Chapter 471

471.

Clang—! Smash—!

The massive war hammer wielded by Lill shattered the battle-axe into fragments.

“……?!”

Joren’s countenance twisted in sheer disbelief.

Thud—! Crackle—!

“Gah!”

Taking the hammer’s impact directly, Joren collapsed onto the dirt.

Lill darted forward, towering over him, and hoisted the heavy weapon once more.

“Hold on, just wait! Someone like you, who claims to strive for heroism, would callously strike down an unprotected foe……!”

He pleaded frantically for his survival.

“Silence!”

Crunch—!

Without a shred of hesitation, Lill’s weapon crushed Joren’s skull.

“Haa— Haa—”

Gasping heavily, Lill retrieved her weapon from the grim scene.

Thud—

Leo walked over to where Lill had sunk down, catching her breath, and offered his palm.

“Just as expected, Senior Lill is truly incredible.”

“Haa…… haa…… Didn’t you just wipe out four opponents single-handedly in the blink of an eye, Leo?”

Grasping Leo’s hand with a slight tremor, Lill pulled herself up.

“Hoo. Hoo.”

Taking several deep breaths to steady her ragged respiration, Lill remarked,

“Furthermore, I relied on your presence immensely. I still have a far way to go.”

Throughout the clash between Lill and Joren, Leo had merely stood by as a silent spectator.

Nevertheless, Joren had been a firsthand witness to the terrifying display of Leo effortlessly decimating four operatives of the Justice Guild as though they were mere pests.

The moment Leo decided to step into the fray, the outcome would be sealed instantly.

That suffocating tension had utterly shattered Joren’s focus.

“Regardless of the circumstances, the reality remains that Senior Lill decisively bested an adversary with greater experience.”

No matter her exceptional talent, Lill was currently a third-year pupil at Lumern.

Conversely, her rival had pursued his education at Lumern all the way through his fifth year.

Moreover, he was a genuinely powerful combatant who had never ceased his training to walk the path of a hero.

The capacity to pull off such a giant-killing feat was the true measure of Lill’s latent power.

‘Even if I hadn’t stepped foot here, Lill would have secured victory regardless.’

While Leo’s presence undoubtedly weighed heavily on Joren, Lill’s individual martial prowess exceeded expectations.

She had pushed past her own boundaries during the bout.

‘The unmistakable trait of a true hero.’

While Leo analyzed her silently, Lill gazed upon the remnants of the skirmish with a conflicted expression.

“It is deeply unsettling that members of the Justice Guild actually harbored such notions.”

The doctrine of treating fellow human beings as simple stepping stones or sacrifices for the sake of achieving heroism.

Lill found such a concept utterly repulsive.

“This isn’t a philosophy unique to these individuals alone.”

“Indeed. There must be some unhinged leadership at the helm who propagate such ideas. I’d love to smash their skulls and rip out their minds to see exactly how they concocted such madness.”

“…….”

Leo fixed his gaze intently on Lill.

Lill hastily covered her mouth and cleared her throat awkwardly.

“I lost my composure for a second. My vocabulary gets rather unrefined when I’ve had a drink.”

“That seemed like a bit more than just ‘a second’.”

“Let’s just attribute it to the ramblings of intoxication, please.”

Observing Lill attempt to play it off innocently, Leo gave a quiet nod.

In the meantime, Viscount Esmon, having reorganized his subordinates, walked over to them.

“Lord Leo, Lady Lill.”

“Viscount Esmon. Did your men sustain many casualties?”

“No, because of your timely intervention, the troops are unharmed. Honestly, I am at a loss for how to properly return such a massive favor……”

“We simply fulfilled our duties as representatives of Lumern. Please think nothing of it!”

Lill waved her hand dismissively to brush off the praise.

“You have my deepest gratitude. On another note, there is an individual who is eager to grant you an audience.”

As Viscount Esmon spoke while cautiously monitoring their expressions, Lill looked visibly perplexed.

‘It appears a high-ranking dignitary has arrived from the upper echelons.’

Leo deduced the circumstances immediately.

Viscount Esmon held the title of commander for this particular frontline sector.

He was hardly a minor bureaucrat.

For someone of his rank to act with such trepidation indicated one thing…

‘Did King Karnel dispatch a royal representative to meet us?’

Leo’s intuition proved entirely accurate.

Right in the middle of the active combat zone.

A figure bearing the marks of a high-tier noble approached, stroking a pointed goatee.

He was clad in overly decorative armor that seemed entirely impractical for a war zone.

A suit of plate with zero combat functionality whatsoever.

It was an outfit designed exclusively for vanity and status.

‘The military campaign is faltering, yet the capital sends an official dressed like this… it explains the state of this realm.’

Leo offered a soft, cynical chuckle.

Lill appeared to share his sentiment, her brows furrowing slightly in distaste.

Oblivious to their inner thoughts, the noble bellowed with a grand, theatrical tone.

“I am Duke Kernville Dotarn! The moment word reached me that Lumern had sent Lord Leo Plob and Lady Lill Luce to support our beleaguered Karnel Kingdom, I hastened here immediately!”

Hearing his proclamation, Lill promptly intervened to correct him.

“You misunderstand. Our objective here is solely to track down the factions desecrating the resting places of heroes……”

“Oh, come now! Is that not a completely minor issue?”

“A minor issue?”

Lill’s demeanor shifted instantly into something ice-cold.

The resting places of the heroes embedded in this soil were the tombs of the legendary champions who had shed blood to safeguard this domain in eras past.

Even if they belonged to the annals of ancient history, long before the current borders of this state were drawn.

To the inhabitants of this territory, they were figures of absolute reverence.

Violating the sanctuaries of such legends was a direct desecration of their memory.

Lill had accepted this mission not merely out of intellectual curiosity, but to exact justice upon those committing such disgraceful acts.

Lill’s expression hardened into a blank mask, yet Duke Dotarn remained oblivious, continuing his joyous chatter.

“Our Karnel Kingdom desperately requires the intervention of legendary champions. Those treacherous villains from the Phetimon Kingdom are crushing our domain by utilizing the Justice Guild! Is it not Lumern’s obligation to provide us with military aid?”

Duke Dotarn stroked his facial hair thoughtfully before adding,

“This crude environment is hardly the place for such matters. His Majesty requests your presence at the palace to formalize the details of our realm’s plight.”

Upon hearing this, Leo glanced toward Lill.

Regardless of their feelings, gathering more data required listening to the details from the source.

When Lill offered a subtle nod, Leo spoke up.

“We accept.”

“Excellent! The Phetimon Kingdom is as good as defeated!”

Duke Dotarn bellowed with laughter, acting as though Lumern’s full military backing was already guaranteed.

Shortly after, they transitioned directly to the royal palace via a makeshift teleportation matrix.

The moment they materialized within the royal residence, a massive contingent of attendants and handmaidens swarmed the pair.

The palace staff seized Leo and Lill, ushering them swiftly into separate dressing chambers.

“It is our supreme privilege to attend to you. We shall ensure your preparations are completed posthaste.”

“What is the meaning of this? Why are you pulling at my attire? Hold on, stop! Leo is right on the other side of……”

As Lill’s panicked protests echoed out, the heavy drapes were drawn shut.

Subsequently, the sounds of a frantic struggle drifted from behind the fabric.

“I am perfectly capable of changing myself……”

“We lack the time for that, milady!”

“At least clarify what is happening!”

Rustle— Rustle—

It was evident the maids were forcefully stripping her of her academy uniform.

Leo managed to catch Lill’s flying academy tunic as it sailed over the partition.

‘What exactly are they playing at?’

Leo knit his brows together, irritated by the chaotic turn of events.

Meanwhile, the male attendants rapidly recorded Leo’s proportions, retrieved an elegant, tailored suit, and outfitted him in it.

“His Majesty has organized a grand welcoming gala in your honor.”

An individual bearing the staff of the grand chamberlain leaned close to Leo and whispered quietly.

Swish—!

A moment later.

The privacy curtain parted, and Lill emerged, arrayed in a stunning, elaborate gown.

Clearly unpracticed in navigating in delicate glass footwear, Lill wobbled slightly and scowled.

“These are unbearable. Return my standard boots at once.”

“Absolutely not! You possess such breathtaking elegance at this moment, how could you possibly don footwear meant for common infantry?!”

The handmaidens firmly concealed Lill’s original footwear behind their backs.

Observing their stubbornness, Lill let out a weary sigh, stepped over to Leo, and wrapped her arm tightly around his.

“You look quite dashing, Leo.”

“And you look exceptionally stunning, Senior Lill.”

“Even if that’s mere courtesy, I appreciate the sentiment.”

Lill murmured, her rigid expression softening a fraction.

In truth, Leo meant every word.

When properly adorned, Lill possessed undeniable, striking beauty.

“Regardless, what is the point of all this luxury? Viscount Esmon explicitly stated that the realm is on the brink of ruin. Hosting an extravagant celebration when they should be conducting emergency war councils? The coin wasted on these lavish garments and trinkets would be far better spent supplying the frontline troops……”

“Given that they are formally requesting our intervention, they likely believe this display of pageantry is mandatory. Sovereigns and nobles are obsessed with protocol and superficial grandeur.”

Leo offered reassuring words to placate the frustrated Lill.

In response, Lill exhaled deeply to compose her temper.

“I suppose you’re right. Since the crisis is real, we will endure the pleasantries, extract the facts, and convey the details back to the academy.”

Lill squared her shoulders and stood tall.

She had instantly reassumed the poised, disciplined persona of Lumern’s class monitor.

Leo straightened his collar and took his place at her side.

The two were then escorted directly into the heart of the celebration.

Moments later.

The double doors of the opulent grand hall swung wide.

The spectacle that greeted them was the absolute epitome of decadence.

The initial marvel that captured their attention was a massive fountain situated in the center of the hall.

Instead of fresh water, dark crimson wine cascaded through its tiers.

The banqueting tables groaned under the weight of an endless array of rare delicacies, completely ignoring seasonal availability.

Every corner of the venue was heavily embellished with exotic flora, priceless minerals, and shimmering gold leaf.

The aristocrats mingling within the space were attired in clothes so incredibly ostentatious that Leo and Lill’s high-end garments seemed modest by comparison.

A massive symphonic orchestra filled the air with booming melodies.

This was far more than a simple reception; it was a full-scale hedonistic gathering, with groups of nobles openly placing wagers on games of chance in the corners.

It was an uninhibited carnival of excess.

It appeared nearly the entirety of the realm’s high society had converged in one room.

This time, Lill’s countenance went entirely blank, devoid of any warmth.

Right then, the monarch, seated upon the elevated dais, pointed a finger directly toward Leo and Lill.

“Behold, my esteemed peers! The legendary champions destined to salvage our kingdom have arrived! Let us shower them with our finest hospitality!”

A thunderous wave of acclamation burst from the assembled nobility.

If an outsider were to judge the nation solely by this singular room, they would easily conclude the kingdom was basking in an era of unparalleled peace and wealth.

Leo released a slow, weary sigh.

“Leo.”

“Yes, Senior.”

“The sovereign of this land is…… no. The entire aristocracy of this nation is utterly deranged.”

“I cannot disagree.”

When all was said and done, neither Leo nor Lill managed to extract a single shred of tactical data from King Karnel regarding the war.

The monarch was far too occupied indulging in the pleasures of the festival to offer them any meaningful engagement.

Whenever Leo or Lill attempted to bridge the distance, flocks of nobles would block their path, trapping them in superficial pleasantries.

Ultimately, recognizing that any serious geopolitical discourse was out of the question, Lill chose to suppress her mounting rage.

She began radiating a hostile, repelling pressure that forced the approaching nobles to keep their distance, all while systematically downing chalices of wine retrieved directly from the flowing fountain.

Once the festivities finally wound down, the pair were escorted to a luxurious residential suite.

“Unbelievable! How can anyone justify this?! The common infantry are pouring out their lifeblood to protect the borders! Meanwhile, the elite leadership who deployed them to the slaughter are drowning themselves in luxury and decadence!”

The moment the door closed behind them, Lill let loose her bottled-up indignation.

“They are out of their minds! The ruling class is thoroughly corrupt! Wouldn’t you agree, Leo?!”

An intoxicated Lill spun around to confront Leo, raising her voice.

‘She’s completely wasted.’

Lill, who typically maintained impeccable decorum and used formal honorifics with her underclassmen, was currently abandoning all pretense of formality.

“Regrettably, that is often the nature of governance, is it not?”

“Precisely, it’s always the same sordid tale! I am well aware the world is a cruel place! But there must be a boundary to such absolute madness!”

Giving in to her frustration, Lill aggressively ripped the decorative pins from her hair.

“I was on the verge of crushing their skulls right then and there, but I exercised every ounce of my restraint!”

“We will likely be granted an opportunity for a legitimate discussion tomorrow.”

“And what if they persist with this idiocy when the sun rises?”

“In that scenario, we will simply take matters into our own hands. We have no intention of letting the Justice Guild roam free regardless.”

No matter the kingdom’s stance, Leo had already resolved to dismantle the Justice Guild entirely.

“Agreed.”

Lill nodded firmly.

Leo looked upon her disheveled state and suggested softly,

“For now, you should return to your private quarters and get some sleep. It has been an exhausting day.”

“Before I do that.”

Lill took several deliberate steps toward him.

Closing the distance until she stood directly in his space, she reached up, cupping Leo’s face in both of her palms and pulling him downward.

They were so close that they shared the same pocket of air.

Leo remarked calmly,

“Senior, you are highly intoxicated right now.”

“Exactly, and because the alcohol has loosened my tongue, I am going to say this.”

Exhaling the sharp scent of spirits, Lill spoke with hazy, unfocused eyes.

“Leo Plob.”

“Yes?”

“Accept me as your apprentice.”

Stunned by the bizarre demand, Leo couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I am your junior, Senior Lill. How could I possibly take you on as a disciple?”

“What does hierarchy matter in this context?”

Reverting momentarily to her typical speech patterns, Lill stumbled over to the edge of the mattress, slumped onto it, and kicked her legs into the air.

The fragile glass slippers slipped from her feet, clattering across the floorboards.

“It is entirely proper to seek tutelage from an individual who possesses superior capability.”

“Have you truly been harboring a desire to become my apprentice all this time?”

“No. Had my affinity lain with beast taming, perhaps I would have felt that way sooner, but my discipline was spirit invocation.”

To the public eye, Leo’s renown stemmed from his mastery over phantom beasts rather than elemental spirits.

“However, my perspective shifted entirely after witnessing your display of spirit arts during our earlier engagement.”

Lill had meticulously analyzed Leo’s combat style during the skirmish.

“Your execution of spirit magic was absolutely flawless.”

‘Naturally. I was replicating the techniques of Lycinus.’

Lill, flexing her newly liberated toes a few times, offered a soft grunt as she stood back up and approached Leo once more.

Gazing upward at her underclassman, she declared,

“I am well aware that simply begging you to hand over your secrets regarding spirit manipulation is inappropriate. That is precisely why I am requesting a formal apprenticeship. A proper disciple obeys every directive of their master. Task me with whatever you wish. Instruct me to complete research, and I shall do it; command me to fetch rations, and I shall comply.”

“That description sounds less like an apprentice and more like an errand runner.”

“Regardless of the terms.”

Lill flashed a radiant, cheerful grin.

“I desire to be Leo’s apprentice. I shall serve you with absolute devotion as my mentor.”

“I have no desire to be an unprincipled underclassman who exploits his upperclassmen.”

“Just accept my discipleship!”

Lill lunged forward, grabbing Leo firmly by his lapels.

“Just accept it!”

Staring down at Lill as she stubbornly persisted with glassy, unfocused eyes, Leo cast his gaze toward the ceiling and let loose a quiet sigh.

‘Note to self: never permit her to consume alcohol in my presence again.’

Meanwhile, in a different sector, legionnaires belonging to the Phetimon Kingdom were hacking into the earth utilizing spades and iron pickaxes.

The stone monument erected to honor the ancient champion had already been smashed to pieces, discarded carelessly in the dirt.

The countenances of the laborers were weighed down by intense remorse.

“Cease your idling and keep digging!”

The mounted knight overseeing the operation barked his orders harshly.

“To think we are reduced to violating the final resting place of a legendary figure like this.”

“This man shed his blood and gave his life to protect this very soil three millennia ago.”

The conscripts muttered under their breath, sighing heavily.

He was a legendary figure whose exploits they had been raised on since infancy.

His mythos was deeply woven into the heritage of the northeastern territories.

The reality that they were actively plundering the burial mound of such an icon left the laborers feeling sick with dishonor.

“Keep your mouths shut, you idiots! If the commander overhears your grumbling, it’s your heads!”

An experienced soldier nearby hissed in a frantic whisper.

Shortly thereafter.

A ancient sarcophagus was exposed within the deep trench.

The supervising knight stepped forward and violently pried the lid away from the base.

Snap—!

“Empty. Another failure.”

Within the confines of the structure lay nothing but ancient debris and sediment.

The knight let out a dismissive snort, turning his wrath upon the laborers who were attempting to reshape the ruined earth out of respect.

“What do you think you are doing?!”

“Forgive us, milord. We merely wished to restore the mound to some semblance of order……”

“We have no time to squander on sentimentality! Move out to the next coordinates immediately!”

Hearing the harsh command, the men offered silent, profound apologies to the spirit of the champion from three thousand years ago before gathering their tools and departing.

Rumble—!

Moments later, a jagged flash of lightning severed the darkened sky.

Thud— Whoosh!

A torrential downpour erupted from the heavens, instantly transforming the excavated burial site into a churning pool of mire.

A brief moment passed.

Splash—!

A pale, skeletal hand erupted from beneath the churning mud.

Squelch— Squelch—

The figure that dragged itself out from the depths of the earth stood erect in the downpour.

[To dare commit such insolence……]

The gaze of the individual, caked in ancient earth, flared with a brilliant, malevolent crimson light.

[This transgression shall not go unpunished!]

A chilling declaration saturated with ancient malice and profound fury spilled from his lips.