vision, a youth sporting snow-white hair and crimson eyes was locked in active combat against a warrior of the Pettiman forces.

A calculating gleam ignited within Jerome’s eyes.

There was not a single individual in the room who failed to recognize the identity of that youth. He was a rare talent capable of mastering every discipline, mirroring Kyle, the legendary Hero of Beginnings. Furthermore, he was the very individual who had recently assisted the returned champion Arion in purging the remnants of Erebus, thereby earning his own legendary reputation.

“Leo Flov.”

The corners of Jerome’s mouth twisted upward into a smirk.

“My pulse is racing. I have been eager to have a personal conversation with Leo Flov for quite some time.”

“Is that due to his massive reputation?”

“Not at all. It is because he represents the absolute elite among those who have been chosen.”

Jerome offered a gentle, deceptively warm smile.

“I am highly curious to learn what brand of righteousness he subscribes to. It would be ideal if he could be persuaded to enlist in our organization.”

“However, Leo Flov has consistently turned down every single recruitment offer from the major organizations.”

“I am well aware of that.”

Acknowledging Chain’s point, Jerome stepped back toward his chair and sat down, sinking deep into contemplation.

“Leo Flov is undeniably an exceptional figure. A masterful talent who ascended to such heights entirely through his own merit at an incredibly tender age, devoid of external backing. Even so, his youth remains an obstacle. He has yet to reach his absolute peak.”

“Do you intend to refine him further?”

“Precisely.”

Jerome nodded in agreement.

“It is a perfect age for him to discover just how massive the world truly is. Hardships, after all, are the crucible that tempers a true champion.”

“What are you implying?”

In response to Chain’s inquiry, Jerome’s face split into a massive, predatory grin.

“Leo Flov is overdue for an introductory baptism.”

As darkness fell over the region.

Under the personal guidance of Viscount Eshimon, Leo was escorted directly into the main encampment of the Kannel Kingdom’s military forces.

Given their status as elite representatives from Lumern, both Leo and Lil were received with the highest level of hospitality the army could muster.

“It appears the leadership of the Kannel Kingdom expects us to take charge of directing this military campaign,” Lil remarked between bites of the preserved meat provided for their evening meal.

Even though the hosts were putting forth their maximum effort to accommodate Leo and Lil, the reality was that they were stationed in the heart of an active war zone. Consequently, the provisions were rudimentary at best. The spread consisted of dehydrated jerky, dense rye loaves, and a heated broth, accompanied by a portion of wine.

‘Being provided with hot broth in a military camp at this hour of the night is a sign of immense respect. It indicates just how desperate the Kannel Kingdom’s circumstances have become.’

“You certainly don’t have any trouble clearing your plate,” Leo noted, observing the disciplined manner in which Lil consumed her rations.

“A warrior must capitalize on every opportunity to nourish themselves. Though I suppose this fare might be a bit too unrefined for your palate, Leo.”

Lil glanced toward Leo with a hint of motherly concern etched across her features. Her expression resembled that of someone looking out for a sheltered young aristocrat. There was zero malice or condescension in her gaze; it was born out of genuine concern for her younger classmate. In truth, it was a recognized phenomenon that many attendees of Lumern found it impossible to swallow such basic battlefield rations.

“I am not particularly sentimental about what I eat.”

Leo submerged a piece of the coarse bread into his broth, allowing his mind to drift to more serious matters.

“Are we permitted to actively engage in this conflict, or should our immediate priority be sending a comprehensive report back to Lumern?”

Lil let out a heavy, weary breath at Leo’s inquiry. She proceeded to fill a vessel with wine, draining it as though it were simple water. Despite consuming a remarkably potent vintage in such a reckless fashion, she exhibited absolutely no symptoms of intoxication. Her rugged, unbothered demeanor gave her an almost indomitable aura.

—My word, she carries herself with the grit of a seasoned veteran.

Kylian offered a quiet note of respect, keeping his voice at a frequency that only Leo could detect.

“The reality is that we likely won’t find any opening to legally step in.”

“What makes you say that?”

“The rumors surrounding the Justice Guild conducting covert operations throughout this northeastern sector are almost certainly accurate. I caught wind of similar whispers from my relatives back during the summer break.”

Lil let out another long breath.

“In the same way that representatives from Lumern are legally barred from casually meddling in foreign geopolitical disputes, registered guilds are strictly prohibited from dictating the terms of sovereign wars. Even if our suspicions are entirely correct, uncovering concrete, undeniable proof will be an uphill battle.”

“I see.”

“Furthermore, when you look at the chess board, Justice is technically categorized as a friendly entity rather than an adversary.”

Lil’s brow furrowed in irritation.

“I am entirely in the dark regarding their true motives for deploying in this northeastern territory, but they are smart enough to avoid taking actions that openly sabotage our coalition. That makes launching a reckless investigation into the Justice Guild incredibly problematic.”

“You seem highly frustrated by the situation.”

“How could I not be, Leo! I have an absolute loathing for statecraft! And this entire scenario is drowning in political maneuvering!”

Lil’s features twisted into a rare display of intense irritation. For someone who possessed an incredibly transparent and honorable moral compass like Lil, the murky waters of statecraft were bound to be deeply repulsive. It made total sense, given that politics frequently demanded that individuals turn a blind eye to obvious wrongdoing.

‘I share her distaste for it; it is a needlessly convoluted sandbox. Manipulating political landscapes is a task best left to the likes of Lysander and Dwaeno.’

“What do you suppose Justice is actually chasing here?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. The commander of Justice is notoriously difficult to read.”

“What can you tell me about his character?”

“Jerome Kardium. He stands as one of the elite trio of icons designated to spearhead the current era following the retirement of Master Kalian, the legendary Sword Saint.”

“There are three distinct candidates lined up to replace the previous headmaster?”

“Leo, do you deliberately avoid looking at the public broadsheets?”

“Pretty much.”

Lil stared back at Leo, looking completely flabbergasted by his casual admission, before letting out a helpless chuckle and taking another long draught of her drink.

“He is a champion who bears the title of ‘Light Seeker.’ He presents himself as an unyielding paragon of virtue, a saint-like figure whose entire existence revolves around upholding absolute righteousness.”

“Righteousness, you say?”

“Correct. He has anchored his entire life purpose to that concept. He is notorious for employing absolutely any strategy or shortcut imaginable, so long as the ultimate outcome results in the eradication of villainy in the name of the greater good.”

Hearing this, Leo’s eyes narrowed into a sharp, analytical gaze.

“For some reason, that description makes him sound incredibly untrustworthy.”

“What leads you to that conclusion?”

“In my experience, anyone who spends all their time loudly proclaiming their own devotion to justice usually has something hideous to hide.”

“To be frank, he isn’t an individual I hold in high regard either. The general populace might adore him… but if you dissect his track record, there are undeniably several horrific actions mixed in. It’s just that the public readily forgives everything the moment it is wrapped in the banner of righteousness.”

Lil exhaled a lengthy sigh, raising the alcohol once more. At this stage, she had abandoned the cup entirely, swilling the contents directly from the container’s neck.

‘I certainly hope she isn’t a disruptive drinker. On the surface, she appears to be holding it together perfectly.’

Naturally, while her outward appearance remained stable, it didn’t guarantee the alcohol wasn’t affecting her system. True intoxication often manifests as an individual executing actions they would normally filter out when sober.

Leo watched Lil attentively for a brief second before his gaze suddenly snapped upward toward the canvas ceiling of the enclosure.

Simultaneously, Lil froze mid-sip, abruptly lowering the bottle away from her lips.

Leo pushed himself up from his seat, letting out a sharp hiss between his teeth.

KWA-AANG!

A deafening, earth-shattering detonation tore through the silence of the night.

“W-What is happening?!”

“We are under bombardment! Secure the perimeter!”

The ranks of the Kannel Kingdom’s forces instantly degenerated into chaotic frenzy as the unexpected shockwave rocked the camp.

“Lord Leo! Lady Lil!”

Viscount Eshimon came sprinting through the chaos, screaming their names in absolute panic as he witnessed the structural remains of the tent sheltering Leo and Lil dissolve into an inferno.

Hwa-reureureuk!

Instead of spreading, the roaring blazes twisted unnaturally, rapidly condensing toward a single point in space. The raging heat focused entirely into the palm of Lil’s free hand, leaving the wine bottle in her other hand completely untouched.

Lil tilted her head back, tracking her eyes across the night sky.

“A highly commendable opening salvo. You completely masked your approach from my senses.”

“Remarkable. One would expect nothing less from the individual holding the position of Lumern’s student council president and the chief representative of the third-year class. You emerged from that strike completely unscathed.”

A figure clad in standard sorcerer’s robes hovered suspended in the open air, voicing their praise with an eerie calm. Hovering alongside him were four additional silhouettes.

“Identify yourselves,” Leo demanded, his voice cutting through the smoke.

The airborne spellcaster offered a smooth reply to Leo’s prompt.

“We operate as the Enforcers.”

“The Enforcers?”

“Precisely.”

The spellcaster allowed his internal reservoir of mystical energy to erupt outward, saturating the atmosphere.

“We have arrived to execute absolute justice.”